I have a p3 and was using an ism pn saddle. I decided I to try a pr series to get some support under my rear. Looking at pictures online it looks like everyone sets these with the rails pretty level, even cervelo’s pictures of the p2 has the saddle set up like this. I feel like i’m going to fall off. When I set it so the noses that saupport the gooch are level the rails are upwards. I would assume level noses is the corrrect way. Is this close to how everyone else uses this?
Pulled directly from the ISM Saddle Setup page:
“When setting the saddle tilt, you must look at the top of the saddle (the surface on which you sit), not the rails or any other part of the saddle.”
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Have used an ISM PR 2.0 for the past 5 months, more recently on a P5. My saddle rails are relatively level. Sometimes I do feel like I am slipping forward and readjust on the bike but doesn’t happen too often for me, maybe less than a handful of times on a long 2-3 hour ride. I’ve experimented with different saddle positions including pointing the rails up similar to what you are doing in your picture which was uncomfortable for me. Ultimately came down to comfort vs slipping forward.
thank you, i saw that buy was curious as to what is typical since it seems like everyone runs way nose down
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That’s interesting. I ride a PN 1.1, which has the seat top almost parallel with rails. Based on the images I see on the Internet, the PS has a modest downward slope of the seat top, and the PR has a steeper downward slope.
Regarding how I sit on the saddle, the frank and beans are forward of the saddle nose.
It really is a matter of preference. I generally recommend beginning with it level and trying it that way. If there is too much pressure of any discomfort then try tilting down slightly.
I have a p3 and was using an ism pn saddle. I decided I to try a pr series to get some support under my rear. Looking at pictures online it looks like everyone sets these with the rails pretty level, even cervelo’s pictures of the p2 has the saddle set up like this. I feel like i’m going to fall off. When I set it so the noses that saupport the gooch are level the rails are upwards. I would assume level noses is the corrrect way. Is this close to how everyone else uses this?
I find that a lot of customers prefer the PR saddles with the rails slightly up. As you have experienced, there is a feeling of sliding down and instability that occurs with the rails level. It’s maybe just a bit too much for a lot of folks.
In this first picture, this is the PR 2.0 with the rails level (which I usually just eyeball using the slatwall in the background), and that is at -9.4 degrees. I’m kind of going by memory, but if I were to state an average, a lot of people seem to like something in the -6.0 to -7.5 degree range. That looks more like this:
That’s not quite as flat as yours, although getting closer.
The key with this is that it’s going to be a combination of what feels right and your position, as far as handlebar/pad height relative to saddle height. My belief is that you can’t fire a cannon from a canoe - you need the saddle to provide a stable, yet comfortable place to support your pelvis. If you are tilted down too much, you’ll be sliding down due to gravity which is both unstable and less efficient, because your legs are now supporting your upper body weight. Don’t waste your energy holding yourself up on the bike - save those glycogen stores for your big muscles in your legs. On the other end of the saddle angle spectrum, if you tilt the nose up too much, you’ll start to stress the spine. I find most people seem to need to be in about a half degree sweet spot for a given saddle for that person. Two or three tenths of a degree can make a big difference.
So, for the short answer: there’s nothing wrong with your saddle position if it feels good while you ride, you’re not scooting yourself back all the time, and your back is good after your ride.
I’m not a fitter, but this is my bike with a PR2.0 on it. I’m very comfortable. This is a zoom of a photo taken on level ground:
Regarding how I sit on the saddle, the frank and beans are forward of the saddle nose.
I suspect that might be relevant to the discussion; it’s the same for me. The goods are basically hanging off the front of the saddle, unsupported. When I look at the part of the saddle I actually sit on in the above photo, it’s more or less level.
Thank you, that helped a great deal
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I have an ISM PR on my Cervelo P3 and one on a trek Madone in the trainer. I played with seat angle, leaving it practically level on the P3 which is ridden outdoors and slight angle on the trainer bike. I was comparing how comfortable it was and if I would notice the difference between them on rides of more than 1 hour. I kept adjusting the trainer to improve comfort the point that it is now also nearly level. Apparently nearly level is what was most comfortable for me. There didn’t seem to be any difference in pressure to “the twins†with either level or slight forward tilt. What was noticeable was the feeling of sliding forward when the seat was more angled. I noticed it most when sitting up to take a break from aero position.
I’m about to buy a 2.0 so I have it for my upcoming full (first). Would you recommend? Thanks!
I just scored a Ps 2.0 off of ISM’s store for a great deal, it is white, but I don’t mind the color.
Don’t have a lot of miles on it yet, but it’s the most comfortable saddle I’ve used on a TT bike.
If you’re going to switch do it plenty in advance. It takes a little while to season the new position. I finally have 2 saddles that I’m fully on my sit bones with no pressure on the perineum and it is taking some conditioning despite a lot of saddle time on other designs.
Oh wow, ok, thanks so much
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I would recommend them also. I have one on my road bike and one on my TT bike. Watch the installation video, you will probably need to adjust the height and forward position compared to a “normal” saddle… For me the ISM PR is much more comfortable than the other saddles that I have tried.
I ride a P2 with a ISM saddle, the rails are level.
My bike fitter commented that I tend to slide forward on this setup.
He advised sanding the saddle to “roughen it up” and stop the sliding.
I’ve experimenting with bathtub nonskid tape (too rough on my shorts) and thin strips of neoprene (much better).
Apologies for the workshop photo!
