Yeah, I agree, and I’m trying to figure out exactly how to do just that. On the other hand, I have found one saddle dominates my fits more than any other over the last 10 months. Man or woman, doesn’t matter, they almost all choose the same saddle, the ISM PN 3.0.
Now, what we all believe is we’re looking for anterior pelvic rotation, and I don’t think I’d fool anyone if I tried to argue otherwise. However, if we agree with Slowman that we should observe and model those who are most successful, then I would be remiss if I didn’t take note that every male World Time Trial Champion since, well, forever, had posteriorly rotated pelvises. There was one exception, but only one. Many of those who are considered the uber bikers of triathlon also posteriorly rotated. Should we, therefore, ask ourselves if anterior rotation is what we should all be trying to achieve? Is it really the epitome of fit it’s made out to be? Sure, athlete’s look great when anteriorly rotated, but what evidence is out there that tells us it’s best?
I think we should also look at the history of the aero position, and understand when athletes began trying to achieve anteriorly rotated pelvises. It’s a fairly recent phenomenon, actually. I would argue there was one specific athlete who looked so good in aero, that he became the “P3” of aero positions - Dave Zabriske. Everyone wants to look like Dave and, while Dave was certainly a good Time Trialist, I would argue he was never great when compared to his peers at their best. Many would be surprised to know DZ never even sniffed a World’s TT podium. The very best don’t actually look all that great in aero, but that doesn’t keep them from being the best.
I only mention all of this because saddle comfort really became a big issue when athlete’s began trying to achieve anterior rotated positions. Posterior rotated, not as much. I’m just trying to play Devil’s Advocate a bit; I know why pro cyclists prefer posterior rotated TT positions. One only take a brief look at my “portfolio” to know I’m all about anterior rotation. That doesn’t keep me from asking if it’s really what’s best, though, because history might be telling us the most powerful position is just the opposite.
Also, men have no idea what women feel on saddles. If we did, we wouldn’t ride bikes.
Unfortunately, I’ll be unable to continue this discussion over the next 36 hours or so, but I do believe your premise is correct that performance is likely restricted more by poor saddle choice than any other piece of equipment. And, yeah, even I went to sleep on the aero wheel thread, though some of the topics could be interesting if it didn’t devolve into a “my PhD is bigger than yours” contest.