Ladies Saddles

[gillian]

I have a couple of events coming up in April (66 mile sportive) and May (London to Paris) and since starting to increase the miles and the frequency of riding I have started getting some discomfort.
I still have the saddle which came with the bike and generally have found it ok but recently I have been pretty 'tender' after rides. The tenderness is just that - tender. No obvious sores or chaffing.
Do you think I should look at a new saddle? What are the popular choices amongst the female members? I know it's a very personal choice but might be good to have a few favourites to look at for starters.

 

[Spinney]

Rather than just thinking about a new saddle:
- are you wearing padded shorts?
- make sure you get out of the saddle now and then - this does help, esp on longer rides - I found this helped just as much as a saddle change.

Squishy/padded/gel saddles might look as if they will be more comfy, but usually aren't. A bit of softness is OK, but be wary of going for something too soft.

 

[steve50]

A lady specific cycling site that might be of some interest to you @gillian , http://totalwomenscycling.com/road-...de-choosing-a-saddle-901/#31LDGtq1G8OF3j0W.97

 

[Apollonius]

Before you start the never-ending search for the perfect saddle, make sure that you position on the bike is spot-on. Tiny adjustments fore-and-aft as well as up or down make a huge difference to your riding position and weight distribution. In the end, there is no one right answer as everyone is different. As said above, are you using the very best of bib-shorts? With a women specific pad?

 

[vickster]

Bontrager saddles work best for me. A specialized oura despite being the right width was the worst

Perhaps look at higher quality padded shorts if using a more budget brand. I like Sportful and Gore. Others get on well with dhb from Wiggle

 

[jefmcg]

How long are you riding at the moment. It was after my first hundred kilometre ride on factory saddle that I decided to replace with a broken-in brooks B17 I already knew I got along with.

Brooks is weird for me. It doesn't "feel" comfortable. When I sit on it, it's rock hard and unforgiving. But when I get off it 200km later, it feels just the same.

If you are tender after 20miles, then you going to have trouble going to Paris. Where is the tenderness? (rhetorical question!!) Narrower nose might help. Less padding, as padding pushes into tender flesh. A cutout saddle might be right for you.

Trouble is, you have to buy and ride a few times before you know it is right. With a leather saddle, that's measured in 100s of miles, until you or the saddle adjust to each other.

 

[vickster]

I have 3 I think currently unused (not new) women's saddles in my spares box. For the cost of the postage, you are more than happy to try them. But I'm on the larger size with 155cm needed for sit bones. Do you know what width saddle you need (have)?

 

[I like Skol]

Gillian, can I refer you to THIS THREAD for a possible solution? It may not suit but currently only £18 from Ribble so it won't break the bank to try it

 

[gillian]

Cheers for the replies so far ...
I'm currently wearing Gore Bib Tights with padding and tend not to notice any discomfort if out for 40 miles. I would say I start to notice around the 50 mile mark and was particularly sore for a few hours after the weekends 65 mile run.
I'm not sure what width my current saddle is - I'll measure it tonight! I dont think it really has any padding or channels, or cut out bits - I've never really paid attention! Im not one for padded gel saddles anyway but thought maybe something to help avoid squishing the squishy bits! I might have a look at the angle as well before starting the saddle hunt!

 

[Julia9054]

Discovering saddles with a cut out has transformed things for me!
It is very individual though - my Specialized Oura is my most comfortable saddle!

 

[vickster]

Cheers for the replies so far ...
I'm currently wearing Gore Bib Tights with padding and tend not to notice any discomfort if out for 40 miles. I would say I start to notice around the 50 mile mark and was particularly sore for a few hours after the weekends 65 mile run.
I'm not sure what width my current saddle is - I'll measure it tonight! I dont think it really has any padding or channels, or cut out bits - I've never really paid attention! Im not one for padded gel saddles anyway but thought maybe something to help avoid squishing the squishy bits! I might have a look at the angle as well before starting the saddle hunt!

You need to measure your sit bones. Google will tell you how by sitting on a stair on foil or you can ask a specialized dealer who have a piece of equipment

Cut outs do nothing much for me, more saddle shape. We are all different though

 

[mickle]

The saddle which came on your bike is likely to be a gentleman's saddle. If you posess a gentleman's bottom then carry on. However, if you posess a lady's bum you should purchase a saddle which goes with. My wife person and daughter people get no trouble at all from Selle Italia wimmin's saddle's.

 

[Oldfentiger]

Having personally got on OK with a Charge Spoon, I saw that the ladies version is a Charge Ladle.
I'm in a lot of trouble now, cos she caught me searching t'internet for a Charge Wok.

 

[sidevalve]

Having personally got on OK with a Charge Spoon, I saw that the ladies version is a Charge Ladle.
I'm in a lot of trouble now, cos she caught me searching t'internet for a Charge Wok.

I bow to your bravery

 

[RobinS]

MrsS's touring bike came with a charge spoon, she found it good, but not perfect, so got a charge ladle - now has no problem with multi-day touring on it - we are off for three months next week.