prostate - advice needed on saddles with holes or grooves

[dellzeqq]

I was told to stop cycling today. By a urology consultant no less. And I sat there thinking 'right, pal, we're going to put that particular suggestion in the box marked 'doh' and get on with life'.

But I do need to think about this a bit. My saddle is a fizik pave, six years old, and still in great condition, but these days saddles have holes and grooves in. The Babe's saddle is a Spesh Jett 143, which seems to have more hole than saddle, and it is, she tells me, wonderfully comfortable.

So my question is this. Imagine you were cycling with a finger up your bottom (and, believe me, I was given good cause to imagine this earlier today). The finger is crooked toward the front. Do you ride on a saddle which would allow the finger to wiggle a bit? I should emphasise that this is something that I presume you will theorise about - actually trying it is likely to lead to an accident and/or public ridicule. I'd be especially interested in finger compatibility with other fizik saddles - they're well made, and I can get them at a discount.

 

[4F]

I have the specialized toupe 143 which has the cut out required and would probably pass the finger test.

 

[beancounter]

I have experience of the Fizik Pave Sport and the Arione. After more than 10 miles on each I really thought that I had lost my member. I think you may already have decided to give these a miss - good decision.

Now (in common with your babe) I use Specialized. I have a Toupe and an Alias (I also have a big old no-name BG on the commuter). All have a substantial groove down the middle. So much better.

bc

 

[woohoo]

I haven't had to go to a urology consultant (yet) but a couple of years ago, I started to get the feeling that a new saddle would be a good idea. I used a Specialised Avatar for a year (big improvement but not perfect) and then discovered the Selle SMP range. The one I bought (can't remember the model) has been, more or less, perfect for me. They're not cheap but worth every penny and in any event, it's worth looking at their website.

http://www.sellesmp.com/en/ergonomy.htm#

 

[dellzeqq]

Selle Italia SLR Kit Carbonio Gel flow Saddle 2008 Gel flow version of Selle Italia's SLR Kit Carbonio saddle
Carbon fibre rails
Available colors - black, white
Weight - 120g

120 grammes! Can this be real??

 

[beancounter]

Selle Italia SLR Kit Carbonio Gel flow Saddle 2008 Gel flow version of Selle Italia's SLR Kit Carbonio saddle
Carbon fibre rails
Available colors - black, white
Weight - 120g

120 grammes! Can this be real??

You probably know this, but Selle Italia isn't the same as Selle SMP.

bc

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Spesh Toupe all the way. It is the only saddle I have ever ridden that has given me no discomfort whatsoever.

 

[MacB]

worth popping in to a specialised dealer and doing the 'sitting on the gel pad' bit. This will give you a saddle width guide to help in your selection.

I've got 3 Spech saddles now, the Alias, the Comp and another, all with channel/cutaway in middle. Due to my novice cyclist status I think the miles I'm covering, in comfort, are fair testament to the saddle.

 

[dellzeqq]

You probably know this, but Selle Italia isn't the same as Selle SMP.

bc

sorry, but there is a disconcerting weight weeninness in me. Not helped by the revelation that I'm carrying on average about 600g of urine that I don't need. Which, when you think of how much I spend to save weight on the bike, puts a whole new gloss on taking the p*ss

 

[xpc316e]

Of course, you could consider a recumbent.

 

[iLB]

Of course, you could consider a recumbent.

 

[Joe]

120 grammes! Can this be real??

Selle Italia are notoriously unrealistic with their stated weights, it will likely weigh more like 140g. Still light, but a bit of a joke considering they print the weight on the saddle itself!

Regarding saddles with holes. If they work for you then excellent but I'm not convinced they are necessary. A well set up bike with a "normal" saddle doesn't have to cause pressure or pain! I've tried an Alias and a Toupe, and quite liked the Toupe. It's a decent shape and definitely puts no pressure down below but I couldn't ride consecutive big days on it without significant pain. The nose was also really uncomfortable for me.
After trying many saddles I've ended up back where I started on an Arione. No pressure when set up at the right angle, plenty of room to slide about and just the right amount of padding for me Not sure if it would pass the finger test though...

 

[Tompy]

Another vote for the Toupe. Really comfy, looks the biz, lightweight and with the all important cutaway.

You're welcome to try mine out on the Whitstable ride if you want. I'll be on my Surly so I'll bring the Toupe from my Roubaix.

 

[johnnyh]

is there a reliable way to measure for saddle size without treking to a dealer to sit on some memory gel device?

 

[Gerry Attrick]

is there a reliable way to measure for saddle size without treking to a dealer to sit on some memory gel device?

Yes.....but you need a very close friend