Lots of bike fitters say seat problems are mostly bike fit problems.
I find that Selle Italia Model X that came with the bike is killing me.
Well, no numbness, so thats good.
Amount of pain it is causing me is unbearable. It is causing problems for me cycling, I cannot pedal for more then 5min without getting up and adjusting.my position because of pain.
I am a big guy, 192cm/113kg.
Any advice or recomendations, aside from pro bike fit, please?
Bike fit is a no go, because I cannot afford it atm.
What I am thinking is a gravel saddle, something like this maybe:
https://www.bike-discount.de/en/selle-italia-slr-boost-gravel-superflow
Thanks
by Pomo1979
13 Comments
I would be curious if someone would be able to advise something very valuable except bike fit.
Just pointing to random saddle which looks good and appealing – not the way how it works.
Just very general things you can try to check.
I would start from checking if the saddle high is correct.
Seat bones width. There are plenty of videos how to do it at home. It will give you raw understanding if the saddle width is correct. And based on that you can try to buy correct one. But this is very try and error process. Also sometimes it just enough to move saddle 1cm back or forward.
So, to save money and time i would suggest bike fit.
It’s probably too narrow for you at the height and weight. Opt for a 150 or 155 and see if it makes a difference.
If you google how to measure your “sit bones” there are a few ways to get the measurement done at home. Then use those numbers to try a different seat. The one that came with the bike is likely too narrow for you. Most manufacturers put the cheapest seat possible on their bike because they assume people are going to throw it away to get something that fits better.
I’m 2inches shorter and a few lbs less than you. I also dislike the seat. Look up some YouTube videos on measuring your sit bones if you haven’t already. I’m extremely comfortable on my 155mm saddle (Specialized Power Comp) so I switched out the Stella after the first ride around the block. Stella is 143mm I believe
So, I measure (leanig forward to mimic bike possition) 13cm.
Looking at Ergon sr comp men M/L.
Any other ideas?
Is there a Specialized dealer near you? They should be happy to measure your sit bone width and have some recommendations based on that. You don’t have to buy anything there and then but see what they recommend and buy something down the line.
It could also be worth adjusting the saddle position on the rails and the positive or negative angle. A few mm or 0.5 negative angle can make a difference!
I changed mine to the Specialized Romin Evo Pro Mirror 153mm.
I’ve heard that this Model X is one of the worst saddles that come with decent bikes.
My CF7 came with Fizik and it’s nice. I probably like Specialized Power that I have on my MTB a bit more but Fizik is Ok.
Saddles are HIGHLY personal but Specialized Power fits many people.
That seat was BAD for me. All sorts of pain. Changed to a fitzik saddle and it’s comfortable all day long now.
Saddles are very personal. On my Grizl I had a similar issue with the Model X, similar height as yourself and only slightly less weighty.
I swapped it out for a Fizik Terra Argo X3 which is a gravel specific saddle so has more padding and a better shape. It is pricey but honestly it was like night and day, by far the best purchase I’ve made.
You could just look at the positioning of your current seat yourself rather than a bike fit. Consider whether you have it angled down or up, is it the right height (plenty of videos for how to measure the correct height) and, as you’ve said about adjusting your position, is it too far forwards/back. All of those adjustments can be made while you’re out on a test ride if you take a couple of hex keys with you.
I have the same bike, I’m 183cm/85kg and I find the saddle very uncomfortable as well. For me investing in better bib shorts helped with this, I got a pair from Le Col and another from Castelli (btw Castelli was cheaper and I find them a bit more comfortable), it makes a difference but I still want to upgrade the saddle later on.
Another thing that worked well was adjusting the tip of the saddle around 2 degrees down. Previously I wasn’t able to ride in the drops for more than 5 min without excruciating discomfort in my private area. Now I still have some discomfort sometimes but way better and much more manageable.
Hope my experience will help, nonetheless enjoy the bike, is a great machine. It makes my day every time I ride it.
First thing to do is to measure your sit bones (lots of YouTube videos on this) and then consider visiting a bike shop that lends saddles or a saddle library or buying online from a reputable seller that offers a return guarantee on saddles (I believe specialized do this).
I had similar issues with my ultimate came with a selle saddle – horrendous fit for me, thankfully I knew that the saddle that came with my grail (fizik) was a perfect fit so bought another second-hand.
Saddles are extremely individual so take heed taking recommendations as what fits you might not fit another – particularly if you do not actually know your sit bone size (which has 0 to do with bum size btw!; you can have a big bum and have narrow sit bones, or tiny bum and have wide sit bones etc.)
SQ Labs (USA or Germany/EU) offers a completely free kit for measuring your sitbones (and feet, and hands, etc)
It’s literally a piece of cardboard and a ruler, but worth having to help out. (Really helped me dial in foot size too at home)
I watched a lot of Road Cycling academy videos on YouTube on this topic. I am trying an SMP VT30C (based on putting in my sitbones measurement in their website and my riding style) – and an SQ Labs seat. My issue is sensitive tissue numbness.
SMP is good because it only feels right if you’re sitting on it right – I needed to slide it back for my sitbones to be on it properly and I think I might keep that one.
Every body is different, as is your flexibility as you get more fit. Be patient, get a few saddles from a place that will let you return them, and then do at least 30 minutes with each one, making tweaks until it doesn’t hurt.
one bike fit costs the same as a saddle, and he will be able to test you on a couple different models. The price of 1 fit + 1 saddle = good position & comfort so you can pedal all day! trying to figure out the right saddle can cost you multiple saddles and a lot of time and frustration. Some shops have testers.. if you really can’t afford a fit, ask a shop with testers and try a few different models. however, trying a good saddle in a bad fit is a waste of time too..