Soft tissue issue

[polla]

I have a mountain bike but do most riding on the road - tar and gravel.  For health reasons I need to minimize the saddle pressure on the soft tissue area.  While bike shop shelves are lined with pressure relieve type saddles,  I was hoping to get advice from riders who experience similar health issues and have found a saddle that works for them.  I appreciate that there is no such thing as one size fits all but still.  Adverts are a bit misleading. 

[Pulse]

Spesialised Power Saddle

[lechatnoir]

I can recommend the Spez Power too

[2bliss]

Try to find an LBS with test saddles. They are usually bright yellow and marked that they are not for re-sale Try them out on a bike. Don't just sit on 'em in the shop. There really is no other way to tell for sure which saddle will work for you.

 

Secondly, a good pair of cycling shorts is key! And they only last a certain period - after a while the chamois is no longer as effective as it should be. If you can afford Assos, great! But, First Ascent Domestique is okay for us mere mortals.

 

Third, must apply chamois cream.

[Shell Belle]

No doubt - Specialised Power saddle.

 

Get the best pair of cycling shorts you can afford, and USE CHAMOIS CREAM 

[Jurgens Smit]

I have a mountain bike but do most riding on the road - tar and gravel.  For health reasons I need to minimize the saddle pressure on the soft tissue area.  While bike shop shelves are lined with pressure relieve type saddles,  I was hoping to get advice from riders who experience similar health issues and have found a saddle that works for them.  I appreciate that there is no such thing as one size fits all but still.  Adverts are a bit misleading. 

 

You should go do a fit where they measure the amount of pressure on the saddle. With that they can prescribe a proper saddle.

 

I believe the ergofit guys do that and Richard Baxter as well.

 

2nd best is when they measure your sit bones and figure it out from there.

[splat]

You should go do a fit where they measure the amount of pressure on the saddle. With that they can prescribe a proper saddle.

 

I believe the ergofit guys do that and Richard Baxter as well.

 

2nd best is when they measure your sit bones and figure it out from there.

Specialized Assometer:

 

http://audaxsp.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/assometer.jpg

[Rocket-Boy]

Saddle width counts for more than design when it comes to avoiding pressure on soft tissue.

Spez seem to be ahead with this but I see Pro(shimano) have a copy of the Spez power saddle too.

[polla]

Thanks for the advice. I'm going for the Spes Power Saddle -  to be delivered in two days. Holding thumbs.

[Jewbacca]

I'm not sure how long you have been riding for, but you do also get tougher/stronger the more you ride.

 

A saddle will not help entirely if your core is weak or if you bounce around on the saddle.

 

I hope the power saddle helps, but getting a rhino hide ass is just as good.

 

I don't use chamois cream and don't wear bibs on the mtb unless it is going to be longer than a couple of hours. I don't get saddle sores or sore spots and I use 4 different saddles.

 

Posture as well as strengthening the right muscles and areas is just as important as any equipment. There is no substitute for solving the problem and not just treating the symptoms

['Kaze Pete]

First: Get a professional bike fitment done. Pay the money. It IS worth it. The best few thousand rands I spent was on a fitement and all the adjustments/replacements suggested!

 

Then: Fit your pelvis to a saddle (as most of the suggestions above) - if not included/suggested above

 

Also: Core strength. DO the exercises, it will be of benefit to you on and off the bicycle.

 

Decent toights are a prerequisite. This does not mean an expensive brand, but a good fit.

 

Chamois cream is not a requirement, but could be helpful.The worse your toights fit, or the more hair you have, or the longer your rides, the more it will help.