Ideal Saddle Modification Adamo Racing Saddle

Price Paid:  $45.00 at internet

Bike Setup:
Vamoots
Kona Explosif

Summary:
I was messengering on an SDG Ibeam bel-air. Eventually it began to cause me pain at the end of the day. Then the onset of pain started to encroach earlier into my working day.

I read about the Adamo and took a chance. Like the other reviews; it takes a while to get set up properly- longer than your average saddle. I came close to giving up on it BE PATIENT. You'll have a different pain initially but then it goes and it becomes a pleasure to ride again. The dull perennial pain goes and you no longer feel like you're damaging your soldiers health.

Your riding position will be altered, it may be an idea to match this with a "lay-back" saddle to keep close to your old saddle position?

I stopped couriering months back and recently got a brooks swallow Titanium for my new build but I can't take it anymore. The ADAMO is going back on.
I imagine the majority of folk that don't enjoy this saddle DO NOT set it up correctly...

Strengths:
HEALTH
riding without being in pain
unique looks

Weaknesses:
takes a while to set up properly
I think its ugly

Similar Products Used:
Brooks swallow titanium
SDG I Beam Bel-Air

Price Paid:  $105.00 at Ebay

Favorite Ride:
Any ride with my buddy Jim

Summary:
I had high hopes for this saddle, and spent several rides trying to make this saddle work for me, but it's just too wide. Granted...the zip ties around the nose helps, but where the width bothered me the most was a couple inches in front of the sit bone area. This is where the inside of my upper legs straddle the saddle, and it quite literally felt like I was straddling a 6" wide piece of wood (wide and hard). Now, with that said, yes it does what it claims (reducing numbness). But for me, the width was too much to overcome. And for the record, set up wasn't as bad as I was expecting.

Strengths:
Reduces numbness

Weaknesses:
Comfort (for me), value, craftsmanship.

Similar Products Used:
too many to list

Price Paid:  $115.00 at ebay

Favorite Ride:
folsom Lake Loop

Bike Setup:
Trek 5900

Summary:
Reviews that talk about how long it takes to get this saddle adjusted are on target. I mounted the saddle following the instructions in addition to making adjustment for my old saddle position and riding style. The first week I was ready to throw this thing away. It was simply too wide and since the front is chopped off, I had done all of my measurements from the back of the saddle. Now I understand that I should have done them from the widest part of the saddle. So, for the next two weeks I adjusted 1or 2 mm farther back, dropped the saddle a couple mm’s and now after 2 plus weeks of doing that (making micro adjustments) this thing works…it really really works. It took a while to get it “just right”, but once you find that sweet spot, you’ll spend mile after mile of very comfortable riding. One note and this is very important, at first I used zip ties to narrow the front of the saddle, but in the end, I found that a metal hose clamp placed at the top (front) of the saddle rails really did the trick on narrowing the saddle front.

Strengths:
Comfort, no more numbness, no more constantly making adjustments to your “equipment” just mile after mile of riding pleasure.

Weaknesses:
The adjustments. Don’t give up, it just takes time. It took me about 4-5 weeks to find the perfect position, but I am sold for life.

Similar Products Used:
Too many to name.

Price Paid:  $120.00 at local bike shop ...

Favorite Ride:
any ride ... love to cycle

Bike Setup:
Cervelo P3c

Summary:
I have been racing and riding for 23 years and as I get older I tend to race more time trials compared to road races or crits. I have struggled training for TT’s because of my aggressive forward and low position on my TT bike … the biggest problem was numbness and discomfort caused by traditional seats. I have tried them all and finally decided to try the ISM racing saddle. I can’t believe how comfortable this seat is. My first ride was 60 miles on my TT bike (I have never been able to ride my TT bike this far because of discomfort) and absolutely had no pain from the saddle when I finished. I am a definite believer in this seat. Like others I had the seat flat when I started but titled it slightly down as I rode … looks like the tilt is too extreme when just looking at the bicycle setup compared to a traditional saddle but this was the ticket for me.

Strengths:
Total comfort!!! It allows the seat to be positioned forward more (you don't have to cut off the nose of traditional saddles) to satisfy the UCI TT bike setup requirements (applies to certain USCF races)... the front of the seat must be 5cm behind the bottom bracket axle

Weaknesses:
Heavy compared to traditional racing saddles but the weight is offset by the comfort

Similar Products Used:
Most get Tri-seats as well as traditional racing saddles used on my road bikes

Price Paid:  $116.00 at ebay

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere outside

Bike Setup:
Cannondale slice, ultegra/dura ace mix.

Summary:
Most reviews are accurate in the time it takes to get used to the saddle. It works, plain and simple. It took a while to get used to (be persistent, that's why you ride!)but once you find that happy medium of distribution on the seat and aero bars you can ride for hours. Even the soreness on your seat bones doesn't last long if you've been riding prior. I would highly recommend you visit ISM's website for their pdf description of how you should set it up. I origanally was too forward on the seat, once I settled back more on the seat, it was instant gratification.

Strengths:
Comfort, no more numbness and gives you a great mindset for longer rides.

Weaknesses:
The adjustments. It takes time. Research the website and get it right. Also, the nose seems wide at first, you may have to slightly adjust it side to side for complete comfort.

Similar Products Used:
Fizik arione tri.