[Bail_Monkey]

I've been riding road since Dec 11 (entry level bike) and have been an on/off Mtb'er over the years... (New RB build at the start of this year) I know there have been quite a few threads on saddle fitting and the issues that some have after trying different types, brands, sizes, widths, etc...

I did a easy pace 2k climb over 6.5 miles yesterday and when I started to get numb, I 'stand' on the pedals for about 30"-45" to get the circulation back. This has happened before, but it occurred about 3x+ yesterday which is more than usual. (Maybe b/c I'm getting old..

I'm 5'10", 166lbs, fairly normal build with a Selle Italia SLR w/cutout. I first leveled the saddle with on the new build with a 3' level as that was the 'typical' way for me to setup the saddle. This is always how I fit my Mtb saddles and they have worked out OK. At first, I noticed that I would be sliding forward on the saddle so I adjusted it to have the nose tilted slightly up. On the level, there is a bubble and if it is between the 2 lines, it's level. I adjusted the saddle so the bubble was 1/2 on the line with the nose tilted up. I rode like this for months and have had some issues with sliding forward here and there.

Today I adjusted the saddle a bit more with the bubble on the outside of the center line with the saddle's nose slightly up. (I don't know how many degrees it is, it still look level when you look at it) I went for a quick ride and I felt very comfortable...! My SIT bones felt like they were actually where they should be on the saddle...

So is anyone else riding with the nose of the saddle angled slightly in the upward position? Or am I just weird anatomically? If your having issues feeling comfortable on the saddle, some may want to try it out, it only takes a minute to change.

 

[woodys737]

Depends on a combo of saddle and setback IME. When I rode Fizik I used to ride them slightly nose high. Now I'm on Specialized and I seem to like them slightly nose low.

 

[Dave Cutter]

I like my saddle level (I also use a Selle Italia w/cutout).... but a degree or two nose down is still comfy. A slight nose up or down is normal.

Having to stretch a little too far can cause a "sliding forward" feeling as well. Every adjustment seems to cause more than one reaction. So "fixing" one adjustment.... can put something else slightly off.

Numbness or soreness is better avoided than fixed on the fly. I look for good opportunities to stand up and let a little blood flow.

I am certainly no expert but if there is a lot of climbing I shift low and stay seated till near the crest.... for me maybe just less than the last 1/3 of the hill. This lets me switch from lungs to legs so I can jump back to a good pace when I top the hill. When standing I try to slow my cadence to what would resemble a walk... very slow.

I am NOT suggesting you try this.... I am just saying this is my method for mixing in some "planned" time off of the saddle.

 

[spdntrxi]

My Tekno Flo SLR is very slight nose down

 

[Peter P.]

If your saddle is pointed nose up, you're doing something wrong. A properly fitted, comfortable saddle will always be level or slightly nose down.

The bars could be too low, putting pressure on spots as your hips try to rotate to reach the bars.

Your seat could be too high-same reason as above.

Your frame could be too small, such that the saddle to handlebar drop is excessive for you.

You could just plain have an uncomfortable saddle. Saddles are very personal in fit, and finding a comfortable one is more chance than science.

 

[c_h_i_n_a_m_a_n]

I think nose up or nose down is fine as long as you are comfortable on the saddle. And I mean not visible to the naked eye but when you put a levelling tool on the saddle it shows nose up or down.

What you did was right ie to adjust ever so slightly, so slightly that you are not able to visually see it but it shows on the levelling tool. If the pain comes back, adjust again. If you come to a point where it is so obvious that it is 'so' nose up or down, and you have already gone through all the minute adjustments, and you still have pain, then you might consider another saddle.

I think too many riders give up on their saddle too early and have not yet given the saddle and your butt sufficient time to acquaint with each other. Good for the saddle manufacturers.

Tiny adjustments ... :thumbsup:

 

[looigi]

Nose up a few degrees is not uncommon. If it feels good, it is good. It's the angle of area of the saddle where you sit that's most relevant. Some saddles are concave front to back and when leveled the area where you sit might wind up slanted downward. Angling the saddle up slightly can compensate.