Shimano parts questions

[NormanD]

First question is
The Shimano A520 pedals, do they give a better spread load on the shoe compared to the Shimano M540's ... point being, I'm looking to cover more mileage in a single outing 60 to 100 plus and was wondering if the A520's would feel more comfortable over that sort of trip.

The Specialized BG Romin saddle, what's the comfort level of this over long trips? ... I know a saddle is a personal thing and not all saddles suit everyone, I'm currently using a Charge spoon, but I'm finding some discomfort over 30 plus mileages, I've done all the usual tilt/hight/forwards and back and test again, but still the same spot starts to ache. Could be I need a channel type saddle to cure it.

Any help from the owners of the above products would be appreciated
Norm

 

[PaulSecteur]

The Shimano Specialized BG Romin saddle

I dont have the romin, I went for the toupe instead. The reason was that it was flatter, I feel that saddles that slope up at the back tend to push me forward. It does feel like there is very little padding...and there isnt! The comfort comes from the saddle flexing rather than a bit of spnge or gel. I havent had the chance to do any regular distance rides with it yet, mainly just 30 to 50s and the best way I can describe it is that I cant say anything bad about it...so it must be comfy.

 

[NormanD]

Cheers paul
I've looked at that saddle too, but at around £80 a go, I think it's a bit pricey for my needs, but I do have it under consideration

 

[Tomba]

First question is
The Shimano A520 pedals, do they give a better spread load on the shoe compared to the Shimano M540's ... point being, I'm looking to cover more mileage in a single outing 60 to 100 plus and was wondering if the A520's would feel more comfortable over that sort of trip.

The Shimano BG Romin saddle, what's the comfort level of this over long trips? ... I know a saddle is a personal thing and not all saddles suit everyone, I'm currently using a Charge spoon, but I'm finding some discomfort over 30 plus mileages, I've done all the usual tilt/hight/forwards and back and test again, but still the same spot starts to ache. Could be I need a channel type saddle to cure it.

Any help from the owners of the above products would be appreciated
Norm

Norm, I've got the A520s, reason I went for them was because of the wider platform and it does support more weight. Never done any 60-100 milers, only 50s but so far so good.

And as it happens i've got a Specialized BG Romin hopefully being delivered tomorrow. I use a Charge Spoon at the moment but have been getting numbnuts for a while, even after changing it fore/aft. So thought I'd get my arse measured properly last week.
Fairly straightforward procedure, sit on a bit of cardboard with memory foam 130mm sit bones so went for medium size saddle.
I was between the Toupe and the Romin. And liked the flat look for the Toupe for the reason mentioned by Paul above. So I got the guy in Evans to put both saddles on a bike to sit on and try. And I initially like the Toupe so bought it and took it home. Fitted it to my bike and went on the turbo for a few minutes but straight away felt that the nose was far too narrow. So went back to the shop to exchange it for the Romin. Unfortunately they never had one in black So it got ordered for home delivery. I think the reason for the indecision was the guy in the shop put the saddles on a MTB and I couldnt get a proper feel for sitting in the saddle right
If you can wait a few days I can report back on how the Romin is?

 

[NormanD]

Excellent Tomba I'll await your report on the saddle
I've already opted for the A520's (£30 from planet X) so I'll save putting my order in until friday for the saddle

Many thanks
Norm

 

[phil_hg_uk]

I had the A520 single sided (just sold them on here) then changed to the small shimano double sided and i havent noticed any difference in comfort or support but the double sided pedals are much easier when setting off from lights etc.

 

[NormanD]

Cheers Phil ... I noticed them after they were sold ... I have the double sided M520's on the CX now, but I'm doing my old 1980 Raleigh winner up for a winter bike, so was looking to add the M520's to that and use the A520's on my summer bike

 

[phil_hg_uk]

Cheers Phil ... I noticed them after they were sold ... I have the double sided M520's on the CX now, but I'm doing my old 1980 Raleigh winner up for a winter bike, so was looking to add the M520's to that and use the A520's on my summer bike

Cubist is selling some A520's in the for sale section.

 

[Tomba]

Excellent Tomba I'll await your report on the saddle
I've already opted for the A520's (£30 from planet X) so I'll save putting my order in until friday for the saddle

Many thanks
Norm

Norm, sorry its took a day or two longer to report back.

Just put the saddle on and went out for a wee spin (19mls). The saddle is firmer than the Spoon i'm used to and at first I was a bit concerned but as the ride went on I suppose the firmness is so your weight gets supported by the sit bones rather than the perineum (sp?) (soft bit between sacks and rectum). It was this that was giving me numbnuts using the spoon.
Moving forward on the saddle is comfortable too because of the channel cut out.

I would suggest getting to Evans or another Spesh shop to get the sit bones measured for the proper width saddle.

If I remember, I'll report back after i've done a 2hr min ride on it. Hopefully Saturday.

 

[NormanD]

Norm, sorry its took a day or two longer to report back.

Just put the saddle on and went out for a wee spin (19mls). The saddle is firmer than the Spoon i'm used to and at first I was a bit concerned but as the ride went on I suppose the firmness is so your weight gets supported by the sit bones rather than the perineum (sp?) (soft bit between sacks and rectum). It was this that was giving me numbnuts using the spoon.
Moving forward on the saddle is comfortable too because of the channel cut out.

Cheers mate ... it's the same area I'm suffering from with the spoon saddle over longer trips ... Think I'll invest in one, it'll be the only way I'll know it will suit me.

Thanks again
Norm

I would suggest getting to Evans or another Spesh shop to get the sit bones measured for the proper width saddle.

If I remember, I'll report back after i've done a 2hr min ride on it. Hopefully Saturday.

 

[HLaB]

Excellent Tomba I'll await your report on the saddle
I've already opted for the A520's (£30 from planet X) so I'll save putting my order in until friday for the saddle

Many thanks
Norm

You won't go wrong with the A520s IMO. I use them a fair bit, my longest ride in them has been 185miles. I tried M520s but never got on with them they weren't comfortable or convenient for me; I prefer something with a cage and then if I miss the clip at a junction per say, its no biggie I just use the cage and I can clip in at a later date when its safe to do so.

 

[NormanD]

Thanks guys for the input

I went out yesterday and bought the A520's and the Romin saddle (plus discount ) so got a good deal on both ... fitted them to the bike and had a little spin .. pedals felt Ok after a little tweak, so they'll be fine ... the saddle was a little tough on the old backside, but that was down to using the spoon on a 30 miler that morning, so i was still a little tender and add the fact it was new and unbroken, I shall test it again after resting my backside a few days (which shouldn't be difficult)

Once again
Thank you all

 

[NormanD]

I'm pleased to say the saddle passed the 18 mile test with flying colours it just needs a little breaking in is all ... pedals I've just got to get used to flipping them over before clipping in .. all in all well pleased with the two items