Zwift Chat

[Norry1]

Thanks for all the opinions. Sounds like latex is overrated so I'll stick with what I've been using (Conti Race28). As for tires I have a 25 mil GP5000 at the front and back so that's all sorted - happy with the quality.

Bike fit - I've been doing exactly what most of you suggested over the last 4 months - trial and error. Actually managed to resolve a lot issues, some of them big - most importantly pain in my foot soft tissue. At this stage, the only thing that slightly hurts after 2h of continuous pedalling and sitting on the exercise bike is my arse (sitting bones). Riding outdoors - too much pressure in the middle resulting in numb manhood (regardless of saddle tilt).

The LBS I mentioned has a full assortment of Selle Italia and are listed on the manufacturer website as an official retailer and fitter. My understanding is they give you a saddle, you test, they give you another one, rinse and repeat until something is comfy. Reading a little I think I'm looking for a narrow saddle with a cut-out - like the SLR Boost Superflow. The issue is that my current saddle is actually quite alright - for about an hour. So how am I supposed to make the choice after 2 minutes of testing in the shop?

Don't want to confuse you, but saddle discomfort can often be a function of a poor bike fit

Ask 10 people and they'll give you 15 opinions on saddles. Some brands (Specialized, I thnk) measure your sit bones and have different widths. Some places have a saddle library where you can borrow saddles for a couple of days to try them out. No easy answer here I'm afraid.

 

[Peter Salt]

Don't want to confuse you, but saddle discomfort can often be a function of a poor bike fit

Ask 10 people and they'll give you 15 opinions on saddles. Some brands (Specialized, I thnk) measure your sit bones and have different widths. Some places have a saddle library where you can borrow saddles for a couple of days to try them out. No easy answer here I'm afraid.

Not confusing at all - in fact, that's my main reason for justifying the bike fit spend - i.e. I would rather pay £100 for a fit and £150 on the right saddle then skip the fit and spend £150 on the wrong saddle.

Good point about the saddle library - makes sense. Will call up the LBS tomorrow and ask how they do it.

 

[JuhaL]

About bike-fit: I have noticed like many others that position what you have when you ride outdoor's not necessarily work indoor rides because bike doesn't do natural movements, easier have sore butt. Rocker plate might help some says. I have never been in a bike fit but it might be worthy to try when all other options are used and nothing seems to work.

 

[Legs]

I would rather pay …£150 on the right saddle….

Jesus wept! 😳 How much?!? 😳

 

[Peter Salt]

Jesus wept! 😳 How much?!? 😳

Don't care - am an agnostic

I actually haven't checked the prices but isn't that what they normally cost?

 

[Breedon]

Jesus wept! 😳 How much?!? 😳

Selle Italia SLR SuperFlow Saddle with TI316 Rails about £130 comfy as anything ​

 

[DCLane]

@Peter Salt - We run latex tubes in the race wheels - they're expensive, don't hold air and are less puncture resistant but do seem to roll better. The tub tyres also have latex tubes.

I've a pair of Tubolito's to test as well.

And as for a bike fit; they're worthwhile if you're having repeated injuries and/or are wanting to up the distance significantly.

 

[straas]

I got a bike fit and it got rid of saddle issues and reduced neck pain a good bit.

Think it was £200 at the time, to be honest felt like a bit of a twat as the guy ran his own pro team and was more used to dealing with those guys than a chubby weekend warrior .

I was doing around 180km a week at the time though.

 

[CXRAndy]

Selle Italia SLR SuperFlow Saddle with TI316 Rails about £130 comfy as anything ​

Pete I have a spare Superflow you can try out if you want. Its not the Titanium version but the saddle is the same. I got mine for £80. If it suits you just pay me what I paid or send it back

 

[Peter Salt]

Pete I have a spare Superflow you can try out if you want. Its not the Titanium version but the saddle is the same. I got mine for £80. If it suits you just pay me what I paid or send it back

Ooooh, that would be great, I'll get some more detail via DM. Not fussed about the material at all.

 

[Legs]

@straas , Best bike shop in your neck-of-the-woods is Will’s Wheels in Stockport. I suspect Chris Riley still works there and, as well as being a sound bloke, he’s the finest bike mechanic I’ve ever known.

 

[Joffey]

Not confusing at all - in fact, that's my main reason for justifying the bike fit spend - i.e. I would rather pay £100 for a fit and £150 on the right saddle then skip the fit and spend £150 on the wrong saddle.

Good point about the saddle library - makes sense. Will call up the LBS tomorrow and ask how they do it.

I think the Specialized store in Harrogate has a machine you sit on that gives you your perfect saddle. Or I might be getting confused with that porno I was watching last night...

Seriously though, I think they do. Give them a bell if you fancy trying them.

 

[Peter Salt]

I think the Specialized store in Harrogate has a machine you sit on that gives you your perfect saddle. Or I might be getting confused with that porno I was watching last night...

Seriously though, I think they do. Give them a bell if you fancy trying them.

Damn, I was there 3 days ago

The LBS I mentioned has the Selle Italia smart caliper thingy. So at the very least they'll be able to tell me the sit bones distance as well as pelvic rotation - that should, it theory, narrow my options.

 

[kipster]

I think the Specialized store in Harrogate has a machine you sit on that gives you your perfect saddle. Or I might be getting confused with that porno I was watching last night...

Seriously though, I think they do. Give them a bell if you fancy trying them.

I think all the specialized concept stores have them. Basically it's a bit of memory foam that you sit on and they measure the indents. Well it was when my lad had his done.

 

[straas]

@straas , Best bike shop in your neck-of-the-woods is Will’s Wheels in Stockport. I suspect Chris Riley still works there and, as well as being a sound bloke, he’s the finest bike mechanic I’ve ever known.

I've heard about it but never actually been, I used a guy who was based out of the rapha shop. Got a complimentary espresso at the end too