Selle SMP discussion

Thanks - will try both out as they look a bit wider/flatter than the composit shell - cheers!

Has anyone had to run an SMP so that the shelf of the saddle is level to prevent perineal pain? This would be around 8-9 degrees from the back to the front with a book/plank on top. Seems like it works for a few people on other forums but was interested in hearing about other peoples' experiences.

Not sure if seeing Scherrit is an option for you but I don't think there is anything SMP related that he doesn't know...

It seems like you're having ongoing issues with the SMP from previous posts... maybe it's not the saddle for you, or maybe it's not the saddle at all and the issue is biomechanical? I don't know, I'm not a bike fitter but it sounds frustrating and I hope you find a solution soon. Neill Stanbury has some handy videos on youtube; if you've not seen them before you might find them worth a watch.

I've gone back and forth with a few SMPs and I'll say 3 things:

1. There is a real difference between the 2 different 'families'
   
2. If you try and plant your sitbones it won't work. You need to find support under the 'rocking chair' bones (the ischium?)
   
3. Small differences in location and angle make a really big difference.
   
   

Colby Pearce has a couple of really good articles on SMPs (google 'Colby Pearce SMP'), but 1 nugget really stood out for me: if you start riding on one and it's great, but gets uncomfortable after a while, that's often a sign that you're on the right saddle but it's in the wrong place. If that's the case, seeing an SMP literate fitter would be a good option.

The other thing I've found is that if you don't engage your glutes and core and just 'collapse' your soft tissue into the saddle, then just about anything is uncomfortable. I had recurring saddle sores in the 'gutters' at the front (sorry for gross terminology) until I worked hard on this. My thought process or cue was trying to align my pelvic angle and my shoulder angle. It wasn't a visual thing but a feeling or thought process. Don't know if that's helpful but good luck.

Thanks for your advice both - really useful hearing your thoughts

I've been to a couple of bike fitters - I think the issue can be that it can take a bit of time to learn how to sit in the saddle by trying things out and this is hard to do in an isolated bike fit especially if the discomfort/pain develops after a period of time.

You're right - I think it's the right saddle but not necessarily in the right position/I'm not holding/shifting my pelvis in the right position. Previously when I've ridden SMPs I've tried to sit further back/more upright with the the ischial tuberosity engaged and I think then because this is wider than the rocking chair pubic rami this causes pain as the narrower part of the saddle causes pressure at the front.

When you say gutters do you mean where the pelvic ramus/i meet the pubic symphysis? or do you mean you're sitting too far back and the nose catches on the soft tissues further far forward? It sounds like engaging the core reduces soft tissues contact in this situation and then engages the bone more?

This thread should be renamed gooch chat

Anyone got a drakon/209/pro?

Anyone looking to shift a Forma with carbon rails?