New bike/saddle - how long to get used to it?

Big Chris

Big Chris

Big Chris

Soldato
Joined
5 Apr 2004
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Bloxham
Just taken delivery of a new bike - a Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 Di2. I had my previous bike and therefore saddle for about 8 years and my arse is not enjoying the new saddle! How long should it take to adjust to a new saddle? I've done about 50 miles on the road so far and a similar distance on my turbo trainer on Zwift, so around 100 miles total.

The new saddle is a Fizik Tempo Argo R3 which has a cutout middle section with quite pronounced ridges around the edge of the cutout which I think is the issue, whereas the old saddle was the stock one which came on the bike (Cube Peleton SL) and more of a regular shape with no cutouts. I don't want to give up on it yet as it's supposed to be a good saddle, but I can't go for longer than an hour without it giving me (and my arse) grief! :(
 
Presume you’re wearing a liner? Maybe try some chaffing cream.

I’d give it a couple more rides hopefully your bum adjusts :p
 
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dacads said:
Presume you’re wearing a liner? Maybe try some chaffing cream.

I’d give it a couple more rides hopefully your bum adjusts :p
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Yeah I wear cycling shorts, it's not chaffing that's the issue either it's just the saddle is a different shape so it's taking some getting used to, just don't know how long it's taken other people with new bikes/saddles to adjust?
 
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Yeah I meant the cutout has other benefits in that region, but I know it won't solve the sore backside bit!

I actually found that Hincapie article while hunting around online for advice so will give it a try.

Still keen to know how long others with new bikes/saddles have needed to get used to them?
 
I just swapped from a much wider saddle to a 130mm and its been much better. I think most people find that a saddle is quite personal and there are better and worse saddles but the best on is the most comfortable for you. Saying a saddle is good when its uncomfortable is a bit of an oxymoron. It will fit some people and not others.
 
fez said:
I just swapped from a much wider saddle to a 130mm and its been much better. I think most people find that a saddle is quite personal and there are better and worse saddles but the best on is the most comfortable for you. Saying a saddle is good when its uncomfortable is a bit of an oxymoron. It will fit some people and not others.
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When I say it's a good saddle I meant it's well-reviewed, lightweight, short-nosed and has the cutout to save your soft bits - but as you say that's all relative to whether you can actually sit on it for more than 30mins without wanting to cry.

I did an hour on the turbo last night and it's much the same, I think it's the ridges either side of the cutout which are giving my grief as my old saddle doesn't have these - it's more or less the same width though so this is the only difference.

I'm going to try my old saddle on the new bike and might have to explore buying a new one long-term.
 
Hedge said:
You need to measure your sit bones and pick a saddle to suit. Measure your old saddle vs this new one and if its wider or narrower.
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The width is more or less the same, it's the ridges in the middle I think are the problem where the cutout is. I've booked a bike fit this weekend and that includes sit bone measurements so will see what's what.

Martynt74 said:
The hard bit being trying to chop/change without spending a fortune.
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Yes absolutely! There are so many out there it's a minefield trying to decide what might work. I'm fine on the new one for about 30 mins too so any saddle I try would feel good unless I go for a proper ride.

I can really feel the difference on my gentlemen's area having the cutout on the new saddle as I was getting some numbness before, so looking for one with a cutout but less height around that area.
 
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