Initial BiSaddle impression – “Well, this can’t be any worse than the best seat I’ve had.” I got the steel frame with elastomer pads cause I’m cheap and weight is not an issue as I carry stuff with me. The elastomer is supposed to be firmer and since I’m no lightweight that seemed like the best idea. I weigh 205, carry a backpack with 10-15 in it, and the bike is a Trek 4300 (mountain bike) with 1.5” road tires.
First ride was the OWL night ride in Omaha on July 16, 2011 for 16 miles. At first, it was difficult to keep from shifting about since it felt fairly weird, but I soon realized I was just shifting around because that’s what I’ve been doing for 20 years on an uncomfortable perch of a seat. The only soreness I noticed the next day was the back of my legs just under the seat. I had been trying to scoot back too far the whole time and putting pressure on the muscle there. The lack of balance or control from the non-existent saddle nose was apparent at first, but then I realized I only had to change a bit of positioning to keep the seat where I needed it. When mounting up, I instinctively use the saddle nose to push against the clipped in leg until the other side is in. Just had to pay attention to what I was doing. Control while riding wasn’t even an issue. In fact, when I leaned forward, aero style with my hands out front and forearms on my handlebar, the seat was more comfortable on the backs of my hamstrings than the edges of a normal saddle. Since the seat contacted my legs higher up than normal, I am actually more solid in that position. I think that out of the saddle technical work will require good technique and less slop from the rider. Not a big deal if you’re as good as you think you are…
Monday’s ride to work, 17 miles. I angled the seat back a bit and narrowed the rear section a pinch. Still feels really strange but is getting better. Sore spots are pretty much history. There is no discomfort/borderline pain which my nice seat provided. Other than the time it’s taken to cool off, I don’t feel like I rode but a couple miles.
As with any new piece of equipment, this will take some adjustments. I was skeptical about this thing and surely didn’t want to drop $93.80 (with shipping) on just a seat. At this point I feel how the seat works and there is definitely no destructive pressure going on. Normally, my right toes go numb within 10 minutes; that’s not happening. One giant bonus is that since nothing is under the junk I’ll never get another kick there when hitting a pavement seam, stick, stray cat, whatever. That alone is worth the price. Best shock absorber of a seat ever. Additional bonus – ventilation since there’s nothing in the middle to block the breeze.
Thank you, Jim!
M. M.
Administrative Assistant III
Uniform Patrol Bureau
Deputy Chief’s Office
Omaha Police Department
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