Off to buy a new saddle ... but the shop is closed
Tuesday March 13, 2018
It's a bike ride, actually a backup, just in case I don't do the intended theme "Going Around in a Circle". It was pretty short, too, something like 11 kms, including getting lost. It was windy and didn't feel as warm as I expected 10°C/50°F to feel, but it was good enough and I wanted to get on my bike.
I decided to look at a new saddle, a saddle that would be perfect for my anatomy. Is there such a thing? We are all built differently and I suspect that I have not yet found "my" saddle. Years ago, I tried a Brooks and was sure that would solve all problems. After more than 1,000 km it became obvious that Brooks saddles weren't made for me. I have now done some research and read a saddle should fit like a pair of shoes.
And I found some more interesting information on the SQlab for Sports Ergonomics website:
When sitting normally, the sitbones support the body's weight and have the capability to withstand high pressure. This should also be the case when riding a bicycle. With an athletic riding position, the perineal area of men and the lower positioned pubic bone arch of women rest on the saddle. The network of nerves and blood vessels of the perineal area reaches from the anus via the genitals to the upper pubic bone arch. On the sides it reaches past the pubic bones. These are capable of carrying a small weight – but a pressure reduction is essential. An even pressure reduction in the perineal area and the pubic bones is achieved through the lowered nose of our SQlab step saddle concept.
There you have it.
So I pedaled through Munich to the bike shop that sells SQlab saddles to check them out. I got lost along the way, but I was having fun and took some pictures. When I got there, about a half hour later than expected, Janos was waiting and freezing in the cold wind. Who would have thought that the shop would be closed on Tuesdays. I thought most bike shops took Monday off.
I decided to look at a new saddle, a saddle that would be perfect for my anatomy. Is there such a thing? We are all built differently and I suspect that I have not yet found "my" saddle. Years ago, I tried a Brooks and was sure that would solve all problems. After more than 1,000 km it became obvious that Brooks saddles weren't made for me. I have now done some research and read a saddle should fit like a pair of shoes.
And I found some more interesting information on the SQlab for Sports Ergonomics website:
When sitting normally, the sitbones support the body's weight and have the capability to withstand high pressure. This should also be the case when riding a bicycle. With an athletic riding position, the perineal area of men and the lower positioned pubic bone arch of women rest on the saddle. The network of nerves and blood vessels of the perineal area reaches from the anus via the genitals to the upper pubic bone arch. On the sides it reaches past the pubic bones. These are capable of carrying a small weight – but a pressure reduction is essential. An even pressure reduction in the perineal area and the pubic bones is achieved through the lowered nose of our SQlab step saddle concept.
There you have it.
So I pedaled through Munich to the bike shop that sells SQlab saddles to check them out. I got lost along the way, but I was having fun and took some pictures. When I got there, about a half hour later than expected, Janos was waiting and freezing in the cold wind. Who would have thought that the shop would be closed on Tuesdays. I thought most bike shops took Monday off.
It was noon and we had a bite to eat to warm us up. And it was a purchase, just in case I want this ride to count for the challenge.