Kenneth Luis

Hi all, we'll recently changed from a Fizik arione to a Selle SMP drakon saddle. Brought over all the same measurements ie: saddle tip to handle bar center, saddle height to bb center saddle tilt with the positioning of the new saddle . But am now experiencing posterior knee pain. Noticed that pain seems to subside if I move myself forward on saddle while riding. Any suggestions guys, thanks so much.

tedder

Go to a pro bike fitter or a sports medicine clinic that knows about bike fittings. There are plenty of variables.

bikepro

Is the new saddle longer than the old? If so, using the same fore-aft position as the old may put the saddle too far back. Try moving the saddle forward the amount the new saddle is longer than the old. Regardless of the length, the new saddle may still need to be moved forward a little.

DrIsotope

I changed between two different models of the same saddle-- from a Fabric Scoop Radius Elite to a Scoop Shallow Elite. They look essentially identical save for the difference in the curve of the saddle. Over the following few rides, I completely had to adjust the saddle position-- none of my recorded numbers worked anymore. Changing from one saddle to a completely different make and model... you're almost starting over.

Posterior knee pain usually indicates saddle too high, drop it a few millimeters and see if it's better.

Wheever

Posterior knee pain can either indicate a saddle that is too high, or one that is too far back. SMP saddles by their nature tend to place you 10-15mm further back than other saddles, and therefore need to be placed further forward on the rails. I bet what's happening here is the saddle has placed you too far back. Try moving the saddle forward 1cm at a time until your pain goes away.

avidone1

the selle smp is very different design. It may require re thinking your entire saddle position.
It worked for me. My leg numbness has improved with the smp. It will still arise mind you, no "cure" has been found,
but with the smp if i get off the saddle regularly and mind my posture, I can ride in relative comfort.
Don't give up this saddle without trying various fore/aft, tilt, and height changes.
good luck

berner

Saddles can be of different lengths so that measuring to the tip will not produce the same sort of fit. It seems to me we should be measuring from where the sit bones rest on the saddle. For myself, I take the location of sit bones to be at the widest point of the saddle.

Kenneth Luis

Thanks so much guys for the input, I have actually brought the saddle to the front. I did that while I was riding and the pain did subside. I'm just taking today off to rest and recover from the strain I put my knees through and will ride again tomorrow. If not for this, the SMP seems to be a whole lot more comfortable than the Arione. Thanks guys for the input, much appreciated.

Kenneth Luis

Noted, will do.

McBTC

When you say posterior knee pain, are you referring to your hamstrings?

Kenneth Luis

Hi, just the area right behind the knee cap.

McBTC

That may be from pushing too high a gear (chrondomalacia patellae). If so, the cure is to stop hammering --i.e., adopt a riding style of lower gears and using higher rpms to increase speed.

Kenneth Luis

Yup taking it easy with lotsa spinning.

avidone1

Yes, spinning not mashing. I notice that when I get some tingling down my leg, it often goes away if I drop down a gear or two

MR BIG STUFF

Move it around.

If that doesn't work buy a new seat. I've heard there's an ass for every seat but I have never heard there is a seat for every ass.

Kenneth Luis

Hi, Happy to say that adjustments made to saddle fore, aft position and the slight lowering of my seat post has alleviated the pain. Hopefully on the way to recovery, thanks guys for all the help. Now another question, currently using a pair of Suplest carbon road shoes but theyre kinda worn out. Thinking of the new Shimano R321's . Will this change the flexion of my knees again in a sense that the thickness of the sole might be either thicker or thinner. Sounds kinda silly right but this injury has got me all paranoid. Any input? Thanks guys.