Which side do you ride on?
#26
Senior Member
This is an important issue:
Many people have one leg shorter than the other. Many people do not have one of their femoral joints uniformly in their respective sockets. Most chiropractors are not licensed to deal with these issues, and the people who have the skills to correct some these issues are a rarer species. Most of us are unaware of these things and then one day we have aches and pains, a knee that is unlike the other and so on.
I know that I tend to ride on the right side of the saddle. I know that my right leg is putting out slightly more power. I know that leg is a little longer than the other, and I know that its femoral ball tends to go slightly out of socket. How and why I know? ... I'll skip that here. The salient point is that I ride more on one side, and I have to keep correcting myself.
The reason for this may be that I broke a kneecap and was casted for almost two month up back in the days when physiotherapy was not considered necessary for such injuries. Recovery from such injuries is largely about retraining the brain. Years later when I studied dance, my instructors could see the differences between the two legs — something only a trained eye would have noticed.
I think such issues have to be considered. As for what yer tackle has to do with it ... well it shouldn't if the saddle is adjusted properly, and if you are wearing the proper clothing. That's why I don't consider myself a Fred when I'm in Lycra with the foundation chamois thing underneath. It's just the correct gear on a sports/racing bike. Of course ... YMMV
Great new forum BTW — THANKS TOM!
Many people have one leg shorter than the other. Many people do not have one of their femoral joints uniformly in their respective sockets. Most chiropractors are not licensed to deal with these issues, and the people who have the skills to correct some these issues are a rarer species. Most of us are unaware of these things and then one day we have aches and pains, a knee that is unlike the other and so on.
I know that I tend to ride on the right side of the saddle. I know that my right leg is putting out slightly more power. I know that leg is a little longer than the other, and I know that its femoral ball tends to go slightly out of socket. How and why I know? ... I'll skip that here. The salient point is that I ride more on one side, and I have to keep correcting myself.
The reason for this may be that I broke a kneecap and was casted for almost two month up back in the days when physiotherapy was not considered necessary for such injuries. Recovery from such injuries is largely about retraining the brain. Years later when I studied dance, my instructors could see the differences between the two legs — something only a trained eye would have noticed.
I think such issues have to be considered. As for what yer tackle has to do with it ... well it shouldn't if the saddle is adjusted properly, and if you are wearing the proper clothing. That's why I don't consider myself a Fred when I'm in Lycra with the foundation chamois thing underneath. It's just the correct gear on a sports/racing bike. Of course ... YMMV
Great new forum BTW — THANKS TOM!
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Vitus 979, Simplon 4 Star, Gazelle Champion Mondial, Woodrup Giro, Dawes Atlantis
Vitus 979, Simplon 4 Star, Gazelle Champion Mondial, Woodrup Giro, Dawes Atlantis
#27
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I've been having some issues with this. I think I've narrowed it down to the cut of my shorts being too tight through the crotch. It's got me leaning to one side.
#28
Banned
Differing leg lengths are accommodated with a pedal height build up or a shorter crank arm..
its the 'how much' IDK.
its the 'how much' IDK.
#32
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#33
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Cobb says go to the side...
I have yet to find a comfortable seat, something that doesn't have me repositioning myself frequently to get rid of discomfort. I've tried numerous seats, I experiment a lot with the seat position, been fitted twice, etc. So I can't offer you any practical advice.
But I can deal with an answer to your question.
Cobb Cycling (saddle makers) recommends pointing the seat to the side. I tried it both right and left for several weeks and couldn't notice any significant difference. Here's the relevant quote (plus some words on tilting your pelvis) from his installation instructions:
If you feel high “pressure” in
your crotch or soft tissue, you
might need to “rotate” the
saddle to relieve this. Most
bike seat post allow for the
rotation to the right or left
side, one direction will feel
much better than the other. It
is possible to rotate the nose
slightly, even on bikes with
non adjustable seat clamps.
Simply hold the node firmly to
one side while tightening the
clamp and it will generally stay
there. Try it, it will be noticeable
right away. It may take
one or two tries to get the seat
nose just right.
Another thing that goes
against normal thinking is that
we often have to raise the
saddle nose to take pressure
o of “Soft Tissue” or the
crotch “nerve bundle”. Raising
the nose will help you rotate
your pelvis and let you slide
back into the natural valley
that is moulded into the seat.
Proper pelvic rotation is a
major key to riding happiness.
Rotating your pelvis forward
will free up your breathing
and bring in the more powerful
back and Glute muscles to
ride with. This may take a little
practice but it is well worth
the trouble. It will open your
diaphragm area for much
improved breathing.
Hope this helps you.
But I can deal with an answer to your question.
Cobb Cycling (saddle makers) recommends pointing the seat to the side. I tried it both right and left for several weeks and couldn't notice any significant difference. Here's the relevant quote (plus some words on tilting your pelvis) from his installation instructions:
If you feel high “pressure” in
your crotch or soft tissue, you
might need to “rotate” the
saddle to relieve this. Most
bike seat post allow for the
rotation to the right or left
side, one direction will feel
much better than the other. It
is possible to rotate the nose
slightly, even on bikes with
non adjustable seat clamps.
Simply hold the node firmly to
one side while tightening the
clamp and it will generally stay
there. Try it, it will be noticeable
right away. It may take
one or two tries to get the seat
nose just right.
Another thing that goes
against normal thinking is that
we often have to raise the
saddle nose to take pressure
o of “Soft Tissue” or the
crotch “nerve bundle”. Raising
the nose will help you rotate
your pelvis and let you slide
back into the natural valley
that is moulded into the seat.
Proper pelvic rotation is a
major key to riding happiness.
Rotating your pelvis forward
will free up your breathing
and bring in the more powerful
back and Glute muscles to
ride with. This may take a little
practice but it is well worth
the trouble. It will open your
diaphragm area for much
improved breathing.
Hope this helps you.
Last edited by hobkirk; 07-02-13 at 09:43 AM.
#34
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Best way to buy a saddle is find a shop with the SwitchIt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3JIQnT5Ddc
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