Perhaps a naive question, but it seems like not many of the TdF riders use ergo seats. Instead they go for the Concur Lite and similar seats; I have one, and the padding is nice but don't people go fairly numb on those vs. using an Aspide or the like? Or do they move around a lot to prevent that? Or not care? =)

Perhaps a naive question, but it seems like not many of the TdF riders use ergo seats. Instead they go for the Concur Lite and similar seats; I have one, and the padding is nice but don't people go fairly numb on those vs. using an Aspide or the like? Or do they move around a lot to prevent that? Or not care? =)


The "channel" in saddles is purely a lawsuit prevention measure. Some cyclist went impotent, probably as a normal result of aging, and sued the manufacturer of his saddle. The company decided it was cheaper to settle out of court than to go to trial, as is usually the case, and the next year, you couldn't find a new bike with a normal seat.

For the vast majority of riders, penile numbness if a result of poor positioning, and not a lack of a channel in the saddle.

Here's another pro-saddle tidbit: Most pros use saddles that are "too heavy" for the average American weight-weenie. IIRC, the Selle Italia Turbomatic is still the most popular pro saddle. SI still makes it, even with your saddle sponsor's logo on it, but at around 400 grams, they don't import them into the US, because nobody will buy them. If you look carefully, you'll see a surprising number of Concors (old duck-tailed version), Regals, and Rolls, too. Also, lots of "non-anatomic" handlebars.

--Shannon

Perhaps a naive question, but it seems like not many of the TdF riders use ergo seats. Instead they go for the Concur Lite and similar seats; I have one, and the padding is nice but don't people go fairly numb on those vs. using an Aspide or the like? Or do they move around a lot to prevent that? Or not care? =)

The whole "ergo" movement developed from one seriously flawed study a few years ago that lacked any credibility. That didn't stop news organizations from picking it up and running with it, and the whole thing took on a life of its own. It speaks volumes that pros don't use ergo saddles.

I've yet to find an ergo saddle that didn't cause saddle sores. The grooves or cutouts are like sitting on a knife edge. That same applies to stitching. Too many of the new saddles have the logo's stitched on the saddle. My favorite saddle is a Selle San Marco Regal.
Heavy, yes.....I wouldn't trade it for for anything........