The theme for this purchase was all safety. I leave the house at 6:30am and I've been noticing it getting darker and darker, or rather, the sun rising later and later, recently. For this reason, and some others, such as classes and work, I've been driving. Now that things are calming a bit, I'm ready to roll, so I picked up these items.

Warmth/rain protection:

I bought the Novara Conversion Jacket. I chose yellow (Hot Rod is the official color) to help with visibility. $75.

Some details from the REI website:


Microfiber shell is lightweight, water-resistant and breathable
Vented back yoke with mesh panel underneath enhances breathability
Mesh-lined back wicks away moisture to keep you comfortable
One piece detachable sleeves and yoke can be stowed in zippered back pocket
Single zippered chest pocket for easy access and storage of sunglasses and energy gel
Cut longer in back for better coverage when you're in the riding position
Reflective piping increases visibility in low-light conditions
Seal in warmth with elastic stretch cuffs and one-hand-adjustable drawcord hem
Polyester fleece-accented collar is soft next to skin
Front zipper is protected by an internal stormflap


I considered buying the full waterproof/windproof model, which was actually cheaper, however I could tell I'd have been too hot and at this point I don't plan to ride through too many monsoons.

Me modeling for you (I had some focus issues that I didn't care to resolve):

Full jacket:

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/cateye3.jpg

When it gets too hot, the sleeves come off:

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/cateye4.jpg

Lighting:

I picked up a headlight/taillight combo. Cateye EL-220, TL-LD270. $40.

More REI website info:


A great value in a commuter light with long run-times to keep you visible in city traffic
Cat Eye EL220 front safety light has five LEDs with Opticube lens technology for a wide beam and excellent visibility
Flex-Tight universal bracket provides easy, tool-free attachment to virtually any size round handlebar
Dual mode lets you run light in flashing mode or constant mode, depending on need
Bright rear safety light features three ultra-bright LEDs—also runs in flashing or constant modes
Comes with Flex-Tight universal mount for tool-free attachment on seatpost
Batteries included


My bike modeling them for you:

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/cateye1.jpg

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/cateye2.jpg

I'm looking forward to Monday morning :D

I would recommend some yellow reflective tape for the seatstays. The light attracts the attention of the drivers and the reflective tape outlines your bike in their headlights. If you don't want yellow tape, 3M makes some clear tape that reflects. The yellow adds visibility in the daylight hours. I was at the REI store here in San Diego this afternoon, I could go broke in there. Since Oahu only has a couple of good bike shops, I have been in heaven here for the past week. A bike shop every other block.

I dont know where you're commuting, but if it's totally dark, I dont think that light cuts it for seeing and avoiding things like potholes, cracks, debris, small animals. If the roads you're on have streetlights, different story, but where I live, no lights, rough roads and at least a 10W minimum for a headlight.

just curious, do you ride with the seat like that?

just curious, do you ride with the seat like that?
Yeah, the angle cuts down on all the numbness I was having. What is your concern?

Yeah, the angle cuts down on all the numbness I was having. What is your concern?


It's unorthodox, but I couldn't care less, really

It's unorthodox, but I couldn't care less, really
Ok cool. I'm still a newbie so I was making sure I wasn't doing something horribly wrong that could cause me physical problems later ;)

Ok cool. I'm still a newbie so I was making sure I wasn't doing something horribly wrong that could cause me physical problems later ;)

Does that put a lot of weight on your arms/wrists? My triceps would be screaming at me. But then, I'd rather have my triceps sore than something else. :)

cutout seats work! if you find your hands/wrists getting numb from too much weight on the bars, try picking up a saddle w/ the cutout. I've been riding cutout seats since 1997.

performance has their own forte brand that they often put on sale for less than $50.

but, if you're comfortable w/ that position, dont change anything.

Ok cool. I'm still a newbie so I was making sure I wasn't doing something horribly wrong that could cause me physical problems later ;)


Sonic,

Lots of folks go "nose low" on the saddle as a way to decrease the pressure and most of the time it helps but very often it can create a secondary issue which KenB mentioned. When you have the angle downward you often continually slide down the seat and compensate by "proping" or holding yourself up with your arms. This makes the arms, shoulders, upper body fatigue quicker.

Your sit bones just can't dig into the saddle and slippery/low friction riding shorts help make the slide forward easier. I wouldn't sweat it tooooooo much, but if the seat can't keep you comfortable when its level then maybe you need to try another seat, OR make sure you have the fore/aft adjustment correct. If you don't have the fore/aft set you'll be less efficient, but you may be unknowingly adjusting your position while your riding, in essence your body moves to get the best power and you're sitting on the wrong part of the leveled saddle. As with any fit issue there are lots of "what ifs" and conjecture but most peeps agree level is best.

Thanks, guys.

So, ok, what do you guys think I should do? The seat was more comfortable when it was level, however the numbness set in pretty quick, things got REALLY numb and though standing up would dissipate some the numbness, sitting back down would bring it back almost immediately. I didn't really think much of it until my wife started noticing equipment differences on days where I'd my normal 20-30 mile rides after work. Reading around here, I saw some mention of changing the seat angle, so I changed it down. It is still comfortable, though not as comfortable as before, I do notice some extra strain on my hands and if I'm carrying my backpack (a week or so ago I packed a lunch, rode 20 miles to a park, ate, read a book a bit and came home) I had some extremely annoying tingles in my right hand for the next few hours.

I took a few pictures of my seat. The seat I'm using is the stock seat that came with my bike, which is a 2006 Specialized Allez (base model). Before I changed the angle, I gave some consideration to the fact that the cutout might be too small, especially since I'm no featherweight. I have a great local shop that I use so I'd be inclined to find a saddle there, but I want to try and get it right on the first shot as I can't afford to buy 2, 3, 4 saddles.

Any recommendations?

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/seat1.jpg

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/seat2.jpg

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/seat3.jpg

bueller?

maybe you just need to get used to riding ? pearching your self on a skinny leather seat isn't everyones first nature :)

Or maybe just a less extreme angle ? Just throwing idea's out here, as I can recognize ones own personal preference.

+1 on changing your seat. That saddle angle is not going to do you any favors in the long run.

There are dozens of saddles out there, and none of them are perfect for everyone, so asking for the right saddle for you is an impossible request. I would buy a saddle (new or used), and if it doesn't work out, sell it on craigslist or ebay. Repeat until comfortable.

As a starting point, you might want to check out the newer Specialized saddles that come in different widths (Avatar, Alias, and Toupe, in increasing order of price). Figure out your width using Specialized's ass-o-meter at a nearby Specialized dealer, or just put some uncooked rice in a bag and make your own ass-o-meter.

lol. I'll try to happen by my lbs this week. Fifth week of the semester and classes are heating up :\

Finding the right saddle can be frustrating. One could be comfortable for the first half hour or so, but after that it would kill you. The saddle I have on my road bike initially is quite firm but having completed rides as long as 120 miles with no real discomfort, I'm concerned about having to one day find a replacement since Selle Italia does not make that model anymore. Occasionally I search ebay for NOS as a backup. What's odd is it does not have any special cut-out or love channel.

A few years ago I was searching for replacement for the stock saddle on a new mountain bike that was uncomfortable. A bunch of my friends swore by the Terry Fly so I bought one. That thing would buzz my nuts in about 10 minutes unless I pointed it way down. That was the first time I ever experienced that buzzing. Scared the hell out of me. That saddle went on my singlespeed mountain bike since I stand a lot on that bike. I was psyched the day I endoed and destroyed that saddle. Back on went my tattered WTB saddle I bought in '97.

Like others have said, what works for some, does not work for others. Saddles can even look the same from the same manufacturer and feel completely different. Try out friend's bikes and search out used ones if your on a budget. When you find the right one, you'll stick with it. Just look at the number of old Brooks saddles in this forum. Good luck.

I dont know where you're commuting, but if it's totally dark, I dont think that light cuts it for seeing and avoiding things like potholes, cracks, debris, small animals. If the roads you're on have streetlights, different story, but where I live, no lights, rough roads and at least a 10W minimum for a headlight.

I have the same light. It is not adequate for dark roads in my opinion. I don't really ride in super dark situations and only use it for the sake of others seeing me. In the dark it just does not cut it. Give it a try but if you are having trouble seeing do yourself a favor and get something brighter. I have not due to expense but I cuss myself everytime I have to rely on it and honestly... It scares me.

bueller?


I would say you need a much wider seat. The problem is that your sit bones are not supporting you they are probably sittin on the outer edges of the seat and you are supporting yourself by your taint.

DO NOT RIDE AROUND WITH THIS SEAT IF IT KEEPS MAKING YOU NUMB. You, and your wife, will regret it.

Most local bike shops will let you try out some seats. Look for some that are wider. My personal preference would be a Brooks B-17. But thats just me.

Well now that I've got it angled down like that I don't get the numbness (well, I still do but it's minimal, nothing like it was before) so it's better .. for now. I'm going to get a new seat for sure, probably Saturday.

What are the long term effects to someone who has put up with the numbness repeatedly? I only dealt with it maybe 6 or 7 times (only been REALLY riding for a month) so I doubt I'm in any danger, but I'm just curious of what could happen.

Long term you'll be finding your wife asking if why Little Sonic won't come up to play. Not a good thing. You're putting pressure on your perineal area which has a bunch of nerves and blood vessels that help support the rise in your love life. Long term damage can result in improper blood flow which is not a good thing. One of our older riders (been riding since the early 70's) had to have surgery to correct this problem back around mid 1990's. Was told not to ride anymore but with a new saddle, some experimenting on position, and a lot of crossing fingers he's back in riding and making his wife happy again. But he was pretty scared there for a while I think. He called it cold balling. . .but whatever you call it you want to avoid it.

On another note, all the guys I ride with have had to dump their Specialized saddles for other ones. A few people on these forums really like them, but I sense they are in the minority. (I could be wrong). There are some great saddles out there. Neuvation is offering saddles now and provides you with an exchange/refund option if you don't like theirs. Check 'em out. If they're as good as the wheels I bought from them you should be fine. Otherwise, lots of other good ones out there. Talk to your LBS and see if they have old or used ones you can try. That might be a good option also.

Thanks, all. I think I'll keep riding my seat how it is for now, and talk to my LBS to see if they can order me a brooks b-17 (standard size I think, the narrow looks like my current seat). If not I'll pick it up online and see how it feels. I'm a little unsure on the looks but I'm more of a function > form person anyway ;)

Just thought I'd update -

I went to my LBS this evening and they put me on the ass-o-meter. Came out to 155 :eek:. Picked up a Specialized Alias. Just mounted it up and went for a spin. It felt really good, even in just my normal shorts so I'm hopeful for tomorrows ride :D

Thanks for the advice, all.

Just thought I'd update -

I went to my LBS this evening and they put me on the ass-o-meter. Came out to 155 :eek:. Picked up a Specialized Alias. Just mounted it up and went for a spin. It felt really good, even in just my normal shorts so I'm hopeful for tomorrows ride :D

Thanks for the advice, all.
Hopefully it feels comfortable at a saddle angle that is close to level.

What in the world is an assometer? I can only imagine...

I've had good success with the B-17, however I'm starting to think it's just a tad too wide in the nose area as I start to chafe on the sides of my legs on rides in the 50+ range.

Hopefully it feels comfortable at a saddle angle that is close to level.
http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/iswydt.jpg


And yes it is.

What in the world is an assometer? I can only imagine...

I found this pic on the intarweb:

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/assometer.jpg

You sit on it for some time, I sat there for a minute or two while I chatted with my wife and Melissa (the LBS employee). I got up, she checked the butt impressions (I'm sure she loves that part of the job) and said "you're a 155", here are the seats that we have that would work for you.

Bonus: the seat is lighter than the original seat, so I saved some weight in the process of hopefully finding something considerably more comfortable. I was planning to ride in today but I ended up being awake most of last night so I can't tell yet. I'll have time to get in some riding tomorrow :D

im not gonna be able to sleep tonight after lookin at that thing.

I found this pic on the intarweb:

http://www.turbocheese.net/hosted/assometer.jpg

im not gonna be able to sleep tonight after lookin at that thing.

You mean you wouldn't hit it???