The art of finding a comfortable saddle

I am one of the group of cyclists that has severe problems finding a comfortable saddle. Any ride leads to discomfort within an hour. I have tried a huge range of saddles, with varying levels of success.

Currently, on my race bike I ride a Fizik Arione Tri 2 (http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/components/saddles/product/review-fizik-arione-tri-2-saddle-30846/) - this is the most comfortable saddle I have been able to find, although I have it at a crazy angle, at about a slope of 25% to the front. Looks odd - but it works.

It's a problem. Okay, I'm big boned for a cyclist, and have wide sit bones (http://yoga.about.com/od/howtospeakyoga/g/SitBones.htm http://www.artscyclery.com/learningcenter/measuresitbonewidth.html) but how can this still be a problem after all this time? How can there not be a saddle that suits me, someone who has done a lot of miles on different bikes? Clearly, I am a lot of kg heavier than the average pro cyclist whom most saddles are aimed at, but this situation seems crazy to me.

And it's not just me - many pros suffer from the same problem. One recent well publicized issue was with seasoned pro Ivan Basso who missed the 2013 Giro D'Italia with a golf-ball sized sore and ended up with a month off the bike - an absolute disaster for a professional bike rider.

I've tried a lot of saddles - The Specialized Romin, Brooks, the list goes on, but I have yet to find something that really suits me on any bike,

Fast forward to now and I have a huge problem. Currently I am riding a fully laden touring tandem around southeast Asia,

Fully loaded tandem touring

Take those pains and multiply them a hundred-fold. I'm not underestimating here. The weight of our tandem, with both of us on board must be over 250kg. As captain (http://sheldonbrown.com/tandem.html) I am responsible for steering and holding the weight of the bike in a straight line, along with avoiding road debris (glass, sharp rocks etc) and navigating and tricky issues. All the weight seems to be multiplied onto my saddle and gives me so much grief I cannot describe.

There is a routine that we are into. For the first 10 minutes the bike seems heavy and twitchy, and the legs are cold and stiff to get going. After a while we get into a routine. Then the hands start to get sore - holding all that weight on standard road handle bars is tricky and not for the faint of heart. The saddle I have chosen is the standard one that came with my bottom of the line Claud Butler mountain bike in 2006 (150GBP new for the entire bike - similar to this http://www.evanscycles.com/products/claud-butler/cape-wrath-2005-mountain-bike-ec004575?style=5801) - it is a heavily padded wide saddle, and in my tests prior to leaving on this Asia tour, it was the only one that was comfortable over 50 miles. After about 30 minutes the bottom feels something - a quick shuffle and it's ok again for 10 minutes. Then the time between shuffles gets shorter and shorter, decreasing to me needing to perform the bottom shuffle every minute. After more than 4 hours on the bike, it becomes extremely painful all the time, with the only relief coming from a short break. This limits the distance we can ride, and the pain that I am in after riding is done.

Interestingly, despite the angle of the saddle being tipped crazy forward (25-30% - I have played with this a lot), the pain really goes away when cycling up hill. Maybe it's not going away, and then focus shifts to the legs as we struggle to get that beast of a bike up another hill.

Another approach I have tried, is simply going slowly. Going hard builds lactate - I find this on my road bike - when I sprint, the lactate in the big muscles - backside,  quads, hamstrings - builds up quickly - and the pain comes in more quickly. By going slowly I am playing with a delicate (!!) equation - there will be a longer time in the saddle - so more time for the ass to hurt over. By going quicker, there is less time for the ass to hurt, but the lactate builds up quicker, and the pain comes on quicker. When the pain comes on more, more breaks are required and ends with a longer ride distance.

The last few days, as we have gone over the 1000 mile mark in this trip, the pain day by day has come on quicker and harder, and I have to do something. I have been imagining new designs saddles as I am riding along.

I have ordered a saddle from kickstarter that will be arriving to me in 2 months time - the Infinty Saddle (http://www.infinitycycling.us/) - this is a new approach to saddle design and does away with padding and uses a broad frame - when this arrives I will be providing a review.

Infinity Saddle

Of course, the Sheldon Brown site provides an excellent review of saddles (http://sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html) and the one that I am most interested in with my experience right now is the concept of split saddles - they are cast aside by him, but there are plenty out there - with names such as Spongy Wonder, and Moon saddle (http://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/150921-has-anyone-used-spongy-wonder-spiderflex-seat.html). The reason they are rejected from the racing world seems to be due to the nose being essential for control, leaning and steering. This may not be a problem on a touring tandem.

Spongy Wonder

And then of course there is the Brooks Champion Saddle - a sprung leather saddle that is well loved by many tourers.

Brooks Champion Flyer

I will be trying different saddles as I can get my hands on them - at my current state I sill be struggling to continue riding in a few weeks so need to do something drastic.

I've snapped a few images of some saddles that I've seen on working bikes in Thailand - how these guys can continue pedaling working bikes and pedocabs just defeats me! Maybe I am being soft and need to "Zitto e Pedala" - shut up and pedal!

PedoCab in Thailand

Close up of PedoCab saddle, Thailand

That's gotta hurt! Thailand

For me it has now reached desperation point. Today as we were cycling along I saw a manky discarded broken flip flop on the side of the road. I jumped off the bike, ran down the road, picked it up and put it on my saddle. The result? Heaven!!

It is now taped on to my saddle, and working so much better than without. I don't know how long it will last, and if the comfort level will stay, but I will be experimenting as much as I can to find something acceptable in the forthcoming months - watch this space!

The discarded flip flop taped onto my saddle

Pleasure! Relief! Ahhhhh!

Danny Macaskill's latest video is simply breathtaking

Danny Macaskill's latest video combines all the superlatives I can think of, but mainly: awesome, breathtaking, and absolute freaking scary as heck. The guy is a legend. No more words.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ_IQS3VKjA

Ello - from Budnitz - the next anti-Facebook?

Social media sites come and go: some soar and some sink, others soar and then sink, others just go away without reaching critical mass. Today, to keep in touch, you need to create a communication strategy that hits all the key social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Tumblr, Google+, Renren, Tencent, Uber, Cyworld...
These days, hitting your news streams and social media platforms you will be hearing about, if you have not heard already, about Ello (www.ello.co).

But why am I interested? Well, the founder of Ello is Paul Budnitz (http://paulbudnitz.com/) - inventor, creator, designer - but most of all for me, he's the owner of Budnitz Bicycles - one of which has been on my wish list for a long time (http://budnitzbicycles.com/).

So - let's talk bikes and why I love the look of his bikes so much.

His bikes are beautiful, made with the best equipment, with the cleanest lines - simple, functional and boundlessly elegant.

Classically he makes urban bikes, with swooping elegant lines. Frames are typically titanium. Accessories are kept to a minimum, giving a light speedy ride. Single speed drivetrains are powered by a carbon belt drive - maintenance and oil free. Disc brakes give stopping power, and the saddles are typically from Brooks. And of course, they make a beer opener :) (http://shop.budnitzbicycles.com/products/budnitz-titanium-beer-wrench)

This is a bike I would love to ride, love to own, love to use, and probably most likely, would love own just to look at!

Back to social media. After making these beautiful bikes he has now dived into the world of social media by starting Ello. The brand is designed to be simple, elegant, and ad-free. Commentators are calling it the anti-Facebook. And, frankly it is time. 

I have been riling against Facebook for some time now, really typified by the ice bucket challenge and most annoyingly the stupid seemingly non-sensical removal of the messenger function from Facebook and putting it in a separate app. I can't really understand the driver behind this - is it to gather more data, to find a better way to get their claws into us, or is it just to be annoying? Who knows?! Maybe this time we have reached the zenith, the nadir - maybe we have the critical mass to finally move away from Facebook.

Somewhere we need to strike a balance. Social media drives to bring people together, to connect, to share positive messages, to share real news away from the influence of some of the worst news reporters (Fox, and more recently the BBC seems to have lost it's way), and to allow people who are distant to stay in touch (this is particularly dear to my heart, having lived away from home for 5 years). All social media forums seem to start with a similar proviso - to connect, to be positive, to spread the word, to give a voice to all, and certainly to not be evil ("Don't be evil" - at the very heart of the Google ethics code http://investor.google.com/corporate/code-of-conduct.html). Sidenote: I really hope this is the case! Most business leaders I have known are driven, but with a very strong ethical core

Culture and values run deep through the core of  every business. Some of them live and breathe naturally through the lifeblood of small businesses, and sometimes, it can be seen throughout every employee. I cannot possibly say that it is always like this. So, for now I am going to take the physicians code - Primum non nocere (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primum_non_nocere) - at first do no harm, assume that all players are occupying their space to make the world a better place, and to be a good human being.

I was impressed by the words of Brian Chesky when advising the rapidly expanding AirBnB organisation (https://medium.com/@bchesky/dont-fuck-up-the-culture-597cde9ee9d4) - "Don't Fuck Up The Culture".

However, there comes a time when the pendulum has to swing - bills have to be paid, shareholders have to make money, social media platforms have to pay back millions of dollars to investors and venture capital has to be, well, re-capitalised.

As this happens, expansion continues, bottom lines are balanced more aggressively and the culture has to be re-embedded into new employees, and re-affirmed in existing employees. High level decisions are made to re-enforce the culture. In real terms - how does this happen? Someone at C-level sees a behaviour that is slipping in their organisation, insists that this must be re-enforced. The message filters through management levels and workstreams, possibly via external consultancies, and finally every employee receives another training to complete on top of all the others stored in the training management system. Certification is performed, typically at a workstation, whilst the employee is in another meeting, on a telephone conference, but rarely, oh so rarely, with dedicated engaged brainspace. Is this the way to balance the pendulum? Does adding another training address what the C-level executive was trying to achieve? Does adding another training embed the right culture and values in the organisation? Does it engage the employee or does it put them off kilter from the culture even more? 

Ello are communicating their manifesto and it is a refreshing diversion from where Facebook has arrived at. Facebook is driven by data, by advertising, working with personal data to get click throughs, purchase and selling. Ello are saying they will avoid data usage, advertising revenue, and will aim to eventually drive revenue through in-site, voluntary purchases. The manifesto is here https://ello.co/manifesto

"

We believe a social network can be a tool for empowerment. Not a tool to deceive, coerce and manipulate — but a place to connect, create and celebrate life.

"

I'm looking forward to following the story of Ello. At some point, if Ello is successful they will have to address the culture, be wary of the pendulum, maintain the manifesto and yet continue to keep the shareholders happy.

If Budnitz's beautiful bicycles are anything to go by he can balance the pendulum and maintain the culture. Good luck!

Who was the Tour de France Legend? and the Queen does what??!

Below is my favourite video from The Tour de France 2014.

Breakfast moonshine selfie

The Tour de France was in some way a difficult year, maybe a transitional year. It started in the UK, and received huge huge crowds, helped by some excellent weather. In fact, the crowds were in some ways too large - speedy pelotons and small roads packed with fans, coupled with fans who may have been somewhat new to the sport - plus an unfortunate coinciding with "The Selfie" phenomenon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfie) - meant we had several incidents with cyclists colliding with too-eager fans. Thankfully, there was little harm, but it could've been much worse.



A rare spark of daylight in this maelstrom was the video above - one eager fan, with a camera mounted to a helmet, held it too close to the fire and it was knocked off. Kevin Reza from Team Europcar swept up the helmet (at an incredible speed and no small amount of bike handling skill), and took it on a ride through the peloton and finally to the Team Europcar team car. In a happy ending, the camera and helmet made their way back to the owner via the wonders of twitter (@KevReza).



Queen in selfie photobomb shocker!

Queen selfie photobomb!

Meanwhile, in other selfie news, our Queen, Gawd bless her, photobombed a selfie of some australian hockey players during last month's Commonwealth Games - that has to be The Greatest Photobomb Ever (close meme).



Chris Hoy in identity question

Finally, also at the Commonwealth Games, Sir Chris Hoy was almost turned away from entry to the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome, after being asked for ID by one of the doormen. Absolute classic :)

Pro bike mechanics

Pro Bike Mechanics

Beer, scissors, tyres - #sopro

Quick version

Bike mechanic challenge

If your back wheel is so bent that the tyre rubs on the frame, drink a beer, and cut the edge of the tyre off with a pair of scissors, so that it no longer rubs - bike mechanic genius!
#sopro

The long version

I have several bikes, well a lot of bikes, I adhere strictly to the rule of n+1 http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/#12. Recently I have sold several of them as I prepare to downsize my life, which means that I am down to a mere 5 (Race bike, fixie, MTB, singlespeed, tandem, beater - actually - that's 6, but you get the idea!).

My beater is a beauty - I bought it in 2006, new for 150 GBP. It is a Claud Butler MTB, which originally was a 3x8 speed. It was very badly built, not surprising for a 150 GBP bike - the frame geometry is terrible, nothing ever fit particularly well. Despite that, it has been an absolute workhorse - it has seen me through a couple of years of adventure racing, trail riding in forests and recently has seen me through a tough Boston winter, being kept outside. Despite that it has gone on and on, through the crazy snow, and me leaving it locked outside without it being actually locked!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUNjZJerlSc&list=UUnHivw3dRZQpUeLiqzDJB8Q

After the winter things were getting pretty bad. The rear wheel was struggling and more of an oval shape rather than round, and the derailleur was shot to pieces. So I decided to convert it to a single speed. I whipped off the front derailleur, the rear brake (it was rubbing), and disconnected the rear derailleur. It has still been trusty, and I love riding it - taking it on the trails round here, commuting every day, and jumping off kerbs like an excited schoolchild on every trip. It's inherent value is now considerably less than the lock I use to secure it - in fact, I would literally be more upset about the loss of the lock if it got stolen.

However, it is now completely shafted. Recently I added on some locking skewers so I wouldn't have to worry about the wheels being stolen, for the few cents they are worth.

http://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Lock-n-Roll-Skewers/dp/B002K2IYPY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1408678064&sr=8-8&keywords=locking+skewers

However, the jumping and the years and the snow have taken their toll. On Sunday the hub collapsed so that the back wheel constantly rubbed on the frame. I attempted some TLC, checked the bearings, and decided it was shot. Of course, a new wheel would cost approximately four times the entire value of the bike so I am doing all I can to keep it going.

So, after a couple of beers, I hit on a genius idea. If the wheel is so bent that the tyre rubs on the frame - cut off the knobbly bits of the tyre with a pair of scissors - and hey presto! no more rubbing. Genius.

#sopro

Boston Bike Party

The Boston Bike Party is one of my favourite things to do in Boston. A monthly critical mass of bicycle lovers who just want to hang out and enjoy the city on two wheels.

The group is young (just over one year old) and has some great organisation. Routes are scenic and well monitored by other riders, controlling safety at intersections. On the rides are a couple of guys who tow trailers with enormous speaker systems, playing the agreed set lists. Frequent stops allow a little light dancing and some photo opportunities. The usual characters can be found on two wheels: the guy who plays drums, a guy with his dog in a panier bag, a tandem, and of course "wheelie kid", It's great fun, and is well-loved by the Boston locals, always giving a cheer when they see us riding around.

Boston people get involved!

https://www.facebook.com/BostonBikeParty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLhv73D3H54&list=UUnHivw3dRZQpUeLiqzDJB8Q

Breaking away

35 years ago this year, one of the quintessential cycling films, Breaking Away, was released.

This is a coming of age film, set in the back drop of Indiana University with the classic townie versus university battle. The main character, Dave Stoller, is fascinated by Italian cycling culture and everything Italian. He is a "cutter" - a townie from a poor background. He studies  and speaks Italian, listens to opera and is constantly wearing campag and classic Italian apparel. The simple story of the show are much loved amonsgst the cycling fraternity 35 years later: After racing an Italian team and being turned off by their behaviour, he turns to France and French cycling. His father, wanting him to get a trade, changes in his attitude, plus his friends fighting against the rich and privileged students, all make great cinema.

http://viewpoints.iu.edu/btown-banter/2014/04/24/buon-giorno-btown-celebrating-35-years-of-breaking-away/

Here's the trailer on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1jzs6dk4bs

http://news.indiana.edu/releases/iub/iu-in-the-news/dnb-04-22-2014.shtml

The listing for Breaking Away on IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078902/

Breaking away on Wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_Away

Beantown to Ptown May 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRsBNMpkzOM

http://www.strava.com/activities/145659531

The fellowship of the 9 was formed, 9 strong men and women, and bold, brave enough to carry themselves all the way to Ptown (and back again), to defeat the twin evil beasts of holiday weekend boredom and excessive holiday cookie consumption.



The intrepid fellowship, formed of representatives from the far flung corners of Middle Mass, had a simple mission. Carry the impression of the missing member of the group, to Provincetown and back again, within a day.

Living across the four corners of Boston, the fellowship met up in dribs and drabs. Like the Pied Piper of Hamelin, as the first of the fellowship (The Doc, The Swede, The Big German and The Brit) convoy met first at Peets Coffee in Harvard, then picked up more rats, sorry fellows, as the pipes were played across Boston and to Boston South train station. The evil hordes had contrived to dusrupt our intrepid travellers, by arranging a mighty army of runners cutting off all the roads connecting Cambridge to the train station. "5k woo-hoo" came the rallying cry from The Mustachioed One, as a unit we steeled ourselves and broke through the ranks of the evil hordes and made it through to the train station.

Tea and doughnuts were procured from DDs at the train station, trusty steeds were housed aboard the carriage at the rear, and intrepid explorers were away. A short 60 minute spin to Buzzard's Bay for a mere 20 USD, sold by a man with a patriotic belt buckle. Seats for the steeds were luxurious, less so for our travelers, legs had to be tessellated into limited space akin to a game of tetris, and of course, noone could sit near The Big German.

Disembarking the train, our heroes set compasses, heads, and GPSs and started to wind through the countryside. The path was not straight, and our heroes lost bearings, and left the path several times. There was a great deal of nerves as they rode over a huge bridge over the Cape Cod canal, and at one time the evil road bit hard on the wheels of The Doc, sucking air from wheels, and leaving her empty. How many riders does it take to change an inner tube? Pretty much all of them as it turns out!

The path straightened and escaped the wild roads. Big metal cars were banned from these roads and the compatriots relaxed as they span through the countryside, through fields and parks and past lakes with motorboats. Our intrepid 9some were speedy, much speedier than the other users of the path, and coordination was required to navigate through the hoi polloi.

Sustenance was required, we picked up another intrepid member of the crew - C-Dog the ball player - and searched for the right combination of the major food groups. Thankfully, D'Angelo (burp!) was willing and able to meet our requirements.

As we reached the end of our journey, the road climbed and descended, rolling towards the final destination, then finally we were there. Entering Provincetown, we were delighted and happy and very happy to see the sea and sand and sun. A swift fish and chips and three pints of beer later, I was feeling human again. The cold came in out of the sun, so much so that The Green One purchased a souvenir (green) Cape Cod hoodie. We shivered our way onto the ferry (62 USD, including bike) and snored and dribbled our way back to Boston seaport, approximately 1.5 hours. When we got back we donned lights and jackets and cycled back through the city. It was bizarre to see the drunkards on a bank holiday Sunday night as we were riding around. As we made our way through the city, one by one we melted away, and returned to our lairs, tired, happy and with fond memories of a cracking day out.