SMP Evolution Saddle test
27/06/2020
Saddle test. Changed Selle Italia SLR Flow to SMP Evolution Test saddle.Adjusted setback by replicating shoulder shape. Nose to handlebar is now shorter because of SMP shape. After positioned rechecked and measured reach to stem from where saddle makes 7cm width and it's the same as with other previous saddles using the same reference point. (69cm)
Level was set at 3° nose down.
Seat height was left at 723mm. (Line to 7cm width)
First saddle impressions: Bike on the trainer. Despite being a narrow saddle I feel the weigth well distributed. I don't feel any unconfortable spot or edge. Thighs acommodate well and curved shape allows to grip the drops without perineal pressure.
40kms 1st test ride (27/06/2020)
Short but steady with medium to hard gearing. Couldn't help. Height seems a bit tight, probably because of the different spot where I sit now relative to a flatter saddle, although I feel fluent on the downstroke I have to reevaluate with a new test and maybe drop a few mm.
No feet numbness but usually don't appear on this length rides.
Seems that it allows me to rotate pelvis a bit so I could ride on the drops more confortably (considering my flexibility I see no better compromise apart from raising handlebar a bit) while pedaling fluently (still to be assesed), reach to the brake levers on the drops being perfect.
A bit of back sore and right upper back and shoulder. I think that's because of still be overreaching.
At the last part of the ride seemed that somehow a new stability were counteracting and forced me towards the left side (I'm assuming I drop the right hip by sliping forward a bit the RS on the saddle) and I started to feel the right side a bit more tight and cramped. I even rubbed the top tube with tje knee ocassionally on the R when I only used to do it with the L
After the ride I got a light sore in the right gastroc-ITB area.
Overall the saddle confort was excellent. Padding seemed enough.
I still keep a bit of chafing on the groin area coming from past days. Still unsure where does it comes from. SLR saddle shape and last longish rides (+90kms) had an effect on chafing, but this also because the left thigh rubbing the saddle in an attempt to stabilise. If it's not a skin issue only I should think that some kind of tendinitis wether at the psoas or harmstring attachment has developed caused by instability. I noticed some hair pore that's irritating there too.
I'll take it easy on the following new saddle rides to allow for recovery.
As far as saddle shape the Evolution seems promising. Absolutely no perineal disconfort, numbness or urethra burning. SMP seems the way to go for guys with a flexibility challenge or an special sensitivity to saddle shapes.
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