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Hey all,
posting on behalf of my girlfriend. Currently she is using a charge ladle and thomson post but has been finding it a little uncomfortable so looking at alternatives.
previously we tried a spesh saddle and post(came as stock on the bike)and an easton post woth a big padded saddle!
Could it be that the frame is the root of the problem (Rockhopper) and something steel would be kinder to her?
So-what saddle/post are you using as I am trying to get a list of possible changes together!?
Any feedback appreciated!
Will
Hey Will, as far as I'm aware all alloy seatposts are pretty much the same so I wouldn't have thought the Thompson would be the root of any problems.
Tbh, I'd also be surprised if the saddle was the problem as the Ladle is a pretty wide supportive saddle - although, admittedly people are different shapes so it is possible...
However, I reckon the Rockhopper is more likely to be culprit! Personally having moved from an alu frame would NEVER go back!
I'm very lucky so have a ti bike with carbon post and WTB Deva saddle and steel inbred (ss) with an old alloy post and a laddle. I find them both pretty comfy. I reckon the Ladle is a more all day saddle than the Deva which is a bit racey. The carbon takes out a bit of the trail buzz but I think it's the ti and the shape of the seatstays that makes the bike so comfortable.
If she loves her frame and the geometry is spot on then I'd suggest she tries a carbon post and maybe another saddle. However, if she likes the idea of a new frame then I'd definitely look at a steel frame. They ride so much better!
Plus, you don't have to spend a lot to get a great frame. The inbred is a fantastic frame for the money - just be aware of the long tt - and the Rocklobster (by Merlin) is easily the best value 853 frame around. I personally didn't like the low BB on the Rocklobster, but if she doesn't mind that, it's a great ride taught but forgiving ride and extremely light for steel too so she probably won't be adding much/any weight at all. (Lots of people on here really rate it)
Well, I hope that helps!
If you guys are anywhere near Bristol and your girlfriend's as small as me, she'd be welcome to try one/both of my bikes!
Thanks MM-that does help.
Personally I thought it would be the frame as I really noticed the difference with my steel frame when I changed from alu as-well.
I have been looking for a carbon post to try as-well and keeping my eye out for a steel or ti frame going cheap!
Just out of interest what size inbred are you riding and what height are you? Whats the Ti machine as-well-I think my girlfriend would like one because it would be shiny!
I'm not sure all Alloy posts are the same. I found a Easton EA70 much more flexy and comfortable than a Thomson.
No problem Will, glad its helped a bit. Although, interesting what HH says...
I'm 5'3/4" and ride a 14" - the TT is a bit long for me, but as it's my ss I'm stood up most of the time anyway!
My Ti bike is an Airborne Black Widow - now made by Van Nicholas and called the Tuareg. Absolutely beautiful bike, and the geometry is spot on for me and yes, it is very pretty too. They're not easy to find (unless you have the cash to buy a new VN that is) but they do occassionally come up on ebay.
How tall is your girlfriend then? And whereabouts are you based? Anyway in the SW or West Midlands?
I have a Specialized bg ladies saddle. the high end one (about £70 I think). It comes in 3 widths so you have to go to a spech dealer to get your ass measured. It's not much padded but once used to it you can stay on it for hours.
I find that padded saddles are comfortable at the beginning but for long rides it gets very sore as the padding squashes all the squishy bits! It's much better if you're actually sitting on your seat bones
I have that on a Thompson Elite on my MTB and on a carbon post on my road bike.
I find that I never fidgit (spl?) all the time as I used to on other saddles.
HH-it was an EA70 we tried before!
Based in Newcastle so miles away from you down there Mountain Monkey but thanks anyway! she is a bit taller than you- 5ft 8 I think-16inch inbred might be good! I have seen teh Van Nic frames and they are very nice but a bit over budget at the minute I'm afraid!
The Spesh Ass measure might be worth a try as-well-there is a store near us so might look into it!
Haha, yep - ass measuring sounds like the way forward!
Yep, the Van Nic frames are very pricey - got mine off ebay (well through a friend off ebay - long story) but it cost about £350 and personally I think the detailing is nicer than Van Nic's.
The Inbred is great though and fantastic value - I love mine! Steel is pretty much just as comfortable as ti and depending on frame design sometimes more so! So all in all a much better value option. Yep, Steel is a bit heavier, but that much when you think how much money you're saving.
My husband is 5'8/9" and his 16" Inbred fits him perfectly, so I'd have thought it might be good for her too. The only thing I'd say is, if she's got longer legs and a shorter torso (other way around to most guys) that it's probably worth running a shorter stem to compensate. I run a 65mm with pretty wide bars and it's greta - I wouldn't go any shorter though as it'll probably be too twitchy. I run a 70mm on my ti bike and for my that's the perfect stem length in terms of reach and control.
Having said that, if she likes chuckable frame - she could go for a 14" and stick a 90mm stem on it - depends on leg/torso ratio and how she likes her bikes though (chuckable or more stretched out) - worth trying a couple out if she can though - I'm sure a few people from up your way will have a 14" and 16" she could have a go on...