I’ve been through a few more, so here’s my updated list:
Fizik Arione
Terry Zero
Terry Butterfly
Terry Falcon X
Specialized Toupe 143
Selle Anatomica Titanico (kept it for a while, but it stretched too much and looked absolutely horrible)
Brooks B17 champion special
WTB Speed She
Specialized Jett 155
Selle San Marco Glamour Aspide
Fizik Vitesse
Koobi Xenon
SMP Pro
SMP Glider
Terry Butterfly (again- tried a newer one just to make sure)
Specialized Ruby 155
Bontrager Inform 150
Selle Italia SLR Gelflow (current saddle- haven’t ridden longer than an hour yet)
All of these but the last one (so far) have caused some sort of issue- most of the ones with cutouts have given me severe saddle sores on the sides of the cutout. The ones without a cutout (both Fiziks and the Brooks) caused horrible soft tissue pain. The soft ones (Butterfly, Bontrager, Zero) seem the worst about saddle sores (though the Bontrager wasn’t as bad since it has a large “dent” rather than a cutout). None of them after the An-Atomica caused sitbone soreness. I guessing by then, my butt had toughened up. I’m really tired of dealing with pain on rides over 35-40 miles. It sucks. I’ve lanced countless saddle sores and spent countless hours suffering while I ride.I’m hoping the SLR is the answer, but at this point, I’ve lost all hope!!!
If you manufacture saddles, and you’re reading this… please… help me…
I have tried that many saddles and most of the same ones you have tried. I now have the Terry Falcon X and it has not given me any problems. I also tried your latest one (Selle Italia), but it caused problems/sores on long rides. I have missed more training and races due to huge honkin saddle sores! I sometimes lance them myself with a needle or razor blade; sometimes go to dermatologist. I have used Tide detergent for years thinking it was the best. I switched to Gain and do not seem to be having any more problems (cx your fingers). Also, about a year ago the dermo told me that I was carrying a Staph infection (makes sense sitting on wet sweat in 95 degrees for hours at a time). Gave me some meds but staph is extremely hard to get rid of. Heard that you can take Clorox baths to help get rid of Staph so I do that when the sores start appearing. Really helps! About 1/4 cup per tub. Another thing that has helped tremendously is Assos chamois cream. It is the best! And trust me, just like saddles – I have tried them all and then some! Good Luck finding a cure! I know it is frustrating & painful especially racing as much as you do. Keep us posted!