tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171276409343367393.post7018678676023123562..comments2023-09-29T04:26:29.984-07:00Comments on Blue Blazes the Trail: French lessonsRuthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03564676836023211208noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171276409343367393.post-75747854337953217502013-01-25T09:12:39.077-08:002013-01-25T09:12:39.077-08:00I ride a Synergist and so can't speak specific...I ride a Synergist and so can't speak specifically about the Specialized or any issues with it but I am the QUEEN of looking like someone beat me after a ride. I've switched from fenders to the two inch leathers and have found that as long as no buckle is on my shin and I've covered the whole saddle in fleece I don't bruise up my legs. Now... chaffing... well... I start every ride with enough monkey butt powder to turn my bum and my saddle white and Glide up my knees. Does the trick but I look a little funny. Hopefully though your awesome new saddle works out great. There is something to be said for a lightweight saddle that fits your horse correctly. Caitlinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05459999598962107210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171276409343367393.post-82234146620810175582013-01-24T20:30:24.733-08:002013-01-24T20:30:24.733-08:00Aarene, I had never thought about it before, but I...Aarene, I had never thought about it before, but I think you are right about my feet. I tend to shove them as far into the stirrups as I can for the extra stability. I'll try pulling them back a bit and see how it goes. I'm already noticing a difference in my low back and hips, but I really need to get out an put some miles on it to see where the shortcomings are. Maybe this weekend...<br /><br />Cathy, I asked Carol about doing that very thing. I have a piece of high-density closed foam from another project, and I'm thinking about using it to slightly bolster the seat rise. I also have a plan about the seat saver, though I'm saving that for another blog post. :) I'm glad someone will have the pleasure of using that old Trailmaster. It really is a great saddle, just slightly too small for me. Hopefully we'll all be happier with the new setup!Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03564676836023211208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171276409343367393.post-15022160650010281722013-01-24T17:07:21.108-08:002013-01-24T17:07:21.108-08:00Hi Ruth,
I ride in a Specialized International an...Hi Ruth,<br /><br />I ride in a Specialized International and I am totally a 'princess and the pea' type person. I have to have nothing under my thigh, or I bruise, nothing on my shin, or I bruise and I have double seat savers. I ended up shimming the seat (where I sit), adding fleece covers on the stirrup leathers and also shimming under my thigh where the leathers hang down. But, now it's very comfy. We'll take good care of your old Specialized - no doubt you'll see it out on the trail!Tekeladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03124401381474965483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171276409343367393.post-26796176273981526682013-01-24T09:42:10.211-08:002013-01-24T09:42:10.211-08:00I agree that the workmanship on Specialized has be...I agree that the workmanship on Specialized has become increasingly adequate (as opposed to "impressive") Carol Brand really does take the pain out of dealing with Specialized, she's the best.<br /><br />Like you, I found that when I rode in a saddle that ACTUALLY FITS THE HORSE and is truly the right size for me and my "hugely muscular" thighs, my seat was immediately more secure and my posture improved dramatically.<br /><br />So, there's that. <br /><br />The newer removable seats are made with more padding than in years past, and that's a good thing. I used to ride with sheepskin and took it off because I found I didn't need it--and the extra layer made the twist feel wider, which is uncomfortable for me. Also, sheepskin + riding in the rain = soggy bum = embarrassing diaper rash.<br /><br />I haven't had a problem with stirrup leathers and haven't felt the need for stirrup turners. Check your foot position in the stirrup (have somebody take photos from the ground) to make sure your foot is squarely in the stirrup and not shoved in too far or positioned at a strange angle. When you've ridden a few hundred miles in the stirrups, the thick padding will crush down a bit under the ball of your foot to cradle it, so be sure you're building the crushed-down part in the right place.<br /><br />Best of luck!AareneXhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18072169739345465380noreply@blogger.com