CyclingPT said:The Specialized seats do offer a large, flat rear sitting surface. One large draw back, however, is the lack of an abrupt transition between the rear and the nose of the seat. This section follows the inner borders of the pubic rami (Where Alcock’s canal is) and can put pressure on the arteries and nerves as the rider leans forward on the seat. The Specialized seats were tested for blood flow with the rider in a generally upright position (trunk to horizontal angle of 60 degrees). The teardrop shape will also encourage the rider to slide forward on the seat while riding to minimize the material between the thighs. Especially on the wider models of the seats where the wide rear gradually transitions to the nose this would become a larger problem.
Hi Cycling PT,
Thanks for picking up on the strand and providing info. I wonder how the E3 compares to the various noseless seats that have become available over the last few years? I have never ridden one myself -- this is in part why I posted the Times article in the first place, to ask if anyone has specific experience with noseless seats. I can imagine how a noseless seat would shift more weight onto the "sit bones." But, for some reason it's difficult for me to imagine riding without some type of nose. On the E3, I wonder why you just made the nose narrower rather than getting rid of the nose altogether? What are the benefits of retaining the nose? What purpose does it serve, apart from encouraging a rider to shift weight forward a bit. Does it keep too much weight off the wrists? That seems like something one should worry about in trying a noseless saddle. Seems like an inordinate amount of wieght might shift into the arms, shoulders, and wrists.
Craig