Excellent video.. It answered a lingering question I have had. Your pressure graphics are "picture worth a thousand words" eureka moment.. I switched to the ISM saddle long ago, right when they came out. It was fit perfectly to me and I can attest to two things: 1) five hour rides with *correctly* positioned ISM saddles are possible without any shifting, sitting up, discomfort, or numbness. No bull; when set correctly, these saddles are like gifts from the Gods or Cosmic Forces. However, 2) if they are set incorrectly (I moved to Florida and a new shop didn't have much experience with the ISM yet and set my too far forward. This video just showed what I couldn't understand (and why) in exceptional clarity. You can't really see a few millimeters when you look, but being off can be more uncomfortable the standard saddle! Millimeters do make a difference!! Take a tool on your rides to dial in your perfect setting and you will never want to get off your bike again!!
Thanks for the extremely well-done video and clear explanation of how these saddles work and fit. I ride 100-200+ miles per week, but I've struggled with soft tissue discomfort and was looking into these saddles. I couldn't wrap my head around why ISM sizes tend to run narrow. Based on a previous sit bone measurement, I usually ride a width around 145mm, but most ISMs are 120-135mm. Thanks to your video, I not only understand proper set-up for these, but your clear demo and graphics explain how the slight change in body position seems to facilitate a narrower overall saddle. Now I'm really looking forward to trying one soon.
Very helpful. It occurs to me I may have incorrectly set up all of my TT/tri-bike type saddles with perineum relief cutouts. None of them has been particularly comfortable -- Cobb, Selle Italia, Bontrager -- so I was reluctant to try an ISM, other, perhaps, than a used one. But I may have set up all of those saddles too far forward. I've tried them all for a month or so and several hundred miles, but always returned to the typical solid top Selle Italia type, which seems to suit me best on my road bikes -- but not so much my hybrids or road bike set upright for longer casual pace rides.
I found the same with this saddle. I have the ISM PN 2.1 test saddle and it was set at -1d. I found I was sliding down so I levelled the saddle and dropped it about 2mm. What a world of difference. I was getting a little thigh rubbing so I ordered the ISM PN 3.1, its about 20mm shorter and the same width. I did have some complaints about some discomfort further forward on my sit bones. These saddles have a little break in time. I rode 20-30 3 times a week before going any longer.
This looks like it makes a lot of sense. I had a prostatectomy last year and I'm trying to get comfortable. Was looking at SMP and now this. This doesn't look noseless so much as a split nose. But this makes it relatively wide up front--so I wonder if you get any complaints of it chafing the inside of the thighs.
Great thanks. It is a very comfortable saddle with less pressure It was slightly thicker than my Fiziks so I dropped the seat post to compensate as you said I did not feel that I had to place the saddle further back than usual, it's just that it has no nose, so you have to be careful to get the point on which you actually sit on the saddle in the same position as before, and have the same reach. Usually I start with my saddles as far back as the rails allow anyway, and that is usually good. It seems from the photos that is what you did with both saddles
@@greatvedas , Hi, I had too many issues with the inner legs, I used the saddle two rides and suffered for a month... I changed to SELLE ITALIA IRON EVO and it suits me 100% and as an extra it is 100 gr. lighter.
I'm 235 lb and 6 foot 2. Because my trainer locks my bike in stiff as a rock, I go completely numb in the crotch after about 20 minutes on zwift. I tried five different saddles and before I tried an ism, riding indoors was impossible.
I feel your pain. I've been riding an SQ Lab 611 which is perfect in the dirt (mountain bike), but on Zwift (Wahoo Kickr), I can't make more than 45 minutes without sit bone pain. Just broke out my old Adamo and stumbled across this vid while trying to set it up.
Thanks for the video. Just one question, could you tell us where in the saddle should be placed the ischiatic branches, while seated i dont know if i am too on the front, i can leave 4 fingers behind but i dont know if i am not completely comfortable because i am seated too much on the front or because it is not for me. Otherwise i have much less pain on the quads since i started to use this saddle what is amazing. Tx
Thanks for this video. In terms of the saddle test you suggested in another video, does it also applies here or is there some caveat we should be aware of?
Im a bug guy. 290lbs and coming down. Tried couple saddles. Last 3 weeks been riding the Specialized Mimic (made for female). It relieved pressure off my junk but not the perineum... So, I returned it. Looking to try the ism pn 3.1 now. What's your thoughts? Guy at store said may take while to get use to but I will love it because it takes pressure off perinuem and the nerve...I do rude an endurance bike though. Giant Defy
I've been riding the pn1.0 for awhile now and love it for the most part! all the numbness that I used to experience is gone. Getting the placement has been really tricky, but I've figured out that I need to place the saddle at the furthest back setting on my bike. Also the saddle is most comfortable in a low aero position, hanging right near the front of the saddle. If you're going to be a bit more upright you might wanna checkout the pl models from ism, they're a bit longer and supposedly lend themselves better to general road biking. I might try those myself If I can't dial in the position on this saddle without getting a more setback seatpost. I had the experience your bike store guy mentioned, all your weight is on your sitbones which takes some getting used to, definitely wouldn't recommend a century on the first ride!
@@sukkyatlife "If you're going to be a bit more upright you might wanna checkout the pl models from ism, they're a bit longer and supposedly lend themselves better to general road biking." -- these words are gold. Exactly whar i was looking for. I was wondering whether to go with PR2 or PL1.1
Thanks for the reply. I noticed from the video that I didn't slant mine down at all, and that might be part of the weird feel. Hope that helps when I adjust it, or this one might not work for me.
Lowered the angle down like your video recommended and it was an immediate night and day difference. When the seat was flat it made my hips tighten up and blow, now it's fantastic. Thanks again man.
I had to tilt my ism pr 3.0 back 2°- it feels kind of wrong, because my saddles are usually tilted about 1-2 degrees forward. I felt excessive load on the upper body in tt position. Ism mentioned that some people prefer forward tilt. Do I do anything wrong? :/
![Chino Pacas - Smith (ft. Junior H & Fuerza Regida) [Video Visualizador Oficial]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/BVK6k56X30Y/mqdefault.jpg)
The pressure map and your notes on it made it very clear what we are looking at. Very informative video. Great job. Thank you.
+Patrick Chan thank you!
Excellent video.. It answered a lingering question I have had. Your pressure graphics are "picture worth a thousand words" eureka moment..
I switched to the ISM saddle long ago, right when they came out. It was fit perfectly to me and I can attest to two things:
1) five hour rides with *correctly* positioned ISM saddles are possible without any shifting, sitting up, discomfort, or numbness. No bull; when set correctly, these saddles are like gifts from the Gods or Cosmic Forces. However,
2) if they are set incorrectly (I moved to Florida and a new shop didn't have much experience with the ISM yet and set my too far forward. This video just showed what I couldn't understand (and why) in exceptional clarity. You can't really see a few millimeters when you look, but being off can be more uncomfortable the standard saddle! Millimeters do make a difference!! Take a tool on your rides to dial in your perfect setting and you will never want to get off your bike again!!
best video I have seen on these saddles. I have one on the way hoping it will help keep me on the bike.
Thanks for the extremely well-done video and clear explanation of how these saddles work and fit. I ride 100-200+ miles per week, but I've struggled with soft tissue discomfort and was looking into these saddles. I couldn't wrap my head around why ISM sizes tend to run narrow. Based on a previous sit bone measurement, I usually ride a width around 145mm, but most ISMs are 120-135mm. Thanks to your video, I not only understand proper set-up for these, but your clear demo and graphics explain how the slight change in body position seems to facilitate a narrower overall saddle. Now I'm really looking forward to trying one soon.
Very helpful, the pressure maps in particular, thank you.
Phenomenal video! Thanks for taking the trouble to create this video. Lifesaver.
i have this sattle and what you say about it is 100 % right.
Very helpful. It occurs to me I may have incorrectly set up all of my TT/tri-bike type saddles with perineum relief cutouts. None of them has been particularly comfortable -- Cobb, Selle Italia, Bontrager -- so I was reluctant to try an ISM, other, perhaps, than a used one. But I may have set up all of those saddles too far forward. I've tried them all for a month or so and several hundred miles, but always returned to the typical solid top Selle Italia type, which seems to suit me best on my road bikes -- but not so much my hybrids or road bike set upright for longer casual pace rides.
This answers my questions I left on your other video. Very good. Thanks for taking the time.
I found the same with this saddle. I have the ISM PN 2.1 test saddle and it was set at -1d. I found I was sliding down so I levelled the saddle and dropped it about 2mm. What a world of difference. I was getting a little thigh rubbing so I ordered the ISM PN 3.1, its about 20mm shorter and the same width. I did have some complaints about some discomfort further forward on my sit bones. These saddles have a little break in time. I rode 20-30 3 times a week before going any longer.
I hear you. Mine took about 300km to break me in. I almost sold it but all good now. Probably going to get a setback seatpost next
This looks like it makes a lot of sense. I had a prostatectomy last year and I'm trying to get comfortable. Was looking at SMP and now this. This doesn't look noseless so much as a split nose. But this makes it relatively wide up front--so I wonder if you get any complaints of it chafing the inside of the thighs.
It doesn’t, but it pains a lot
Too much pressure on sit bones
@@Lone_wolf_31 Thanks!
I just had mine delivered today...
It looks smaller than expected. I hope it is a good saddle , haven't installed yet
How do you like it? What size did you get
Great thanks.
It is a very comfortable saddle with less pressure
It was slightly thicker than my Fiziks so I dropped the seat post to compensate as you said
I did not feel that I had to place the saddle further back than usual, it's just that it has no nose, so you have to be careful to get the point on which you actually sit on the saddle in the same position as before, and have the same reach. Usually I start with my saddles as far back as the rails allow anyway, and that is usually good. It seems from the photos that is what you did with both saddles
Superb description !
This being 2020. Is there anything we’ve learned that should be updated to this info?
Thanks, great detailed explanation, just ordered one and hopeall works out fine!
Its been 2 years. How did you go Johan.
@@greatvedas , Hi, I had too many issues with the inner legs, I used the saddle two rides and suffered for a month... I changed to SELLE ITALIA IRON EVO and it suits me 100% and as an extra it is 100 gr. lighter.
I'm 235 lb and 6 foot 2. Because my trainer locks my bike in stiff as a rock, I go completely numb in the crotch after about 20 minutes on zwift. I tried five different saddles and before I tried an ism, riding indoors was impossible.
I feel your pain. I've been riding an SQ Lab 611 which is perfect in the dirt (mountain bike), but on Zwift (Wahoo Kickr), I can't make more than 45 minutes without sit bone pain. Just broke out my old Adamo and stumbled across this vid while trying to set it up.
Thanks for the video. Just one question, could you tell us where in the saddle should be placed the ischiatic branches, while seated i dont know if i am too on the front, i can leave 4 fingers behind but i dont know if i am not completely comfortable because i am seated too much on the front or because it is not for me. Otherwise i have much less pain on the quads since i started to use this saddle what is amazing. Tx
Thanks for this video. In terms of the saddle test you suggested in another video, does it also applies here or is there some caveat we should be aware of?
Great informative video. Have subscribed to your site
Great video!
Thank you!
Im a bug guy. 290lbs and coming down. Tried couple saddles. Last 3 weeks been riding the Specialized Mimic (made for female). It relieved pressure off my junk but not the perineum... So, I returned it. Looking to try the ism pn 3.1 now. What's your thoughts? Guy at store said may take while to get use to but I will love it because it takes pressure off perinuem and the nerve...I do rude an endurance bike though. Giant Defy
I've been riding the pn1.0 for awhile now and love it for the most part! all the numbness that I used to experience is gone. Getting the placement has been really tricky, but I've figured out that I need to place the saddle at the furthest back setting on my bike. Also the saddle is most comfortable in a low aero position, hanging right near the front of the saddle. If you're going to be a bit more upright you might wanna checkout the pl models from ism, they're a bit longer and supposedly lend themselves better to general road biking. I might try those myself If I can't dial in the position on this saddle without getting a more setback seatpost. I had the experience your bike store guy mentioned, all your weight is on your sitbones which takes some getting used to, definitely wouldn't recommend a century on the first ride!
@@sukkyatlife "If you're going to be a bit more upright you might wanna checkout the pl models from ism, they're a bit longer and supposedly lend themselves better to general road biking." -- these words are gold. Exactly whar i was looking for.
I was wondering whether to go with PR2 or PL1.1
Thanks. good info.
I can't seem to get mine back far enough, does that seem to be a common issue?
At times, yes. Some riders may have trouble getting the ISM saddle far back enough
Thanks for the reply. I noticed from the video that I didn't slant mine down at all, and that might be part of the weird feel. Hope that helps when I adjust it, or this one might not work for me.
Lowered the angle down like your video recommended and it was an immediate night and day difference. When the seat was flat it made my hips tighten up and blow, now it's fantastic. Thanks again man.
I had to tilt my ism pr 3.0 back 2°- it feels kind of wrong, because my saddles are usually tilted about 1-2 degrees forward. I felt excessive load on the upper body in tt position. Ism mentioned that some people prefer forward tilt. Do I do anything wrong? :/
Have you checked their website? It tells you how to set it up properly.
Did you say lower the seat height as well?
It's a video, if you have questions on what he said, just scroll back. ffs
Yes, scroll thru the video. Lower 5 mm compared with the position of a conventional saddle.
Jeffrey T. Donovan