Uneven legs and uneven backside ache

[Brianjeff50]

I’ve tried to sort this before but without great success and as i get older and thinner it seems more noticeable.
I finish most rides with considerably more backside ache on my left 'cheek’ than my right. Basically there’s a red contact patch along that side -visible even after yesterday’s modest 30 miler.
I’m guessing I must be riding slouched to that side.
My left leg is also a lot stronger and beefier than my right so I’m presuming I favour it.
I’ve tried two saddles - my regular, an SMP Well and an Enigma branded one on my new (secondhand Etape) with not much difference.
Im reluctant to splash out on a ‘bike fit’. Do I live with it or are there any diy suggestions.

[mattheus]

I’ve tried to sort this before but without great success and as i get older and thinner it seems more noticeable.
I finish most rides with considerably more backside ache on my left 'cheek’ than my right. Basically there’s a red contact patch along that side -visible even after yesterday’s modest 30 miler.
I’m guessing I must be riding slouched to that side.
My left leg is also a lot stronger and beefier than my right so I’m presuming I favour it.
I’ve tried two saddles - my regular, an SMP Well and an Enigma branded one on my new (secondhand Etape) with not much difference.
Im reluctant to splash out on a ‘bike fit’. Do I live with it or are there any diy suggestions.

I would consider seeing a physio to sort out your imbalance. I think they are well worth the money - you are investing in your body, not in a saddle company

[Jdsk]

There are some reports in the archives of success following rotation of the saddle to left or right. Might be worth reading and trying.

Jonathan

[531colin]

It’s also possible that you ride with the bike other than properly upright; I unless I concentrate, I ride with the bike leaning to the left, so that I see more of the right side of the wheel, and my right bum bone makes a bigger saddle dent than the left.
I think the advice to see a physio and get yourself more symmetrical (or at least less wonky) is good advice. It’s also possible your legs are different lengths; I think mine are, but not enough to make much difference.

[Audax67]

My left leg is 11 mm shorter than the right, and I suffered with this for years. This is what I did:

- bought a Selle Anatomica saddle (no connection). These are made of supple leather with a long slot up the middle, so that the left and right sides can conform to the shape of your backside and move almost independently.

- moved the nose of the saddle a few mm to the left. This has the effect of lowering the left side and raising the right side slightly.

With this setup, plus good shorts & lube I could do S/R series and other long-distance rides without discomfort.

You'll probably have to punch and lace the saddle, otherwise it will spread under your weight and cut into your legs.

[Gearoidmuar]

There are some reports in the archives of success following rotation of the saddle to left or right. Might be worth reading and trying.

Jonathan

Very real effect. Rotate saddle nose towards sore side. Trial and error. Worked great for me. 2cm for me. Learnt it on this forum.

[Audax67]

You have to wonder why the plastic-saddle manufacturers haven't picked up on the fact that 40-70%* of humans have unequal leg lengths. I have never bought a bike with a saddle that even acknowledged the fact. My own inequality, a mere 11 mm, is enough to make any plastic saddle with a rigid armature an instrument of torture.

* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unequal_leg_length

[Pendodave]

Might it be worth trying your saddle up or down a cm or two? I've followed behind plenty of cyclists who seem to be reaching a bit for their pedals, which causes odd and potentially frictionous(!) movement of the pelvis,

I'm lopsided (slightly odd legs, plus playing an asymmetrical sport), and I choose to use mtb flat pedals with little screws for grip instead of clipping in. I feel that this allows me to slightly vary my feet and consequently leg movements to prevent discomfort on longer rides. It seems to work, but I've not double blinded with alternative configurations to verify.