New Saddle, New Light, Same Old Karoo! (Trying Out A New Saddle.)

[@TexasNightRider]

One thing I like about this channel is the honesty. When Leonard has a bad day on the bike he explains what happened. All cyclists occasionally have the same experience. Just this morning I had to be on the road at a specific time. As I was airing up the rear tire the valve stem broke off. The tire rapidly deflated waking the entire household and it startled our Ragdoll cats that knocked things over getting out of the room. It was at that time I thought about Leonard's occasional challenges so I just ended up on the spinner and still got a good workout.

[@Jackcostello3]

I switched to cut out saddles 2 years ago. I have two different Bontrager models. It has been the biggest game changer of any modification I’ve made to any bike in my life. I’m 66 and doubled my saddle time the first year from an average of 2 hours to 4. I’ve been riding bikes since I was a kid. I can’t remember having any problem with either saddle yet. I’m 5’9-190lbs. I recommend cut outs to everyone know. Best of luck with it!

[@paulysci925]

I ride the infinity almost flat a most centered and I used to have to tilt the nose 6 degrees and set all my other saddles back. It's really a marvelous invention and the infinity claims of relieving any and all sitbone and anatomical soreness really worked for me. I'll probably rode one as long as they're available. I may even buy a few back ups just in case.

[@JockyT1]

Glad to hear that the new saddle is helping. I changed to a cut out saddle a few months ago and find it much better. Its a Bontrager Aeolus, completely different shape to yours, but comfortable all the same.

[@jollygoodvelo]

We are all different shapes.

[@thomashenkler4969]

I have the orriginal Karoo as well. I did an organized 54 mile ride two weeks ago with the route downloaded so it was my first exposure to the hill climbing. I did like the feature untill the last hill when it let me know I had a 3 mile climb of 900 feet, that one was a killer especially with 1 mile to go and still 365 feet to climb, As to battery life I still had over 20% at the end and the only sensor I dont have is power. I do like the fact that Karoo is still improving the orriginal model, speaks well for them.

[@cochiniere]

All my saddles point slightly downward, I find it more comfortable.

[@markriley5289]

In very general terms, pain in gentleman's region is relieved by pointing the saddle down at the front a little, pain in the sit-bones is relieved by rotating the saddle back a little. It took me a while to find the sweet spot.

[@heidijarvis777]

Good luck with the new saddle and I hope your sore is better.

[@WheelersAtLarge]

Like the look of the lights👍 Makes perfect sense to have a USB charge outlet. We could've made good use of that feature on a recent ride, apparently 'the mechanic' forgot to charge Julie's bike computer... Whoops!

[@davidburgess741]

Riding a slightly lower cadence puts less pressure on the perineum. Always tougher riding fixed downwind at high cadence. At some point I start wishing for a climb or headwind. These differences are stark. In my prime I spun 86, but with more weight 80 seems better. My gut feeling is the heavier rider has a lot of reciprocating weight and is smoother at a lower cadence. Within reason. You yourself did say that you were doing surprisingly well with a bit bigger gear about last year.

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

Been watching Bike fit James and I’m finding one option to consider is that problems with saddle discomfort might not have anything to do with the saddle directly and a correct bike fit could help more. 🤔🤔.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I agree completely but I have had a pretty intense bike fit

[@AncoraImparoPiper]

Selle smp trk are on all my bikes. I'm happy I found that saddle early in my riding career. It just works for me really well.

[@joannelouiserodriguez5966]

Fab video xx can't beat a good saddle

[@alans4281]

Good luck with the new saddle, if it doesn’t work out consider a Brooks ( racing ) saddle.

[@love2wheels748]

Real saddle sore can be a sod to heal chap! I found for the day time sudacream is good, but at night wash n dry the area and then use canesten cream works wanders chap 👌

[@t0nymack100]

I changed mine from the Giant, generic saddle the bike was sold with to a company called Fabric, which, according to the many reviews I'd read, recommended it as being a very comfy perch. However, I don't think I did enough research regarding their full line up, so ended up purchasing the cheapest in the range, which I haven't been so happy with. I think it's time to start looking for a new perch. Perhaps I'll go for a Selle Italia too.

[@garrycox9089]

i just ordered a PRO Volture E-MTB Saddle Black 152 mm since ive added a rear hub motor to my mtb need a bit more comfort on longer rides, the bike is 9 kg heavier so feel the bumps more

[@zyghom]

there is nothing better to the ride than the new gadget ;-) bravo!

[@jollygoodvelo]

We all love new gadgets

[@spb4900]

i've been on a smp well saddle for the last 5 years, never had any issues, pre smp i was suffering numbness and sores,

[@paulysci925]

If you want a good saddle I recommend the infinity saddle, it's the best I've found and I've tried a few😉👌👍🤝

[@A_AAA232]

hi Leonard, glad the saddle is working out for you, looks nice on the cannondale too :) karoo sound like they are following the apple model of firmware updates that ''optimise' power management' and makes things worse! the light looks like a great option for winter off-road rides -you are right, a usb power take-off should be standard with these external battery packs - you can split the wire and add an 'aftermarket' mini usb socket though. did make me laugh when you said, press the button and the light comes on :) cheers

[@johnflynn4923]

Happy new saddle day. It very much suits the overall aesthetic of the Cannon.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I thought so too. My thought was that it wouldn’t fit the look.

[@davesimmons8640]

Congratulations on the new saddle!! Let's all hope arse biscuits are a thing of the past. And just a thought: Perhaps the batter pack on the light was supposed to hand downward from your bike. Good to see you on two wheels again!!

[@pennyfarthing6847]

Thanks Leonard, really excited for ya. Your setup was impeccable. People forget saddles very in height, but you nailed it. Most are only concerned with rail position and pitch. BTW a lot of crashes in the early stages of the TDF. Nervous energy? Younger field?

[@jollygoodvelo]

The height measurement is very important

[@whazzat8015]

TDF crashes may have just been a sign of the times.

[@whazzat8015]

I like that the Wuben has no SOS flash. Not sure what those do other than complicate things. I have some old 1400 Niteriders that are almost car like. not sure what ˜300 lumens do outside of lit city streets. Pot holes and ninja joggers are a problem at that level. Karoo charging and run times are vexatious. Power management's not their strength.

[@martintierney9656]

Have you tried a bit of lip balm on your saddle sore ? It works quite good for saddle sores, just your bog standard lip balm put it on your finger and rub on your saddle sore use it once or twice a day until it goes

[@tonydean2541]

Whats the reason for a remote for a bike light?, ive tried to think of one but i honestly cant. Great video by the way.

[@Robutube1]

My thoughts too Tony... and a separate power pack as well? It's a light for goodness sake - and only a front one at that.

[@tonydean2541]

@@Robutube1 Im glad its not just me. Its been a month since i left that comment and i still havent thought of a reason, some people just love gadgets i suppose. Suddenly weight reduction doesnt seem an issue, as long as youve got your gadgets your good to go.

[@crimson177]

Are you sure that the seatpost is proprietary and not just a 25.4mm seatpost? I know ENVE definitely do an inline post in that diameter, not cheap though.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Good question. I can get a carbon one from Cannondale for about £100 but it would be great to get an alloy one from another brand. As you say, ENVE is not going to be cheap.

[@tony2163]

This saddle seems like it's just a little better than your old saddle but not the amazing difference that the bike fitter said it would be. Same as most upgrades on bikes. Just a little better yet costs the amazing price.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Only time will tell

[@davewalker4991]

I did wonder about the L2 when you said that was what you had ordered. When I did the online selection it also suggested the L2 as being my fit, but then suggested a saddle which was L3. When I checked, I couldn't actually find any that were L2. This does make me wonder about the vadility of the results, why suggest I'm L2 when they don't actually produce one ??

[@rollandjoeseph]

I personally think its a bunch of huha for the most part imho

[@j.r.newton2427]

Pop over to Steyning and do the Bostal climb to test your Karoo (and yourself)

[@mchchannel5013]

First time seeing you smile..;)

[@lindatisue733]

If you don't mind; how much did the new saddle cost versus your old saddle? The fitting seems like a lot of humfluff to sell you something made on a production line. That light seems pretty bulky, I have a camping head light from Decathlon that is maybe 25 grams and maybe 10 cm cubed volume. Has lasted more than 12 hours on one charge.

[@jollygoodvelo]

The new saddle was £125.

[@PEZNEWSWIRE]

I would have measured the angle of the old saddle before I took it off.

[@PEZNEWSWIRE]

And the distance from the saddle tip to handlebars.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Th old saddle was flat as measured by the spirit level. The fore and aft position was, basically as far forward as I could get it.

[@PEZNEWSWIRE]

@@jollygoodvelo Cheers. Always best to check though. Good work on the videos by the way.

[@turbomart]

@@jollygoodvelo Using a spirit level is only accurate if the bike itself is sitting on level ground.

[@rollandjoeseph]

I agree

[@fgiraffe8751]

Almost had to stop watching because while I use (and love) Y wrenches for many tasks, they drive me crazy for saddle bolts! 😆

[@jhcycling3098]

Search for a right saddle may be, literally, pain for the ass. Had on my previous bike pretty fine sitting, but with new bike wanted to have another, color matching, saddle. Third try-out was good enough, but still longing a bit more comfy one.. Great if Yours is a fit! :)

[@jollygoodvelo]

It seems to be a fit.

[@Keepinitreal61]

Was you tempted to weight both saddles to check difference in grams? I do, I'm so sad.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Why would I want to? Being rather heavy myself, a few grams won’t make one iota of difference!

[@grahambarker2186]

with the karoo can you not adjust the display light...?....my garmin 530 which i used for the coast2coast 150 miles, used 25% power during the ride.....meaning i could potentially ride 600 miles and record the lot.....ive reduced the display light to 30%, it doesnt need more than this in daylight, and turned off all that climb info that i dont really need....if its a hill i know, i know where i am and dont need to follow a dot on the screen telling me ive got half the climb to do....and if its a new to me climb and steep, such as hardknott pass, i dont want to know how far ive got to go or how steep it is, my legs are telling me....cycling computers have come a long way but i find with my new 530 theres a lot on it i dont need to use....so i would suggest asking yourself if you really need to use that part of it.....

[@5lyderp]

Hi Leonard, nice video love your content.... why are you using your canondale more than your trek lately?

[@markkusiipola]

Do you have a bluetooth connection active during the ride? On my Garmin I switched it off, and it increased my battery time.

[@JonFairhurst]

I’ve been looking forward to this video. Your smile at the start of the video was priceless. New gear day! Your choice of the Flite seems to be very good. It seems that you like to move fore and aft, so the flat design is ideal. I have the SLR Boost, which gives me two basic positions: out back and on top for normal riding and more centered an “in” the saddle on climbs. I can sit on the nose on extreme climbs too, but that’s not my normal style. I think the SLR allows the rider to remove more pressure from the sensitive areas while the Flite allows more flexibility in where one sits. Hopefully, that’s helpful for people deciding between them. Best of luck for a great, long-term fit!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks. It’s interesting what you say about climbing: I feel I need to be further back on the saddle when I climb… and use lower revs.

[@JonFairhurst]

@@jollygoodvelo - Maybe it’s a MTB/gravel thing. Weight forward on climbs and back for descents to keep the center of gravity between the wheels. When tour riders sit forward on the top tube for aero descents, it looks suicidal! (Maybe they need dropper posts!)

[@rollandjoeseph]

I honestly cant think , for the life of me why anyone needs a remote for a bike light 🤣🤣 the whole point of biking is about NOT being lazy..unbelievable! Btw, its it on purpose to mount your water bottle so low on the down post? Nice video Leonard

[@paulyflyer8154]

Switch to a wahoo roam. No fancy graphics but reliable and lasts all day

[@jollygoodvelo]

I would have to buy one! They aren’t cheap.

[@jeffreywilliams144]

If I'm correct you sought out the expertise of your bike shop for a saddle fitting and then went on line to purchase the recommended saddle shipped to your home?

[@r.davies2702]

Pretty sure the salesman ordered the saddle in the shop when he chose it.

[@jeffreywilliams144]

@@r.davies2702 Thanks that does actually make a bit of sense.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I ordered it in the shop after the fitting.

[@jeffreywilliams144]

@@jollygoodvelo Sorry jumped to conclusions. Thanks for all you do for your fellow cyclists.

[@ollieb9875]

I wear blue too. 👍🍻

[@jollygoodvelo]

It’s amazing how much blue I wear!

[@Keepinitreal61]

I'd recommend a torque wrench. Planet x do a jobs worth.

[@code3xiv]

Whats the total bike weight now? 😁

[@jollygoodvelo]

Not sure.

[@colnagocowboy]

for me' it's a Brooks Team Pro. i'll never ride anything else.

[@insanegixxerdude486]

Try fitting a carbon seat post if you don't have one already on that bike. More compliant and reduces road buzz from reaching your ass!

[@321bytor]

If it's not comfy there'll be L2 pay

[@jollygoodvelo]

I see what you did there.

[@macmcelroy6165]

lol , good one

[@Hunterthepunter126]

Shouldn't you be using torque wrench?

[@jollygoodvelo]

I knew someone would say that. Well done.

[@Hunterthepunter126]

@@jollygoodvelo Not using a torque wrench I manage to overdo my stem bolts and they failed at middle of my ride. Fortunately I didn't crash when stem fell apart, but it was painfull enough to walk 15 km back to home. I wouldn't risk not using a torque wrench anymore.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I get your point but sometimes you need to do what needs to be done.

[@Hunterthepunter126]

How much was the saddle ?

[@jollygoodvelo]

£125

[@whazzat8015]

@@jollygoodvelo It may have just moved the pain to your wallet. Ride it in good health

[@james-jq8sk]

Five and a half hours run time seems reasonable to me for a bike computer...

[@cyclingsfatsuma9808]

My lezyne is rated to last up to 22 hours. But I suspect less intense draw than the karoo. B&w screen, smaller. But even when running with beacon mode connected to my phone it lasts many hours

[@paulglazin2810]

SMP Well - all day long

[@retroonhisbikes]

Karoo is just not good enough yet, over heating batteries, short battery life. If they sort that out I’ll look at again

[@jollygoodvelo]

The Karoo is great for 95%of the rides I do.

[@retroonhisbikes]

@@jollygoodvelo i did a 3 hour ride with the garmin 1030plus and it only used 6% of the battery, running with heart rate, power meter and speed sensor, plus controlling front light and radar. Oh yeah And navigation. Karoo have a lot of chancing up to do

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@retroonhisbikes It certainly does.

[@JeffOehlsen]

Why always the three dislikes? It's not just your channel. Anyway, new saddles are an adventure

[@jollygoodvelo]

I know. I can’t help thinking it’s some deeper thing going on. Sadly I can’t see who they are.

[@rob-c.]

Can’t choose your family! 😃

[@RickRubinesque]

560gs for a light?? That's not gonna sell to the roadie market. Even sturdy, deluxe specimens such as your good self are gonna feel the difference lugging that thing uphill.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Well, the light and the power pack.

[@RickRubinesque]

@@jollygoodvelo mine weights crumbs and it turns night into day on full whack. I clip it on me catapult and it's bright enough to lamp rabbits. USB charging. Think it was less 50 quid, had it years.

[@michaelhammond4150]

Lower the nose of the saddle slightly and see if it iasnt more comfortable

[@1a2b3c4.]

Contrary to popular believe, not all men are created equal. I have to put my saddle at an angle tilting forward or I will regret it. You placed a level on top of the saddle and that would kill me.

[@BloodClut]

What is this bicycle dairies intro all the time? It's not a series you doing it's just yr normal KZbin channel

[@jollygoodvelo]

Well spotted. Call the KZbin police and complain.

[@BloodClut]

@@jollygoodvelo sorry Leonard. I didn't intend to sound mean was just trying to be funny. Was a sad attempt and it backfired. I love yr stuff and perseverance you have for cycling and it's a motivation for me. You speak about down to earth topics effecting people who like cycling in the real world not the gcn world(they cool too but too scripted) lol. Keep up the good work👍

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@BloodClut Yeah, written comments are very tricky. It’s hard to know when someone is expressing a sense of humour or just being mean/ stupid/ difficult.

[@grahambarker2186]

why would anyone need a remote control for a light that is on the bike, you are on the bike and you can just reach out to turn it on or adjust the light.....or....fiddle around in a pocket for a remote control....doesnt make any sense and to me its totally pointless and ridiculous....nice saddle though....