New saddle: Cobb V-Flow Plus

I finally went into my LBS (Get A Grip Cycles) and asked for a new saddle. The one I have right now has just been causing me way too much discomfort lately and I need something that’s not putting so much pressure on my junk and my perineal nerve. I had done a bit of research online and was interested in trying out a Cobb or ISM Adamo saddle. GAG recommended the Cobb V-Flow Plus so I’m giving that one a trial run right now. I’m really hopefully the inner cut-out provides me with a more comfortable ride and helps takes the pressure off.



Cobb V-Flow product description:

With the use of a Form Sensor Aray TekScan unit, Cobb was able to plot the exact skin pressure points over the areas that male riders use. In high performance road bikes or triathlon bikes, there is a large difference in seating positions when compared to recreational bikes. In the case of a triathlon bike, the rider is rotated much more forward, riding on a completely different part of the pelvis area. The VFlow range of seats is designed for this type of performance riding. The narrow rear section is especially great at relieving pressure from the hamstring muscle and the upper adductors. These pressure points are two of the leading causes of leg cramps and lower back pain.

By analyzing the pressure points and listening to riders' input, Cobb came up with a saddle that greatly increases rider comfort. Men need room for their upper legs to be able to swing further back on the saddle, especially while riding on aero bars or on the drops. Seats that have a wide rear area force the rider to move forward on the narrow nose of the seat, which is not comfortable and leads to very high Perineal nerve bundle area stress. Cobb’s testing showed that the proper seat shape and width offer the support and comfort needed for high mileage, comfortable cycling. Another area that promotes better rider comfort is the exclusive “V” notch in the rear of the seat cut out area. This functions as an air scoop, bringing moisture relief to the center seating area.

John Cobb is Internationally famous for his work with cyclists in wind tunnels. He has spent time developing the bottom side of these saddles to help guide the air to help the cyclist with more comfort. Keeping the riders’ chamois dry greatly reduces saddle sores and seat rashes. The internal base of the seat is another innovative area that helps cradle the rider for further relief of lower back stress. The swayback design gently holds the rider’s torso so that he or she doesn’t constantly slide forward and back on the seat. As the rider pedals with more pressure, the VFlow cradle gives a front support zone that the rider can pull against for increased power. One has to be comfortable to go fast and to go very far. The VFlow saddle helps with both speed and comfort.

Yoga classes

One of the things I've started doing lately is incorporating yoga in to my training. VQ offers yoga classes after certain indoor bike sessions and I've been taking advantage of these classes to work on my flexibility and relaxation. I think I’m getting the most benefit from the relaxation part of the classes; the increased flexibility is just gravy on top of that. It’s been helping me out a lot lately as I deal with all the stress that’s been piled onto my plate over these last couple of months.

Article: Is triathlon the new golf?

First triathlon is the new status symbol, and now triathlon is the new golf?

Anthony Barton used to head out to the golf course when he wanted to get face time with clients; now he finds himself on a 50 mile bike ride. It is just so much easier to talk business out here on the road says Barton ... Barton is just one of a booming number of business owners foregoing a day at the golf course in favor of a swim, run or bike ride with their clients. According to USA Triathlon (USAT), the official governing body of the sport in this country, that level is high and getting higher.

Read the full article here.

Marching along

Wake up. Log in to work from home. Go to work. Go to school at night. Log in to work from home at night. Repeat.

That’s pretty much what my life has become these last couple of weeks. Not much to report on the training front… I’m still only able to get into VQ 2-3 times a week, and so far that really hasn't been enough for me to feel any real progress. It’s a little frustrating seeing other people progress in their fitness while my own training remains stagnant but that’s a cold hard reality I have to deal with right now.

Its finals time at school right now so my school load should lighten up soon, and I only have another month and a half left on this work project. As much as I would like to train more I have to remember that work and school come first. After all, work is paying* for my VQ membership right now and school is going to allow me to continue living the triathlete lifestyle for many years to come. Gotta stay positive and keep marching along.

*They’re not *really* paying for my VQ membership, but they pay me and I turn around and use that money to pay for VQ.