Home General Training Discussions

ISM Adamo

I am looking to tap into the EN collective for thoughts and oppinions on the ISM saddles.

I was wondering who in the house likes the ISM Adamo saddles or has tried them and went back to the more traditional style.

Also, what model is best for long course at least as a starting point to demo.

Thanks,

j

Comments

  • If you're open to other suggestions, the Cobb is also a very popular saddle around here. One great thing about the company is they allow you to try out the saddle for 6 months. I went through my LBS and tried out the Max and Plus, and ended up with the Plus. Went from hating my stock saddle to loving my Cobb saddle.

    http://cobbcycling.com/cart/Plus_C1P3.cfm



    There are a few old forum threads on saddle discussion. I know there's a more recent one, too, but couldn't find it.

    http://members.endurancenation.us/Training/TrainingForums/tabid/101/aft/4337/Default.aspx

    http://members.endurancenation.us/Training/TrainingForums/tabid/101/aft/2272/Default.aspx

     

  • Hey Jim!

    Good luck in your saddle quest…  I can empathize - actually had an entire season devoted to saddle drama titled “Battle of the Saddle 2009.”  Here’s another link (ahem, male specific) in addition to the one Daniella found. http://members.endurancenation.us/Training/TrainingForums/tabid/101/aft/2272/Default.aspx#34465  

     

    I will add that if you don’t have a relationship with a bike shop that will allow you do demo saddles, consider the demo program with tri-sports.com. Either way, you shouldn’t end up paying for a saddle that doesn’t  work for you.     http://trisports.com/tri-before-you...ogram.html

     

    Keep us posted! 
  • I am currently riding an ISM Adamo Road saddle on my tri bike. I mostly like it, but am not in love with it. Definite improvement in terms of perineal numbness on long rides vs Fizik and San Marco Tri Azoto, but I find it increasingly uncomfortable on long rides along the sit bones. I am thinking of trying a Cobb saddle next.
  • If you try a few saddles out, make sure to give it several workouts before ruling it in or out. It may take a bit to get used to the change, especially going with something a bit wider then you're used to. Also, it may feel different with inside vs outside riding. My power did decrease for a week or two until I got completely dialed in to the saddle position, and then was back to good. It was a very frustrating time.

    One thing that helped mine feel even better was angling it slightly nose high as was suggested by Cobb. Turning it left or right can also relieve some pressure, although not all bikes have that option.
  • Yeah, I'm one of those guys who got it and didn't go back, so maybe not whom you're looking for.

    That said, the word I have heard and (my n=1 experience confirms) is that you have to mess around with it (position, angle) a lot more than most saddles before you find the exact right place for it. Watch their video to give you a great starting spot.. because it might not be exactly what you expect if you haven't seen that.
  • Saddle selection is such a personal matter but I did swap over to an ISM Adamo Road saddle last season. I've so far been very pleased. My focus is on 70.3 so my longest rides are usually < 5 hours. As always YMMV! ;-)
  • Jim, I have the Adamo Road on my tri bike and 3 road bikes.  Switched about 2 years ago and never looked back.  For me (n=1) it totally solved the occasional taint numbness I was battling with other saddles (Arione) over the past few years.  I got lucky and found a good setup/comfort immediately and have not had to tinker much.  I would recommend it highly...  Actually, if you buy one, don't like it and get stuck with it,   I will buy it from you.  I am a believer. 

  • Two years into my Adamo Race Saddle and I can't say enough good things about it. No numbness or pain at all. Nytro has a few good things to check out regarding the sit bones in various positions on the bike. I hadn't seen the two illustrations they posted. Go to http://www.facebook.com/NytroMultisport and scroll down a bit.
  • I have been using an Adamo Race for over 2 years and love it. It did take a while to break me into the seat, so if you get one definitely give it several rides before you make up your mind. Over the last year I have noticed that the longer rides on the trainer get a little uncomfortable, but not a big issue.
  •  This saddle was a game changer for me.  After what was probably a longer than normal adjustment period, Ive never had a more comfortable saddle.  It also allowed me to comfortably get further forward and thus lower my front end and get a more aero position than I have been able too on a regular saddle because even though the nose is "chopped off" its meant to be ridden on the nose.  If you try it, give yourself an adaptation period and take allen wrenches on your training rides to make small adjustments.  Fore/aft and up/down tilt are the ones you want to work with to get it right.

     

     

  • After two seasons of misery on a Profile Design Tri Stryke, I decided to give the Adamo a try since basically every person I ride with uses and loves them.  I've tried every angle, fore/aft positioning, and every other configuration you can think of and after 1600 miles I'm giving up.  If I sit anywhere but on the prongs my inner thighs rub the prongs causing chafing and damage to my shorts (I'm 6'3" 175lbs).  If I sit on the prongs it's just painful and I can't last more than about 10 minutes without having to move around.  If I sit in between the wide part and the prongs I get perineal numbness.  

    I've also tried a Cobb in the past and that didn't work either.  I'm now considering one of the Specialized Romin or Selle SMP saddles.  I'm running out of options at this point.  

  •  Love my profile design tri strye.

    Hated my ism.

  • Posted By robin sarner on 05 Dec 2011 10:40 PM

     Love my profile design tri strye.

    Hated my ism.



    Where do you put your "business" on the Profile saddle?  The best I could do was to alternate it left and right constantly throughout the ride but I always ended up with chafing between the thigh and business.  Putting it right on the center of the saddle was NOT possible.  

  • A few years ago i had the Profile saddle and found myself sitting far on the tip. I went to the ISM Adamo for a bit and loved it. However i thought it was a little hard for rides over 3 hours. I now use the ISM Typhoon, it looks really wide in pics but in person its not much wider than the Adamo and it is much softer. I have them on my road and tri bike.
Sign In or Register to comment.