I received an email comment regarding hills and noseless saddles.
First, let me stat that I live in the LA area and I am not around many hills. Griffith Park, Pacific Palisades, Palos Verdes, Malibu, Los Angeles National Forest and the surrounding areas all have some nice descends, but I’m closer to the beach and so I mainly ride flats.
Second, I am just a recreational rider so I do not engage in races or feel the need to descend like a bat out of hell. Safety, which is one reason I bought the Adamo, is always paramount when I ride.
That said, the few hills that I have ridden were not much of a problem. One of the main criticisms of the Adamo saddle and other noseless saddles is that riders lack control when descending. As stated, I’ve gone down a few hills and there is a slight difference in the feel. However, I never felt out of control. You can also grip the top bar with your thighs to help you gain even more control if needed.
I do strongly recommend that you first ride with your noseless saddle on the flats for a while just to get used to the feel. It is different. It will be uncomfortable for a while. But you will adjust and you will be thankful. Once acclimated, you will not want to go back to conventional saddles.
If you buy / own a noseless saddle, be patient and continue to ride. As I stated in my review of the ISM Adamo road saddle, the feel is radically different and there will be discomfort and pain. My advice: work through it! It’s an investment in your health.
