Well, now that the season is over I went into full tinkering mode. Late in the summer I saw two products that caught my attention that I wanted to try. Both of them would not have been products I would have sought out unless I randomly happened upon them. The first was the Specialized BG footbeds. These are the aftermarket footbeds that Specialized makes specific for cycling. I'd seen them before but had disregarded them because honestly at first sight they didn't look much different than a cheap stock insole. Compared to a Superfeet or Aline insole, which have a plastic body, the foam construction of the Specialized BG and its minimal heel looked cheap to me. Boy was I wrong.
Well, I started working at the Skirack again part time in mid-August and got a chance to put my foot on one of the Specialized Green insoles (most support) and was really surprised. The low heel and substantial metatarsal support has really helped my foot. Believe it or not, I'm pedaling without any cant shims for the first time in 4 years - I've found a footbed that supports my foot on its own. Also, my Northwave shoes - which I've liked all year (stiff soles/nice materials), but have battled with fit a little bit - they fit perfectly now. Couldn't be happier.
A couple weeks after seeing the footbeds I happened upon the WTB saddle. There was a Giant mt. bike that was in the service shopped getting worked on. The saddle on the bike caught my eye as an interesting shape. Later in the day, after the bike had gotten serviced, I went over and hopped on the bike to check out the seat. I was wearing jeans, and even so the saddle felt amazingly good. Certainly worlds better than my Arione even with my nice Northwave shorts. I didn't feel pressure anywhere undesirable and I didn't have to twist my hips to get myself stable on the seat.
I went home that night and hit the internet to get more info on this mystery seat. Its the WTB Silverado - a new model just a couple years ago. WTB is obviously focused as a mt. bike company, but it amazed me that I'd never seen this seat on any road bikes. Obviously some people have used it on their road bikes, but I'd never seen or heard of it myself, and I consider myself to be somewhat in the loop. So, WTB - MARKET THIS SADDLE BETTER!
I made a before and after trip to the ever enjoyable Eric and Andy up at Green Mt. Rehab to see what the Computrainer had to say about the equipment changes. For the same heart rate, 135bpm, I was up about 45-50 watts immediately. I love technology...but not as much as you, you see.
On a side note, I've gotten out roller skiing 3 days so far with Eli, and I've been using the BG footbeds in my nordic boots as well, and very happy using them there as well.
