No not the cult, the moon saddle
https://www.moonsaddle.com/(apologies to anyone offended by the subject, I know that cults are not really a joke)
Why on earth would I want to? Well, medical circumstances dictate.
About 5 or 6 years ago, the pad on my worn out, discount store winter types started to come unstitched and caused a small abrasion wound between the top of my thigh and the adjacent scrotum.
Lots of sudocrem and I kept going but it never really healed. A year or more later I went to my GP who tried titanium barrier cream, clotrimazole 1% hydro-cortisone (in case it was a fungal infection), zeroaqs cream for washing, but again it never really healed. I persisted with a couple more GP visits but kept on cycling, using lots of Assos chamois cream.
Last year I went back to the GP and got sent of to a urologist (!). When I saw the urologist, the first thing he said was "why didn't the GP send you to a dermatologist? Ah, I see.....". Diagnosis was a persistant ulcer that need to be surgically removed, probably no cycling for at least 6 weeks.
Had the surgery, but after 6 weeks the wound still felt very fragile and I didn't risk cycling (finaly some common sense!). Then a follow-up after 2 months and the surgeon agreed it still needed longer.
After about 3 months, I did some 15-20 minute gentle turbo trainer rides, but after 2 days in succession there was definitely swelling and inflammation. I really want this to be cured!
As at least some of the problem is due to chubby thighs,even with the narrowest of racing saddles, I thought I would research alternative perches. The most radical solution is the Moon Saddle so I ordered one from the US (no dealer in France and crazy shipping prices from the UK European dealer).
I put the Moon saddle on the Kona hybrid that I had planned to use for my 8km commute mosty through a forest. The zero layback was intensely uncomfortable. Cycle fit was going to be interesting, as all my usual reference points were missing (tip of saddle, etc.).
Tried a Kalloy 20mm setback post from a nearby emporium, still left me with knee about 2.5cm in front of pedal spindle - KOPS is only a guide at best, I know.
So splashed out on a gorgeous Nitto S84 steel lugged seat post with 45mm setback.
After a week in transit from Roisy airport just NE of Paris to my place, just SW of Paris, it was delivered this morning by a nice lady from La Poste on a bicycle!
So out to the garage and a seat post swap. The S84 does weigh 440gm and will be very handy with intruders, if it doesn't work out on the bike
Almost instant comfort, 30 minutes turbo time, with a couple of short breaks to adjust height and angle, but zero adverse reaction or discomfort.
Now waiting to see what happens if I do the same tomorrow and the day after, but I am confidently optimistic.
It will be interesting to see what the Moon saddle is like on the road.
Please don't be like me, there are situations where it is really best to stop and let things heal properly!
