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Shape of the saddle and not the size, tilt or placement of the saddle. I really studied the old Specialized Avatar saddle in comparison to the new Diamondback Saddle that came with the new bike. The Avatar and the Diamondback saddles where both Narrow 135s but the Avatar was flatter in the back where the Diamondback kind of rolled down at the edges. I tried a WTB Silverado Race SE Saddle which had basically the same flatness as the Avatar across the back and now no soreness on a 50 mile ride. It did not cost me a dime to get the new saddle or have it installed as the bike store has a points system where you get points for things you buy and you get to use them on future purchases. Some additional teething problems with the new ride. Having some chain drops, not at high speed, not while climbing or descending hills, not while playing in the dirt and sand, but on city streets at low speeds. The chain jumps off the front chain ring, there is only one. On approaching and intersection with light or stop sign I slow down and down shift from 9 to 7 (SRAM PG950 9-speed, 11-34T) and all is fine. Start up again and cross intersection without up shifting. Once through intersection still moving forward at under ten miles an hour up shift from 7 to 8 no chain drop up shift from 8 to 9 and about 50% of the time the chain drops. I know it is just an adjustment (will have the shop look into it tomorrow) but it is exasperating, since in 33 years with the other bike the only time I would drop a chain is when I did something stupid like getting hit by a car or letting the chain wear out. The new bike does have some major advantages over the old bike. It climbs hills much better, is actually faster (average speed on old bike 12 mph average speed on new bike 17 mph) same crank rate (how many times I turn the peddles in a minute). Has lower center of gravity so is more stable on sand and mud. Is 50% lighter and being a small frame I can stand over the frame with both feet on the ground impossible with old bike. So points on the plus side and minus side for both bikes. Yes I plan to restore the old bike. Right now I am looking for a new 6 speed free wheel and 3 speed front gear set, bottom bracket, new derailers front and rear, original factory decals and paint color. When I am done it will look like the day it was new 33 years ago. And the rider rambles on. Sorry for all the non modding chatter from the elf but I have to talk to someone!
Elf