Rolling over the sitz bones

[Notsofast]

Hi there,
On the recovery the hands away, then hips, then legs I find that on the hip swing my legs end up straightening a tiny bit before I bend them to go to the catch because my legs are not completely straight at the end of the leg drive. The motion of the hip pivot feels that I am rolling over the sitz bones. Is this correct and do I need to work on my hamstring flexibility to stop the slight leg straightening? Any advice please? Thanks

[johnlvs2run]

I stay forward of my sitz bones at all times, due to the pain and damage that would result from rocking on the seat.
Keeping my back straight and rocking back is not an issue though. I did the same thing 20+ years ago with the modelB.

Though I've never used one, I wish concept2 would provide a carbon fiber seat like is used in rowing shells.
Perhaps forum members who do row on the water could comment on the comparative comfort between those and the c2 seat.

[Cyclist2]

I, and many others, have commented on the C2 seat. I can't count the number of threads on pads people use or ask about.

But, I do row on the water, and yes, the rowing seats are much more comfortable than that mostly flat C2 seat. John's photos show the cutouts for the sitz bones and tailbone and once you get those spaced correctly, it works great. The Model B had a "rowing" seat, but they've gone with the latest version, I think, because of the wider market (and bottoms?) they are trying to reach, plus the spacing of the cutouts is different for different sized people.

So, to alleviate the pain from the C2 seat, I use a home-made pad with the cutouts for the sitz bones. It doesn't have to be thick, just the correct shape to get the pressure off the bones. There are lots of pads for sale, from inexpensive to ridiculous, but making one out of an old yoga mat or thin backpacking pad works fine.

As far as your technique, you're going to roll over the sitz bones in both directions as the hips open (drive) and then tilt forward (recovery). It doesn't bother some people, but with my bony body, it hurts, so I use the pad.

[G-dub]

I’m not sure it matters on the erg. The recovery is not the same thing as OTW - or doesn’t need to be. Sequence in a boat is there to get to swing amongst more than one rower, and to enable the boat to run. The only thing that matters on erg is a strong/ long/ powerful drive

[johnlvs2run]

Hi Mark,
Thank you for sharing those details. That's interesting how a yoga pad can be helpful.
I'd consider putting a carbon fiber seat on the model D erg, except they appear to be way too expensive.

Another factor is that the seat heats up quite easily, i.e. 30+ degrees F in 20', which contributes to the lack of comfort.
If nothing else I'll just keep periodically lifting one side then the other while trying to keep comfortable.