Piriformis syndrome...please tell me your magic fix!

You can probably get a basic fit for around £50 or so, that will put you in a reasonably neutral position, but honestly, think about what you are talking about, and how much £200 really is in the big scheme of things.

One piece of advice I'd give would be to lose the Arione saddle, and maybe look at something like the Fizik Aliante instead. Why you ask? Well, I'll tell you.

Wingflex

This wonderful piece of technology provides flex around the area of the saddle approaching the sit bone area.

This is fantastic as it enables many of us the chance to get a truly comfortable position on the saddle.

So far so good.

However, there is a but (there is a pun in there somewhere), in that if you have any biomechanical issues going on, it will allow you to maintain a position that feels comfy enough, but is doing all told amounts of damage to you.

I speak from direct experience... the old tight inner thigh, sore buttocks, hip... I remember it well... I also remember the almighty 'let go' of the back that followed from ignoring the symptoms.

Happy days.

For me the solution was found in an immediate saddle change, chiropractic treatment, a fair bit of stretching, but even more core/muscle engagement work.

I am fairly confident that your problem will stem from you dropping one, or the other of your hips when on the bike. Lots of reasons why you might do that, but until you address it, you are going to keep getting problems. Chances are, the subtle changes in bike fit were enough to exacerbate an existing issue

Changing your saddle to something that won't allow you to sit in a potentially damaging position is a great place to begin.

Good luck, and if its any consolation, once you have nailed the cause, you will be surprised at how quickly you are back up and running.

I feel your pain; literally! Sounds like a underlying condition that's aggravated by the bike. You need to learn to be pain free sitting, driving etc and not just the bike. The bike can aggravate it, but your are pi**ing in the wind until the underlying condition is sorted out (as pain riding the Giant again shows). From a weightlifters background, we've all had it, and learn to manage it (is that a 'happy tale'?!). Your back only has so many flexions in its lifetime so don't look to stretching the spine itself. Speak to physio about learning to brace properly (planks, bird dog etc) and whether 'floss the nerve' is worthwhile. Oh and possible myofascial stuff like foam roller of lacrosse ball. Then, think about what you are doing and positions you are in when you are pain free. Then apply that position to those acitivites where you get pain.

Best of luck. It's not a life sentence. But it's not a 10 min fix either.

Someone will surely be along behind me with far more knowledge on the subject but I think you're right on the fit, especially at high miles. I pick up my new bike next week but it's going nowhere with me sat on it before have it fitted.

So I'd strongly suggest seeing if you can find the funds for a bike fit - but I know £200 is a lot to throw at the problem. Does your LBS have a less costly fitting service? Mines was £75 (free with the bike).

Other than that, there's this? Roadie Bike Fit App on Android - http://goo.gl/Tcb6Sf

It'll never be as good as a real one but maybe enough to be going with for now?

Hope you get it sorted, can't imagine having the new toy to play with just sitting there frustrating you!

Getting a bike fit is a good idea, but in addition you really can't go wrong with spending a few quid on a foam roller and working the piriformus.
My physio did a few exercises with me then wrote me a little 10 minute program to do at home with a roller. Never suffered since.

Best of luck to you, I really sympathise...