That’s generally true but I recently bought from
Decathlon the saddle fitted to theor Triban 520, it’s about ten quid, and I find it very comfy. Won’t suit everyone of course but should suit a range of backsides, for the price it’s worth a try.
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I agree - some bike outfits really know what they are about - best saddle for me came with a dale - later found out you could get it for £15 - then they swiftly discontinued it.
On the original question - not daft at all - one day man invented the wheel, the next day started fretting about the saddle.
As vickster says, I think the first step is to figure the basic shape/dimensions that suit you, ensure that you are putting the weight on your sitbones and that your thighs don't rub the projecting forward bit. Once you have done that, I think the rest is detail, degree of padding etc - err on the side of minimal padding I'd say.
I now pretty much know what shape suits me so now all pretty simple.
One thing I would say is beware of fancy fancy new theory shapes - most to my eyes are just efforts to mystify the subject/bump up the price.
You don't have to spend a lot for a good saddle.
A fair few of Decathlons are effectively Selle Royal I think - I would check them out - they have a good record of quality saddles though they have also joined the holy mystification cult with some of their other newer saddles which they use a different brand for.
I have getting on for ten bikes and I don't think any of the saddles on any of them cost me more than £25. One of them has an as-new saddle on (in that perfect shape) I picked up for a fiver.