Saddles

[gavroche]

I have been reading many articles concerning the above and there is no clear answer really. One cannot go into a LBS and "borrow saddles after saddles" until it feels right. Do you settle with the one that comes with your bike and hope it will be right? Out of my 3 bikes, only one has a cut out in the middle and that's on my Specialized but to be fair, I can't say which is best. Do you need to sit on it for hours on end ? All my rides are between 2 and 3 hours, rarely over that. Are you happy with yours?

 

[jefmcg]

I know it's a conundrum. I wanted a Brooks, and it takes weeks to know if they are right for you

Spoiler

It was!

But some shops do have tester saddles, so you could try them.

Also, Charge spoon/ladle are beloved by many, and are less than £20, so you won't lose much if you have to sell it.

 

[contadino]

I got a Spa Nidd Brookalike at Easter. About 7000km later and I think it is showing signs of breaking in.

In the meantime, the saddle has well and truly broken my arse in. I'm finding it the most comfortable saddle I've had in 35 years.

 

[vickster]

I have 4 different saddles on my 4 bikes. I prefer to wear good shorts. The only time I've been really uncomfortable was after 100 miles, I had to keep standing up for the last 10

As well as the fizik test saddles, I think both Specialized and bontrager have some sort of trial and returns policy

 

[screenman]

I brought a Essax Shark from a guy on here as a gift for a friend, last night I popped it on the turbo bike, 2 sessions later and I need another one as I like it.

Google it and be surprised for a shock.

 

[Kevoffthetee]

I haven't ever 'not' got on with a saddle. I've used giants own saddle as well as 2 charge spoons (just got a black/green to match the defy0) and have been fine with both, more than likely due to the good pad in my bibs

I've worn Gore, Castelli and Sportful bibs, but dare not try cheaper brands in case the pad isn't up to the grade

 

[derrick]

I went from a specialized toupe to one of these, http://www.wiggle.co.uk/selle-italia-flite-team-edition-flow-saddle-titanium-rails/
The Toupe was pretty good but i have done a few 150 plus miles with the selle italia plus the Castelli bibs, Suits me sir.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I have been reading many articles concerning the above and there is no clear answer really. One cannot go into a LBS and "borrow saddles after saddles" until it feels right. Do you settle with the one that comes with your bike and hope it will be right? Out of my 3 bikes, only one has a cut out in the middle and that's on my Specialized but to be fair, I can't say which is best. Do you need to sit on it for hours on end ? All my rides are between 2 and 3 hours, rarely over that. Are you happy with yours?

I've found that I can have no problem at all in 2 hours but be in extreme discomfort after 4. Specialized will exchange the saddle within 4 weeks (maybe it was 30 days) but of course that means exchanging it for another Spesh saddle.

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

One cannot go into a LBS and "borrow saddles after saddles" until it feels right.

Are you happy with yours?

Maybe not all LBS's will do this but mine has a nice selection of Fizik test saddles which I worked my way through over a number of weeks before deciding. A nice touch from the shop I thought.
Yes, very happy with it, Fizik Arione, suits me just nice.

 

[screenman]

A good start is to get measured.

 

[vickster]

A good start is to get measured.

I did that and ended up with a Specialized Oura. The most uncomfortable saddle I've ever had. Go figure

 

[screenman]

I did that and ended up with a Specialized Oura. The most uncomfortable saddle I've ever had. Go figure

It worked for me, Bontrager large with a return policy as well.

Must admit though all my current five bikes have different saddles.

 

[gavroche]

It worked for me, Bontrager large with a return policy as well.

Must admit though all my current five bikes have different saddles.

That's a bit puzzling then. Which saddle is the most comfortable out of the 5? Even so, there can't be that much difference between them all if you keep them as they are.

 

[vickster]

It's the right width, just the wrong shape, firmness, shame really as it looked lovely on the bike being just the right colour (unavailable in any other wsd saddle). Bontrager work for me too. With good shorts I've done a number of 100km rides and a couple of 100 milers on different bikes and saddles. But I do think it's all down to the shirts and getting the bike set up right

 

[YahudaMoon]

Im not sure why, could be a fashion thing?

Though saddles have become somewhat cut down, become smaller over the years and used many modern saddle from Selle Italia

I dont suffer with saddles so much, though my favorite saddles are from years back, a 1980's Selle Italia Turbo and a Brooks Swift