Saddles

[Vantage]

I kept the original saddle on every bike I owned till the Vantage came along and i started cycling again. My much older arse decided it was time to be picky.
It didn't like the Dawes stock 3 seater couch.
It absolutely hated the Madison Flux (aka charge spoon)
Some racy cutout Selle something or other was like sitting on a razor blade.
The Charge Pan was comfy for about 40 miles.
The first and second Nidds were comfy straight away and got better as they were broken in but unfortunately suffered from nose plate failures (they've fixed that now)
My B17 also was comfy from day one and continues to get more comfy as the miles rack up.
Both Nidds and the B17 have needed butchering with a cutout to lessen pressure on the perennal area.
Leather perches seem to agree with my arse.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

I think most people change their saddles. That will be the reason that manufacturers dont splash out on a decent saddle to begin with.

I'd say most cyclists don't change their saddles, but the posters on here are not typical of most cyclists - who will be using their bikes mainly to do local journeys of only a few miles max. All my bikes have relatively cheap manufacturer fit ones, and they are all tolerable for the 1-2 hours max I will ever spend riding a bike in a single day. After 2 hours my legs will have had enough anyway. Riders who do a lot of hours/miles are a very small minority of the overall cycling population.

 

[Reynard]

Mmmmmm, good point. But it wouldn't surprise me if OEM saddles were indeed based on some kind of "average" posterior.

 

[Sunny Portrush]

Does this saddle make my bum look big.............

 

[Johnno260]

The Merida saddle on my Ride-400 was about as comfortable as a brick, I was very sore after 20miles, and I preserved for months.

I went to a LBS to my work and they had an assometer I went with a specialised saddle (Avatar) and it's much much better.

I really would like a Fizik Antares though, this thing was super comfortable on a test saddle, but I can't find a decent one for the right price on ebay at the moment, I keep getting out bid.

 

[Drago]

One saddle that never disappoints is the Charge Spoon. Good price too.

They disappoint me. They feel like something Vlad the Impaler would design.

The topography of ones backside, ones age, fitness, health and flexibility, are such a personal combination that there is really little value in recommending a particular model to another person on the basis that it works well for me.

To answer Gavroches question, I can only advise one of the modern breed of saddles with cut outs, scallops, or a big gap up the middle, to try and relieve pressure. Once you've found one that works buy a big box of them before the ungrateful manufacturer stops making them or alters the design.

 

[derrick]

One saddle that never disappoints is the Charge Spoon. Good price too.

When you have sat on a descent saddle you will realize how bad a charge spoon is. Probably good for 20 miles. Would not want to do a big ride on one.

 

[bpsmith]

First thing I order is a Fizik Arione as soon as I buy a bike. As @Drago suggests, it would be worthwhile buying up some additional ones if seen at a great price.

 

[derrick]

I found the Fizik worse than the spoon, there are two saddle which suit me. These are the ones i use, Both happy with 200 mile rides.
https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/specia...MI2MKslIPB2gIVArTtCh0z-wTXEAQYBCABEgJG7_D_BwE
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/selle-itali...40uk&pgrid=17507338262&ptaid=pla-121246533422

 

[Johnno260]

First thing I order is a Fizik Arione as soon as I buy a bike. As @Drago suggests, it would be worthwhile buying up some additional ones if seen at a great price.

I tried an Arione and found it like sitting on a wooden wedge! haha

The Antares is the Fizik equal to the Specialised Avatar, a little wider and more padded.

But like others have said recommending saddles is almost impossible, find a store with an ass-o-matic.

 

[Salty seadog]

The OEM saddle on my Whyte Sussex is so comfy I got another for my other road bike.
The mtb one of choice after many trials and tribulations is a titanium railed
SDG Bell air.

Yep, I've got two Whytes, a 2014 Montpellier and 2017 901 both with the same stock saddle and they are fine. Stock one23 saddle on the Forme and a charge spoon on the Roubaix. All these are pretty much the same . The stock Specialized saddle which I rejected at first in favour of the spoon is now on the Pearson single speed.

 

[bpsmith]

I tried an Arione and found it like sitting on a wooden wedge! haha

The Antares is the Fizik equal to the Specialised Avatar, a little wider and more padded.

But like others have said recommending saddles is almost impossible, find a store with an ass-o-matic.

I am not recommending the Arione, as it’s totally down to the individual with regards to what fits, as already said. Just stating that, once the right saddle is found, then buy up a couple more of seen at a good price.

In saying that, I would heartily recommend the Arione, if it’s the right fit, as the build quality and style is amazing. As are other products in their ever growing range.

 

[Alan O]

The topography of ones backside, ones age, fitness, health and flexibility, are such a personal combination that there is really little value in recommending a particular model to another person on the basis that it works well for me.

That is it, in a nutshell.

 

[bpsmith]

That is it, in a nutshell.

Pun intended?

 

[Alan O]

Pun intended?

LOL, I wish