Specialized saddles

[Crackle]

I borrowed, from the saddle library when it was still here, a Specialized Toupe saddle and with very little introduction to each other, did a 70 mile ride on it with no real problem. So quite easily the best saddle I've used. But, there's always a butt with a saddle. I found it quite hard, not uncomfortably so but I just wanted a tadge more padding than the Toupe had.

For one reason and another, mostly revolving around the fact I rarely ride more than a few hours and the Spoon is OK up to that time, I never got around to getting one and now I find, the range has all changed, though I could still pick one up on ebay.

The thing is, of the old and new Specialized range was there or is there a Toupe with a touch more padding than the original Toupe. I ask because because most of the shops near me have a really limited saddle selection and because I intend to try and pick one up 2nd hand?

 

[Spiderweb]

You can still buy brand new charge spoons for £17.98 delivered free.
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Charge-Spoo...gle_shopping&gclid=CNL4_Zjdgc0CFYpAGwodL_wMpg

 

[Crackle]

You can still buy brand new charge spoons for less than £20 delivered.

I have a Spoon, two of them. I find them fine for shorter rides but becoming increasingly uncomfortable after a few hours.

 

[derrick]

The Toupe was always up the top for me, the difference widths are the bit that make the difference, A great saddle. I tried the Spoon and found it fine for short commutes. But would not want to go more than 20 miles on one. I now use one of these as the toupe wore out and i could not find one the same, http://www.wiggle.co.uk/selle-italia-slr-team-edition-flow-with-titanium-rails/

 

[Crackle]

The Toupe was always up the top for me, the difference widths are the bit that make the difference, A great saddle. I tried the Spoon and found it fine for short commutes. But would not want to go more than 20 miles on one. I now use one of these as the toupe wore out and i could not find one the same, http://www.wiggle.co.uk/selle-italia-slr-team-edition-flow-with-titanium-rails/

Useful to know. I had eyed them up as an alternative. How does the padding compare between the Toupe and the Sella?

And I think my Spoon 'gave' a bit this year. It suddenly became quite uncomfortable until I altered the seat angle a tadge but I think I need a different saddle now anyhow, one with a cutout.

 

[derrick]

Useful to know. I had eyed them up as an alternative. How does the padding compare between the Toupe and the Sella?

And I think my Spoon 'gave' a bit this year. It suddenly became quite uncomfortable until I altered the seat angle a tadge but I think I need a different saddle now anyhow, one with a cutout.

I would say the Sella was slightly better, I have ridden 100+ miles rides on both of them and had no problems. They both suite me.

 

[Crackle]

They both suite me.

That is always the problem with saddles, however the Sella you linked to has a similar shape and I realized a while ago what shape suits me and what doesn't. Also what width suits me.

 

[derrick]

That is always the problem with saddles, however the Sella you linked to has a similar shape and I realized a while ago what shape suits me and what doesn't. Also what width suits me.

I doubt you will be disappointed with the Sella if you know the width.
I use the 145 L2. Some of the websites are not posting the sizes.

 

[russ.will]

Just my 2p as I've only had a Spoon, Selle italia SLR Flow, Spesh Romin Evo pro Gel and a Toupe; width and profile had far more to do with the comfort than padding. The Romin is the same width as the Toupe, but flatter and with a lot less padding and it's easily the most comfortable saddle I've got. 3hrs+ with no issues, whilst all of the others start to get very noticeable at an hour+. I have got wide sit bones and I'm not exactly lightweight either, so saddle choice is important.

I must add that getting bib-shorts with a chamois suited to my arse width made as big a difference though.

Russell

 

[Crackle]

Just my 2p as I've only had a Spoon, Selle italia SLR Flow, Spesh Romin Evo pro Gel and a Toupe; width and profile had far more to do with the comfort than padding. The Romin is the same width as the Toupe, but flatter and with a lot less padding and it's easily the most comfortable saddle I've got. 3hrs+ with no issues, whilst all of the others start to get very noticeable at an hour+. I have got wide sit bones and I'm not exactly lightweight either, so saddle choice is important.

I must add that getting bib-shorts with a chamois suited to my arse width made as big a difference though.

Russell

Less padding on the Romin. That's noted. I do wonder if the flatter shape may be better, I think I'm going to have to find a shop with all these in.

 

[russ.will]

Less padding on the Romin. That's noted. I do wonder if the flatter shape may be better, I think I'm going to have to find a shop with all these in.

That's the point. My man bits seem to receive less pressure from the flatter saddle, despite both having pressure relieving areas.

Sit bone measurements are an important base line, but we're all different from that point on. I'm certainly not stating that the Romin is the best solution, even for me. It's just the best I have found so far...

However and I'm no Specialised fanboy; they do have the best, easy to understand saddle range structure, with the widest fittings, from which you can construct your understanding of what suits. Full marks for that.

Russell