Which charge saddle is for me

[Sharky]

Hi
Which is the best charge saddle for road bike rides over 60 miles plus, I've measured my sit bones and approx 110mm ( I believe I have to add 30mm ) I ve read good reviews on the charge saddles, but not sure which one to buy, spoon, scoop or knife, thank you for any advice

Don't think you need a specific saddle for rides over 60 miles. An uncomfortable saddle is noticeable very quickly, well before you get to 60 miles.

A 60+ ride must be 4+ hours in the saddle and unless accustomed to long rides, saddle soreness is probably to be expected. Towards the latter stages of a long ride, the legs get tired and stop acting as shock absorbers, so the full weight of the body rests on the saddle and thus the bum.

But once you find that magic saddle, be sure to buy more than one, so you can have the same on all your bikes.

 

[gavgav]

Tried a Charge Spoon once and it was the most uncomfortable thing I've ever sat on!! Many do like them though and saddles are such a personal thing.

 

[tomplodder]

Don't think you need a specific saddle for rides over 60 miles. An uncomfortable saddle is noticeable very quickly, well before you get to 60 miles.

A 60+ ride must be 4+ hours in the saddle and unless accustomed to long rides, saddle soreness is probably to be expected. Towards the latter stages of a long ride, the legs get tired and stop acting as shock absorbers, so the full weight of the body rests on the saddle and thus the bum.

But once you find that magic saddle, be sure to buy more than one, so you can have the same on all your bikes.

That is great info, I did not know that, thanks

 

[Alan O]

Don't think you need a specific saddle for rides over 60 miles. An uncomfortable saddle is noticeable very quickly, well before you get to 60 miles.

While I think I'd agree with that for distances like ~60 miles, I do think the further you ride the more difference a saddle can make.

After about 30 miles on my MTB with a Spoon I'm starting to feel a little bit of saddle soreness - even though it starts off feeling really comfy.

For longer distances, on my touring bike, I have a Brooks Cambium and I seriously love it - I did my first 100-mile ride in July since my return after a 20-year break from cycling, and though many parts of my body were sore at the end, my bum felt like I'd been sitting on gossamer lubricated with unicorn tears.

The much lower price of the Spoon makes it the no-brainer choice for me for short MTB rides even though it's clearly not the better (for me) overall and would be getting uncomfortable if I got anywhere near 100 miles on it, and the significant extra cost of the Cambium is well worth it for the long road rides.

The fixed-wheel bike I'm currently building is going to get a Spoon too, as I don't intend to ride long distances on it.

But once you find that magic saddle, be sure to buy more than one, so you can have the same on all your bikes.

Definitely agree with that - if only I could afford five Cambiums

 

[fossyant]

Saddles are very person specific.

I stick with Selle Italia 'flat' styled saddles, or Charge. Even saddles by the same make can be problematic. Less padding is 'more' usually.

 

[fatjel]

I like spoons cos they are cheap and comfy for shortish rides without padded shorts up to 100 miles ish.
I prefer a knife for longer rides

 

[GuyBoden]

Unfortunately, being over weight significantly increases saddle discomfort.

 

[postman]

Charge Spoon on my mtb which i only use for Leeds and Liverpool canal tow path.I like it.

 

[jay clock]

Spoon for me. No idea what other ones are like. I have Spoons on 3 bikes. Done 4 x Ironmans on them and loads of long rides.

 

[jay clock]

Spoon for me. No idea what other ones are like. I have Spoons on 3 bikes. Done 4 x Ironmans on them and loads of long rides.

Oh, yes, and I am not skinny either!