Buying a Saddle

[Rickshaw Phil]

As an aside, is there a fashion for really hard saddles.

Hard saddles aren't to do with fashion. The problem with a soft saddle is that it'll be comfy for up to about 5 or 10 miles but after that it'll chafe (as you found out) or cut off the circulation to, shall we say, delicate areas.

If you are having problems with your saddle, the set up of the saddle DOES play a big part in comfort. Also, the set up of the handlebars can affect it too, as I found out recently when I had to change my stem on the cheap bike. The new adjustable stem is shorter and because my position on the bike has changed I now find the saddle a lot more comfortable.

 

[NeilWalker]

This is interesting.The odd thing is I had no problems at all with the saddle on my last bike. It was comfortable from the word go when i bought it back the mid-1990s. The saddle appeared hard to touch (it was n't a gel one), but did n't create any soreness. I only ride 2-3 hours per week and I've never had a pair of cycling shorts.

 

[LarryDuff]

View attachment 7676
After 27,000 miles on a Brooks, I still found it uncomfortable after 50+ miles so I'm trying out this one, so far so good, but only time will tell.

Saw the Selle SMP in a shop last week - it looked beautiful in yellow or red. I'm a sucker for bright colours!

Would love to know if they are any good as the saddle I have is damned uncomfortable.

 

[numbnuts]

Saw the Selle SMP in a shop last week - it looked beautiful in yellow or red. I'm a sucker for bright colours!

Would love to know if they are any good as the saddle I have is damned uncomfortable.

Hi due to back pain I've only done about 120 miles since I bought it so it is too early to say if it is good or not. on the short outings it is comfortble, but that all could all change after say 50+ miles and become a pain in the arse. One thing I will say it is very well made and had long rail bars for adjustment.

 

[jay clock]

I have a Brooks on the tourer, excellent but heavy and too wide for road style riding. I have a Charge Spoon on 3 other bikes and the fact that I have three says a lot. But everyone is different.

One thing I would look at it is having a bike fit. If you are very upright (more sit up and beg) then tons of pressure goes through your bum. A bike fit may help optimise things.....