Question for the Guys and Saddles

[grecinos]

Hey Guys,

I am going to be ordering a new saddle for my bike (Trek Madone, circa 2007 Series). As you know there's pretty much 2 different designs, cut-out and non cut-out (for lack of better terminology). This question has probably been asked many times, If there is a known thread with answers to my question, feel free to link it. Otherwise, I need to know what is your guys’ experience with the two different saddle designs? No need to get graphic. Just a simple, "I find these sort of saddles more comfortable", or "these saddles cause numbness", etc. I'm wondering which one provides better support. Right now, I’m riding a saddle with a cut-out and I’m finding that it doesn’t provide enough support; I have to use chamois cream for rides greater than 1 ½ hours. I used to race as a cat 3 in the US, but I now ride for enjoyment and fitness. I still feel competitive, so my riding style reflects that. I'm looking for a saddle that would be found on a typical racing bike, and not for leisure/commuting type.

Any suggestions, such as brands and models you can provide would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks,
grecinos

 

[festival]

Fi'zik saddles are very popular with club riders and pro's alike. The Arione and Aliante models cover the different body types eg flexability.
Personally I have used the Selle Italia Flite Gel version for years, they keep adjusting the design and I now use the Flow version (with the cut out) and basically it feels the same.
Its very personal and you need to try a few if you can, also check out the makers websites for info.

 

[billy1561]

I also use a fizik aliante, but prior to that i tried the same one with a cut out on the lbs advice but it was agony after a couple of hours. I think a few shops have demo saddles so may be worth asking? As with any saddle they are personal to the rider so i can only suggest trying before paying any money out.

 

[grecinos]

Fi'zik saddles are very popular with club riders and pro's alike. The Arione and Aliante models cover the different body types eg flexability.
Personally I have used the Selle Italia Flite Gel version for years, they keep adjusting the design and I now use the Flow version (with the cut out) and basically it feels the same.
Its very personal and you need to try a few if you can, also check out the makers websites for info.

You're right. The fit of the saddle is very personal and requires hands on experience. Unfortunately, I live in the country and the nearest bike shop is about 45 minutes away. So, what I'm having to do is buy from some well known bike retailers on the internet. The ones that I buy from have real good return policies. I bought a San Marco Ponza Racing Power Arrowhead Saddle. It should get here next week. The Fizik models you mentioned look promising, but they also cost over $140 USD. In the meantime, I'm going to do what you suggested, by going to the maker's website and do some research.

 

[Hacienda71]

Fizik Arione for me. I find the width good and it is long so you can move backwards and forwards on it when required. I bought a second hand one at a fraction of the new cost to try it before committing to a new purchase.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Specialized Romin Expert for me

I've used Fizik Aliante, (OK), Fizik Arione, (OK), and plenty of others spurious saddles that have come on bikes over the years, but the Romin is the best for all round comfort IME.

BUT, and this has always been, and will always be the case, one man's comfy saddle is another man's razor blade.

 

[Deleted member 23692]

SDG Bel Air RL Ti for me. It's not the cheapest but it's supremely comfy... assuming you've got the right shape undercarriage!

Bus as said saddles are a very personal thing, and we ain't all the same shape

 

[spacecat]

Fizik arione cx for me. I think it was purely chance that it works. I only bought it cos it was half price and couldn't resist. It is very narrow and probably suits me, me being very narrow.

But as others have said it is so subjective.

 

[Andy_G]

How can you try new saddles when, every time i go to my lbs they havent got the ones im looking for and even if they have how can you it on them if their on the shelf.?

 

[billy1561]

How can you try new saddles when, every time i go to my lbs they havent got the ones im looking for and even if they have how can you it on them if their on the shelf.?

The LBS i refer to is a fizik demo centre and has the full range of fizik saddles in yellow with 'test' wrote over them. For a small deposit they put one on your bike and you can ride with it for a couple of weeks to see if that particular model agrees with your anatomy.
I tried the arione and the arione versus before settling on the aliante.

 

[Andy_G]

The LBS i refer to is a fizik demo centre and has the full range of fizik saddles in yellow with 'test' wrote over them. For a small deposit they put one on your bike and you can ride with it for a couple of weeks to see if that particular model agrees with your anatomy.
I tried the arione and the arione versus before settling on the aliante.

Unfortunatly i only have Lbs with naff all stock, like most others.

 

[billy1561]

Unfortunatly i only have Lbs with naff all stock, like most others.

That's a problem.. Perhaps purchase from one of the big online retailers who do free no quibble returns?

 

[vickster]

They may quibble if you've used it and detached from the packaging and probably scratched the rails
I've a feeling that specialized concept stores do this tho and you can have your bum measured

 

[billy1561]

They may quibble if you've used it and detached from the packaging and probably scratched the rails
I've a feeling that specialized concept stores do this tho and you can have your bum measured

You're quite right vickster. Apologies for being misleading all.

 

[vickster]

For the UK based - this moght be of interest

http://www.cadenceperformance.com/saddle-test-facility/?gclid=CKCD-IG24bUCFaTMtAodKSAAyQ