Saddle

[Harrier]

Looking to change the saddle on my new bike. The one fitted is pretty basic and not very comfortable. I have been looking at the SPECIALIZED BG TOUPE TEAM 2008 which gets great reviews.

Has anyone got any advice on this or any other similiar saddles in this price range?

Cheers

 

[John the Monkey]

Saddles are a very personal thing, so be prepared for many different recommendations The spesh at least has the advantage of a some sort of scientific methodology - they measure where your sit bones (ischial protuberances) are, and then give you the saddle that scientifically fits those.

Personally, I've liked the San Marco SKN (£10 from Ribble last winter) and really really liked the F'iz:ik Arione (£50 from Merlin cycles). I hear good things of the Rido saddles too, and keep meaning to try one.

 

[4F]

Looking to change the saddle on my new bike. The one fitted is pretty basic and not very comfortable. I have been looking at the SPECIALIZED BG TOUPE TEAM 2008 which gets great reviews.

Has anyone got any advice on this or any other similiar saddles in this price range?

Cheers

I tried a few before I discovered the Toupe including the alleged all singing and dancing Brooks and have to say that the Toupe is a joy to sit on

 

[domtyler]

I have three different saddles including a Brooks and a Toupe and the Toupe takes it for comfort hands down. It just defies logic that anything that looks how it does can be so comfortable.

 

[kyuss]

The Toupe is awesome. I'd have one on all my bikes if I could afford it. You MUST get measured for it though, don't just guess which size you'll need. I have a huge arse and would have thought I'd need the 143, but the 135 fits like a glove.

 

[gavintc]

The 'size' of your arse is less of an issue, it is where your sit bones are located. In addition, I do not think you need the Toupe Gel. The standard Toupe does the job just as well for £10 less.

 

[Harrier]

Can someone please explain how they measure your backside in a shop??

 

[Dormouse]

I think you sit on a malleable pad, a bit like plasticine, then they measure between the depressions that your bum bones have made. Sounds pain free!

 

[4F]

I think you sit on a malleable pad, a bit like plasticine, then they measure between the depressions that your bum bones have made. Sounds pain free!

Yep its a bit of memory foam aka assometer

 

[Mr Pig]

I had a Specialized BG saddle on my MTB and it was terrible. I gave it to my son and he hates it too!

Just saying...

 

[John the Monkey]

Can someone please explain how they measure your backside in a shop??

Remember those electrical foot measuring things in Clarks shops (where you placed your foot in and metal plates come worryingly close to crushing it)?

Like that, only one for each cheek[1].

[1] - Not really.

 

[Lardyboy]

Try a few different saddles out. I was going to get a Toupe but tried a couple of Selle Italia and a Fizik Arione. Arione fitted me perfect.

So always try before you buy.

 

[Bollo]

Yep its a bit of memory foam aka assometer

LBS Goon to me - "These measurements are off the scale - you need a dustbin lid, not a saddle!"

I swapped to a Toupe from a much chunkier Fizik Arione and it has proved to be more comfortable, despite appearances. Build quality does not appear to be in the same league as many other saddles - look underneath and its fairly untidy when compared with its competitors. Despite this, nothing has broken, frayed or come unstuck yet.

I've also got a Brooks Swift on my commuter - its taken six months and about 1500km breaking-in but I'm starting to feel the benefit (rubs @rse like Dennis the Menace after a slippering).

 

[fossyant]

Got to be a Rolls or a Regal if you aren't a weight weenie - the Pros are all still riding them..... I have both - Rolls on the MTB commuter, and a Regal on the training bike....... (about 380 - 400g though)

Flite Ti on my best bike (just 180g) - managed 120 miles on it, but it's minimal......

 

[Bollo]

Got to be a Rolls or a Regal if you aren't a weight weenie - the Pros are all still riding them..... I have both - Rolls on the MTB commuter, and a Regal on the training bike....... (about 380 - 400g though)

Flite Ti on my best bike (just 180g) - managed 120 miles on it, but it's minimal......

There you go, proof that a saddle is personal. I've got a Rolls on my tandem and I don't really get on with it at all.
I know one or two manufacturers do/did a trial scheme (selle italia is one that springs to mind) but you have to be near a participating BS. Otherwise its a lottery and it can get expensive if you've got a fussy ass.