Saddles

[Martin2972]

I currently have the standard saddle fitted from Giant for my Defy 1 disc bike.
I've been looking on the Fizik website which suggests that I'm a chameleon!!!
Currently I'm thinking of either the Fizik Antares R3 or r5 k:ium or Selle Italia Max Flite Gel flow.
I ride on weekends 25 miles to 60+ and have signed up to do some sportives next year which are 98-112 miles.
Has anyone got any advice on which saddle to purchase?

 

[biggs682]

@Martin2972 i only use Selle Smp's on my bikes and i like them , i have 2 x 209 lites on my road bikes and 2 x trk's on my commuters

 

[mjr]

Why are you switching? We can all post about saddles we like but we've probably all slightly differently shaped bums and different riding styles.

 

[T4tomo]

Is there anything wrong with your current saddle?
If it's fine for 60 miles then it will be for 100. If it's fine but you just fancy an upgrade then get something that looks a similar shape.
Spending more money doesn't necessarily bring comfort. My current best bike has been tried with 2 £70-80 saddles but is comfiest with a £20 charge spoon, a fact I discovered by accident, having bought a spoon as a cheap solution for another bike I don't ride much.
My winter bike now also has a spoon!

 

[paul_sw]

Head to your nearest bike shop and measure your sit bone width - that'll reduce the potential options for a start - also some shops allow you to trial a saddle for a week before buying.... Saddle searching is a minefield - and often trial and error - but you can always sell on saddles without too much bother if they're not quite right- good luck....

 

[Martin2972]

Is there anything wrong with your current saddle?
If it's fine for 60 miles then it will be for 100. If it's fine but you just fancy an upgrade then get something that looks a similar shape.
Spending more money doesn't necessarily bring comfort. My current best bike has been tried with 2 £70-80 saddles but is comfiest with a £20 charge spoon, a fact I discovered by accident, having bought a spoon as a cheap solution for another bike I don't ride much.
My winter bike now also has a spoon!

Get some numbness after an hour or so and read a review on the bike stating should have a 135mm + width. Also not sure whether it's gimmicks etc but they say it would "Antares" etc would be suited to my hip size etc. Also any reduction in weight is also an advantage going uphill!!

 

[S-Express]

Has anyone got any advice on which saddle to purchase?

Yes - if you are ok on the current saddle, stick to it.

 

[Spiderweb]

My saddle of choice is also a Charge Spoon, for sub £20 it's worth a try. If unsuitable it will sell on eBay for £15. Some saddles can be very expensive mistakes.

 

[paul_sw]

Antares" etc would be suited to my hip size etc

Position of your sit bones when on the saddle is the key measurement rather than hip size. If you've got numbness after only an hour that's not the saddle for you....

 

[T4tomo]

Get some numbness after an hour or so and read a review on the bike stating should have a 135mm + width. Also not sure whether it's gimmicks etc but they say it would "Antares" etc would be suited to my hip size etc. Also any reduction in weight is also an advantage going uphill!!

So it's probably worth trying something else then as an hour isn't long to be feeling numb.

Did this review you read measure your sit bones, as that is the only thing relevant to deciding what width saddle you might need.

 

[mjr]

Did this review you read measure your sit bones, as that is the only thing relevant to deciding what width saddle you might need.

Not only, but it's the most important. The other key factor IMO is how close to a V shape or a T shape (viewing the saddle from above) your thigh movement dictates you need. Too V for you and the inside of your thighs will get sore, too T and the back of the bum/thigh area will get sore.

 

[Goggs]

Width is an entirely personal thing but depending on where precisely you're getting numbness I'd suggest something with a central cut-out. It worked for me.

 

[Rich Worrall]

My saddle of choice is also a Charge Spoon, for sub £20 it's worth a try. If unsuitable it will sell on eBay for £15. Some saddles can be very expensive mistakes.

Same here, tried 4 or 5 and none of them felt quite right until i got the spoon. So comfy and fits like a glove.

 

[Cycleops]

My most comfortable one was a Selle Royal in a rather nasty fake carbon fibre finish I bought here for £4. But I would love to try the rather expensive Brooks Cambium. Anyone got one?
http://road.cc/content/review/115982-brooks-cambium-c17-saddle

 

[Drago]

Why are you switching? We can all post about saddles we like but we've probably all slightly differently shaped bums and different riding styles.

Exactly. All our arses are different, so what suits me is pointless for me to recommend to another.

My butt favours cheap old Selle Italia saddles that come as standard on a lot of mass market bikes such as Giants, but I don't get on at all with the Charge Spoon and it's identical (and cheaper) rebranded cousins, but others rave about them and would settle for nothing else shoved up their nethers.