What's the most comfortable saddle seat ?

[_Chris_]

Hi all, Just got back into cycling recently, after a few years break while I did some road running, but am finding that I'm coming off the bike like 'John Wayne' and feeling as though I've just been sitting on a lump of concrete for a couple of hours. What is the most comfortable seat available please ? Obviously know that views will differ, but as many views as possible would be great.

Ta muchly.

Chris

 

[Rhys_Po]

Try the Charge Spoon range

 

[mr Mag00]

so difficult, such a personal thing. for info i like selle italia

 

[yello]

It's such a personal decision and a topic that's been well covered on this forum before. I really do you suggest you search the forum and/or follow some of the links at the bottom of the page.

People will respond telling you what saddle they have but that is next to meaningless for you. Your bum is yours and a good saddle for one person is no good for another. A great deal also depends on what sort of riding and mileage you do, you're budget, etc etc etc.

I'm not trying to be difficult but, seriously, nobody can answer a 'best saddle' question for you.

 

[Sysagent]

This saddle gets a lot of rave reviews and a lot of the Pro's use the lighter / expensive flavour of it:-

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Prologo_Scratch_Pro_Ti_14_Saddle/5360043423/

Also try some different shorts, I cannot recommend Wiggle's own brand DHB shorts they are fantastic...

 

[John the Monkey]

Think about what's uncomfortable about your current perch first of all. E.g. is there too much pressure in one place? Is it so padded that you end up with chafing? Are your sit bones not supported properly?

From that, look at saddles with a shape/amount of padding that will resolve the problem. For example, if you get too much pressure on your perineum, and your saddle has a fairly flat top, look for one with a "wave" type shape (high at the back, low in the middle). If you feel your sit bones aren't supported properly, consider a wider/narrower saddle accordingly.

 

[l4dva]

Go to a good LBS, they will be able to messure the distance between your sit bones (i think thats what thare are called) and tell you which size saddle you will need... I personally use specialized saddles

 

[Happiness Stan]

It's Horses for Courses or rather Arses for Courses.

Spend loads before finding one that fit my arse (Fizik Aliante)

But having said all that a Selle san Marco Rolls always does a good job.

 

[numbnuts]

Brooks saddle we have a love hate relationship I love the way it looks,
but sometimes it hates my arse and that's after nearly 20,000 miles

 

[mr-marty-martin]

well for comfort look at what some of the tour guys use, contador, lance, san marco concor's rule man...

 

[_Chris_]

Many thanks to you all - there's some helpful pointers there.

Am also looking into the WTB Shadow.

If there's any other ideas, please feel free to chip in.

I was also thinking of getting one of the gel saddles - any feedback on them ?

The viewpoints can be different, but they're always appreciated.

 

[phil_hg_uk]

Currently using one of these (except in black):

from here -> http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=32061

More comfortable than the Rolls and the Brooks B17 and the Specialised avatar I have tried, but thats just me everyone is different. Did over 100 miles on this yesterday and it was ok.

 

[gavintc]

Personally I really like the Specialized Toupe and have one of each of my bikes - stunningly comfortable and suitable for a day in the saddle.

 

[ASC1951]

well for comfort look at what some of the tour guys use

Really? First, we generally spend twice as long in the saddle as they do for the same distance; second, we are wider, heavier and much less fit than they are; third, they are all weight weenies.

You might as well say 'look at what gearing the pros use'. Your average C+ rider - me included - wouldn't be able to get around anywhere hillier than Essex, let alone hit 40mph on the flat.

 

[yello]

messure the distance between your sit bones (i think thats what thare are called) and tell you which size saddle you will need.

And that's just one theory, albeit a currently well held one. Some might suggest that sit bone/saddle width is not the answer.... a marketing ploy even.

For what it's worth, I reckon JtM has got a sensible approach. That is, start with what you know. What don't you like about your current saddle? If you were to take a stanley knife to it, where would you shave it? What might you add to it?

Believe me, if you start going by recommendation (as well intentioned as those recommendations are) then you'll be buying and accumulating saddles until you get lucky.

And bear in mind saddle positioning. You might have the perfect saddle already, you maybe just have not got it in the right position.