What's the most comfortable saddle seat ?

[wafflycat]

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.

The correct answer to your original question is, "The one that fits your backside properly." Seriously, what one person finds comfortable can be like sitting on razors for another.

For some useful information have a look at this link

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html

A key phrase in Sheldon's article is, "When a cyclist finds a saddle uncomfortable, the first impulse is often to look for a soft one. This is often a mistake. Just as the softest mattress is not necessarily the most comfortable to sleep on, the softest saddle is not the most comfortable to cycle on."

So lots of gel is NOT the way to go is you want to cycle comfortably over many miles.

Example: the saddle I have on my tourer is a Terry's Liberator TiLite and it has not a lot of gel on it at all. Yet I can do a 100 mile bike ride and my nether regions give me no pain at all.

 

[mr-marty-martin]

yeah but the san marco, thats not a full carbon fany thing, they use it for the sheer comfort!

 

[nosherduke996]

i woul stick with the old one for a while, its early days yet and your bum needs a bit of time

 

[oxford_guy]

Brooks B17 Imperial (its the one with the cutout, does make a difference to comfort...)

 

[gavintc]

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.

So from your analysis a race saddle is inappropriate. Have you ever sat on one? I think that you would be surprised at just how effective they actually are.

 

[Ian H]

i woul stick with the old one for a while, its early days yet and your bum needs a bit of time

Is the best advice so far. Get some miles in first.

Once you've got the callouses it's time to think about fine-tuning the perch.

For the record I use Brookses on the audax and touring bikes, and a Specialized Toupe on the TTer (and a plastic anatomic something or other on the Airnimal, but that never goes over sixty miles so it's not a problem). The Toupe never feels totally comfortable (unlike the Brookses) but never gets really uncomfortable.

 

[yenrod]

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=32061

When the pressure on, this gives nicely !

[YOU CAN GET THEM IN BLACK]

 

[phil_hg_uk]

Already posted that one

 

[ASC1951]

So from your analysis a race saddle is inappropriate. Have you ever sat on one?

No, that wasn't my analysis, Gavin. Some people may indeed find a race saddle comfortable. My point was that Pro Tour cycling isn't the same as what we do, the people aren't the same as us and the fact that something is suitable for them doesn't mean it is necessarily suitable for the general rider. Not many of us drive to work in an F1 fireproof suit, for instance.

Huge numbers of C+ riders go for a Brooks B17. A pro rider would rule that out on weight, no matter how comfortable it is.

I have tried Litespeeds, San Marcos and various other lightweight and gel saddles, but for me nothing comes close to my Brooks Swift.

 

[John the Monkey]

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?

Eh thengew

I got my Arione because I found the Giant saddle on my SCR2.0 overly wide & too heavily padded.

I got my Prologo Nago Pas because I found the Arione put a bit too much weight on the perineum (although that could be aleviated by sitting further back - the Arione is a comfy perch, so it's now on my tourer/commuter - slacker seat tube angle means it's easier to sit further back).

One thing I forgot to mention is to think about weight you're carrying - the Nago Pas is overly firm (for me) when I'm carrying a rucksack, and commuting on it was a bit of a trial, if I'm honest. Unweighted, it's superbly comfy, and I love it for my long, (relatively) quick Sunday rides.

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

Definitely something to try before lashing out money - a hearty +1 for this point.

 

[wafflycat]

Is the best advice so far. Get some miles in first.

Once you've got the callouses it's time to think about fine-tuning the perch.

For the record I use Brookses on the audax and touring bikes, and a Specialized Toupe on the TTer (and a plastic anatomic something or other on the Airnimal, but that never goes over sixty miles so it's not a problem). The Toupe never feels totally comfortable (unlike the Brookses) but never gets really uncomfortable.

Yet from the very first cycle ride I had my Terry's saddle on my tourer I was *comfortable*. No aches, no pain, just supportive comfort as the saddle fits my nether regions perfectly. And this goes back to when I first got back on a bike a few years ago. The saddle that was on the bike originally was *painful* even after a couple of miles. Switched saddles and instant relief and comfort. So I'm dubious about the idea that a person & a saddle must somehow conquer each other before comfort is achieved.

 

[phil_hg_uk]

That's interesting yenrod (and phil_hg_uk), I was just about to ask about these. I think I'll have to get one now. In black though

Before you do here is another one to look at and its under £30.00

This one here -> http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=23428

I am thinking about trying it out as the Hybid is just a little bit narrow at the back for my fat arse and that one is wider and of course cheaper. Just thought I would mention it before you decide could be worth you looking at both and then maybe sending the one you dont want back.

 

[phil_hg_uk]

Thanks Phil - decisions decisions!

Sorry I just thought I would confuse you more

I would be interested in hearing from anyone who uses the Strike TRK as I may just give it a whirl at that price, not that the hybrid isnt comfortable in comparsion to the other saddles I have tried it is excellent just a bit of fine tuning

 

[numbnuts]

it's cheaper here

 

[Ian H]

Yet from the very first cycle ride I had my Terry's saddle on my tourer I was *comfortable*. No aches, no pain, just supportive comfort as the saddle fits my nether regions perfectly. And this goes back to when I first got back on a bike a few years ago. The saddle that was on the bike originally was *painful* even after a couple of miles. Switched saddles and instant relief and comfort. So I'm dubious about the idea that a person & a saddle must somehow conquer each other before comfort is achieved.

Yes, the same thing for me when I bought the first Brooks (about 25yrs ago - still use it). But i wonder whether you or I would have found them so comfortable without a few years of cycling experience behind us.
The main trouble with saddle advice is that there appear to be as many solutions as there are cyclists.