What's the most comfortable saddle seat ?

[wafflycat]

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.

You missed my point about me saying this was when I first got back on a bike, then?

Seriously - I hadn't been on a bike for over ten years at the time. And the first time I got back on a bike then I couldn't do the five miles into town without having a couple of stops for a breather...

Edit: Digressing a bit. On the Discovery Channel, on one of the 'How do they do it?' 'How it's Made' type programmes, they showed how a Brooks is made. The whole process from start to finish. The interesting bit was one of the few bits of modern technology used. A setup was used to measure the pressure on the nether regions via some sort of sensors in saddle linked to computer, to produce display on computer screen. Compared was a Brooks and a modern, well-padded saddle. The difference was striking. The Brooks placed far less pressure on the nether regions than the ' comfort' saddle, which squished up the nether regions to produce significant areas of pressure where you really don't want pressure.

 

[Ian H]

Compared was a Brooks and a modern, well-padded saddle. The difference was striking. The Brooks placed far less pressure on the nether regions than the ' comfort' saddle, which squished up the nether regions to produce significant areas of pressure where you really don't want pressure.

Even though I'm a Brooks fan. I'd have to say that comparing it to a 'comfort' saddle stacks the odds in the Brooks' favour.

 

[raindog]

You could always try something hand-made like this....

 

[wafflycat]

Even better!!

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/real-man.html

 

[semislickstick]

Does it depend on if you have a flabby arse or a muscular arse?

I really need some padding (I had a year long injury on my gluteus maximus after doing a 50 mile ride on a firm seat)

 

[Dave5N]

Specialized Toupe

 

[Dave5N]

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.

Forgive me, but that is absolute bollocks. If it was a better saddle they would use it. And bear in mind that ALL ProTour bikes need to have weights added to meet the regulations.

 

[gavintc]

Forgive me, but that is absolute bollocks. If it was a better saddle they would use it. And bear in mind that ALL ProTour bikes need to have weights added to meet the regulations.

And how many pro riders have you seen on a Brooks saddle in the last 2 yrs. Come on, we have moved on a little in the bike equipment world since the 1950's.

 

[Sysagent]

Most of them are on Fiziks or the Prologo Scratch...

 

[yenrod]

May I just add cycling short 'pad' can make a difference too ! - Ive recently changed shorts and never get any pain/discomfort at all !!!

 

[totallyfixed]

Might be worth checking out what most long distance fixies use, we have to have a comfy perch cos our arses never stop moving! FWIW I use a cheap Charge Spoon, £20 and the best yet. One thing I did quickly learn about saddles is that the softer they are, the further you go, the more they hurt.

 

[runner]

I to am having great trouble with my present saddle...my bum just aches after commuting during the day. I have on my defy 1 a giant performance saddle and was thinking of upgrading to one of these
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=23422

has anyone tried one...the only problem i have is the price!! and chain reaction will not change if you do not like....that's the problem with a saddle you need to try out for a while before you can really say yes or no....maybe i should look at one of the cheaper options from selle smp range...