Mountain Biking - saddles and grips

am a wimpy, but bony person who needs his hands to be in good condition and would like to be able to sit down again after a hard ride, and would like to be able to play my bass and not have my palms hurting. (wait, was that from riding, or...?)

what are the most comfortable saddles and grips you guys can recommend...?

I just ordered a WTB Lazer V Pro Gel after trying a friend's. Get some good, padded bike shorts before you swap your seat, though. They helped me quite a bit, but I still want a comfy seat b/c I ride some rocky stuff.

I also looked quite a while for grips. Many will recommend the Oury (sp?). They are standard for motocross bikes. I just picked up some Specialized Enduro grips for $10.95 from my LBS and they rock. They have plenty of cush, and grip. Spray your handlebar with hairspray first and they will slide on easily and stay put after a few minutes.

[/QUOTE]Spray your handlebar with hairspray first and they will slide on easily and stay put after a few minutes.

but if you get them wet afterwards, they will get all frizzy and you wont be able to do a thing with them!

I just got a Selle Italia SLR Gel flow and love it.

oury grips are sweeet ;)
those lock on things look pretty sweet too...

The Fizik Nisene saddle that came on my Cannondale is pretty nice and comfortable.

The WTB Speed V Team cured my comfort woes.

but if you get them wet afterwards, they will get all frizzy and you wont be able to do a thing with them!

[/QUOTE]


Okay, what should I do about the Dr. Pepper I just spit up all over my computer screen after reading that? Bwahaha! :roflmao:

I've found narrower, firmer grips cause less hand stress as it requires less 'grip'.
Foam grips, you clench instead of holding.
Use padded gloves.
THE grip IMO http://www.odigrips.com/mtb_ruffianmx_lo.htm
No more problems with removal, the rubber is replaceable.

Hand pressure may be alleviated by lowering the saddle if high, or moving the saddle back on the rails a few mm.

Saddle musings...depending on your riding position use wide back\padded if you 'sit' upright and pedal, more areo -saddle high, look into ergonomic shaped saddles.
Less padding, but 'fit' up there better.

I've stopped looking, use these http://www.sdgusa.com/layout.php?m=trad&id=trad&s=belairs

The scoop rear is nice and the material quite strong. Nicest I've purchased so far, no complaints, return customer.

Bike fitting and riding position are also factors to consider if you're uncomfortable.
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You sound like me. I'm boney and I play bass.
Saddles are the most subjective part of the bike, with grips are a close second. I use a Titec Berserker saddle. It has a nicely padded nose and the Ti rails keep it very light. My friend findsthe thickness of Oury grips uncomfortable. I have rather long fingers though (130mm middle finger, for reference), and I find anything thinner than Oury grips to be uncomfortable. I have them on all my mountain bikes.

Saddles are a matter of personal preference. Anyone here can tell you their saddle is the best in the world, and it is, FOR THEM. Read this: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html

As for the grips: I like ODI Lock On's.
Pick your own pattern, but I like the Rogues I use on my bikes http://www.odigrips.com/mtb_rogue_lo.htm

Spider grips rock I think. I've run just about every kind made.

My personal preferences are the Fizik Aliante for the road bike and the Fizik Gobi for the mountain bike. However you may try them and absolutely hate them. Saddles are just something you have to try and decide for yourself.

For grips I use foam grips that are actually designed for an old ten speed. They weigh next to nothing (22 grams for the pair) and cost about $3 a set. I also have a set of Oury bolt ons that I am going to replace with the foam grips. My favorite non foam grips are the Salsa Juego de Fuegos, those things are very nice.