Road Cycling - Saddle Choices

I'm in the market for a new saddle and was wondering which type of saddles people prefer. I know it is a very personal choice and I plan on testing as many saddles as possible.

I run a Selle Italia Trans AM Max with the cutout and it's really comfortable, even though it doesn't seem like it. I'm very picky about saddles too ...

I use a Selle San Marco Aspide saddle, it has a slight groove in the center but no cutout and has very little padding. It has been the most comfortable saddle I have ever owned.

Traditional Brooks tensioned leather saddles. The almost universal choice of randonneurs and ultramarathon cyclists. My personal favorite model for long rides is the B17. Otherwise I also really like the Team Pro.

Dave

Agree with Hayneda 100%.
I'm riding B17 and couldn't be happier
(well I could, it could be on a Confente, but thats
another story).
I also have Trans-Am on my other bike, Its ok
but nothing to write home about.

Marty

Other: I use different saddles for different types of riding

1. Selle Italia ProLink TransAm (anotomic cut-out) on road tandems
2. Selle Italia Max Flite TransAm (anotomic cut-out) on off-road tandem
3. Selle Italia Flite Gel on road bike
4. Selle Italia Flite TransAm (anotomic cut-out) on MTB

I like the cut-out on the off-road bikes because they let moisture escape and seem to keep my butt cooler -- a major consideration here in Georgia where 90% humidity isn't all that uncommon.

I went to the ProLink TransAM on the tandem based on a recommendation from someone else; it was a good recommendation. Again, since you spend a lot of time in the saddle vs standing on the tandems the extra ventilation of the cut-out is a nice feature independent of the saddle's shape which really is quite nice. I have a sneaking suspicion that the Selle San Marco Aspide may "feel" similar to the ProLink even with it's minimalist design as the contact spots and width look similar.

I've been on a Fizik Aliante for a couple of months now on the roadie bike, and it fits my sitting bones better than the Flite Gel that it replaced. I'm not sure that it counts as having a cutaway, really, but it's well contoured and, like I said, just fits me better.

I have a body geometry pro on my road bike. It is pretty firm, but I haven't had ANY problems with numbness. The firmness takes a bit of time to get used to though.

never been happy on a cut out saddle... think about it.. to take some pressure off one area you've gotta add to another.. well, the italia trans am gel cut out I tried I couldn't ride... THe fizik pave is great I've got about 300 miles on it and it's great.. it's worth a try

I use a Fizik Pave`. It has a more rounded (side to side) profile than a lot of other lightweight saddles. I feel the edges of the few flatter saddles I have tried against my thighs. I also have an older model Terry Dragonfly that I use on my commuter. It's fine, too. Main thing in my case is that most of my weight is carried by the bonier parts of my anatomy by the wider part of the saddle.

Without a selection of BROOKS saddles....it is an invalid poll with no truth to the answer!!

Brooks

the selle italia websiteahs some good tips on saddle selection and some convincing arguments why Ti railed saddles are more comfy.

<http://www.selleitalia.com>

I bought a saddle from Selle that I've enjoyed very much.

But I bought it on the hype that if I didn't get a seat with a cut out or gell protection that my reporductive organ may get numb and no longer work for it's intended or recreational purpose.

So perhaps the gel insert, or the hole, isn't that important.

I hate big bike shops, but preformance offered that I could buy a saddle, and if I wasn't happy, that I could exchange it for another one with out a stocking fee. That's pretty good service.

Edit for link to non numbing info

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24886

My previous saddles were all variations of the Avocet touring style of saddle.

And I always felt pressure in places where I didn't want pressure.

Finally got a saddle with the cut-out down the center. Was also a bit squishier. It's a Trek product.

And it feels so much better. The extra cushioning may help a little, but it seems that the channel helps reduce pressure on the sensitive areas.

I now have one on my MTB and road bikes. Have put over 200 miles on them, including one ride of about 37 miles.

So far, so good.

Brooks B17 on my Heron Touring and 80's RaleighUSA Grand Prix road.

Anyone out there have or know much about Koobi saddles? They have a pretty sweet deal on their website. They have a deal where if you buy one of their top of the line saddles, the Koobi Xenon, you can get a pair of eight panel biking shorts for $19.95. Normal retail price is $79.95. Of course the saddle isn't cheap, about $100.

I have heard nothing but good reviews on the Koobi saddles and need both a saddle and a new pair of bike shorts.

The best part about it is Koobi has a 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee on all of their saddles. Not many saddle companies offer that assurance that you will like their products.

Wallingford Bikes (http://www.wallbike.com)
has a no hassle return policy on their Brooks saddles.
Don't like it? send it back, full refund
(unless of course you really trash it).
can't ask more than that.


Marty

Brooks.
B-17 on my touring Trek
B-17 Narrow on my Road Bike
Team Pro on my Tandem

And books doesn't make a seat for my bent, but I would look into one if they did!:D

Rick

Originally posted by RHNiles
...And books doesn't make a seat for my bent, but I would look into one if they did!:D

Rick

Have you tried taking a BROOKS and your 'bent to a local saddle maker, and ask? :rolleyes:

And books doesn't make a seat for my bent, but I would look into one if they did!
Rick,
Talk to Bill Laine at Wallingford. I don't know anything about bents, but he might be able to help.
www.wallbike.com (http://www.wallbike.com)

Ted

brooks b17 champion special

Brooks Team Pro :beer:

Brooks Swift

Originally posted by 1oldRoadie
Have you tried taking a BROOKS and your 'bent to a local saddle maker, and ask? :rolleyes:

I don't know if they could beat the one I've got. It sure would be funny looking on it though!
Rick

The Selle Italia ProLink Tri-Gel Saddle is the best Saddle i have ever owned.

Warmest regards,
Logan

I'm with you Kev, I like the Selle San Marco Aspide so much I bought one for each of my three road bikes. Absolutely the best saddle I've ridden yet...

Dang, no one around here rides a Brooks. I'm using an Aspide as well and it's doing a good job of keeping the boys happy (a couple other shop guys and customers agree, for what it's worth).

Selle Italia Flite Gel on road bike