Mountain Biking - saddle up

i'm looking for a new saddle.
anything i shoud look for, or avoid?
obviously i'll be avoiding anything that's pointy and pokes directly upwards.

I've had success with the specialized bg line...I can't remember what I've got on my mtb right now, but it's comfy - and a heck of a lot lighter than the WTB beast I was squatting on before.

Saddles are such a personal thing. What do you have now? Are you happy with it?

The Kona hardtail I have came with a WTB saddle. I love it, I am so comfortable with it that when it came time to shop for a new saddle for another bike I'm building up, I went with a WTB.

i'm using an old viscount, but it has started falling to bits. it's not too bad, though i think i'd like to try something else in the hope that there's something better.
i was looking at the specialized line. i even had my arse measured the other day which was a surreal experience.

saddles are so personal that what one person likes someone else might not. WTB laser series saddles look very uncomfortable (very firm, no cut-out) but a lot of people say they are the best saddle ever. i've never tried one though. i've hated every bontrager saddle i've ever had. i had a Viscount saddle i got for free that worked ok for a while. it had very soft cushion for maybe 1/8" then became very firm. i like it that way because too firm and it hurts, too soft and everything goes numb. it had no cut-out but a good indentation. and it was that genuine fake leather stuff so it was about weatherproof. i still have it as a backup. on it i go numb after 10 miles, but periodic standing can prevent/relieve that. then i got a Serfas RX mens saddle, this was very comfortable, and very comfortable when sitting for several miles. it had a good combination of softness/firmness, medium width cut-out for the whole length of the saddle, the material was breathable, and it was very light. it was my favorite for comfort and distance. though it wasn't weatherproof, it would soak up rain and hold it, so every time you sat on it your butt got wet. it also started to show wear after 80 miles (my first seat still looked new after 275 miles). but due to my weight (200lbs) the rails became so bent that i couldn't counteradjust for it. now i have a terry liberator city, its not as comfy as the serfas but more comfy than my Viscount. it's material is basically a soft rubber shell, very weatherproof and so far shows no wear after about 90 miles. it has a very wide cutout and the seat it self is fairly wide, i think it's almost too wide for me. the rails are hollow titanium so i hope to not be able to bend them anytime soon. the rubber material is very grippy so you don't slide around much which is great on road or easy trails, but if you try to slide off the back for a quick descent it can grab your clothes, which also makes getting on/off a little more difficult. oh my dad's bike has a super padded diamondback saddle, its very wide in the back with 2 oversized pads where your sit bones go. it also has springs that help absorb shocks. the material is spandex. ive ridden it on a few rides and was happy with it. no numbness or pain that i remember. the springs squeak with every pedal stroke, which is annoying and probably means it's robbing a little efficiency.

. . . i even had my arse measured the other day which was a surreal experience.

You sure that this was saddle related or did the salesperson fancy you? :p

saddles are so personal that what one person likes someone else might not. WTB laser series saddles look very uncomfortable (very firm, no cut-out) but a lot of people say they are the best saddle ever. i've never tried one though. i've hated every bontrager saddle i've ever had. i had a Viscount saddle i got for free that worked ok for a while. it had very soft cushion for maybe 1/8" then became very firm. i like it that way because too firm and it hurts, too soft and everything goes numb. it had no cut-out but a good indentation. and it was that genuine fake leather stuff so it was about weatherproof. i still have it as a backup. on it i go numb after 10 miles, but periodic standing can prevent/relieve that. then i got a Serfas RX mens saddle, this was very comfortable, and very comfortable when sitting for several miles. it had a good combination of softness/firmness, medium width cut-out for the whole length of the saddle, the material was breathable, and it was very light. it was my favorite for comfort and distance. though it wasn't weatherproof, it would soak up rain and hold it, so every time you sat on it your butt got wet. it also started to show wear after 80 miles (my first seat still looked new after 275 miles). but due to my weight (200lbs) the rails became so bent that i couldn't counteradjust for it. now i have a terry liberator city, its not as comfy as the serfas but more comfy than my Viscount. it's material is basically a soft rubber shell, very weatherproof and so far shows no wear after about 90 miles. it has a very wide cutout and the seat it self is fairly wide, i think it's almost too wide for me. the rails are hollow titanium so i hope to not be able to bend them anytime soon. the rubber material is very grippy so you don't slide around much which is great on road or easy trails, but if you try to slide off the back for a quick descent it can grab your clothes, which also makes getting on/off a little more difficult. oh my dad's bike has a super padded diamondback saddle, its very wide in the back with 2 oversized pads where your sit bones go. it also has springs that help absorb shocks. the material is spandex. ive ridden it on a few rides and was happy with it. no numbness or pain that i remember. the springs squeak with every pedal stroke, which is annoying and probably means it's robbing a little efficiency.

Pssst, good info but it would be even better with these: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paragraph

WTB laser series saddles look very uncomfortable (very firm, no cut-out) but a lot of people say they are the best saddle ever.

I am among those who praise the WTB saddles. I now have one on all 6 of my machines! :eek: As stated though, your mileage (and backside!) may vary. :)

I have a Laser Pro V on my Fat, and it is very comfortable. Like a couch compared to the Sella Flite on the Skinny bike.:)

You sure that this was saddle related or did the salesperson fancy you? :p

heh heh heh!

to be honest the sales woman was very nice. i was pretty relieved when she said that i needed i 143 rather than the 155. so if nothing else, at least she didn't think i have a fat arse! ;)


I realise that saddles are very personal, but if i come across a saddle i haven't heard of but have heard good/bad things said about them, i can use that info to make a more informed judgement.

I was looking at the specialized alias, which i was going to buy before xmas, but nowhere had a black 143 in stock. it retails at £55 over here, but i've found one on ebay with a buy now price of £12!! yay!
For that money, if it turns out to be a turd i can throw it away and find something else.

Pssst, good info but it would be even better with these: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paragraph

yeah i tend to babble on and on. sorry :o

Imo avoid: gel inserts

look for: something with scuff/tear resistant sides & most of all find one that fits your a**

Just got a WTB Rocket V Team titanium saddle for Christmas. I really like it. It's narrower than anything I've ever had (130mm) but it seems to be more comfortable too. Soo much lighter than the stock pile'o'crapper Bontrager Race Lux that I had B4. I think I saved 1/3 to 1/2 lb or so.

Fizik Freak, Dabomb.

okay here is something you should take note, try to avoid gel saddle with a cut out at your crotch area because like people say, after awhile your gel will degrade and it will put pressure onto your crotch (you dont want that too happen)

So far brands that are very popular and seem to have a lot of happy riders are WTB, they have a lot variety of saddles and surely you are bound to find one that fitt your butt comfortably. I love my 07 WTB Silverado saddle.

There are some other brands like Fizik, Selle Italia, San Macro. Just find the saddle that suits you.