Touring - How long do they last?

What is the avg lifespan on bike saddles? I have found the one that works for me and wonder how long I can expect it to last.

Depends on the saddle, rider weight, conditions the saddle is ridden in, etc. A properly maintained brooks is going to last longer than many plastic saddles. Name the saddle and the replies will likely be better focused.

Brooks saddles are known to last 20+ years if taken care of properly.

Long enough to give you plenty of warning to get a new one. Unless you abuse them alot. This question can't really be answered...

Saddles usually last a long time. I usually replace them long before they're worn out because I want to try out something else or they just start to look tattered.
A Brooks saddle should be with you a long time. First of all they're supposed to be the most comfortable so you won't be looking to replace it for that reason.
Secondly, they're well made.
I think the reason Brooks saddles are the most comfortable is their width. They support the sitbones properly. Skinny racing saddles don't do that.
But there are plastic saddles that are wide and comfortable too. I think the Fizik Rondine is very comfortable. It seems to be very well made and durable.
But if you want to play it safe the Brooks have a legendary reputation.
And, nothing looks like a Brooks, if you're into that kind of thing.
They drawbacks to the Brooks are their weight and their vulnerability to moisture.

So far my Brooks B-17 has lasted for close to 30,000 kms ... and it is still very comfortable and in great shape.

Come to think of it, I've been riding for close to 30 years, and all my bike saddles are still going (some stronger than others). I recently was given a 1960s Raleigh three-speed that came with what appears to be the original Brooks saddle. it's still quite functional.

I just replaced my old Vetta Gel. I'd had it on my bike for about 15 years. It's still usable, but it has a couple of holes on the edges that are getting bigger. Darn! I loved that saddle. I never once got a sore butt on it, even after 108 miles in a day.

Luckily, I found a like-new Vetta Gel saddle on Craigslist (after buying a couple of other replacements that didn't feel good.) This one feels about the same, but I haven't had occasion to ride it on a ride longer than 30 miles yet.

I have found the Specialized Milano to my liking, I have one on my road and one on my touring bikes. I put one 1800 miles on each bike last year. Can I plan on 10 - 15 years out of them? Anyone have bad luck with a Specialized breaking down or wearing out?

Anyone have bad luck with a Specialized breaking down or wearing out?

I rode a nondescript Specialized saddle on my MTB converted to road bike for a couple of years. Then put that on my new Surly LHT, thinking that since it was comfortable on one bike, why not the next...not true. It felt mushy and when I asked at the LBS, the fitter said I was too big & heavy for that particular saddle (6'5", 220 lbs) and the mushy feel probably indicated that it was beginning to show the stress. So I went with a Specialized Body Geometry saddle. The comparison between the 1st & this saddle is remarkable. I suppose I had 'worn' the 1st generic Specialized saddle out...? and not just that the LBS wanted to sell me a different saddle.

If you weigh 160 - 180 pounds, probably any saddle will last a long time. If you are heavy enough (over 190-200 lbs) I think some saddles will not endure. My next venture will be a Brooks B-17 but that's for my summer birthday occasion. There doesn't seem to be any indication of a weight factor affecting Brooks saddles, at least not that I've read anywhere on these forums.

I have a Specialized Body Geometry on my Giant, which is my trainer. I don't expect it will ever wear out ... I plan to remove it from the Giant and replace it with a Brooks. It will likely go into my box of saddles I no longer use.

After riding a century last year with that Specialized saddle all I can say is ... what an incredibly painful saddle!!

I have a Wright leather saddle that has been ridden fairly regularly for 30 years and is still in decent shape. I have a Brooks B66 that is just now starting to break in and it is over 35 years old:eek: :p (previous owner apparently never rode the bike;) ) I have had less expensive gel saddles not make it a year without self destructing. I love my leather saddles and am buying 3-4 more Brooks in the next couple of months.

Aaron:)

I had a B17 for around 30 years and the new owner still uses it and finds it very comfortable.