Mountain Biking - Looking for roadbike saddle advice from the MTBers

So I've made the decision to build up that road bike I've been hemming and hawing about (Felt F3C). I've got pretty much everything that's needed except for one small order from Larry @ mtnhighcyclery.com (he rocks. really.)

I need to pick a saddle. I've never had a road bike so I need guidance. I use and am very happy with the WTB Pure V on my hardtail. I bought a WTB Laser V for my new full suspension but haven't had a chance to use it yet but am pretty sure I'll be fine with it.

Are either of those fine or is a cheese grater style seat really needed for road bikes? I do intend to ride quickly, more road-racing type riding and little commuting or touring. Any recommendations? Anything from the WTB line that any of you can recommend? Anything else you can recommend especially if you know and love WTB saddles for mountain biking?

I find on road, you're on your seat more, and it's personal preference. that said, I love my Selle Italia Flite Transam on both road and mountain.
The Cheapo CODA I had on my hardtail, which I loved, I hated on my road bike.

I ride a Specialized BG saddle on both my MTB and roadie. The only difference with the MTB saddle is that it has like twice as much padding. Feels just the same, but if I slam my butt on the mountain saddle, I don't start singing tenor. It's also heavier.

So basically pick a saddle type you like and stick with it. I would see if WTB offers a saddle in the same form for the road and get that one if I were you. You could ride the mountain saddle on the road, but the padding is going to be overkill.

Toupe. Your nuts will thank you.

For mountain, I tend to go for the lighter, skinnier saddles, mostly 'cause I don't sit for hours at a time on them. For road, I look for something more comfy, since I will be in direct contact with it for most of the ride. YMMV, but a comfy seat can make or break a ride, and is worth an extra 50 grams...

Nice, building the F3C! That's the nicest road bike we carry, and people dig it. They can't believe how light it is. Stock, it comes in at about 17.5#. What are you thinking your's is gonna come in at?

I haven't used WTB but you may want to consider a tri saddle. I'm using a Forte tri saddle that I got at Performance on my cross bike and the padding with the cutout is comfy. It's also fairly light and narrow.

Nice, building the F3C! That's the nicest road bike we carry, and people dig it. They can't believe how light it is. Stock, it comes in at about 17.5#. What are you thinking your's is gonna come in at?

Thanks. I'm going Shimano Ultegra 6600 all around except for the cranks. For the cranks I'm going with the Shimano F700 compact cranks. For a wheelset I've got the Neuvation R28 SL2. I have a Bontrager something or other carbon seatpost. I have a buddy of mine that has a spare handlebar that I'll probably get but I don't know what it is. I bought a bunch of $2 stems off of Ebay to test stem lengths before I put money down on the final one.

Given how light the frame is, I am sure it will weigh tons lighter than my hardtail so I'll have no problem with whatever it weighs.

As for the saddle, I think I may try my Pure V first and see how I like that. If it's a go I may just buy another Pure V.

Specialized has some nice road saddles. As does Fizik.

Right now, I'm just using the stock saddle that came on my R1000. It's a Cannondale something-or-another. It's a bit cushier than I think necessary and will probably be replaced next season. I just haven't had the time to test much out aside from one of the Fizik saddles.

Specialized has some nice road saddles. As does Fizik.

Right now, I'm just using the stock saddle that came on my R1000. It's a Cannondale something-or-another. It's a bit cushier than I think necessary and will probably be replaced next season. I just haven't had the time to test much out aside from one of the Fizik saddles.

Does your Cinder Cone have the WTB Pure V like my Blast does? How do you feel about your hardtail's saddle?

I see lots of people say nice things about the Fizik and if I can reconcile those positive feelings with people that like WTBs then I think Fizik may be included in my search.

When my kids need new saddles, I generally hit the LBS & buy one from thier $10 bin - new stock saddles that buyers didn't want.

Does your Cinder Cone have the WTB Pure V like my Blast does? How do you feel about your hardtail's saddle?

I see lots of people say nice things about the Fizik and if I can reconcile those positive feelings with people that like WTBs then I think Fizik may be included in my search.

Yes, the Cinder Cone has a WTB. I believe it is a Pure V. I haven't had any issues with it. It's a little worn after a few seasons, but aside from that it has served it's purpose. My road saddle is cushy enough that if I replace it, I may transfer it over to the Cinder Cone when the WTB is shot.

The Fizik I tested was decent. I can't remember the model. A friend had it laying around. I believe it was the triathlon model... which meant a little more padding than the strict road model. Might have been the Arione... if they make a tri version of that...

I guess in the end it's all about the sit bones. Get them measured up and it will help narrow down your options when shopping for a saddle.

I have a Pure V on my MTB, and it is a great saddle. I have the Selle Flite on the road bike. Get one that fits you and stick with it.

A road bike saddle doesn't really need to be any different from a mountain bike saddle. For years I rode Selle Italia Turbos both on- and off-road. Anything that you are comfortable off-road will probably work on-road (I ride narrow saddles on both). I would suggest, since it hasn't been suggested yet, to look at Brooks. They look damned uncomfortable and they seem very hard but they are one of the best saddles around for long distance riding. I'd suggest starting with one of the less expensive ones since they seem to be a little more forgiving than the Pros. I use B-17 narrow on my bikes and have been very satisfied with them.

It looks like an ass hatchet but it really isn't

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/LC-saddle-1.jpg

If this is comforting to you , my ass LOVES Velo saddles.

If this is comforting to you , my ass LOVES Velo saddles.

Comforting? No.
Disturbing? Yes.

i use this on my road bike and like it a lot. (it has Titanium rails too)

WTB Devo Carbon Saddle - Black

- Broad, supportive carbon fiber shell with perforated leather top
- Lightweight DNA padding with center channel to relieve pressure
- 265mm x 145mm
- 157g

https://www.universalcycles.com/images//products/medium/9476.jpg