Southern California - Saddle Choices

This (http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-cycling9apr09,1,1557004.story?coll=la-headlines-health) article was in the LA Times today.

Interesting article, haimtoeg...notice the pic of the Brooks, but they say nothing about the Brooks in particular.

I ride a Brooks and am reminded many times a day that I'm not impotent. ;)

I think saddle adjustment is a key feature overlooked by a minority of riders. They put the saddle on, make it 'look right' on the bike, and go...with numbnuts soon to follow. They blame the saddle, when all it would take might be a few turns of the allen wrench to dial in comfort.

However, my Toupe Gel feels like I'm sitting on two javelins.

Does anyone know of a shop in the Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena area that will allow you to try a seat before investing? Brooks seats are great for me comfort wise, but on the heavy side. I rode an Arion Flex Wing for 2500 miles, and recently switched to a Sella Italia SLR which has a slightly flatter cross section at the wides part. There is a definite difference in where the weight is distributed, but I'm not sure it will result in any better comfort level on longer rides. I'd just like to be able to try out a variety of seats without having to pay for all the trial runs.


I dont think any of them do that??? maybe Im wrong...I guess you could try Budget and see what they say...

edit: then again..Performance is pretty good about taking stuff back??

I love my Selle An-Atomica. It's similar to Brooks all leather, but with a much more pliant leather cut-out & suspension system. Feels great for centuries and anything less. The only problem is that it's heavier than the other alternatives. I'm hoping for a lighter version, but honestly, my butt is so happy, the extra weight is really a non issue for me.

walbike.com has a pretty good return policy on brooks saddles, check them out....other than that i dont really know of any place that will let you try a saddle out for while free of charge unless they happened to have one laying around(good luck). one way to take the sting outis to look for used ones on ebay(tons of stuff). i also agree with the above post that states that the saddle is often secondary to proper set up. any saddle is going to get uncomfortable at some point in time, thats just the way it is...and it also goes without saying that your shorts have alot to do with your comfort as well......bon chance!!!

This (http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-cycling9apr09,1,1557004.story?coll=la-headlines-health) article was in the LA Times today.


The guy who wrote this was going to call me for some background. I pointed him to the many saddle discussions here on BF. Never did get around to speaking with him.

Sheldon

I've heard the Toupe is actually more comfortable than the Gel as it is more flexy, which is what the comfort comes from. I had swapped the stock saddle for a Toupe on my Allez Sport a few months ago, and loved it so much that when it came time to choose one for the new build I opted to go the Toupe route again. I'm sure it's not for everyone, but don't let the minimalist appearance deter you from at least considering it/trying it out - it's quite flexy and comfortable.

I'm going to test out a Toupe today at the LBS. Will let you know what I think. They told me on the phone that they have sold dozens of these with few complaints.

Sheldon

its the same argument thats been going on for years....itll probably help sell a ton more saddles, just like six years ago when it first kinda popped up.

I dont think any of them do that??? maybe Im wrong...I guess you could try Budget and see what they say...
edit: then again..Performance is pretty good about taking stuff back??
Tried to talk Oscar at Budget into letting me demo the Arion before buying it. Bike shops have a legit response about having to resell as used equip if they do that. It takes a hi volume dealer like Preformance to offset the potential loss.

walbike.com has a pretty good return policy on brooks saddles, check them out.. . . . one way to take the sting outis to look for used ones on ebay(tons of stuff). i also agree with the above post that states that the saddle is often secondary to proper set up. any saddle is going to get uncomfortable at some point in time, . . . .
I'll have to give Walbike a look, and the idea of finding used saddles on ebay may be the way to go.

No doubt Mo's set up comments have merit, but if the pressure point is the perineum, the problem should be relatively self evident. On the other hand the difference between feeling like you've just been had by 20 of your best cellmate buddies at Atica State vs. sitting on a cement bus bench for 6 hours takes a little more investment and time.:eek: :D

My LBS - Temple City Bike Shop - told me when I got my first Toupe that if it didn't work out after a week or so, to bring it back and I could try another - given that the Toupe was in mint/resellable condition, which I felt was a fair arrangement. Oftentimes if you know the LBS owner personally, they would let you do something like that. I know Incycle allows sorta the same thing as well - they told me if my handlebars didn't work out to bring it back.

I think if you just ask the bike shop what there return policy is, most will tell you to wrap the saddle rails with electricians tape and clamp it down just enough. It has to be returned without any signs of use. They understand that minor scratching can happen, but all the numbers and gradations need to be there, the seat itself has to be flawless, and the packaging has to be perfect.

Here's a real man's saddle.

http://sheldonbrown.com/images/stonesaddle.jpeg

well, think I'm going to order an Alias online. That gives me 30 days to try since it can be returned to Spec. without penality. I spoke with them this morning and feel this might be my next best choice for the moment.

Sheldon