Mountain Biking - Questionable saddle opinion.

As I prepare for rebuilding my old Hardtail Rockhopper, I shake my head as my old saddle was trashed, and I'm running low on capital to get a new WTB Shadow.

I do however, have a roadie E3 Form Gel saddle sitting in the box that is in pretty good shape. It really is best for on the road, and wonder if it would absorb enough shock to be used for XC on the trail. absorbing some shock is one of its known qualities.

Have any of you ever tried an E3 on the trail?

http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/500/50-3088-BLK-ANGLE.jpg

never tried that brand, but for awhile I used a Selle San Marco Rever saddle on my MTB, and it was VERY comfy. I'd regret selling it for the WTB Rocket V I have now if I didn't make $50+ from the deal!

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/mystikmax6969/Jekyll/nov0706019.jpg

Have any of you ever tried an E3 on the trail?


No, but I prefer road saddles on my MTB. Overall they are more comfortable as long as you don't ride with all your weight on it.

I don't think saddles can mitigate shock all that much. I find the thicker gell saddles cause me problems because you sink in too far and that puts pressure on the wrong places.

I rode a few years with a rather expensive road (unpadded) saddle until it started falling apart. I now use a triathlete saddle becuse it has this gell padding on the nose. The padding is too far forward to have much affect in the normal position, but when I have to sit very far forward for these steep, tech climbs or the steep restarts, it helps the comfort some.

Al

HHUUHH?!?! Saddles are supposed to comfortable and absorb some shock?
Actually now that I have been reading here a little while I will definetly put some money (and research) into my next bikes saddle.
Sorry for not having any real value to your post.

Patriot,

Was your old saddle a WTB Shadow (or do you have any experience with the Shadow)? I'm a fan of the WTB Rockets I've got on my mtbs, and I was considering replacing the Fizik on my road bike with a Shadow. Any opinions you can offer on how the Shadow compares to other saddles you've ridden?

..I was considering replacing the Fizik on my road bike with a Shadow...

Funny. I was considering taking the Fizik off my road bike and putting it one my MTB.

Funny. I was considering taking the Fizik off my road bike and putting it one my MTB.
Well, I like my Fizik, but I love my WTBs. Of course, I have yet to try one on my road bike. Saddle demands on a road bike are obviously much greater than on a mountain bike, since I'm never sitting still on the trails---my tail end doesn't stay in one place long enough to get sore.

And I have considered the Fizik Gobi for mtbiking, so we'll see.

This isn't going to turn into another tire thread, is it. :p

It takes what five minutes to put a saddle on. Do it, ride it and come back and tell us about yer ass! :lol:

It takes what five minutes to put a saddle on. Do it, ride it and come back and tell us about yer ass! :lol:

Seriously, you already have the seat, just try it.

Patriot,

Was your old saddle a WTB Shadow (or do you have any experience with the Shadow)? I'm a fan of the WTB Rockets I've got on my mtbs, and I was considering replacing the Fizik on my road bike with a Shadow. Any opinions you can offer on how the Shadow compares to other saddles you've ridden?

Actually no, it wasn't a Shadow, I think it was the older rocket. It came on the bike when I got it, and it was all worn, and trahsed. I kind of wanted to try a new Shadow, but I'm low on funds right now. Like I said, I have an old E3 that my wife was using, but decided on something else with a cutout for her roadie. So, I am contemplating using it, but wasn't sure if I should just shelve it, and wait 'til I have the cash for something much nicer.

Since I see alot of you using regular road saddles on you hardtails, I'm thinking of trying the same. Heck, it can't hurt. Well, it could. (OUCH). But, if it does, I'll find something better. The only reason I ask, is I would hate to be out in the middle of nowhere, hit something hard, and really end up hating the ride home. Either way, I'll try it.

As I prepare for rebuilding my old Hardtail Rockhopper, I shake my head as my old saddle was trashed, and I'm running low on capital to get a new WTB Shadow.

Is the foam at least in good shape? I've used this guy (http://members.aol.com/mudmash/rss.html) to recover my girlfriend's saddle. For $20 including return shipping you can't go wrong.

^^^ Nah. the foam was gouged from abrasion, and some was even falling out of the hole in the side of the saddle.

^^^ Nah. the foam was gouged from abrasion, and some was even falling out of the hole in the side of the saddle.
That sucks. My guy there does good work.

I've used two different Sella Italia's on my hard tail. The first I had for several years until the rail broke. I loved that saddle. No longer made, of course. I go a second one, different (pro-link maybe) and as I flew over the bars, and the bike landed on the saddle directly, the rails bent. I was able to bend it back and got it working again.

Anyway, I guess the point is I have had a couple of "road saddles" on my hard tail and they worked well. They seemed compliant enough. I wouldn't worry if it was labled a "road" saddle, especially, if it would prevent you from getting out there!