[crdean1]

Hey guys, I will start calling around to the local shops in the morning, but I was curious as to your experiences as well. I am looking to purchase a new saddle before the HHH, and I have narrowed the considerations to the Specialized Toupe, and the Fizik Aliante. I would like to demo each one for about a week, which would give me a couple of long rides on each saddle.

Do any of you guys know any demo programs locally. RBM, Bikes Inc, etc? I am in Fort Worth, but I work in Dallas once or twice a week, so no shop would be 'out of the way'.

Thanks in advance for your help. Also, I know there are 10,783 threads on this topic already, but if you have faced the same decision, what did you go with and why? Are you still happy with your decision?

Thanks,
Ryan

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[lotek]

Not sure about the shops but I have an older Aliante which I'd be happy to loan
you for a week or so. It's sort of silver/beige uhm I have no idea what colour it is
and scuffed, but like I said you're welcome to give it a try.

Marty

[tfro]

I'm pretty sure RBM will let you buy a saddle, then exchange it for a different, and keep that cycle up for a while. There might be some limits on it, such as it has to be in decent condition, or there might be a time limit.

[cuda2k]

+1 to Lotek's Aliante. I just got it back to him after borrowing it from him for a while till I was finally convinced to buy one of my own. Also, RBM will do the saddle swap, I think it's 30 days, must be in like-new condition.

[Stray Cat]

]+1 to Lotek's Aliante. I just got it back to him after borrowing it from him for a while till I was finally convinced to buy one of my own. [/COLOR] Also, RBM will do the saddle swap, I think it's 30 days, must be in like-new condition.

Yep. I demoed an SLR gel flow and another Toupe but decided to stick with mine and they took it back with out a problem. Keep in mind the toupe has a break you in period. The toupe has been great for me thus far tho! (on my 2nd)

[crdean1]

Thanks guys. Lotek, If you don't mind, it would be great if I could borrow the saddle for a week or two. I am taking a two week class after work from 5:30-10:30, so I won't be able to ride until Saturday. That said, I am based in Fort Worth and will be in Dallas on Thursday of this and next week. I don't mind meeting you where you are on Thursday around lunch time (or a place and time of your choosing) if that works for you.

If I remember correctly, I think that is the saddle Cuda was so comfortably riding in Waxahachie when, at the last rest stop (mile 31 or so), my butt hatchet was really giving me some problems, and Cuda was rubbing it in that his saddle (and rear) felt great. Since then, everything I have heard about the Aliante has been great.

The thing is, while I do support the local bike shops (bike, service, helmet, shoes, seat post, etc. from RBM, and headset, mountain bike service, etc. from Bikes Inc. and other shops, wheelset from Sun & Ski, other stuff from Mad Duck), I would rather find what I like and purchase it from ebay to save a little money. $200 is a lot of money when one has done some recent, fairly expensive, upgrades.

[cuda2k]

crdean - that indeed is the same Aliante! My new Aliante Gamma was picked up off ebay for $60, and while I find it a bit firmer than Lotek's nicely broken in one I find it quite comfortable already and it will hopefully more so as I get more miles on it. The standard Aliante with Ti rails often can be found on ebay for 100-160 depending on color and seller. I also have a Selle Italia Flite Gel Flow with the TransAm cutout here if you want to give that a try. But I'd give the Aliante a try first.

[crdean1]

Yes, my wife likes the cutout idea, but I would think it would be more pressure on the sit bones. I'll keep that in mind, though. I think the Toupe has a cutout too. I really appreciate your help guys. Also, I will have a Bontrager Race X Lite Pro if anyone wants to try it when I eventually get a new seat in a couple of weeks.

I believe it retails for $169.00. It came stock on my bike.
Link: http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id=photos/2005/tech/newarrivals/may13/bontrager_race_x_lite_pro_saddle09

I guess I am thinking of an honorary name for what this thread has turned into. 'This is Texas: And We're Here To Save Your A%#!'