Mountain Biking - saddle question

Hi all, Ive got this K2 Proflex 4500 that some of you might have seen, I love my bike, period, and to be quite honest with you guys I use it for everything but mountain biking, its just my choice, so the question is, what would you guys think would be the most comfy saddle for use on long distance rides? mostly on paved trails, please let me know your thoughts on this :) Thanks much in advance :)

It is mostly a matter of personal preference, just like underwear brands. Maybe you would be pretty comfortable with a Velo Plush.

Ricardo

Thats very... bumblebee like...

I use a Selle Italia saddle, but thats like using a 2x4. Kind of numbed my nuts for a while, but you get used to it. As far as comfort and style, some of the Bontrager and WTB stuff is pretty comfy and doesn't look too granny-like... The stock one that comes with some lower end Treks are relatively Cushy, like the one on the 43 and 4500...

Go hardcore. No seat. All the real men are doing it.

I think this ones pretty "fly" as you yanks say.
http://www.bethelsaddlery.com.au/docs/images/423_05493.jpg
Its got built in toe clips too. you could probably get those fat platforms on there if you said please

http://www.bethelsaddlery.com.au/docs/images/423_05493.jpg


Ahh the Brooks B-3517, A fine choice, A favorite among shuttle running, gravity addicts!

I use it for trials riding myself b2b, its so versatile :)

its so versatile :)
That, it is!

shmef, Thanks for the help :)

Such a personal choice....

for me: I find that excessive padding makes me go numb....on my road bike I ride a Selle Italia SLR Carbon (no padding...just carbon fiber)

On my mountain bike i use a Selle Italia Flyte...it's got a little padding...but not excessive...

Such a personal choice....

for me: I find that excessive padding makes me go numb....on my road bike I ride a Selle Italia SLR Carbon (no padding...just carbon fiber)

On my mountain bike i use a Selle Italia Flyte...it's got a little padding...but not excessive...

It is very much a personal choice :) but just to show you how my posting makes us somewhat the same in saddle preferance, I was looking at both a full carbon saddle, no padding, just plain carbon (for my Lemond) and the Selle Italia Flyte saddle just last night! :) Thanks much! I feel a little better knowing that these are also prefered by another rider ;)

Go hardcore. No seat. All the real men are doing it.

I know someone with this seat:
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/0/3/8/5/2/0/webimg/56517777_tp.jpg

He says it's pretty much what you're recommending.

"The SPYDER saddle has been tested to adequately absorb shock for riders up to 185lbs" :cry: Im 220lbs :D

specialized has a lot of great saddles. something that has a groove down the middle is the best, since it improves blood flow. i find my legs get really ired on my dj saddle, since the blood flow is poor, but i need the wider seat. that reminds me, the specialized seats have different sizes. heres the seat my friend uses, the SDG Bel-Air saddle. heres the link to it on Jenson. a little expensive though. http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/SA308A23-Sdg+Bel-Air+Rl+Saddle.aspx

Thanks Norco_rider77, I checked and they dont have them i stock :( Im gonna check flea bay

"The SPYDER saddle has been tested to adequately absorb shock for riders up to 185lbs" :cry: Im 220lbs :D

My friend is about 150lbs and still thinks it's aweful. But it is light and is on his race only bike...:D

My friend is about 150lbs and still thinks it's aweful. But it is light and is on his race only bike...:D

I've done centuries on my SLR carbon with no pain....or maybe i'm just a masochist...

I have that same seat for my Fuel ex8 and i cant stand it. Not enough seat for my tail pipe.

o, didnt notice that they had none in stock... but anything with that groove will be nice on long rides, just make sure its wide enough. i have demo'ed that seat, not for very long, but it was comfy for the few minutes i was riding.

The one thats on there is a Selle Bassano? I went to the web site but I cant make heads or tails of it? Its kinda good but gets to hurting my ass on long rides, I think I need to invest in a few pairs of padded shorts instead of a new saddle! :)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/stumpyspic/sellebassonno003.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/stumpyspic/sellebassonno002.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/stumpyspic/sellebassonno001.jpg

Wait you dont have shorts? Let me tell you that will make more of a difference then a new saddle.

Its kinda good but gets to hurting my ass on long rides,
It looks really well padded. Is this so? This may be why it hurts on long rides. I think a majority use thinner padded saddles because they are ultimately more comfortable for longer durations. Too padded car seats are similar. Sure it feels good at first but when you stay in them for too long, it actually starts becoming a hinderance, cutting off circulation and such.

Try some shorts, you will need them anyway. When they don't work, look at the saddle again. Try to find an LBS with a demo program so you aren't wasting a lot of money of various saddles just trying to find one that is relatively comfortable. Positioning of the saddle can pay huge dividends as well. A slight tilt up or down (assuming you are starting level) can make an uncomfortable saddle comfortable.

Relooking at your picture, it doesn't appear it is level. Try moving the front up a little and see what happens.

It looks really well padded. Is this so? This may be why it hurts on long rides. I think a majority use thinner padded saddles because they are ultimately more comfortable for longer durations. Too padded car seats are similar. Sure it feels good at first but when you stay in them for too long, it actually starts becoming a hinderance, cutting off circulation and such.

Try some shorts, you will need them anyway. When they don't work, look at the saddle again. Try to find an LBS with a demo program so you aren't wasting a lot of money of various saddles just trying to find one that is relatively comfortable. Positioning of the saddle can pay huge dividends as well. A slight tilt up or down (assuming you are starting level) can make an uncomfortable saddle comfortable.

Relooking at your picture, it doesn't appear it is level. Try moving the front up a little and see what happens.


Cool! Thanks so much for the advise, although Ive been riding a long time, I am at startring level as Ive just begun to ride long distances seriously, so again, I truly do appreciate the advise and hope you guys tolerate my future questions :)

man, Specialized bg2 sport saddle is the best thing my ass ever hit