pharmboyrx

I'm at my whit's end with saddle problems. I'm looking at the BG Toupe or the SMP strike pro saddle. How much padding is on the Pro? I don't want much since I know that can cause problems as well. It says its one of their most padded saddles but I don't know what their definition of a lot of padding is and no bike shops in my area stock them.

I'm coming off an Avatar 155mm. Its better than my previous saddle, but I think the ample gel padding has too much give. And yes I've tried adjusting the saddle to several different positions.

Thanks.

pathdoc

The SMP is the most comfortable seat I've ever tried. Everyone's different. They are expensive but I put one on each of my 3 bikes.

DocRay

I have the Glider Strike. SMP makes many widths, many padding options.

See here:

https://www.sellesmp.com/download/Selle_SMP_Gb.pdf

The saddles work for two reasons: 1. true channel cutout from back to front, not just a hole, which is useless. 2. Long steel rails that give proper suspension.

Before the idiots flame in with how they look -they work, you will not go numb at all on this saddle. Decide whether you want to pose or ride a bike for long times.

pharmboyrx

Thanks so far. I saw the description chart. I was looking at the Strike Pro since it has the width most similar to my Avatar. Is the padding on these saddles really cushy or is it pretty firm? The price tag is definitely a bit daunting, but I don't want to have to give up biking because of this.

DocRay

goes like this for padding:

pro>strider>stratos>evolution

Composit has no padding, just leather, and the carbons have nada.

Composit is like the Toupe, which feels like a hammer bashing your sitbones. Pro is too squidgy for me.

you really need to try these in a shop, or resell quickly through ebay.

the colored carbons are cool looking, but way overpriced.

pharmboyrx

Ok so the Pro is squishy. Not what I want.

Is there a general rule of thumb on how much wider a saddle should be than your sitbones? Mine are about 4.5in or 120mm apart. When I got measured on the Assometer they said I should use a 155mm saddle. Does this sound right or would a narrower saddle maybe be ok?

DocRay

there are no hard rules on this, seating position matters in this.

nikoncmk

120mm and they recommend a 155mm saddle? I could have sworn that is a 143 (at least for a specialized saddle). I just received my Toupe today... Cant wait to install/adjust/ride... I heat the Toupe takes a little getting used to...

Im in the same boat with you, my Terry fly is way too soft. It looks like the Toupe or alias are most popular among BF'ers...

I think performance bike has the Selle... they will take returns on saddles.

Thirstyman

the padding is not too much on the pro if you dont wear a thickly padded short like Assos mille. that combo of extra padding is too much. The pro seat is perfect with minimal short padding. This is my opinion using it for one season.

rick1

I've had the SMP Stratos for 2 weeks and so far really like it. The first time I rode it felt odd (not uncomfortable just different) the first 10 miles and I thought this might have been a mistake, but after 40
more miles I'm became very happy with it. No pressure, no hotspots. The Stratos comes with a little padding not excessive.

pharmboyrx

I thought it was a little off when I measured the other day. I was looking at the ones on performance. They have the highest prices on those saddles though.

Thanks for the input guys.

TechJunkie

Evolution FTW!!! Most comfortable saddle I have tried, though I like the Selle Anatomica, too. If you have problems with your 'taint on most saddles, you owe it to yourself to at least try one out.

Smorgasbord42

Would anyone know which of the Selle SMP models has similar density and amount of padding as the Terry Fly (Ti / Carbon) models? I very much like the padding on the Terry Flys, but not their shape (particularly as it creates numbness for me).

Thanks in Advance.

munkyv22

I ride a Toupe and like it. I might try a Selle SMP if a LBS near me had them, but I can't see buying a saddle blind.

DocRay

At $200, try one from a store that allows returns.

At these stupid prices, SMP should have a satisfaction guarantee. They would sell a lot more saddles.

crydee

how do you measure your sitbones?

DocRay

Get a piece of 1" styofoam and sit on it butt naked (try this at work kids!).

you'll leave two depressions behind -measure centre to centre.

the saddle should be 5-10mm wider than this.

munkyv22

Specialized has a tool. LBS might have it sitting around.

nikoncmk

Performance price matches....

pharmboyrx

5-10mm wider? Ok. I was looking to see if there was a general rule of thumb on this.

rick1

My current....



very comfy

CastIron

Doc, can you explain that to me?

Rob P

I've been riding a pro for some time. It's been very comfortable.

Some of our descriptions might be helpful, I dont know.

Ruston Cyclist

I used the Selle SMP Pro for six months and several thousand miles. The shape and firmness are to my liking for racing and training. However, the monogram sewn into the saddle hits right at my sit bones. The roughness of the monogram causes wear and tear on both my shorts and my skin. For rides up to 45-50 miles the saddle is okay. I do lots of century rides and for these longer rides the monogram rubs my skin right off!! About a month ago I noticed the pain and rubbing was getting worse .... the top portion of the monogram has torn right at the sit bone location!! This would be the best saddle on the market if Selle would leave the monogram off. I'm currently riding the Selle SMP Strike Extra. It's fair ... the middle gap is not as wide as the PRO and it's too soft. But it is monogram free which makes it rideable.

michaeldmanthey

I use it on bikes that I ride for long periods of time and on my trainer. I do not currently have problems in the section of my body and am hoping this saddle will keep it that way.