I think I may have discovered what has contributed to my sit bone problem. I think my saddle has lost it's innards. After taking about a 3 month's break from that bike and saddle I rode it again today and it felt like I was really sinking down a lot more than I remember. Instead of it providing a "firm" but comfortable support it felt like I was sinking down to the shell. It's a Selle Italia Max Flite Gel I believe. It's certainly not new and I'm guessing might have 3 years and 12,000 miles on it?? Might even be longer and more miles. It's hard for me to keep up with as I've changed bikes and moved stuff around so much.

I've ordered another Prolink Gel Light.......in Blue.......as the red one on the Madone seems to be working well right now.

Generally the determining factor is the rails. Once one of those breaks or pulls out, the saddle is dead.

Generally the determining factor is the rails. Once one of those breaks or pulls out, the saddle is dead.

Its those rails that cause me the problem- But why is it only the comfortable saddles that have the Rail problems?

So Jppe must be a light weight- Or he rides out of the saddle alot- or he buys saddles with titanium or chromoly rails.

So Jppe must be a light weight- Or he rides out of the saddle alot- or he buys saddles with titanium or chromoly rails.

I sure hope that you're right about titanium saddle rails lasting a long time. I just bought a Brooks Swift with titanium rails last fall. The current retail price at Wall Bike is $348.00! That's just the saddle. It doesn't include the rest of the bike.

Saddles wear out??

Same ones for 10 years now. No problems.

I have a Brooks B-17 on my bike that was there when I bought it used in 1970.

I rode my older bike today and the saddle was creaking and clicking to the point where it was annoying other riders. It's a San Marco Aspide with about 22,000 miles on it. I guess I need to replace it before it breaks.
I had an Avocet break a rail on a ride once but I didn't crash. It was a tough ride home, though.

back in the day I used to wear the leather covers out on a regular basis. I also broke a rail on one saddle. I think the plastic shells last forever. The gel in the OPs saddle may have broken down though.

Saddles are among the fastest-wearing parts of my bikes. I find they are good bot maybe three years, of which the final year involves lots of duct tape.

Paul

I've only had a few wear out. Actually, both that I can remember were Avocet Touring III s. The first broke down after a lot of years, and the foam padding underneath began to shred. The second, I bought off of eBay. It's plastic shell died after just a month. It cracked near the nose and by the end of the ride was in two pieces.

With my saddles, the cover wears off after about 30,000 miles. I have never had a rail break.