Road Cycling - Saddle Problems

OK Here goes:
I have been riding an SLR for about 5 months now and hate it. Anything over 20 miles and my business begins to get extremely numb. I have also used an Oktavia and a Flite Gel. I have been to the bike shop and talked to the guys there and they are recommending the Fizik Aliante. This is as you know a $180 saddle. I hate to be a sceptic and think they are recommending this saddle to up their sales but who really knows. My question is has anyone gone from the SLR to the Aliante? Even more....who rides the aliante and what do you think? and if you dont mind how is your rear shaped? Thanks everyone.

I have wide sit bones, and I LOVE my Aliante. I had been through 5 saddles before this one.

For 180 ask for a demo, or about their return policy.

Everyone has a different shaped butt, and one of the parts I hate about cycling is that you have to spend a lot of time, effort and money sometimes finding the right saddle, shorts, and seat height/tilt combination.

Knowing a little more about your current setup, height/weight etc would probably help us suggest the right combo to try out, but my gut feeling doesn't exactly point to the Aliante.

the fizik aliante has one of, if not the very highest, rating on all the sites...

this is just hearsay, tho.. i never tried one. brooks saddle are supposed to be good, too. they have the popular b-17 model that does not cost too much. certainly not 180 :D

Saddle questions must top the list in commonly asked questions. Bikeforums (we) should set up a saddle swap and trade around until we all find ones we like. I know I have at least three laying around the house, some I paid good money for but too lazy to sell on e-bay. I keep thinking I'll find someone who I can just give it too, but I never do.

Selle Italia Flight Trans Am Gel Flow - Could feel it after about 15 min. and really started hurting after 30 min.
Fizik Aliante - I've had no problems.
I also ride a Brooks Swift and find it comfortable as well.

Koobi Saddle. I had issues with my 'business' also. Had the Koobi SI for 4 years (before they had any other models) with no more numbness. It worked for me, but as others have said, everyone is different and what works for one may not be right for another. They have a whole range of saddles now. I'm pretty sure they are made in the Sella Italia factory.

http://www.koobi.com/koobi/showprod.cfm?&DID=6&ObjectGroup_ID=7&CATID=3

You also might want to try a different kind of shorts. I have a SLR and I love it but certain shorts do not seem to fit the SLR. I also have one on my MTB and when I mounted it the front was a little too high, (and I mean a very little) and it hurt bad, once I lowered it the pain was gone. Hope this helps. Good Luck, Cycling should not be a pain in the ass.

That saddle swap idea is probably the best idea I have ever heard on a cycling BBS. Really.

Of course the logistics would be a nightmare, but it IS an awesome idea. Hands up how many people have spent hundreds of dollars trying to find a set that suits them? I know I have.

Thumbs up on the saddle swap idea as well.