Road Cycling - Testing out Saddles??

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TCR
05-20-04, 10:56 AM
Are there actually bike shops out there that will let you try out a saddle and if you don't like it then bring it back? Will the big boys like Performance and Supergo do this? I know my LBS won't. I think they carry two road bike saddles total and once you buy it, it's yours for life, or until you sell it on Ebay.

Tarantula
05-20-04, 11:12 AM
Every time that I shop for a new saddle, my LBS will set up a saddle on their in store trainer. This is the same bike that they use for fittings. It's not quite road conditions, but I can get some "bonding" time. It doesn't hurt to ask your LBS. Good luck.
TCR
05-20-04, 11:34 AM
Every time that I shop for a new saddle, my LBS will set up a saddle on their in store trainer. This is the same bike that they use for fittings. It's not quite road conditions, but I can get some "bonding" time. It doesn't hurt to ask your LBS. Good luck.

But this is a saddle they've had around for awhile and been used, tested, many a times probably? I'd like to be able to try out several specific models for atleast 30 to 40 miles each. Does such a fantasy ever come true??

jfmckenna
05-20-04, 11:35 AM
My lbs will let you ride it for awhile and swap it out if you don't like it and why not? As long as it's not ripped up or otherwise defaced it's still brand new or even broken in a bit to make it better.
Tlalocnj
05-20-04, 12:07 PM
Read this article:

www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/azoto.shtml


Offers a good explanation on saddles

Scott
Tarantula
05-20-04, 01:43 PM
But this is a saddle they've had around for awhile and been used, tested, many a times probably? I'd like to be able to try out several specific models for atleast 30 to 40 miles each. Does such a fantasy ever come true??
Actually, these are new saddles that they take out of the box. The LBS is trying to insure that I buy locally and through one of the chains...which I usually support the locals (except with tires).
RobotSonic
05-20-04, 03:16 PM
i just found this website today...really only good if you live near toronto. but these guys pretty much only sell saddles and they will let you take it out for:
Minimum four hour period - $5.00
Per day (24 hour period) - $8.00
3 Days - $17.00
the good thing is if you decide you want the saddle they will deduct the rental for upto $20cdn...i think im gonna check them out when i have the cash for a new saddle

http://saddlesores.ca/
BlueDevil
05-20-04, 04:01 PM
My LBS let me try out a saddle for 30 days. As long as it was in good condition they would take it back. I tried 3 before I found one I liked.. the ones I didnt like, only took 2-3 days to figure out, so I brought them back right away, got a new one... and went on riding..
manny
05-20-04, 05:10 PM
At my Supergo, the salesperson told me to put tape on the rails so they don't get scratched and I wouldn't have a problem returning the saddle, which I did.
halfspeed
05-20-04, 06:14 PM
Are there actually bike shops out there that will let you try out a saddle and if you don't like it then bring it back? Will the big boys like Performance and Supergo do this? I know my LBS won't. I think they carry two road bike saddles total and once you buy it, it's yours for life, or until you sell it on Ebay.

Nashbar does. They'll exchange just about anything. Slightly used returns are resold in the "returned goods" section at a discount.