Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Saddle Selection

I know saddle selection is a highly personal thing, and there's lots of myths and urban legends around some of it, but I'm curious what you guys are using.

The Marco on my new Bianchi Imola (steel frame road bike, see thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=583296)) doesn't seem to be cutting it. I'm still playing with seat height and angle but as a backup I'm beginning to shop around for a replacement. (I'd rather tune it than throw money at it, but I'm tired of being sore).

In 2010, we intend to do some longer rides, and hopefully my first century.

I'm looking intently at the Specialized Avatar (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=47235) ... no idea what width I would need ... but am interested in hearing what other Clydes are using on their longer ride bikes.

You are correct that it's a highly personal thing.

If you are looking at a Specialized saddle, go to a dealer and ask them to measure your ischial tuberosity (sit bones). They have a device called (ready for this?) an assometer. That should at least tell you how wide a saddle you need. Without that (or quite probably even with it) you are likely to end up (like the rest of us) with a shelf piled with saddles that you hoped would be "the one".

Lots of long distance riders swear by the Brooks B-17. For me the Brooks was like riding a baseball bat until I sent it to Monarch McLaren and had them cut a Selle Anatomica slot in it. Looks like this:

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c282/panhead74/100_0781.jpg

I've ridden multiple centuries on this saddle with no major complaints, pain or numbness.

Other saddles that I've had, and ridden centuries on, and abandoned in favor of the SA modded B-17, include a very (very) expensive Selle Italia SLC, a WTB Silverado, and a Brooks Imperial...oh yeah...and a Bontrager something or other that came stock on my old Trek 7300.

Thanks much.

I ended up grabbing the saddle from my Cypress, just to try it. It looks HIDEOUS on there, but I can ride my new bike now. The bike store that sold me the bike is a Specialized dealer and (I hope) has the assometer so I can get a permanent replacement. I'm heading out for a couple weeks of business travel and will tackle the seat again when I get back.

You are correct that it's a highly personal thing.

If you are looking at a Specialized saddle, go to a dealer and ask them to measure your ischial tuberosity (sit bones). They have a device called (ready for this?) an assometer. That should at least tell you how wide a saddle you need. Without that (or quite probably even with it) you are likely to end up (like the rest of us) with a shelf piled with saddles that you hoped would be "the one".

Lots of long distance riders swear by the Brooks B-17. For me the Brooks was like riding a baseball bat until I sent it to Monarch McLaren and had them cut a Selle Anatomica slot in it. Looks like this:

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c282/panhead74/100_0781.jpg

I've ridden multiple centuries on this saddle with no major complaints, pain or numbness.

Other saddles that I've had, and ridden centuries on, and abandoned in favor of the SA modded B-17, include a very (very) expensive Selle Italia SLC, a WTB Silverado, and a Brooks Imperial...oh yeah...and a Bontrager something or other that came stock on my old Trek 7300.

Was it reasonable for them to cut out your Brooks?

I have a Brooks B17 Standard on my road bike. I like it a lot. My only real concern is what happens if it gets wet.

I'm curious if anyone has tried any of the saddles without 'noses'. I've tried a few different including the Selle An Atomica and still have issues with the long saddle noses causing numbness and being uncomfortable.

I saw these saddles (http://www.hobsonseats.com/products.html) and wondering if this type of saddle are any good? They look like they provide support to the sit-bones without putting pressure where it isn't needed,

Thoughts?