Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - "Suggest a saddle" thread, with a twist!

Having heard all the "buzz" about the Brooks B17, I picked up a used older one on 'bay: epiphany!! In 35 years at this game, I'd never ridden a saddle that actually fit me. The B17 does. To the extent that at the end of a low-mileage year (with two MONTHS off the bike in mid-summer), I rode a 200k without a trace of pain, discomfort, etc.

But never being one to leave perfection alone, I'm looking for a different saddle for my "go-fast" bike. Something that fits like a B17, but weighs less and looks rather more modern. Any suggestions?

Thanks
SP
Bend, OR
...where there's STILL too much ice and snow for road riding.

LOL, another Brooks thread. Try a Brooks Swift with Ti rails. Lighter than a B17, looks like a road saddle (though still retro) and, in my experience, better able to handle a significant saddle/bars drop. The most comfortable saddle I've ever had.

LOL, another Brooks thread. Try a Brooks Swift with Ti rails. Lighter than a B17, looks like a road saddle (though still retro) and, in my experience, better able to handle a significant saddle/bars drop. The most comfortable saddle I've ever had.

Not what I'm looking for: still weighs twice as much as a plastic saddle, and costs 4x as much.

SP
Bend, OR

Take a look at the Velo-Orange saddles (http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/components/saddles.html). Their Model 6 is advertised as appropriate for racing bike geometry. Weighs 536g, $95. No 1st-hand experience with them - yet (thinking about getting one).

Just to make sure we're on the same page, I'm looking for a saddle that's:

1) "Modern" in design
2) 300gm or less (so all-leather is probably out)
3) Like a B17 in fit and comfort
4) Not ridiculously expensive ($125 or less, tho' I might be persuaded to go $150)

I already have 2 B17's and love 'em. Just looking for a "racier", MUCH lighter, but still comfortable saddle. (I've already tried everything WTB has to offer and none of 'em were quite right.)

SP
Bend, OR

The Fizik Aliante is similar to the B17 and is modern and light.

I absolutely recommend the charge spoon.

Look: You can have ONLY two of the following three:
1. Cheap
2. Comfortable
3. Light Weight

seriously....just get the charge spoon. very lightweight and extremely comfortable for many people. get the ti version if you want to go all out...both are reasonably priced.

I am a fan of the b17, fizik aliante, and the charge spoon. I think you'll be pleased as well.

Selle San Marco Regal Team 250gm, 150mm wide, ebay $120-130ish

Look: You can have ONLY two of the following three:
1. Cheap
2. Comfortable
3. Light Weight

Hm. I must be getting old - I don't consider $125 for a saddle "cheap".

SP
Bend, OR

Quotes boobyc 4) Not ridiculously expensive ($125 or less, tho' I might be persuaded to go $150)
Hm. I must be getting old - I don't consider $125 for a saddle "cheap".

If the Regals too rich for your blood buy that ass hatchet Spoon

Charge spoon is comfortable, cheap AND light! However I still use my brooks B17 instead of it!

Just to make sure we're on the same page, I'm looking for a saddle that's:

1) "Modern" in design
2) 300gm or less (so all-leather is probably out)
3) Like a B17 in fit and comfort
4) Not ridiculously expensive ($125 or less, tho' I might be persuaded to go $150)

I already have 2 B17's and love 'em. Just looking for a "racier", MUCH lighter, but still comfortable saddle. (I've already tried everything WTB has to offer and none of 'em were quite right.)

SP
Bend, OR

Not ever having heard of a "charge spoon," I'd suggest requirements 2 and 3 are incompatible.

Some folks here in Ann Arbor have said the 154 mm wide Toupe saddles (if they are still available) are Brooks-like. I like a 143 Toupe, but I can't say much about a wider one. They are REALLY light, around 200g if I recall correctly. But I don't think Toupes feel like Brooks' or like Selle Anatomicas.

I'd agree with others that you've got incompatible requirements. "Like a B17 in fit and comfort" is the problem. The classic leather on steel frame style of saddle (Brooks, Selle Anatomica, Berthoud, VO, et al.) works by a different set of principals than the modern padding on plastic frame type saddle. You might be able to find a modern light-weight saddle that works for you, but none of them are going to fit or feel like your B17. You're talking apples and oranges. Or maybe diamond frames and recumbants...

That said, of the "modern style" saddles I like the Selle San Marco Regal (which is actually a pretty darn old design). It's nothing like my B17, but it works for me on rides up to 300k.

Before I switched to Brooks, the most comfortable saddle I tried was the Selle Italia Flite Gel Flow. Weight is not a big deal for me, so I am very happy with the B67's, B68's, B72's I am using. Tried the B17, but it was too narrow for my 'sit bones'.

Just to make sure we're on the same page, I'm looking for a saddle that's:

1) "Modern" in design
2) 300gm or less (so all-leather is probably out)
3) Like a B17 in fit and comfort
4) Not ridiculously expensive ($125 or less, tho' I might be persuaded to go $150)

I already have 2 B17's and love 'em. Just looking for a "racier", MUCH lighter, but still comfortable saddle. (I've already tried everything WTB has to offer and none of 'em were quite right.)

SP
Bend, OR

Hey, after you guys have helped him with the saddle, I could use some advice about what car to purchase next. I'd like it to be:

1) Just like a Ferrari
2) but without any reliability issues
3) and for under ten grand. Fifteen, tops.

I already have a Ferrari, BTW, but I want a car that's lighter, faster, better looking, and cheaper.

Thanks!

not bad not bad