Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Fizik Aliante Carbon Saddle - Kium rails

about me: 5'11" 247lbs

my ride: 2010 Trek Madone 5.9

my question: I'm considering upgrading my seat from the Bontrager Inform RL seat that came with the bike because when I ride 40+ miles I get a numb sensation just below my nads and stays around for 8-10 hrs or more. I've been researching new seats that would fit a person of my size that would be comfy, but also look appropriate on a Madone.. I'm a "buy the best" out there kind of guy and I'm leaning towards the Fizik Aliante Carbon and maybe specialized Toupe series.

Have any of you been down this road and have advise?

Thanks!

I have a non-carbon aliante. I'm not sure I would trade it in for the carbon one.

I found getting the angle of the seat correct reduced the numbness. But to adjust the angle, you need a seat post that is adjustable. Having the seat exactly horizontal works for me.

Whether or not you get a new saddle, try adjusting the angle.

I just put a Cobb on my road bike and so far so good as I only got out on the road once with it so far. They have a 180 day gaurantee and it comes with very detailed installation and fit instructions. I have the Plus.

You may need to get a saddle w/ a cut out. I have been using a Specialized Alias but the toupe is great to.

I've got the exact seat. It's a great seat, but very touchy if you don't have the tilt / angle just right. You might want to experiment with yours. I had absolutely no luck with the Bontrager stuff, but attribute that more to shape than anything. Cut outs are an idea, but never work for me due to the inherent flex I would get in the middle/nose of the saddle (with a cutout) creating pressure / rubbing problems. Find a shop where you can demo the Alliante & try it out some saddles.

Thanks for the replies. I've tried all the angles to get my current Bontrager to work; nose up, nose down, adjusted it every which way to be more comfortable and the numbing sensation for long distances just won't go away. Sure, I can ride the 10-20 milers without issue - but the charity rides at 40 - 60 miles the numbing sensation just won't go away. I called my LBS yesterday and they said come in to test drive a few models out, so that's what I'll do. The thing about the LBS is they are great in situations like this where I need to test. The problem is.. I can buy one of these seats online for about $50 less ( or anything they sell for about 30-40% less online ). I realize that certain items are best bought at the LBS to make sure you get the right size, or best saddle, etc. so I'll just go that route.

One of the reason's I posted here in the Clydes area was to see is anyone had issues with the Aliante Carbon with a heavy rider. I've read stories where the carbon rails have broken/snapped for 160lb riders, so I was going to stay clear of the carbon rail model. I wanted to see if any of you had issues with the carbon mesh underside of the Aliante?

Thanks again!
Jeff

None what soever. I do think you are smart sticking with the kium rails though.

OP,

I went from my stock Trek Race Basic Saddle to a Fizik Aliante Carbon Railed Saddle.
I did a lot of research. Provided that you torque the clamps to the rails to spec
once you've found your perfect position, you should have no problem with it.
Fizik supposedly has no weight limit for their carbon rails.
If they break (and you survive :p ), you'll get a new one.

The key is to torque it right.

My riding changed dramatically when I got my Aliante.
I had to pair it up with a Fizik Carbon Cyrano Post.
Too sexy.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h403/CAAD9/CAADCarbonb014-2-1.jpg?t=1299258638

Thanks. I picked up the k:ium rail Carbon model yesterday. I tried on 4-5 different saddles: Spec Toupe Gel ( various sizes ), Selle SMP Evolution, Fizik Arione, and a few others. I really liked the way the Aliante felt, so I'm going to try it out this week and next to see if this is what I want to stay with.