General Cycling Discussion - Saddle recommendations?

I've been to 5 bike shops in the past few days and it seems they all sell Serfas and have a very limited selection of one or two other brands, none of which I'm interested in.
I currently own a Serfas (like this)
http://www.touringcyclist.com/img/g/5352.jpg
and am looking for something new.

Anyone have any experience with any of the following? Please remember that I'm 57, not your typical young, slim, European-looking rider. Just an old, average, Southerner. :D I don't race. I just want something for long rides (25-45 miles) and the occasional century or metric.

Here is what I've been looking at on Nashbar's and Performance's websites.

Gipiemme Nitrec Gel Saddle
Selle Italia Oktavia Gel
Selle Italia Max Flight Trans Am
Selle Italia Flite Gel Saddle

FYI: I've also tried Terry Liberator, Specialized Body Geometry, and Fizik.

Thanks for your opinions on these or recommendations for other brands for my Litespeed road bike.

Ron,

I've been down that road and settled on (no pun intended)
the Selle Max Flite Trans Am.
I'm quite satisfied with it, although it took me
a while to get used to the cutout.
I have seen where this is a love/hate kind
of thing, some people love it, some
would rather sit on a seatstem than use it.
Of course saddles are a personal thing.
Is it possible for you to try one prior to purchasing it
(some LBS will allow this) ?
If you do choose the Trans Am check Supergo
they were cheaper than anyone else when I
was looking.

Marty

Really, you should get yourself a Brooks saddle.
try:
www.wallbike.com (http://www.wallbike.com)

Hi Ron :)

I've tried both the Fizik and the Flite, and love them both :love:

Out of the two, and with you in mind, I'd recommend the Fizik...as D*Alex suggests, the Brooks leather might be wortha consideration if you have a dealer in your area.

Cheers matey

Rich

I just fired a Terry's Liberator myself. Too wide and too high in the rear. For long rides I prefer a flat, firm saddle.

The new Selle Italia Fluid won hands down. Currently, they are $89.95 at Performance Bike and BikeWorld.com

Construction is excellent and they require no break-in either. They aren't a soft saddle as you might expect from the name. The fluid chambers are just right for me.

I'm not in my 20s either so what works for the pups doesn't work for me. FYI, I am putting around 40 miles every day on this thing and I suffer no pain or numbness at all.

I have a SI Trans Am on both my cross bike and my roadie. I love it. I've spent 6 hours uninterrupted riding time in that saddle without any pain, numbness or discomfort. In contrast, I have a SDG Satellite on my MTB, and I find that it becomes uncomfortable after about 45 minutes and unbearable after 90 minutes. All my bikes are dialed-in.

Originally posted by D*Alex
Really, you should get yourself a Brooks saddle.

I agree with Alex. Tensioned leather saddles are heavier and higher-maintenance than the more modern alternatives, and their undersides need to be protected from moisture, but I have never found anything as comfortable and durable. An "anatomical" saddles is good only if it conforms to YOUR anatomy.

God... I hate Brooks saddles.

I had one on my old Raleigh many, many years ago. I rode it for three years; three years of agony and torture from the sixth circle of Hades. I was told "it'll be great once it breaks in," but after three years of treating it, and riding it and protecting it, it NEVER broke in. I'm convinced that Brooks saddles were devised by the Nazis to get cyclists who were covert members of the Resistance to talk. Many, I suspect, did.

Originally posted by lotek

I've been down that road and settled on (no pun intended)
the Selle Max Flite Trans Am.


Me too. Everybutty's different, but since I bought my first one of these in '00 I've put 7000+ miles on the two I now own, and it's perfect. Cured what ailed me, right enough, and is great for both the daily commute and the occasional century.

It's not just the cutout and the (for me) ideal width; that tiny bit of springiness from the elastomers is just enough to make a worthwhile difference in comfort at the end of the day.

RichC

Wow, Velocipedio! I don't think I have ever heard anyone so vehement about Brooks saddles! I have 4, 2 of which are in regular use, all of which are extremely comfortable. I have a Selle San Marco on my new yellow bike just because it is yellow. It is quite comfortable, but the Brooks more so. In fact, on my recent camping/cycling weekend I put a Brooks Team Pro on that bike because I KNEW it was good for 50+ miles a day and I just didn't know about the SI yet and didn't want to take a chance. I think it will be fine on long rides I just haven't had a chance to do any on that saddle yet and didn't want to chance potentially 3 longish days to an unproven saddle.

The two that are on the sidelines are a B-17 which was just fine until I started to pick up the pace and a "pre softened" Team Pro. Then it was a little wide and got in the way some. The pre softened one was ordered from my LBS who took the liberty of ordering the pre softened version. I didn't know any different. It was actually fine. I just prefer the support of the harder saddle.

Maybe I am just lucky to be able to tolerate different saddle configurations.
Sittin' pretty,
Raymond

I have the Flite TT (obviously not what youre looking for) and the Flite Gel Ti. Both are more "racer" oriented, I think.
The other Selle Italia saddles you mentioned look good. I am impressed with the quality and workmanship of Selle Italia over some of the others.

Thanks for all the input.

I went to yet another bike shop during lunch today and along with Serfas they had the Selle Italia Flite Gel saddle and a Terry Fly Ti.
I tried the Selle Italia but didn't like the feel, so I bought the Terry (I was not wearing cycling shorts - I was wearing jeans :rolleyes: ). They said I could return it as long as it was in "new" condition. I guess I'll try it on the trainer.

As I said in my original post, I tried the Terry Liberator for 3 months and didn't like it.

Any thoughts on the Terry Fly Ti?

Fly Ti is the lightweight "racer" saddle with smallish, narrow cutout? EXCELLENT saddle. My friend swears by it.

If you want to keep it in "new" condition in the event of your need to return it, tape up the rails with masking tape prior to mounting it. Then just mount it on the bike.

Originally posted by RainmanP
Wow, Velocipedio! I don't think I have ever heard anyone so vehement about Brooks saddles!
Well, I really can't stand them. After a while, the whole retro-grouch Brooks cult gets to me. Sure, Brooks saddles are the best way to ride... just like manual Remington typewriters are the best tools for writing novels, friction shifting is the best way to shift, coal is the best way to heat a house, raw is the best way to eat meat...

:rolleyes:

RonH,

You never did say why you were replacing the Serfas. Good luck with the Fly Ti... after you've given it a trial, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on it. FWIW, if the Fly doesn't pan out, the Selle Italia (http://www.selleitalia.com/) web-site has a saddle selection guide (for their saddles, of course), which might sort of give you some ideas of things to look for.

Lousy saddles are a pain in the @rse!

I'm looking for a saddle as part of my getting the Yatesy back on the road and was looking at the Specialized Comp body geometry saddle after seeing the Specialized website which said it developed with anatomical specialists etc.

Since then, I have heard loads of people here and on MTBR.COM (http://www.mtbr.com) say that they are cr@p and to cap it all, this month's MBR mag also said they hated it :( .

Needless to say, I'll be keeping a keen eye on this thread :).

Originally posted by roadbuzz
RonH,

You never did say why you were replacing the Serfas.
It is two years old and feels "spongy". It is stitched along the top of the cutout area and the seams are digging in around ... er, ah ... inner thigh area? :eek:

Anyway the Terry is narrower and the cutout is farther back.

I'll try the tape on the rails as martin suggested and let you know how it rides.

Hi Astra, I tried the Specialized Body Comp, and finally took it back, it was terrible!

Ron, I have a Ti-fly on my road bike, and it's not bad. I'm still tweaking position etc. to try and make it better. It's much better than the original (unknown brand), but it's not perfect, I'm still looking for that, too!

Terry also makes the Fly in gel - new for this year. I was thinking about sending this fired Liberator back to them and getting one of the gel Fly models for another bike. Guess it couldn't hurt.

I have the SI Trans Am - Pro Link, love it, fits great, and really cuts down on the road buzz.

I would find a store that will you let you try the saddles on your bike and if it doesn't work out bring it back.

You can't tell from looking at a wall of saddles which one will work for you.
Also I can't tell anyone out there which seat will work for them.

Buy ten and bring nine back to the store. Good luck.

I have the SI Trans Am Flite just like above. When I first picked it up, thought that I could throw it like a paper airplane(This is my first seat with carbon fiber rails was very stoked). My first ride was pulling a fourty, and if it weren't for the cold front/ rain I would have gone on. (NO not wimpin, try dropping down the temp big time on somone used to 100+ degrees with 100% humidty/ not to mention most Houston drivers suck no matter the driving conditions)

Thanks for all your suggestions and opinions. You're the best :beer:

I finally had the time to put the Terry Fly Ti on my bike last night (and I even remembered to put tape on the rails so they don't get scratched so I can return it if that's what I decide). Took it for a quick 22 miles before dark.

At this point I'll give it a 9! Once my back side get used to a firmer saddle ;) (which the Serfas is not), maybe I'll up that rating to a 10.
After last night the best I can give the old saddle is a 4. :crash: I never realized just how uncomfortable it was.

I'll do more miles on Saturday and Sunday before I make my final decision, but so far it is a keeper. :beer:

Rode lots of miles Saturday and Sunday and decided the Terry Fly Ti is a keeper.

Thanks for all your advice. :beer:

I'm looking for a saddle as part of my getting the Yatesy back on the road and was looking at the Specialized Comp body geometry saddle after seeing the Specialized website which said it developed with anatomical specialists etc. Astra

i've had then Specialized Body Geometry Comp on my MTB for about 2 years and i really love it.

i just bought a new full suspension (Specialized) and was happy that it came with the Specialized Body Geometry Pro which is also great.

i have some generic race saddle on my road bike and i find it super unconfortable but i've been too lazy to replace it (besides i spent all my time on the old MTB-now-commuter or my MTB)

i find the slight depression really comfortable and i feel better about sparing my tender parts the pressure from all the miles i log... in the past i had some numbness but i think it was mostly b/c i had my saddle too far back and sat on the nose instead of getting the weight on my hip-bones...

although honestly i can't say i've logged too many miles in many of the other 'nicer' saddles - i know i hated the generic stuff that came with my road and first mtb bike and then am really satisfied with the Specialized

try many saddles out if you can. i'm going to find a shop that will let me at least test ride a few minutes before i buy a new saddle for my road bike (some time this year)

Various riders recommend

serfas
selle max flite trans am
brooks
terrys liberator
SI Trans Am

not one person gave his bodyweight, which I suspect has much to do with whether or not a particular saddle is comfortable

I am 6-3 275 pounds

I bought a Serfas. it is a nice ride. nothing bears on my tender areas. the saddle after a time bent to one side.

I presently ride a Trek gel saddle with lace-on gel pad over that. After an hour I am happy to stop and walk around a bit before proceeding.

If you weigh 240 or more please tell me what saddle is most comfortable for you.

I have used flite Italia Trans Am, for over 8 years now and I never look at another saddle, but since they (Flite) came out with the Carbon Seat, I am now thinking of getting one, but the price is a little bit to stiff for me at the moment..

Has anyone ever heard of or used saddle called BIKO ? I have read where some Doctors are endorsing it.

I have the Specialized BG on my Specialized Sirrus and on my Trek mountain bike and they are fine. I can't say I love them because I don't love any saddle yet. But they are pretty comfortable.

I have a Selle San Marco Era saddle on my road bike and it does ok also. Once again can't say I love it but I can ride 50 to 50 miles without discomfort. The same goes for the BG, however I don't know what they would be like on a century. Since my butt has never done a century I would imagine that both would hurt.

aaaaa

I really think your butt eventually gets used to just about any saddle. So people seem to think that nerves actually go dormant or may even die, however I don't know if there is any truth to that or not.

If you look at the guys on the tour they are all on the really firm saddles. Of course they spend about 6 to 7 hours a day in them also.

I've been messing with a few different saddles,
I have a Max Flite Transam which right now is the
standard to which I judge other saddles. So far
I keep returning to this one.
Selle Italia Flite - Ok but I could never get comfortable
on it, seemed to pitch me forward no matter how much
I adjusted tilt.
Sel San Marco Concor (old style) this is my "show" saddle
i.e. it shows me how much a saddle can hurt.
It came standard on the bike and I keep it for
purist sake only.
Fi:Zi'k Pave ok saddle but alot of pressure applied to
perinium area, other than that I like it.
I am awaiting a Brooks B17 as I keep hearing
great things about them. I'll post and let ya'll
know once I get it on the bike.

Marty

Lotek,
I keep looking at the Transam, but I hate to buy something without being able to try it first. I really have never heard a negative thing about them though.

I'm pretty impressed with the Trans am, and now there
are Trans am Gel saddles as well as the prolink version.
I have the original run of the mill, no graphite no gel saddle.
Why do you ask, am I continuously looking at other saddles?
well I'm after that extra bit of comfort, where the saddle totally
disappears beneath you. I know its out there I just haven't found
the right one yet. (and I hope its not the Fi:Zi'k alliante for $180).
As for the Trans Am I got mine from Supergo for about $50.
I've also seen them on e-bay for less.

Marty

I received the Selle Italia Flite Trans Am today from Supergo.com, can't comment too much on it yet, as my bike is at work, where I ride everyday during lunch hour to do my errands, but I'll go in tomorrow and throw that seat on and take it for a spin!

Actually I better love that seat, because I went ahead and ordered two...I have a Cannondale bike enroute and decided to upgrade both bikes at the same time, might as well be sitting on the same saddle when I ride either bike. One bike will be left at home and the other left at work, not sure which one will be left at work!..yet :)

I'm just at 180 right now, somedays just under, somedays just over...
Height of 5' 7" so short and stout I be, down from a whopping 225 so you can imagine my biking has certainly improved this year!

I'll report back on how the saddle rides tomorrow...
G2

My error... received the Trans Am Flite and REALLY meant to buy the MAX Flite for that extra bit of width needed for my behind...
Trying to reach SuperGo.com to see if they will Exchange these with the Max ones...waiting on a Customer service guy/gal to answer the phone right now....

:o

G2

Follow up on the whole saddle thing.
(Velocipedio, don't read this, and its not just the saddle!)
I've been riding the Brooks B17 for a little over a week
now, not sure of the milage but I'm impressed.
wait, let me restate that, I love it. I have heard of
saddles dissapearing under you, well this one does.
However it didn't at first. I really had to mess with
setup of this one. I found a very slight uptilt to the nose
(and I'm talking less than 5mm 1/4 inch?) was what does it
for me. I have a goodly amount of setback on the saddle
the short rails don't work with all posts. Seems to
work really well with the American Classic (Velocipedio,
I told you not to read this! so you're 2 favorite
components to hate!).
Now, anyone need a Fi:z'ik pave? Selle Flite (original
design white?
Marty

Fi:z'ik pave? Let's talk.

I just bought a Selle Italia Octakia Gel off e-bay. I will let you know how it works out. If anyone has tried them let me know.