Inexpensive commuter saddle with large cut-out
05-28-14, 11:20 AM
#1
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Inexpensive commuter saddle with large cut-out
So I've got a older Trek that I've fitted for commute duty (11mi each way), the problem is that saddle on it doesn't work for me. Its currently a Koobi PRS Enduro, and it has too much padding and isn't wide enough.
My main road bike has a Selle SMP Dynamic. I like the saddle, it definitely works for 4 hour rides. The problem is that's a $200 saddle.
I'm looking for suggestions on a minimally padded, saddle with a large cutout, preferably ~$50.
My main road bike has a Selle SMP Dynamic. I like the saddle, it definitely works for 4 hour rides. The problem is that's a $200 saddle.
I'm looking for suggestions on a minimally padded, saddle with a large cutout, preferably ~$50.
05-29-14, 08:27 PM
#2
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Perfoemance's Forte Pro SL is worth checking out. A little too hard for me so I exchanged it for a classic which I can ride all day on without padded shorts. Forté Pro SL Saddle - Men's Bike Saddles
05-30-14, 06:47 AM
#3
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Been riding wtb speed v on a couple of my bikes.
the cutout is not visually apparent, but close examination of the bottom shows the cut out, and it is lightly covered on top. Cheap for sure, I really like mine. I usually ride without padded shorts, and occasionally I will ride with minimally padded shorts.
There is a pretty broad range of wtb speed series saddles. Some cost more, some are considerably different from others. Check them out, they are good for more than just mountain bikes.
the cutout is not visually apparent, but close examination of the bottom shows the cut out, and it is lightly covered on top. Cheap for sure, I really like mine. I usually ride without padded shorts, and occasionally I will ride with minimally padded shorts.
There is a pretty broad range of wtb speed series saddles. Some cost more, some are considerably different from others. Check them out, they are good for more than just mountain bikes.
05-30-14, 07:25 AM
#4
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How about something like this? I like mine, but I don't know how wide you need.
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05-30-14, 07:53 AM
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this one is hard to beat
Selle SMP TRK Saddle | Chain Reaction Cycles
NOW$56.49 they frequently have free shipping specials (one just ended a few days ago) Also they have this saddle in a women's version, which would be wider
Selle SMP TRK Saddle | Chain Reaction Cycles
NOW$56.49 they frequently have free shipping specials (one just ended a few days ago) Also they have this saddle in a women's version, which would be wider
Last edited by ClarkinHawaii; 05-30-14 at 08:02 AM.
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05-30-14, 08:55 AM
#7
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I have a Nashbar FC1 on my commuter. Wider and more padding, priced at $21.99 as I write this. I feel no need to wear bike shorts when riding on it.
Last edited by Eric S.; 05-30-14 at 12:17 PM.
05-30-14, 08:58 AM
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I have about 500 miles on my FR-1 and it is starting to break in nicely. Or maybe my butt is just breaking in...
05-30-14, 12:15 PM
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Showing my inexperience here, but why would you want a saddle with less padding for long rides? I understand not getting a super pillowy saddle, but I wouldn't want to be sitting on a rock for four hours.
05-30-14, 12:21 PM
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You want your weight to be placed on your sit bones and a cushioned seat will spread your weight out.
05-30-14, 12:58 PM
#12
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I heard that if you spread a piece of foil on a semi- or low-cushioned seat, wear only lightweight undies (not bicycle shorts) and sit on the foil, then measure the space between the two sit bone "dimples" and base your seat width based on that. Buying the right "size" is more difficult to do when you're buying online but if you have a decent LBS, it might be easier for you to find a well fitting saddle and furthermore, the LBS may be more open to switching if it doesn't fit right. Furthermore, the LBS may actually have a special too to measure your sit bone spacing; our does, it is a gel on a board and then after sitting on it for a minute or two, put a marble in each of the dimples and measure the distance between them.
06-01-14, 03:23 PM
#13
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Agreed, and too much cushioning (so I hear) will actually compress the sciatic nerve running through your butt area and pinch it causing you pain down your legs.
I heard that if you spread a piece of foil on a semi- or low-cushioned seat, wear only lightweight undies (not bicycle shorts) and sit on the foil, then measure the space between the two sit bone "dimples" and base your seat width based on that. Buying the right "size" is more difficult to do when you're buying online but if you have a decent LBS, it might be easier for you to find a well fitting saddle and furthermore, the LBS may be more open to switching if it doesn't fit right. Furthermore, the LBS may actually have a special too to measure your sit bone spacing; our does, it is a gel on a board and then after sitting on it for a minute or two, put a marble in each of the dimples and measure the distance between them.
I heard that if you spread a piece of foil on a semi- or low-cushioned seat, wear only lightweight undies (not bicycle shorts) and sit on the foil, then measure the space between the two sit bone "dimples" and base your seat width based on that. Buying the right "size" is more difficult to do when you're buying online but if you have a decent LBS, it might be easier for you to find a well fitting saddle and furthermore, the LBS may be more open to switching if it doesn't fit right. Furthermore, the LBS may actually have a special too to measure your sit bone spacing; our does, it is a gel on a board and then after sitting on it for a minute or two, put a marble in each of the dimples and measure the distance between them.
The cheap SMP might work, but it seems way to heavily padded. The problem with too much padding is that it winds up compressing and causes pressure in the wrong places down there. I've been debating going to the LBS and discussing saddles, there's a Specialized shop near me that has the butt-o-meter thingie. The problem is that you quickly wind up in the $100+ range for even cheaper Romin or Toupe saddles.
06-01-14, 07:03 PM
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There's no way you can tell if it's gonna work for you without actually trying it. Looking at pictures isn't gonna cut it. Buy what you think is the best shot and then if it doesn't work sell it on Craigslist. I bought one of those Brooks cruiser saddles with the springs (on sale) from chainreactioncycles, hated it, sold it on CL for a profit.
06-01-14, 11:15 PM
#15
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Gonna try the cheap ebay route: 2014 Hot New Full 3K Carbon Fiber Hollow MTB Saddle Very Light 14 5x27cm Glossy | eBay
It doesn't get more minimally padded than that. I only commute in cycling shorts/bibs so the no padding isn't a big concern for me. If it doesn't work I'll either go the vader or Nashbar route.
It doesn't get more minimally padded than that. I only commute in cycling shorts/bibs so the no padding isn't a big concern for me. If it doesn't work I'll either go the vader or Nashbar route.
06-02-14, 02:23 PM
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I very recently bought a Charge Spoon Saddle, only 500 kms on it so far but it's very promising, very comfy so far, I ride 55 kms each day. Bought on internet from KOO bikes at about 25 euro shipping included.Charge Bikes | Spoon saddle
06-02-14, 08:07 PM
#17
contiuniously variable
I very recently bought a Charge Spoon Saddle, only 500 kms on it so far but it's very promising, very comfy so far, I ride 55 kms each day. Bought on internet from KOO bikes at about 25 euro shipping included.Charge Bikes | Spoon saddle
- Andy
07-05-14, 07:23 AM
#18
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Gonna try the cheap ebay route: 2014 Hot New Full 3K Carbon Fiber Hollow MTB Saddle Very Light 14 5x27cm Glossy | eBay
Charge Spoon in the USA. $28.00
07-05-14, 09:20 PM
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this one is hard to beat
Selle SMP TRK Saddle | Chain Reaction Cycles
NOW$56.49 they frequently have free shipping specials (one just ended a few days ago) Also they have this saddle in a women's version, which would be wider
Selle SMP TRK Saddle | Chain Reaction Cycles
NOW$56.49 they frequently have free shipping specials (one just ended a few days ago) Also they have this saddle in a women's version, which would be wider
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