kamadzu4

I have a pretty standard $150 mountain bike, with what I would call a totally regular, conventional saddle. I have recently heard that prolonged biking on such a saddle may cause numbness to the genital region, and perhaps even damage to the soft tissues and organs there.

So I'm trying to find an anatomically correct saddle, one with a "valley" in the middle. It seems that there is a huge selection, and I'm basically lost. What would be a good, solid, moderately inexpensive choice, for one of these men's saddles?

Also, as far as I know, the saddle is sold just by itself, and need to be attached to the seat pillar. Can this be done for most bicycles with no problem? Are there standards for the seat pillar's diameter?

Thanks in advance!

Richard D

Some people believe the valleys can increase pressure on the sensitive areas. If you don't feel numb or uncomfortable I wouldn't change for the sake of it. To be honest each backside is individual.

Ebbtide

I've tried the cut out types and thought there were useless.

Not certain about your bike, but most saddles are just attached to the seat post. I'm not sure it that applies to your low end bike.

If you go to your local bike store, or where you purchased the bike (even if it was walmart) they should have replacement/upgrades saddles.

Hope this helps,

ehenz

Raiyn

I believe this is what you need.

kamadzu4

Raiyn, I think that's what I'm trying to get away from. Is this not really the big issue I thought it was?

I would still appreciate advice on saddles from people who know a lot more than I do (and have researched this issue).

Ebbtide

In short, you need a Brooks B17. By far the most recommended saddle on the net.

Also note that 90% (I'm made that up, but I'm sure I am close) of booty comfort is in a proper fitting bike and rider position.

Prosody

If your saddle causes pain or numbness, then start looking for a new one, but if you are comfortable on your current saddle, why change?

RacerX

You can change just the saddle, most likely you will not have to change your seatpost.

For saddles, I will tell you the 2 most comfortable saddles on the market today.
1. Terry Fly - comes in several versions, they are all good.
2. WTB V-Rocket - again there are a couple different versions

They are both relatively inexpensive but excellent for comfort and weight.
Check it out.

RonH

I have a Terry Fly on my "old" road bike and just replaced a worn out Terry Fly on my "new" road bike.

AndrewP

On some of the saddles with a groove down the middle, this groove makes the nose of the saddle wider, which can then rub against the inside of the thighs when pedaling - not comfortable.

When you go looking for saddles ask the shops about their return/swap policy, if it doesnt give the required comfort.

ChezJfrey

Agreed. Every review I've read about the saddle that came stock with my bike claims how uncomfortable it's supposed to be. Not for me; I've ridden 10,000 miles on the thing and I'm reluctant to even try any other. In other words, it suits me great.

Raiyn

Any recommendations that I would have or that have already been given start at about 1/3 of what you paid for your bike. I'm not trying to be a snob but is it really cost-effective to you to put a $50 saddle on a $150 bike? I'd recommend that you go to a bike shop and see what they have to offer

hillyman

I don't like leather saddles or grooves and I went through many saddles before I found the WTB SST. Cheap, comfy and it's a long saddle so you can move up and down this saddle for different positions and conditions! About $25 at Yahoo Shopping , search: WTB SST

Portis

That granite saddle would be better than most saddles that come on inexpensive bikes. Here is another vote for the Brooks B-17. I own 2 and will never sit on anything else.

supcom

Brooks. But, for a mountain bike, I'd suggest a narrower model than a B-17. Consider the B-17N or, even better, the Conquest. The Conquest has springs in the rear and makes a poor man's rear suspension.

The narrower Brooks models are good on a mountain bike because it's a bit easier to slide behind the seat when you need to shift your center of gravity. If all you do is ride on streets, then a B-17 by all means is the best choice.

RacerX

Yeah, not into the leather saddle thing. It was "ok" but nothing special. Besides, it looks way too old school for my XC MTB or my road bike.

They look good on a cruiser or old school steel frame. I would get a Brooks for one of those.

el Inglés

Try the selle Italia -max flite trans am - real comfy .