Bambam72

Well, I got myself a really nice bike: Specialized Tarmac Team Expert --- after some input from other members. I love my new bike and have gone out a few times, mostly doing 40-50 miles or so.

I am not a bike expert, but my saddle is the Body Geometry "Specialized" Toupe. Its quite thin with not much padding. I assume it is a good saddle because it came on a rather expensive bike.

My problem is I weigh 250 lbs! Even though this is probably a great saddle, it may not be the best for my body. I know everyone is different, but I dont really have any practical way of trying out multiple models before deciding on one. Is there a model out there better suited for "heavier" riders? Or perhaps if you are like me what has worked for you? I plan to max out at local centuries, and weekly rides in the 50 mile range. I wont be racing so I dont really care if it's a heavier one.

Saddles are a hard topic because everyone likes different things, so I'm just looking for general ideas/suggestions. I want a comfortable ride (well, duh!). Thanks!

dhale50

Congrats on the new ride. You may want to try a Brooks saddle. A lot of people swear by the comfort they offer.

aham23

if you are new to road riding and/or these distances it could be that your bum just needs to be conditioned. most noobs experience saddle issues at first, until their bum is broken in.

later.

laryanshabaz

On a Tarmac Expert? Sorry, I know its just image-conscious vanity but those two worlds should not meet. Maybe the OP won't care, but...
The first question should have been: Are you wearing cycling shorts?

The saddle will be fairly hard, but the padding of your bibs/shorts will take care of that.
Also, many Specialized saddles come in varying widths to suit different riders.
Considering your current weight, it could be that you have a bigger structure/wider sit bones than that particular model accomodates. If you purchased the bike from a Specialized dealer I would think they should be able to help you with your fit/saddle needs.

Good Luck.

Also, there is a 200+ forum "Clydesdales" that might be more beneficial to you on this question.

Dynamic

My good friend! Nice new bike very hot.
Go to specialized and try out the Specialized Alias.
That mofo of a saddle is cushioned and doesn't weigh much (not that it matters since your bike is light inherently). Your ass will appreciate it

Bontrager

Your butt has to get used to sitting in a saddle. This can take quite some time.

The padding probably has little to do with your comfort than the seat itself flexing.

The seat may or may not be the correct width for your ischial ramus/tuberosit (what people commonly called the 'sit bones').

I say give it more time.

Finally, I'm not sure most companies put the best seats on their bikes. Seats, like pedals, are highly personal preference. They should just leave them out on new bikes but I guess they would look funny with just a seatpost.

laryanshabaz

^ And painful if a new rider didn't understand they needed a saddle.

Or pleasurable, it depends on the rider...

carpediemracing 

Specialized has a "Body Geometry" fit system that has something to do with rider's size, weight, etc. You may want to see if they have a seat that their system "recommends". I think some other companies have the same type of system.

Some shops will have loaner saddles - you try out a saddle, give it back and buy a new version of it if it seems good. I saw this out in CA frequently.

Also, no matter what, stand every 5-10 minutes. Max 30 minutes. I stand probably every 10-15 minutes minimum, in a crit probably every 2-3 minutes (once a lap, even if it's for a pedal stroke or two). In most parts of FL it's so flat you have to make an effort to stand.

Unweight on bumps. Both you and your bike will appreciate it.

Wear cycling shorts and nothing under them.

If you're already doing all these things, I apologize for saying what you already know.

good luck with the seat,
cdr

Bambam72

Wow, quick replies.

Instead of quoting some more comments:

I am semi-experienced, if that exists. I have been riding for a few years (irregularly though) so my bum has gone through quite some rides. Maybe I just need to get used to a new saddle. Will probably do a couple more 50 mile rides to see if it sets in to my body well before trying to change it.

Have to check with my LBS see if they have saddles to try out. That would be great!

I will check out the 200+ forum...seems like I could get some great feedback there.

I do wear biking shorts with nothing underneath

Chris_F

I researched the topic myself and will be trying a Specialized Toupe this spring when the road bike comes out of service. Saddle fit is very person-specific but lots of folks like the Toupe, provided it's sized right.

johnny99

A couple of comments:
1. I think saddle position is much more important than saddle brand. If your saddle is too high (very common with beginners), no saddle will be very comfortable on long rides.
2. You don't need top-of-the-line shorts, but decent quality padded lycra shorts do make a difference.
3. If you haven't been riding a lot this winter, give your legs a little while to get used to the effort. Once you build up some cycling muscles, any saddle will get more comfortable.

Beaker

You might want to check this thread out

https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/326350-specialized-alias-vs-specialized-toupe-saddle.html

the specialized saddles are pretty nice -- you shouldn't feel like you've got short-changed at all. Of course, it might just not work for you, but only you can work that out.

Congrats on the bike by the way -- very nice. I bought a new Roubaix this year which came with an avatar saddle that is a couple of notches lower on the totem than your Toupe. It seems to be working OK for me so far, but I think I need a few more miles to be sure. Interesting thing is I just got a standard 143mm width so I've no idea if I could achieve a better result via careful use of the "assometer".

recursive

If you don't want your Toupe, I could probably be persuaded to take it off your hands.