monsterjujubee

I'm in the market for a new saddle. Some info about me: this is my first road bike and I'm basically using it to get back into shape and commute to work 20 miles round trip. I'm a medium to large built 5'9 175lbs. My road bike is a brand new 2009 base model allez and its color black / silver. My budget is somewhere around $50-100. I just want to see what you guys are using out there and if you may have any experienced recommendations for me. Thanks much!

Caymem

I've tried several saddles on my 08 Allez. The Selle Italia SLK, a cheap bontrager saddle that came on a Trek 1000, a Felt saddle that came on a Z90, and the stock Allez saddle. I've just decided that I love the stock Allez saddle the best out of all of these...

cmh

Find a shop that will let you try some different loaner saddles. There are a lot of choices in the $50-$100 range. A Specialized Alias or Toupe works for me, but that doesn't mean it will work for you.

Longfemur

You should just be aware that there is no such thing as a saddle that works for one and therefore everyone else, and what works for you has nothing to do with how much you spent on the saddle.

When you get into road bikes and you want to ride it at all seriously, you are entering into a world where good position matters a lot, and for many, even mere millimetres can make a difference.

What I would suggest is that you don't change too many things at the same time as you work out this position by experimentation. Sometimes, discomfort with a given saddle is more about improper position than it is about the saddle itself.

I've had good luck with Selle San Marco saddles in their more classic shapes, and also Avocet Air O2 Racing. But that's just me. I used to love some Selle Italia saddles like the Turbomatic. Why all of these? Well, except for the Avocet which I bought on a whim a long time ago, set aside as uncomfortable and didn't try again for a few years, I've basically ridden all the bikes I've had on the saddle they came with. Now I love that Avocet. But it's such an individual variable that you really can't go by what anyone else likes. One thing to keep in mind is that ALL road bike racing saddles are meant for a road bike position that puts your pelvis at a certain angle and which distributes some of the weight onto your arms. If you decide to follow other people's high handlebar advice, you would probably need a wider "touring" saddle.

bigskyTi

I'm assuming that there is something about your current saddle that you don't like. So look for a saddle that that is different shape/width/hardness/etc.

Also remember that if you are new, it will take a while befor your butt gets used to sitting on a real bike saddle.

Thanks being said, I ride the fizik Arione and the K:1

bartonfink

Get your sitbones measured. Look online to figure out how to do it at home, or go to your LBS and have them do it. Your sitbone width has everything to do with how well any saddle is going to work.

dallasmike

How many miles have you put on your bike? Are you sure you would know what you are looking for in a saddle even if you found the right one?

The reason I ask is that I am thinking about a new saddle. $50 is not going to make a significant impact in my comfort. I have looked at some Terry saddles, but not tried anything new.

When I am ready to do it, my LBS said they will let me ride any saddle I want for 30 days and bring it back if I don't like it. You, of course, have to buy the saddle first, but their exchange policy is great. While contemplating, my sit bones are actually getting much more adjusted because my bicycle fit is better. I can ride my stock bontrager saddle, the one that everyone hates, for 40miles without problems.

Have you tried the search function on these forums for your specific issue? I am nearly positive it has been addressed if it is cycling related, and possibly even if it isn't.

Lazyass

Put ink on your ass, sit on a large piece of cardboard and take it to a bike shop. They will be glad to match a saddle to it.

merlinextraligh

Saddles are really a matter of personal fit, and preference, so Anything you get here is at best a starting point of saddles you might want to look at.

In your price range you might want to take a look at Fizik Aliante sport (same as the ALiante, but without the CF shell.)

johnny99

If you belong to a bike club, look for people with about the same riding style and build as you (especially hips and rear end). Ask them for saddle recommendations. No saddle works for everyone. Most experienced cyclists will try several different models before settling on one.

monsterjujubee

Wow thanks for the input guys. I will review on later when I get off work.

JakcBeNimble

I've seen mention of a Specialized system to measure sit bones and then consult a chart to determine the width of saddle that you need for a particular riding style.

Measuring my sit bones is easy without their special pad, but I can't find the chart anywhere, including the Specialized website.

Does anyone know where to find it?

CharlieWoo

You are welcome to join us in worship if you can afford it.

pdmech73

this worked for you?

-Paul

azdroptop

Just bought a san marco and It is very comfortable. Also enjoyed my airone.

Beaker

Fixed.