Originally Posted by Univega
Reading the many posts and review on saddles it amazes me how many guys say, “This is saddle number 40 and I’m still not happy.”
I have a question about saddles. Not the usual, what one do you have and do you like it question. But HOW did you choose your saddle. What CRITERIA did you use?
When I purchased my bike it came with a Selle Italia XO saddle. OK for short rides, but murder on a >25 mile ride. Then my wife, at the recommendation of a LBS purchased a Selle Italia TriMatic (or should I say Traumatic?). It felt better than the XO, but on a 50-mile ride I was literally Black and blue. I also tried a Bontrager Race Lite Lux Saddle. Again, felt great the first 10…..
Is there any way, besides trial and error to pick a good saddle?
Coming here and asking is a good first step, then based on some recommendations you can search the forums and Google for reviews of specific models. From there, sorry dude, trial and error.
I prefer a Brooks, B17s and Swifts. Because they are a known quantity to me, I don't need any further criteria. If Wallingford ever gets back online, you can buy one from them and return/exchange if you don't like it, no questions asked. Their reputation is this regard is legendary.
This year I did experiment with some plastic saddles on my road bike. After doing some research I tried a Specialized Alias - the 155 seemed to fit my sit bones and riding position the best. While I still prefer my Brooks, I was very comfortable using the Alias for half a dozen metric and full centuries. Too bad so many LBS don't have friendly return/exchange policies - though some do, which is one of the criteria that makes a good LBS IMHO.