First, let me apologize if this is misposted; I'm not a triathlete; just road biking and water polo (if there were a someplace to play,
). I have however, started using some Syntace aero bars and absolutely love them. I've found that the Tektro RX4.1 reverse brake levers are quite affordable and work well for me. Since I've been using bar-end shifters on my drops, that is an easy solution as well.
What I've been unable to find is a saddle that is comfortable for long rides in a tuck. The Bontrager Affinity that was quite comfortable riding in the drops is now a huge pain in the taint when I ride in the aero bars.
From articles on [slowtwitch.com](
Saddle Theory: Part II - Slowtwitch.com) and elsewhere, I've determined that I probably need to try a different design of saddle. I've also discovered that many of the most well reviewed Tri saddles -- [Dash - $300](
TT - TRI SADDLES ? Dash Cycles), [Cobb - $200](
Triathlon Saddles), [Selle SMP - $120+](
Chrono), etc. -- are too expensive to buy just to try.
Though the LBS is helpful, they are a small rural shop and most of their inventory is MTB, with a little road and BMX. So, there is no practical way for me to try out a loaner or rental. Anyone know of any saddles designed for comfort in a tuck that are affordable? Knock-offs of the competetive top-dollar models cheap enough to experiment with?
In case it matters, my tuberosities are ~125mm, I'm male, and I'm riding about 15 degrees above true flat-back aero position since I'm not competing and my road bike is too slack to really be flat without an excessively acute hip angle.