Old 03-08-16, 06:17 PM
  #11  
79pmooney
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Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
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Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder

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Best way is to find a shop with a good saddle policy; one that will let you ride the saddles for a while, then bring back saddles that don't work. Many will credit that returned saddle on full toward a new one. If none of their saddles work, you get a credit toward merchandise. Some shops like one here in Portland have "libraries" where for $25 you can try any of their two dozen saddles for up to a week each and as many saddles as you choose.

Our butts are like our faces. You wouldn't ID a thief saying "I remember those 97 mm spaced cheekbones. There's a lot going on and there is no general rule what saddle will do you best. You can ride one, then say to someone with real experience how it feels and where it hurts and they might have good ideas for your next one.

In very general terms: wider saddles work better for those with wide hip structure and those who sit more upright. Those in a full bend forward generally want narrower saddles. Some folk don't slide much back and forth and like saddles with one place to sit. Many of these folk love the traditional all leather saddles. Others like me slide back and forth a lot to get very different riding positions and prefer saddles that don't change shape a lot from front to back. Some of us are very sensitive to pressure, especially along the center of the saddle and do better on saddles with cut-outs or grooves. Others hate them.

There's no way short of riding them to find this stuff out. Call your local shops and findone with a good return policy. Good luck! (This is a real piece of the most important piece of the bike fit puzzle.)

Ben
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