Isn't it about time somebody tried to 'demystify' the process of choosing the right saddle?
I think it's pretty clear now that getting the right saddle for your bum is a highly subjective thing and the web is full of unhelpful advice, like; 'I tried model 'X' and have never looked back'.
I don't think it's over simplistic to say the right fit comes down to 4 things;-
- The width (the only feature that anyone is prepared to put a number on).
- The curvature across the saddle.
- The profile (does it sweep up at the rear end?).
- The amount of padding.
The problem is; how do I compare a known saddle with what's available from other manufacturers?
For instance, my saddle seems to suit me well, but I feel it might be a little on the narrow side, or perhaps I need something a little flatter.
Trawling through the web articles doesn't give me any means of comparing and the pictures often give a false impression of the shape.
Fabric saddles have got off to a good start; They offer saddles with profiles that are; 'flat', 'shallow' and 'radius'. What could be simpler?
It would be nice if somebody could take a purely objective look at saddles, grade each feature and put a number to it. Even hardness of the padding can be measured, that's how saddle manufacturers select the right grade of foam in the first place.
There's nothing difficult about putting some figures to these features.
Come to think of it, I could do it!
Calling all saddle manufacturers, send me your saddles!