Originally Posted by
Wilmingtech
I've gone through the saddle gambit over the past year. I've tried 5 different saddles before I finally found 2 that I truly enjoy.
Started with a Specialized Toupe, too small. Bought a Nashbar CF1 which was wider and had a little bit of padding and was much better on the posterior but cutout was too small and front would go numb.
Bought a Selle Italia SLR with a huge cutout and had no problems at all up front but the saddle did not have proper support across the back and the saddle would flex. This flexing would cause the saddle to fold in slightly on the sides and would make my legs go numb on long 25+ mile rides.
Finally tried an SMP F30 and it was pretty darn comfy. Large cutout, nice flat area and easy to get good positioning on it. Took a little to dial it in but was far better than anything I have ever ridden.
I bought my wife the SMP Avant and after a few rides she did not find it that comfortable. So I tried that seat out on my road bike and it was awesome. I call it my Lazy Boy saddle. I could ride that seat for 20 hours.
So I've now got the F30 on the gravel bike and the Avant on the road bike. Both are great to ride. I keep them at a -2.5 /-2.8 degree angle which is just enough to open the hips but still be able to support my torso without too much weight on the hands.
The rails are slightly longer and you are working with alot of angles on the SMP so itll take a few rides to get the saddle dialed in. Pocket your allen key on the first few rides.
They are on the heavier side compared to most saddles but for a heavier rider with a large posterior they are worth the extra grams.
As a PSA, the Specialized Toupe is offerred in three (or more?) different widths. The dealers offer a service to determine what width would best fit your sitbones.
I've found that "too narrow" can result in the feeling that one of your buttbones is falling off the side, with the accompanying cheeks. For me the 143 mm width works best. I also find that I end up with a little bit of nose up. Finally, I fine-tune the saddle height to eliminate painful hip rock and to reduce pressure to the perineum. I find this overall method works even with unique designs such as Selle AnAtomica.