I have noticed a recent trend in this forum where about 99.99% of new bike purchases end with the new owner ripping the saddle off of the new steed in an expletive-laced rage. I own three bikes and ride the stock saddles without issue. I rode the stock saddle on my Giant to Dallas in eight days and didn't encounter a problem. I have purchased a new saddle because it matches the color scheme of my bike, and it was at deep discount. It's comfortable, but no more so than the ones which came with my bikes. I tried a gel saddle when I first got back on two wheels, and it's true what they say - it's actually less comfortable because it is too soft.

Some things I must have in a saddle: A cutout (not just an indentation) in the perineal area, wide enough, but not too wide for my narrow-ass sit bones, and something cool looking (black, red or yellow). That's about it.

I'm simply curious - what do you look for in a saddle? Why are stock saddles so atrocious, and can you provide examples?