What's a good saddle?
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What's a good saddle?
Hey All,
I sure this is really subjective. I'm looking for a comfortable road bike saddle. I tried a Selle Nixie and that about killed me. Here's a few more stats:
male
6' 200 pounds
average 25 miles a ride
Not really concerned about weight
I'd prefer a seat that's in stock at Nashbar. Any ideas would be great.
Thanks
I sure this is really subjective. I'm looking for a comfortable road bike saddle. I tried a Selle Nixie and that about killed me. Here's a few more stats:
male
6' 200 pounds
average 25 miles a ride
Not really concerned about weight
I'd prefer a seat that's in stock at Nashbar. Any ideas would be great.
Thanks
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Ive heard that Brooks saddles are very comfy. Thats my next purchase.
Why Nashbar.......a brooks is just as easy to obtain!
Why Nashbar.......a brooks is just as easy to obtain!
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Nashbar - because they're low cost, have a very liberal 1 year return policy (you can send it back if "it hasn't been used to much"). I figured I buy a few seats, keep the one I like and return the rest. I'm just looking for opininions. The saddle seems the to be the most difficult thing buy. There are tons of them.
Thanks for the Brooks recommendation.
Thanks for the Brooks recommendation.
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The one that fits your a$$ best. Your trial and error plan is the best way to go.
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Originally Posted by bchristal
Nashbar - because they're low cost, have a very liberal 1 year return policy (you can send it back if "it hasn't been used to much"). I figured I buy a few seats, keep the one I like and return the rest. I'm just looking for opininions. The saddle seems the to be the most difficult thing buy. There are tons of them.
Thanks for the Brooks recommendation.
Thanks for the Brooks recommendation.
https://www.nashbar.com/results.cfm?brand=5127&init=y
$59.95 is a great price for a B17 and if you order it today before Sunday is over, you get an additional 10% off.
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I like the Specialized Alias - I am never aware that I am sitting on a saddle. It comes in three sizes, and a Specialized dealer can measure your sit bones width with their assometer. I also have a Fizik Arione which is excellent. Bottom line as you already know - it is what works best for you.
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The great unanswered question! What I find interesting is that everything old is new again. I've got illustrations of saddles from the late 1800s that look very much like the "anatomically correct" saddles available now.
The only downside with the Brooks is the long (according to most) break-in period. Also, being leather, they require a bit of TLC.
The only downside with the Brooks is the long (according to most) break-in period. Also, being leather, they require a bit of TLC.
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Originally Posted by Bikewer
The great unanswered question! What I find interesting is that everything old is new again. I've got illustrations of saddles from the late 1800s that look very much like the "anatomically correct" saddles available now.
The only downside with the Brooks is the long (according to most) break-in period. Also, being leather, they require a bit of TLC.
The only downside with the Brooks is the long (according to most) break-in period. Also, being leather, they require a bit of TLC.
As far as care goes, a little Proofide every six months or so (more if you ride a lot in the rain) is about all that is needed. And speaking of rain, don't freak out in the wet weather. Get a saddle cover if you like, but a Brooks is not so delicate as some claim. If you've done the Proofide thing now and then, your saddle will enjoy riding in the rain.
Besides, a B17 costs only about $60. For such comfort, even if you don't get your full 30 years out of the saddle, you can't go wrong.
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How long DOES it take to break one in?
I just ordered the Brooks B-17 tonight from Nashbar.
On Aug. 7, I start a week-loog ride - the Tour DA U.P - through parts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
I wonder if I should put this on my Bianchi Axis when it arrives later this week or stick to the standard saddle that came with the bike and is broken in. If it arrives by Friday, I'd probablybe able to get in 100 miles of training before the tour.
Is that enough???
I just ordered the Brooks B-17 tonight from Nashbar.
On Aug. 7, I start a week-loog ride - the Tour DA U.P - through parts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
I wonder if I should put this on my Bianchi Axis when it arrives later this week or stick to the standard saddle that came with the bike and is broken in. If it arrives by Friday, I'd probablybe able to get in 100 miles of training before the tour.
Is that enough???
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Mike Wendland
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Follow me on Twitter @michiganbiking and @michigandermike
Bikes: '09 Gary Fisher Superfly, '08 Trek Madone 5.5, '05 Bianchi Axis
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I really like this one: https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...egory_ID=5210#
To me, it's much more comfortable than a Brooks. There's no break in required, and it's much lighter. I don't expect it to last as long as a Brooks, though.
To me, it's much more comfortable than a Brooks. There's no break in required, and it's much lighter. I don't expect it to last as long as a Brooks, though.
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[QUOTE=pcmike]How long DOES it take to break one in?
I've been told that breaking in a Brooks is like getting used to sex in prison (but very rewarding after the pain).
I've been told that breaking in a Brooks is like getting used to sex in prison (but very rewarding after the pain).
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Isn't it far easier to go to your LBS, try a few saddles they have, return the ones that don't work and not pay any shipping charges rather than paying shipping charges to send your new saddle AND return your new saddle? All around though, two saddles I've never had returned are the Specialized Milano and Fizik Arionne.
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Originally Posted by pcmike
How long DOES it take to break one in?
I just ordered the Brooks B-17 tonight from Nashbar.
On Aug. 7, I start a week-loog ride - the Tour DA U.P - through parts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
I wonder if I should put this on my Bianchi Axis when it arrives later this week or stick to the standard saddle that came with the bike and is broken in. If it arrives by Friday, I'd probablybe able to get in 100 miles of training before the tour.
Is that enough???
I just ordered the Brooks B-17 tonight from Nashbar.
On Aug. 7, I start a week-loog ride - the Tour DA U.P - through parts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
I wonder if I should put this on my Bianchi Axis when it arrives later this week or stick to the standard saddle that came with the bike and is broken in. If it arrives by Friday, I'd probablybe able to get in 100 miles of training before the tour.
Is that enough???
Mine is about a year old, and I don't consider it "broken in". It's almost as hard as the day I bought it. However, it was pretty comfortable to start with as I prefer harder saddles and only weight 140 pounds.
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Can you really, ethically, return a saddle that you've "tested" as being "unused". And, additionally, can you purchase multiple saddles with this idea in mind?
Usually, I buy a saddle if I need a saddle, and if I don't like it, I put a check in the "**** no!" box and move on with my life. The expense is all mine. It's not like the saddle didn't perform properly. It just seems like a lousy way to reward your favorite retailer.
Usually, I buy a saddle if I need a saddle, and if I don't like it, I put a check in the "**** no!" box and move on with my life. The expense is all mine. It's not like the saddle didn't perform properly. It just seems like a lousy way to reward your favorite retailer.
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Originally Posted by skydive69
I like the Specialized Alias - I am never aware that I am sitting on a saddle. It comes in three sizes, and a Specialized dealer can measure your sit bones width with their assometer. I also have a Fizik Arione which is excellent. Bottom line as you already know - it is what works best for you.
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Locally, a couple of dealers will swap out a saddle that does not work. Terry has an unconditional 30 day trial period.
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Originally Posted by skydive69
Terry has an unconditional 30 day trial period.
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Originally Posted by ChainRing
Ive heard that Brooks saddles are very comfy. Thats my next purchase.
Why Nashbar.......a brooks is just as easy to obtain!
Why Nashbar.......a brooks is just as easy to obtain!
I have one on my very sweet original campy record clad 71 Frejus (Reynolds 531 aluminum). Slightly heavier, this bike and saddle combo rides as good as my titanium and carbon SEVEN Odanata does.
As you know, Nashbar of course is a retail store featuring their own proprietary goods along with other stuff. But the Brooks is a good suggestion here. Besides, as this saddle gets older, have you ever seen a nicer looking saddle, those brass rivets scream quality.
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Originally Posted by wfo
Yes, a Brooks saddle is comfy but.... there is a break-in period with break in suggestions (follow them). This will begin the epic journey with a wonderful ride for years to come, getting better as the miles roll on and on and on.
But the Brooks is a good suggestion here. Besides, as this saddle gets older, have you ever seen a nicer looking saddle, those brass rivets scream quality.
But the Brooks is a good suggestion here. Besides, as this saddle gets older, have you ever seen a nicer looking saddle, those brass rivets scream quality.
Brooks Saddles
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Originally Posted by womble
Mine is about a year old, and I don't consider it "broken in". It's almost as hard as the day I bought it. However, it was pretty comfortable to start with as I prefer harder saddles and only weight 140 pounds.
The main difference since they have become shaped to fit me is - less tendency to slide around on them. I treated both with Proofide once or twice, and try to keep them covered if I leave the bikes out in the rain, that's the only 'maintenance' I've done.
The main challenge I found with these saddles is they seem much more sensitive to angle than plastic saddles, once you get that right they are far more comfortable - this is especially noticeable after >2 hours. I would not go back to plastic saddles now, and will eventually have Brooks on all my bikes (only the Brompton to go now :-)
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SO back to my question... my B17 arrives tomorrow. Ten days later, I start a long distance bike tour through Michigan;s Upper Peninsula. Should I put it on and train with it next week and then use on the tour or stick with the saddle I'm used to and put the Brooks on after the tour********** Need advice from other B17 users....
BTW... I'm a Clydesdale (240#, 5' 10").
BTW... I'm a Clydesdale (240#, 5' 10").
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Follow me on Twitter @michiganbiking and @michigandermike
Bikes: '09 Gary Fisher Superfly, '08 Trek Madone 5.5, '05 Bianchi Axis
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Wow, I'm suprised to see a saddle without urethra breathing room so highly recommended. Then again, my current saddle has a portion carved out on impotence alley and it still makes the whole area down there feel pressurized after five miles.
Which is why I'm in the market for a new one. Any of you Brook's rider's having erectile dysfunction?
Which is why I'm in the market for a new one. Any of you Brook's rider's having erectile dysfunction?
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Originally Posted by pcmike
SO back to my question... my B17 arrives tomorrow. Ten days later, I start a long distance bike tour through Michigan;s Upper Peninsula. Should I put it on and train with it next week and then use on the tour or stick with the saddle I'm used to and put the Brooks on after the tour********** Need advice from other B17 users....
BTW... I'm a Clydesdale (240#, 5' 10").
BTW... I'm a Clydesdale (240#, 5' 10").
I have Brooks on my bikes and would have no problem with bolting one on a bike the morning I left for a tour.