Northwestrider

I've a friend that has expressed an interest in cycling recently. His concern is that he'll not be very comfortable with the seats he has seen in the LBS. He's pushing 300 lbs I'd guess. Any suggestions for a saddle? I remember seeing one before at a bike expo a few years ago that looked similar to a small bench, has anyone tried it? Thoughts? Or will the standard saddles work as well after a break in period? Thanks.

SeaDawg

Standard saddles should work fine, unless he has some injury that you haven't mentioned. I have a standard saddle purchased from a LBS that's on the softer end, but it still looks like a bike saddle rather than a cruiser seat. Most LBS's that we visited had saddles that were appropriate for larger folks who aren't as accustomed to a bike saddle and will have a more upright riding position than more experienced cyclists.

formicaman

In all questions of saddle comfort, the answer is usually Brooks. In this case, a B68, which is a wider unsprung saddle. It doesn't actually matter how er padded you are - those sit bones are still there and they are what should be supported by the saddle. I should note that sprung saddles are to be avoided at this weight - they just are not up to the task.

funrover 

I have found many people I know who are not "riders" like the Cloud 9 seats I have on 2 of my bikes.

nfmisso

At 300+; I like low cost Viscount. narrow, firm with rounded edges.

pdlamb

No saddle will be comfortable for a neophyte riding hours on end. I think the key is to keep expectations reasonable; perhaps 20-30 minute rides at first, and then build up the miles while hopefully subtracting the weight.

Lots of people think a soft, cushy seat is going to be more comfortable. They're wrong. As Sheldon pointed out, all the foam that gets squished out has to go someplace, and that someplace is NOT comfortable. In addition, at 300 pounds, your friend will likely bottom out the foam, and then be sitting on a rigid, uncomfortable plastic shell.

Tell him to test ride bikes, and see if switching the saddle will help, until he's comfortable before leaving the bike shop. And be prepared to change saddles down the road!

Northwestrider

pdlamb: He already has a bike, I believe it's a MTB, but I'm not sure. What you said about shorter rides is very true, it'll take time for him/anyone to get used to what ever seat is used.

exile

Without knowing what the current problems he is having its hard to suggest a certain saddle. Every saddle is both comfortable and uncomfortable to someone.

episodic

I've rode a Brooks flyer since I was 260lbs. Great saddle.

Seve

x 2

Fastflyingasian

some people like my friend can ride almost any saddle even if its 10 bucks off the reject shelf at the LBS. i went through 6 different saddles until i settled on terry fly. comfort is definitly paramount and like others have said the more the padding not always more comfortable especially when you get above the few hour riding zone. on my touring bike i have a different saddle also from terry that i knew that i would be comfortable for 12+ hour days when im traveling. another one of my buddies has a specialized toupe 143 and he absolutley loves it. i didn't make it 20 miles on that tourture device lol. but thats just me. just have to try a couple saddles and see whats best for you.

root11

have him get some bike shorts too. they'll cut down on chaffing and make the saddles more comfortable.

wralyn

At 340lbs, I've been extremely happy with my Specialized Sonoma 175. It fits my tail fine and handles my weight. The LBS should be able to fit him with a proper seat at a reasonable price. Unless there is a medical necessity for a non-standard seat, stick to the basics.