What Saddle Do You Ride and Why?
09-18-13, 02:09 PM
#1
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What Saddle Do You Ride and Why?
I'm in the search for a new saddle for my new road bike. Looking for something comfortable and anatomy safe for long road bike rides. I know saddles are personal, but I'd like to learn more about what led folks to what they have. Thanks in advance.
09-18-13, 02:29 PM
#2
Senior Member
I'm a serious fan of Koobi. For Clyde's, the best choice is the Alpha (a firmer saddle) because it's easy to crush the foam down over a long ride. The Koobi is built to be anatomically appropriate to relieve numbness etc...
I've been riding them off and on for years. The old Alpha was made with a leather cover that took about 30 hours to break in. I never got it broken in but moved it over to my mtn bike where it didn't matter since I'm out of the saddle so much. When I had problems with my Fizik Versus and switched back to the old Alpha koobi (now broken in), it was WONDERFUL. After that on long rides, didn't even think about my saddle again for the entire ride. I knew the minute I sat down on it after changing out the Fizik that it was going to be great - and it was.
I then bought the new version which has Lorica (synthetic) instead of leather so there is no break in. Put that on my adventure cyclocross bike and it was exactly the same - very comfortable.
I've spend probably a thousand dollars or more on seats trying to get it right. Koobi nailed it. They also have a 30 day try it out or send it back deal. Call them up, they'll talk you through the whole thing.
https://www.koobi.com
J.
I've been riding them off and on for years. The old Alpha was made with a leather cover that took about 30 hours to break in. I never got it broken in but moved it over to my mtn bike where it didn't matter since I'm out of the saddle so much. When I had problems with my Fizik Versus and switched back to the old Alpha koobi (now broken in), it was WONDERFUL. After that on long rides, didn't even think about my saddle again for the entire ride. I knew the minute I sat down on it after changing out the Fizik that it was going to be great - and it was.
I then bought the new version which has Lorica (synthetic) instead of leather so there is no break in. Put that on my adventure cyclocross bike and it was exactly the same - very comfortable.
I've spend probably a thousand dollars or more on seats trying to get it right. Koobi nailed it. They also have a 30 day try it out or send it back deal. Call them up, they'll talk you through the whole thing.
https://www.koobi.com
J.
09-18-13, 02:32 PM
#3
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I have a specialized body geomitry expedition, at the time it was much more comfy than my stock saddle. However, after loosing a lot of weight I find the saddle to wide for my liking. Right now I plan on getting a brooks b17 and have heard so many positive reviews about it.
09-18-13, 02:43 PM
#4
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Where is it too wide?
Where you want it wide - in the back - it's really more of a case of it's way better be too wide (hard to do) rather than too narrow - very easy to do.
J.
Where you want it wide - in the back - it's really more of a case of it's way better be too wide (hard to do) rather than too narrow - very easy to do.
J.
09-18-13, 03:05 PM
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People's saddle choice will be all over the map. I prefer a Spec Romin. I have a comp gel and am trying out an evo version but it is a much harder saddle than most clydes would want. In general the newer saddles with a cut out for personal parts are where I try to steer people but I am impressed with what I have heard about the Selle Anatomica. No saddle is perfect for everyone but that's a saddle with some potential. I'm just a bit unsure of their return policies.
09-18-13, 03:33 PM
#6
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A firmer saddle IS what most clydes should want for a long ride. They will crush any padding down if it is too soft so that they are sitting on the base saddle anyhow. With an anatomic saddle, the problem becomes is that often the padding is used to smooth the transition into the cutout area. If the padding gets crushed, then that can become very uncomfortable after just a short bit. Conversely, a light weight rider could have softer padding and it would be just fine.
There is a big difference to just sitting on a saddle or riding it around the parking lot compared to riding it for 2 hours on the road. The saddle that felt good can have it's padding get squished down after, say, 30 minutes and then become very uncomfortable. (been there, done that).
J.
There is a big difference to just sitting on a saddle or riding it around the parking lot compared to riding it for 2 hours on the road. The saddle that felt good can have it's padding get squished down after, say, 30 minutes and then become very uncomfortable. (been there, done that).
J.
09-18-13, 03:39 PM
#7
Senior Member
Touring Bike : Brooks B-17
Trek Madone: Brooks Pro Classic
Best Saddles in the world. Most comfortable.
Trek Madone: Brooks Pro Classic
Best Saddles in the world. Most comfortable.
09-18-13, 03:58 PM
#8
SuperGimp
I have a Romin Evo in the 155mm size.
I tried a bunch of saddles before I settled on that one and I retired a Selle San Marco Rolls when I got it.
YMMV.
I've never had a saddle that wasn't at least a little uncomfortable at the 100 mile mark and then it's a matter of managing which bibs I'm wearing (I've got favorites!)
I tried a bunch of saddles before I settled on that one and I retired a Selle San Marco Rolls when I got it.
YMMV.
I've never had a saddle that wasn't at least a little uncomfortable at the 100 mile mark and then it's a matter of managing which bibs I'm wearing (I've got favorites!)
09-18-13, 05:12 PM
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Saddles are the most personal thing about cycling... what works for one does not necessary work for another. Some people need very narrow saddles, because of physiology and some need wider. Some need longer and women generally need shorter.
That said: I use two saddles - on the road bike its a Terry Butterfly Ti. On the mountain bike its a WTB SheSpeed. Both serve a different purpose for different styles of riding. The WTB is longer to accomodate moving back and forth on the saddle; the Terry shorter because I generally don't move around alot on the road bike. The Terry also is cut out in the middle to relieve pressure to girly parts.
That said: I use two saddles - on the road bike its a Terry Butterfly Ti. On the mountain bike its a WTB SheSpeed. Both serve a different purpose for different styles of riding. The WTB is longer to accomodate moving back and forth on the saddle; the Terry shorter because I generally don't move around alot on the road bike. The Terry also is cut out in the middle to relieve pressure to girly parts.
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09-18-13, 05:29 PM
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Avocet 02 Air 40R - now discontinued, and maybe Avocet is out of business.
Wide and flat across the back fits my widely spaced ischial tuberosities, but it also narrows down through the middle which accomodates my large thighs, and it has a trough to keep my Johnson from falling asleep - er, I mean, to limit pressure on the perineal area.
When I heard they'd been discontinued, I found a local store that had 5 in stock, and bought 4 of them. 3 are on bikes, the 4th is a spare.
Wide and flat across the back fits my widely spaced ischial tuberosities, but it also narrows down through the middle which accomodates my large thighs, and it has a trough to keep my Johnson from falling asleep - er, I mean, to limit pressure on the perineal area.
When I heard they'd been discontinued, I found a local store that had 5 in stock, and bought 4 of them. 3 are on bikes, the 4th is a spare.
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09-18-13, 08:36 PM
#13
SuperGimp
Avocet 02 Air 40R - now discontinued, and maybe Avocet is out of business.
Wide and flat across the back fits my widely spaced ischial tuberosities, but it also narrows down through the middle which accomodates my large thighs, and it has a trough to keep my Johnson from falling asleep - er, I mean, to limit pressure on the perineal area.
When I heard they'd been discontinued, I found a local store that had 5 in stock, and bought 4 of them. 3 are on bikes, the 4th is a spare.
Wide and flat across the back fits my widely spaced ischial tuberosities, but it also narrows down through the middle which accomodates my large thighs, and it has a trough to keep my Johnson from falling asleep - er, I mean, to limit pressure on the perineal area.
When I heard they'd been discontinued, I found a local store that had 5 in stock, and bought 4 of them. 3 are on bikes, the 4th is a spare.
I think mine had "kevlar" in the title and it's got Ti rails... it was really expensive back when I was single and had money.
09-18-13, 08:51 PM
#14
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Fizik Arione. I've tried many(!) saddles. This one just fit my sit bones
ARIONE
ARIONE
09-18-13, 09:01 PM
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09-18-13, 09:02 PM
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2 Brooks B17's on my two favorite steeds
1 Brooks flyer (a B17 with springs)
1 Brooks Team Pro
1 Brooks Colt
1 Terry saddle of unknown model
1 Selle Prima found in the bargain bin
My favorite is the black B17 that is on my do-everything road/touring bike. The honey B17 on the Bianchi just needs some more miles to get to that point, but it's close. My butt never aches on these. The Pro and colt are a little narrower and I like them, but the B17 suits me better these days. They also look great.
The Terry is almost as comfy as a B17 and it is on my end of the tandem.
The Selle Prima is ok, but after an hour riding it, I can tell it is not any B17. I have that on my beater bike.
1 Brooks flyer (a B17 with springs)
1 Brooks Team Pro
1 Brooks Colt
1 Terry saddle of unknown model
1 Selle Prima found in the bargain bin
My favorite is the black B17 that is on my do-everything road/touring bike. The honey B17 on the Bianchi just needs some more miles to get to that point, but it's close. My butt never aches on these. The Pro and colt are a little narrower and I like them, but the B17 suits me better these days. They also look great.
The Terry is almost as comfy as a B17 and it is on my end of the tandem.
The Selle Prima is ok, but after an hour riding it, I can tell it is not any B17. I have that on my beater bike.
Last edited by Yo Spiff; 09-18-13 at 09:07 PM.
09-18-13, 09:09 PM
#17
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I've tried a bunch of saddles. The ones that work for me tend to be curved from front to back, somewhat shorter front-to-back, and often have a cut-out or channel. Saddles I currently use include: Selle SMP Extra, Selle SMP Lite 209, ISM Adamo Road, and the WTB Rocket V. The ISM Adamo and Lite 209 are my favorites by far.
Saddles that don't work for me tend to be quite flat and somewhat longer front to back than the saddles I do like. Saddles I've tried and rejected include: Specialized Toupe Gel (worst saddle ever), Specialized Avatar, Specialized Alias, Brooks B17 (2nd worst saddle).
Saddles that don't work for me tend to be quite flat and somewhat longer front to back than the saddles I do like. Saddles I've tried and rejected include: Specialized Toupe Gel (worst saddle ever), Specialized Avatar, Specialized Alias, Brooks B17 (2nd worst saddle).
09-19-13, 03:10 AM
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SMP Glider on the road bike and SMP Lite 209 on the touring bike. The Lite 209 is newer so I don't know what it's like on a ride of 2 hours or more just yet.
The Glider is the first saddle I've had in the last 10 years that allows me to pass the 2 hour mark on a ride without being chafed raw in sensitive areas. Actually, come to think of it, it's the first saddle I've had recently that has allowed a ride of more than 90 minutes. I've never gotten along with other cut-out type saddles, but this one works.
My husband had been trying to talk me into trying one ever since he got one a few years ago and found it was the only saddle that didn't irritate his prostate. Funny how the same model solved different problems in different genders. Strangely enough, one thing that put me off trying them was the fact that the "Lady" SMP saddles are identical to the mens except for pink stitching. I couldn't believe that a company that thought adding pink to a saddle would make it a ladies model could possibly know what they were doing! Seems there's not quite as much difference between male and female pelvic bones as you might think.
The Glider is the first saddle I've had in the last 10 years that allows me to pass the 2 hour mark on a ride without being chafed raw in sensitive areas. Actually, come to think of it, it's the first saddle I've had recently that has allowed a ride of more than 90 minutes. I've never gotten along with other cut-out type saddles, but this one works.
My husband had been trying to talk me into trying one ever since he got one a few years ago and found it was the only saddle that didn't irritate his prostate. Funny how the same model solved different problems in different genders. Strangely enough, one thing that put me off trying them was the fact that the "Lady" SMP saddles are identical to the mens except for pink stitching. I couldn't believe that a company that thought adding pink to a saddle would make it a ladies model could possibly know what they were doing! Seems there's not quite as much difference between male and female pelvic bones as you might think.
Last edited by Rhodabike; 09-19-13 at 03:15 AM.
09-19-13, 05:08 AM
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Selle SMP Extra on my road bikes. Numbness and chafing are things of the past.
Brooks B-17 on my touring bikes. All day comfort.
Brooks B-17 on my touring bikes. All day comfort.
09-19-13, 06:19 AM
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What Saddle Do You Ride and Why?
This is by far the best saddle for my big butt that I've ever owned. Walmart stopped selling them and I was so sad. The saddle is wider and cushy yet still had that normal look. I believe it was a knock off of the RX Saddle. I had one on all my bikes but sold them with and regret it.
https://reviews.walmart.com/1336/14264317/zefal-saddle-5627-reviews/reviews.htm
https://reviews.walmart.com/1336/14264317/zefal-saddle-5627-reviews/reviews.htm
09-19-13, 06:32 AM
#21
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Brooks B17. Bought it last year and it felt hard, but still pretty comfortable from the jump. Now with 1,200 miles or so on it, it is still breaking in. Even after 4 or 5 hour rides, no chafing, soreness, or numbness in the butt or crotch area. Brooks Imperial looks similar in size and shape to the B17, but with a cutout in the middle.
Leather saddles do, however, require some care, but it isn't a big deal. I have treated with Brooks Proofhide twice since I bought the saddle last year. Will probably treat it again soon before hanging my bike up for the winter.
Leather saddles do, however, require some care, but it isn't a big deal. I have treated with Brooks Proofhide twice since I bought the saddle last year. Will probably treat it again soon before hanging my bike up for the winter.
09-19-13, 06:36 AM
#22
Senior Member
I'm using the one that came on my Cannondale Quick 5 and I'm not sure if another would serve me better or not as I've never tried one. If I tried a better one I may shed tears of happiness/sadness that I waited so long..... don't know.
09-19-13, 06:40 AM
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Brooks B17. Bought it last year and it felt hard, but still pretty comfortable from the jump. Now with 1,200 miles or so on it, it is still breaking in. Even after 4 or 5 hour rides, no chafing, soreness, or numbness in the butt or crotch area. Brooks Imperial looks similar in size and shape to the B17, but with a cutout in the middle.
Leather saddles do, however, require some care, but it isn't a big deal. I have treated with Brooks Proofhide twice since I bought the saddle last year. Will probably treat it again soon before hanging my bike up for the winter.
Leather saddles do, however, require some care, but it isn't a big deal. I have treated with Brooks Proofhide twice since I bought the saddle last year. Will probably treat it again soon before hanging my bike up for the winter.
09-19-13, 08:25 AM
#25
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Thanks for all the info so far. If I am counting correctly:
Brooks B-17 (6 rec's)
Brooks Swift
Brooks Flyer
Brooks Pro Classic
Specialized Romin (2 rec's)
Koobi Alpha
ISM Adamo
Selle SMP Lite
Selle SMP Extra
Specialized Body Geometry Expedition
Terry Butterfly TI
Fizik Arione
Why would you use a different saddle on a touring bike versus a road bike? And help me understand the Brooks. I picked one up the other day and it was just a hard ass piece of leather it seemed. How does it go from that to everyone's favorite saddle?
Brooks B-17 (6 rec's)
Brooks Swift
Brooks Flyer
Brooks Pro Classic
Specialized Romin (2 rec's)
Koobi Alpha
ISM Adamo
Selle SMP Lite
Selle SMP Extra
Specialized Body Geometry Expedition
Terry Butterfly TI
Fizik Arione
Why would you use a different saddle on a touring bike versus a road bike? And help me understand the Brooks. I picked one up the other day and it was just a hard ass piece of leather it seemed. How does it go from that to everyone's favorite saddle?