Just bought a new bike (Marin Kentfield) for some exercise on a local rail trail. Have done quite a bit of road biking in the past but haven't ridden for about 5 years. I'm trying to set this new bike up and first thing I need to do is to change the seat due to bph and a pretty big prostrate. Sit bone measurement is 130mm which includes added 20mm. My choices are pretty much down to two; Brooks carved saddle and Selle Italia SLR Boost SuperFlow TDF Road (largest cutout offered by Selle Italia). Not too worried about comfort since I won't be doing any marathons but interested in protecting the vitals. (at 79 who isn't). Any suggestions to this controversial topic would be appreciated.

I would strongly suggest that you find a store that has a trial time frame and a free return policy. That way you can have a chance to try the saddle and get an idea if it is right for you. I have used the Selle Italia and it was nice but not the correct width for me. Try to see if you can try one out.
Frank.

That's a tough one. I know by mail which unfortunately the least expensive it's a no no. The Selle I'm looking at is the L3 145mm that I would think would fit.

Bike shops which sell Selle Italia have a free trial of their seats. Take one out and ride it and see what you think, If that one doesn’t work, try another. Don’t shoot in the dark, ride them and then decide

Even with my greatly enlarged prostrate it never interferred with my riding and exercise is one way to shrink it without dangerous drugs. I learned by accident that my prostrate was blocking my uretha and preventing my bladder from draining and so was putting damaging pressure on my kidneys. I had Greenlight laser surgery and it made a world of difference. Being able to fully empty my bladder I could go through the night without getting up to pee and I could drink as much water with no worries.

Many seats are now designed to be ultra light and not ultra comfortable. I recently bought a new Fizik saddle for my Specialized Creo bike that came with a cheap and uncomfortable saddle. I have acquired a collection of saddles as over the years when I sold a bike I put back on the saddle that came with it and kept my saddle for use on a new bike. I have a Brooks leather saddle that I moved from bike to bike for 45 years.

Which Brooks saddle do you use? I have been thinking that I would try an Imperial 17 as I like a slotted seat surface.
Frank.

In my 70s, with 130mm sit bones and for my particular case saddles that were comfortable for years are no longer, the exception being a Selle Anatomica Titanico with a cut out. A new Brooks B17 Imperial did not go well after an extended breakin period but a new X1 Anatomica is very nice. Trying to understand this I found all Selle Anatomica saddles are designed for 130mm sit bones and Brooks are much wider and I suspect the longer cut out on the Selle has helped as well.

I ride on BiSaddle on each of my bikes. Adjustable in many directions and comfortable. BiSaddle.com

Don't ignore the Brooks B17. While the choice of a saddle is highly personal, well, quite a few of us "geezers" seem to like it.

Yes, that would be ideal and the smart thing to do but the bike shop I purchased my Marin bike in Shippensburg is not a Selle dealer and have none. I'm hesitant to go to a dealer that I didn't buy a bike from and try out saddles. Hence, I'm freelancing right now. Thanks for the advise.

Stores that sell higher end saddles will sell you a higher end saddle - usually with a trial period - even if you didn't buy the bike from them. Don't hesitate. Ask.

(I still use a cut-out saddle because I found one that is so damn comfortable for me, even though I no longer have a prostate. I rode it to my radiation therapy. It doesn't matter which saddle, we are all different.)

-mr. bill

You said a mouthful, partner. I am partial to Brooks Pro for myself, but I know full well that one size or style does not fit all.

Thanks to all who responded. Appreciate it. Answers pretty much what I expected, no one saddle fits all. Worth a try though might have had 20 people jumping on one favorite saddle I'm going to check out the Selle Anatomica series but the Brooks B17 w/carved saddle is still in the running. Only question remaining is whether I'll still be in the running when the weather warms up Starting to feel a little more wobbly but hit the tread mill at least every other day. Winters are tough for Ol'geezers. Thanks again.

You might evaluate the Selle Italia Man Gel Flow. It measures wider than what you’re measuring but it’s quite comfortable. I use one on my gravel bike and it’s nice to have for the bumps.

I know that feeling, I've done the same here; basically asking BF "what's my favorite ice cream?"

Good luck with your saddle search, and I'm sure you'll have a great riding year now winter is waning.

I have the SLR and have been happy with it. It has helped with numbness on longer rides.

Aw, now yer just bragging!

I'd hit the like button if I could find it for that one!

Ah, found it.

What is your comfortable saddle?

Don't overlook the saddle height, many set the saddle too high from the crank and that usually causes bottom problems.

Well, I was debating to let all know how this turned out but here goes: I can hear all the boos and ahs but after a lot of studying I ordered a Brooks B17, carved saddle. It got down to the Selle Anatomica series which may have been a better choice but I'm a favorite of the traditional, old school craftsmanship.and reputation. Thanks again for all the tips and my apologies to those who I didn't listen to.

Can't tell if it is boos or ahs unless you tell us what color. [insert silly smiley face]

Hoping for a speedy delivery for you.

-mr. bill

Got the honey.

That's "oohs and ahhhs" you're hearing. Nice choice.