Saddle
#2
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 555
Likes: 123
From: Rochester, NY
Sadly this isn't a one answer question. Many people have different saddles they prefer .
My first suggestion would be to get your sit bones measured. You definitely don't want to do a long ride on too narrow of a saddle. Most bike shops should be able to measure for you. From there, many shops also have loaner saddles that you can try out for a bit.
I currently ride a cheap EC90 saddle that I found on eBay for $20. It's 155mm wide and seems to replicate a Specialized Power saddle. For $20 it was worth trying out before committing to a proper $130 saddle.
My first suggestion would be to get your sit bones measured. You definitely don't want to do a long ride on too narrow of a saddle. Most bike shops should be able to measure for you. From there, many shops also have loaner saddles that you can try out for a bit.
I currently ride a cheap EC90 saddle that I found on eBay for $20. It's 155mm wide and seems to replicate a Specialized Power saddle. For $20 it was worth trying out before committing to a proper $130 saddle.
#3
Very Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 344
From: Always on the Run
Bikes: More than last week
Once you find a seat you like don't ever get rid of it with the bike. The seat I have now I've had for quite a few years on several different bikes. When the covering gives up the ghost, I recover it with new material. Done that twice now. Some seats you can't reupholster, but this one you can. Good luck.
#4
Disco Infiltrator




Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,328
Likes: 3,517
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
How long, how reasonable?
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
#6
Disco Infiltrator




Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,328
Likes: 3,517
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
I think Selle SMP used to have a BMX seat in their lineup
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
#10
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
[QUOTE=The_Joe;20887782]Sadly this isn't a one answer question. Many people have different saddles they prefer .
My first suggestion would be to get your sit bones measured. You definitely don't want to do a long ride on too narrow of a saddle. Most bike shops should be able to measure for you. From there, many shops also have loaner saddles that you can try out for a bit.
I currently ride a cheap EC90 saddle that I found on eBay for $20. It's 155mm wide and seems to replicate a Specialized Power saddle. For $20 it was worth trying out before committing to a proper $130
Thank you for the information and suggestions!
I had my sit bones measured but poorly. Gonna have then rechecked soon. Loaner saddle is a great idea!
My first suggestion would be to get your sit bones measured. You definitely don't want to do a long ride on too narrow of a saddle. Most bike shops should be able to measure for you. From there, many shops also have loaner saddles that you can try out for a bit.
I currently ride a cheap EC90 saddle that I found on eBay for $20. It's 155mm wide and seems to replicate a Specialized Power saddle. For $20 it was worth trying out before committing to a proper $130
Thank you for the information and suggestions!
I had my sit bones measured but poorly. Gonna have then rechecked soon. Loaner saddle is a great idea!
#11
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
Once you find a seat you like don't ever get rid of it with the bike. The seat I have now I've had for quite a few years on several different bikes. When the covering gives up the ghost, I recover it with new material. Done that twice now. Some seats you can't reupholster, but this one you can. Good luck.
#13
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 14,779
Likes: 743
From: Northwest Georgia
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Fabric Scoop Race
https://www.backcountry.com/fabric-scoop-race-saddle
Fabric Scoop Elite if you want to save a few dollars.
-Tim-
https://www.backcountry.com/fabric-scoop-race-saddle
Fabric Scoop Elite if you want to save a few dollars.
-Tim-
#14
With a mighty wind

Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,436
Likes: 1,491
Now I realize that everyone has a different budget. I've been down to my last burrito more than a few times myself.
If that is your present situation, I'd suggest to adjust, then readjust, over and over until you hit the magic spot. I do believe that many (not all) saddles can be pretty good with enough work. Maybe not great, but probably OK for what you need it to do.
If you've got a better budget, don't go shopping with price in mind, go shopping for comfort. At mile 80 or 120 or whatever, you're not going to be concerned if you are comfortable on a $150 seat. Chances are though, that within $100, you'll find something.
I would suggest looking at the Specialized line. I didn't think much of them but I'm trying one now out of necessity. It seems rather comfortable and has a 90 day butt guarantee. I've heard great things about Fabric but mine had a MFR defect and I lost faith in the brand with that.
If that is your present situation, I'd suggest to adjust, then readjust, over and over until you hit the magic spot. I do believe that many (not all) saddles can be pretty good with enough work. Maybe not great, but probably OK for what you need it to do.
If you've got a better budget, don't go shopping with price in mind, go shopping for comfort. At mile 80 or 120 or whatever, you're not going to be concerned if you are comfortable on a $150 seat. Chances are though, that within $100, you'll find something.
I would suggest looking at the Specialized line. I didn't think much of them but I'm trying one now out of necessity. It seems rather comfortable and has a 90 day butt guarantee. I've heard great things about Fabric but mine had a MFR defect and I lost faith in the brand with that.
#16
Full Member

Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 226
From: SGV SoCal
Bikes: 2013 Wilier Gran Turismo, 1983 Trek 760, 80's Colnago Super, 90's De Rosa SLX, 2009 Waterford 22 Series Singlespeed, 85 Medici Pro Strada, De Rosa Alumino frameset, Dave Molten Fuso frameset, 70's beater Peugeot PX10, Zizzo Liberte, 2022 Yoeleo R12
There are a couple of Brooks B17 leather saddles on sale for under $100 at the moment. I just picked one up. It'll be my 2nd Brooks, but my other Brooks only has 100 miles on it. I got them now to break in for when I have more time to ride in 4-5 years from now when I retire and may put in numbers like yours. There are lots of loyal Brooks owners that rave about the comfort of their saddles. I can't vouch for them yet, but it's a saddle you may want to consider. There are plenty of positive reviews on the B17 and B17 Imperial saddles out there, but they are definitely heavy! Real heavy!
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 233
Likes: 30
From: netherlands
Bikes: van moof dropdown, btwin triban 100
#18
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 960
Likes: 174
From: Surrey, UK
Bikes: Dolan Tuono 105 Di2, custom built 653 and 531 bikes with frames by Barry Witcomb, Sonder Dial XT mountain bike and a Brompton folding bike.
Fabric Scoop Race
https://www.backcountry.com/fabric-scoop-race-saddle
Fabric Scoop Elite if you want to save a few dollars.
-Tim-
https://www.backcountry.com/fabric-scoop-race-saddle
Fabric Scoop Elite if you want to save a few dollars.
-Tim-
#19
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,892
Likes: 971
From: Kentucky
Bikes: 06 Lemond Reno, 98 GT Timberline
I've not ridden a lot of the more expensive saddles, Selle Anatomica, Brooks, etc, but I have ridden lots of saddles. The one I've found most comfortable so far, and would not hesitate to buy again, and is cheap in comparison to many, is Serfas' Dorado: https://www.serfas.com/shop/products...rado-chromoly/ Now, I'm not heavy (around 155 lbs.) and don't like narrow, skinny saddles. I do like support and this one provides it, without being a brick. BTW-Serfas states they have a 90 day comfort guarantee-it's on their site.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 55
Likes: 6
Last year I bought a cheap saddle from Nashbar, I'm pretty sure it was called CF1 Sport or something like that. I went with that saddle because one it was cheap and two it came in the size I wanted (155mm). I had absolutely zero problems with that saddle and I rode many 60+ miles days, including a couple centuries. I went to get the same saddle, to put on another bike, but Nashbar no longer carried that particular saddle. I've since learned that the saddle is actually a Velo-3225 branded for Nashbar. One would think the Velo-3225 would be sold in the USA, but no, I haven't been able to find it at any USA retailers. It's sold overseas though, but it's not cheap and with shipping kinda makes the cheap part of my equation moot.
#21
Zip tie Karen
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,005
Likes: 1,546
From: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
#22
Tragically Ignorant

Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 15,593
Likes: 9,108
From: New England
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
#23
Hope the answer is Selle Anatomica. Decided to go back to a leather saddle and ordered one. Won't be home till June tho to try it out. Guess I miss the Its raining! Panic.
#24
Ha, had that with the All Weather plastic one. Cloth and rubber one is ok. But yep high priced.





