Need help finding a saddle . . . .
 

Yes, I know everyone is different, etc. I've been riding for about 25 years -- 6,000 mi/yr -- and have tried at least 40 - 50 saddles without finding one I could bring myself to call "comfortable." (Perhaps I'm asking too much?) By now, I do know what I need, but can't find it. If the size/shape is right, it's too hard or soft; if the firmness is good, it's too wide or narrow; and if both are about right, the rails don't allow me to get it far enough fore or rear. The last 2 I've used are a fizik CP (woman's) and a cheap Velo (Velo Mountain Road Bike Seat Saddle Black Grey Red MTB BMX New | eBay) that I got for 99 cents . . . which is probably the closest I've come. Both are 150 mm wide. The fizik feels too narrow, but that's due to it's rounded profile (as seen from the rear). The Velo may feel just a bit too wide, because of it's flat (rear) profile. (Main thing I don't like on the Velo is the large dip in the middle. So, what I need:
Firstly, NO cutouts/holes in the middle!!!! I hated ALL those saddles! (The Velo has a channel on the rear half, which flattens up midway -- with no hole . . . that seems to work.)
Width about 150 mm. (Again, assuming a fairly flat rear profile.)
Padding that most "real" cyclist would consider a bit too thick. (I don't want a squishy pad that flattens . . . more of a slightly "bouncy" feel.)
A flat profile, looking both from the front and side.
(I know someone will say Brooks. That won't work: 1) I definitely need more padding 2) I'm sure that's too wide for me 3) I'm pretty sure I can't get it far enough rearward, especially on my good bike.)
I think the biggest problem is finding that 150 mm width. Seems most models go from 133 - 140 mm, then the next size is like 165 - 170 mm. (Why do they do that?!)
So, any suggestions?

Have you looked at WTB's line of saddles? I have a WTB Rocket V on my gravel grinder/MTB and it seems to meet most of your criteria. The rest of their line looks similar as well.

The padding is more than a typical road saddle, but not too much. It is not flat from the side, best when run somewhat nose-up but always comfy.

WTB Rocket V on my mountain bike, Brooks B17 on the rest.

San Marcos regale.

I used WTB Rocket V Race saddles on two bikes before taking up with recumbents - seat discomfort was not a problem for me then and absolutely not now.

Setback seatpost.

here are a few

The selle royal becoz sport is 144mm wide. With a cover you should reach 150mm and get more cushion at the same time
Selle Royal Becoz Sport Mens Bicycle Saddle

http://urbanvelo.org/wordpress/wp-co...7/DSC_8984.jpg


mini roomy saddle 150mm
http://image.rakuten.co.jp/bicyclela...067_main01.jpg


bontrager nebula plus 154mm

http://s7d4.scene7.com/is/image/Trek...0,0&iccEmbed=0


GRP 150mm

GRP Bike Bicycle Steel Rail Saddle Seat 265 x 150mm | eBay
http://www.cyclingdeal.com.au/assets/full/GRP-S003.jpg

velo Stud R 153mm

http://www.cykelgear.se/images/plush1221ivet.png


Odyssey monogram tripod (BMX seat) 152.4mm

http://americancycle.com/merchant/13...ipod_black.jpg

You could also just stand up and pedal all the time or try one of these:

http://sheldonbrown.com/images/stonesaddle.jpeg

**** in order to sit comfortably any Brooks one must sit on one's "Sit Bones" ( Sitbones Measuring Device ) ( FAQs - Kontact Bike ) to have a hope of comfort. Brooks are leather sling seats meant to support your spine NOT your BUTT!!!!

That said, until you learn how to sit a bicycle seat correctly you will never find a comfortable seat.

What kind of bicycle do you have?

Have you ever worked with someone to set your bicycle up properly?

How's your core? What is your posture like?

What do you wear while cycling?


[HR][/HR]

I know you mentioned that you don't want to hear about Brooks, but have a look over the Wallingford Bicycles site:
Saddles - Brooks, Berthoud | wallbike.com | wallbike.com

As you look, you'll notice that they've got a six month unconditional guarantee on their saddles ... you can try them for 6 months and can return them if they really don't work for you.

You'll also discover that there are some around the 150mm width. You can do this yourself, so I'll just bring one to your attention ... the Brooks Swift Titanium at 152 mm.
Brooks Swift titanium | wallbike.com

Haven't tried WTB. Just saw one in the shop. (Forget which model.) Padding and size seem just about right, but I'm very leery of that very thick seam/stitching along the channel. Given how sensitive I am, I think I'd be able to feel it. (I may end up trying it.)

OK. So how exactly do I "sit correctly?" And how do I know if I am or not?

Custom (Spectrum) ti road bike, steel 29r. I've had 4 fittings, all of which made me more uncomfortable and slower. I think my core , flexibility, etc. is a bit above average (can touch the floor with all my fingers and thumbs). I use cycling shorts.

You might checkout the Rivet Independence ...... I think they make a Pearl without a cutout, but have to check that out with Deb at Rivet.

Find a hard wood chair or bench. Sit bolt upright on it, with shoulders back and down. Suck in your abs and tuck your pelvis under just a little bit so that you are firmly planted on your sitbones. Now lean forward.

That's pretty close to the position.

Once you transfer that to the bicycle, you should also put some weight on your feet so that your sitbones are more or less "perching" on the saddle.

This requires good core strength to maintain for any length of time, but if you've got the good core strength, it's possible to maintain it for hours and hours quite comfortably.

In order to find comfortable seating on a bicycle one MUST place your weight on your "sit bones" i.e. Definition of Sit Bones- Antomical Term Used in Yoga

As to how do we know you're not sitting correctly..............your complaint makes it very clear that you have no idea , for now, how to ride on your 'sit' bones.

I'm OK with My Vitesse CP3 what did you do with yours?

I'm probably going to put them on ebay. (I have 3). Just ordered 3 different WTB models, going to try them.

Tried that. Seems to be the same position I'm in on the bike. Just tried the seat further rearward, which is WAY more comfy on the rear. Maybe that was the problem?

Maybe.

Might like the Vitesse Cp 3.. myself.. I've got Gaffer tape on Mine.

My mtb has a wtb speed v on it
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=414987

I switched my road bike saddle this season to a smp. yes i know you dont like the cutouts but the way this nose is angled downward it feels completely different than the other cutouts I have tried.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=414988