Need help finding a saddle . . . .
#1
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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?
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?
#2
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 990
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From: Michigan
Bikes: Many
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.
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.
#5
rebmeM roineS

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,230
Likes: 363
From: Metro Indy, IN
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
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.
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Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
#7
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,666
Likes: 1
From: 6367 km away from the center of the Earth
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

mini roomy saddle 150mm

bontrager nebula plus 154mm

GRP 150mm
GRP Bike Bicycle Steel Rail Saddle Seat 265 x 150mm | eBay

velo Stud R 153mm

Odyssey monogram tripod (BMX seat) 152.4mm
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

mini roomy saddle 150mm

bontrager nebula plus 154mm
GRP 150mm
GRP Bike Bicycle Steel Rail Saddle Seat 265 x 150mm | eBay

velo Stud R 153mm

Odyssey monogram tripod (BMX seat) 152.4mm
Last edited by erig007; 10-27-14 at 07:47 AM.
#9
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 95
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From: Ontario Canada
#10
(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?
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?
That said, until you learn how to sit a bicycle seat correctly you will never find a comfortable seat.
__________________
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
#11
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
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#12
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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.)
#13
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**** 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.
That said, until you learn how to sit a bicycle seat correctly you will never find a comfortable seat.
#14
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 243
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What kind of bicycle do you have?
Custom (Spectrum) Ti road bike, and steel 29r MTB
Have you ever worked with someone to set your bicycle up properly?
I've had 4 bike fittings. All of them made me morem uncomfortable, and slower.
How's your core? What is your posture like?
I think its at least half ways decent.
What do you wear while cycling?
Cycling shorts.
[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
Custom (Spectrum) Ti road bike, and steel 29r MTB
Have you ever worked with someone to set your bicycle up properly?
I've had 4 bike fittings. All of them made me morem uncomfortable, and slower.
How's your core? What is your posture like?
I think its at least half ways decent.
What do you wear while cycling?
Cycling shorts.
[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
#16
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.
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#17
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.
__________________
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
#18
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
The last 2 I've used are a fizik CP (woman's) . 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).
but that's due to it's rounded profile (as seen from the rear).
#20
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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.
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.
#21
Maybe.
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#23
My mtb has a wtb speed v on it

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.
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.
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2010 Kestrel RT900SL, 800k carbon, chorus/record, speedplay, zonda
2000 litespeed Unicoi Ti, XTR,XT, Campy crank, time atac, carbon forks
2010 Kestrel RT900SL, 800k carbon, chorus/record, speedplay, zonda
2000 litespeed Unicoi Ti, XTR,XT, Campy crank, time atac, carbon forks
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