What saddle should I get?
 

Hey all. I've been riding on a Selle Italia SLR (came on the bike) and I absolutely hate it. I'm not a racer or anything so I'm not concerned about weight. I've been looking at the Specialized BG saddles, more specifically the Alias or Avatar. I like that I will be able to choose the correct width with these saddles. Does anyone have any experience with these or have any other recommendations for me? Thanks for any help.

Craig

No suggestion, although I'll take the SLR off your hands if you don't want it! :D

My wife got fitted for one of the BG saddles and got the Dolce which is womens specific and happened to be the correct width. She says it is 100% better than her old saddle and that ALL of her discomfort is gone...so I am happy. :) I am thinking of getting the Avatar myself but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

I have about 200 miles on a new Alias. I have it on my road bike and find it really comfortable. I've never ridden an SLR, so I don't really have any input on that one. There's a lot of people that swear by the WTB saddles, but really you'll need to try some 'cause saddles are one of those individual things. One nice thing about the Alias is that you have a 30 day period to return it if you don't like it. (at least I did)....

Dean

30 day? Hmm my LBS was saying 90 days....I guess they go above and beyond again.

I will also say that the WTB saddles are nice but they too come in various sizes (different groups are different widths e.g. all the men's Speed and Laser V saddles are 147mm, the Shadow V are 130mm, Rocket V are 130mm, Pure V are 150, Power V are 152mm, Comfort V are 172mm). I ride a Speed V Comp on my Marin and don't have to wear padded shorts it fits me so well. Hmm maybe I should skip the Specialized and just get another Speed V for my roadie....

That speed V fits me so well, I've picked up a couple extra off E-bay here and there when I see them, The last one was $11.00 W/Free shipping.

I haven't really gotten into much saddle-swapping yet; the stock saddle that came with my bike is okay (not wonderful, but not so bad). The ones that I hear the most about are:

Brooks (different models have different widths)
Fizik Arione (is longish, so provides several positions)
Specialized BG

Just from reading a lot of posts, what I've gleaned is:

1. Make sure your fit is good (reach is not too far). If you're getting pressure on soft tissue, make sure your saddle is level; consider raising bars so that the difference in height is lessened.
2. Make sure saddle accomodates the size of your "sit bones"
3. Get some riding time - all saddles will be somewhat uncomfortable when you first start
4. Some saddles (e.g., Brooks) require a break-in period

There's also a book that someone wrote on choosing the right saddle.

Second here for the Brooks. I have a Team Pro on my bianchi and a B66 on my cruiser. Love them both. Neither required much of a breaking in period either.

I've tried the Specialized saddles in the recent past and hated them, but saddle fit is so personal that they could feel like heaven to another rider.

Best to find a local shop with a good selection that will bolt them up and let you take quick demo around the block. Not many will, but the one that does should earn your business.

My favorite is the Terry Fly!, but it does had a bit of a forward bias. A close second, the saddles I current use and similar to the Fly! but without the short rails, are the WTB Rocket V's.

But again, try before you buy.

Speed-V fer sure

Azonic love seet :D

not for everyone.... but the terry saddle saves the peruninium. when you have been on it for a while and go back to other saddles, you notice. when they first get on a terry, many bring it right back to the store.

Thanks for all the replies. One other quick question about the Alias and Avatar- Specialized has them listed on their website as road saddles...is there any reason I couldn't use this on my MTB? Thanks again.

$50 plus shipping and it's yours. This thing is great shape too, no dings or anything. I just hate the way it feels. If you really are interested email me at camaddy at yahoo.com