Sit Bone Width -> Saddle Width - Anything Else?
 

Hi,

I want to buy a new saddle for my Breezer Venturi. The current one is okay, but my backside deserves better.

Using the Aluminum Foil on deep Carpet method (which is great) with my femurs parallel to the ground the two indentations of my sit bones are very clear.

Measuring from the center of the indentations to each other I get exactly 120mm. I therefore understand I should get a saddle which is 145-150mm in width.

Q1. Many saddles come in 145mm width version is that enough?

But after that I'm lost on what properties to look for. The Venturi has an aggressive setup and I like to ride in the drops.

Q2. Does that effect the type of saddle to buy? Should I get one with a dropped nose like this one. Amazon.com : Prologo Kappa Evo Pas PRO STN Saddle (OEM Package, Road Bike, MTB, White, 147 x 275 mm) : Sports & Outdoors

Q3. Some saddles back parts are very flat and others drop of. What type of person or riding style are they supposed to fit?
Compare this saddle http://www.amazon.com/Fizik-Antares-...2RV0G27YCXM44Q against this one again Amazon.com : Prologo Kappa Evo Pas PRO STN Saddle (OEM Package, Road Bike, MTB, White, 147 x 275 mm) : Sports & Outdoors

Finally there are these CF saddles. Are they any good? Amazon.com : Codream Carbon Fiber 3K Glossy Light Weight Anatomic Relief MTB Mountain Bike Road Bicycle Saddle Seat (Red) : Sports & Outdoors

Really have to try them to see. The measurements are a starting point not a deciding factor and everything else is personal preference. Unfortunately no other opinion will really be helpful.

Thanks I appreciate your answer and that was my plan. But there are so many combinations and I wanted to whittle it down a bit.

For anyone else with 120mm or wider sit bones, is 145mm enough? It seems this is the maximum width of many saddles that come in multiple sizes.

As you lean forward, your sit bones rotate and become closer. That being said, your measurement accuracy and how it relates to the position of those sit bones when you are in a riding position is going to be very dependent on your position when you performed your measurement.

Something you might be interested in -- I believe Specialized dealers have a tool they use to accurately measure your sit bones, and even have a 30-day test ride on any newly purchased saddle. I highly recommend visiting a Specialized dealer if you're unsure.

Some Specialized saddlers are a bit more rounded than others. For example, some measurements may put you on either a 143mm Toupe or a 155 Romin. In either event, you'd honestly have to go there and get measured by their machine to know where you fall on that scale. My specialized dealer loaned me a Toupe while waiting for my Romin Evo to come in.

Q1: Only you can tell. Ride a 145 and find out. I don't often see saddles that are wider than 145 (I don't often look...), so you may be stuck with it regardless.

Q2: It depends on what YOU want. Ignoring nose comment for now, if you look at the back of saddles. Some flare up, some are flat.
This one is flared.

http://www.fizik.it/upload/prodotti/...lackyellow.png

This one is flat.

http://www.fizik.it/upload/prodotti/...ided_side_.png

In general... (very general) the flared ones are for less flexible people. The flaring helps rotate the hips forward a bit more so going into the drops is a bit easier. Flexible people don't need the extra help, hence the flat saddles. Again, there are people that ride the opposite of that, and they're happy. Saddles are VERY personal.

The above saddles are both fizik saddles, which are generally pretty expensive. I'd suggest buying cheaper saddles first, finding the type you like, then buying a more expensive saddle of that type.

Q3: Preference. Some people swear by flat (laterally) saddles. Some people swear by curved (laterally) saddles. All personal preference. We can't help you there. I personally prefer flat saddles because if I ride curved saddles... um... stuff... hurts.

There is a great variety in both people and saddles but after a while, if you purchase a ride enough different saddles you begin to get an idea of the shape that is best for you. Having gone through half a dozen saddles, I came to the conclusion that the best shape for me is a wide one that tapers quickly to a narrow front part. The general shape is more T shaped than V. I also like a cutout in the center. It cost me quite a bit of money to find this out but now I can tell at a glance it a saddle will work. Good luck finding a speedy solution.

I measure 140 and ride a 155. The only saddle I have found comfortable for anything over 30 miles is a hybrid saddle that is t shaped like one of the other replies mentioned.

145mm is plenty for you. I measure at 150mm and ride a 155mm Specialized Power.