Saddle Durability
#1
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Have bike, will travel
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Lake Geneva, WI
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Saddle Durability
I've been using a moderately priced Forte brand saddle from Performance Bike. It's been a comfortable saddle and the cover has been durable. The saddle has about 7000 miles on it. I'm a bigger guy at 220 lbs.
Does the structure of the saddle weaken and become less rigid with use? I've recently been noticing more pressure on the soft parts of the anatomy. I'm wondering if the components of the saddle lose structural rigidity with use. The saddle feels more like a hammock than before.
Does the structure of the saddle weaken and become less rigid with use? I've recently been noticing more pressure on the soft parts of the anatomy. I'm wondering if the components of the saddle lose structural rigidity with use. The saddle feels more like a hammock than before.
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
#3
Thread Starter
Have bike, will travel
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,286
Likes: 317
From: Lake Geneva, WI
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
I have a multiple saddles on multiple bikes, and the issue is limited to this one high-mileage saddle. I'm not concerned about the chamois at this point.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
#4
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 28,682
Likes: 63
From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 1990 Romic Reynolds 531 custom build, Merlin Works CR Ti custom build, super light Workswell 066 custom build
Saddles do break down. Not only might you get less support in important places, but you may actually end up closer to the cranks. I have had to raise saddles as they aged to offset the collapse of padding and curvature that both occur. Usually only a couple mm, but still. IIWY, I would first check your "effective" saddle height against what you want it to be. If you fix that and still have comfort issues, it may be time for a replacement.
#5
#6
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Joined: Jun 2010
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
Anecdote: The solid steel chromed rails of my 80's Concor Max touring saddle, took a decided curve where they once were straight,
the fore and aft adjustment range.. It was possible to straighten them a bit,
the mid 70s Brooks team pro is still fine, also chromed steel,
In the LBS we have had 2 Brooks saddle frame replacement jobs, when they broke,
so new ones were ordered and their copper rivets used to put the original leather on.
they were B17's
...
the fore and aft adjustment range.. It was possible to straighten them a bit,
the mid 70s Brooks team pro is still fine, also chromed steel,
In the LBS we have had 2 Brooks saddle frame replacement jobs, when they broke,
so new ones were ordered and their copper rivets used to put the original leather on.
they were B17's
...
#7
just another gosling


Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 20,554
Likes: 2,667
From: Everett, WA
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
The foam padding gives out eventually. The Performance saddles I've had lasted better than most others, particularly Specialized saddles.
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#8
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4,681
Likes: 253
From: Minnesota
Bikes: N+1=5
I've been using a moderately priced Forte brand saddle from Performance Bike. It's been a comfortable saddle and the cover has been durable. The saddle has about 7000 miles on it. I'm a bigger guy at 220 lbs.
Does the structure of the saddle weaken and become less rigid with use? I've recently been noticing more pressure on the soft parts of the anatomy. I'm wondering if the components of the saddle lose structural rigidity with use. The saddle feels more like a hammock than before.
Does the structure of the saddle weaken and become less rigid with use? I've recently been noticing more pressure on the soft parts of the anatomy. I'm wondering if the components of the saddle lose structural rigidity with use. The saddle feels more like a hammock than before.
J.
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