Comfortable Saddle Recommendations
#26
Advocatus Diaboli

Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 9,147
Likes: 1,740
From: Wherever I am
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
Plan to stick with a saddle for at least a couple hundred miles, or a month of riding that includes some longer treks (greater than eg. 40 miles) on a somewhat frequent basis. Otherwise you can't distinguish what is comfortable, vs. you're physically just not adapted (ie. butt callouses).
#27
just another gosling


Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 20,577
Likes: 2,684
From: Everett, WA
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
And remember, consider no saddle The One until after the 3rd hour on a long ride. If you still don't notice that you're sitting on a saddle, that's the good sign.
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Results matter
Results matter
#28
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 27
Likes: 13
From: Twin Cities MN
I tried around 10 saddles starting with every width men's Specialized saddles for my Roubaix. Then I tried a bunch of other saddles (usually the most expensive ones) with no luck. Finally, I tried the Brooks B17 - problem solved.
#29
Member
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 30
Likes: 99
From: La Coruna, Spain
Bikes: Pinarello Galileo 2003
Not a popular choice but a friend recommended me a Tioga Spyder and I laughed in his face. But after trying it I won't buy another saddle again! Bear in mind that I like riding long distances and have had zero problems with it. But always with padded shorts
#30
Advocatus Diaboli

Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 9,147
Likes: 1,740
From: Wherever I am
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
Interesting to find someone who's ridden one of these. It was a toss up between the Tioga Twin-tail and the saddle I did get instead (Selle Italia SP01) -- I went with the slightly more conventional look.
#31
Full Member

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 482
Likes: 204
Hello all,
I've test ridden a lot of road bikes (including Roubaix comp, Giant Defy, Domane SL 6) and have noticed one common issue. The saddle is really uncomfortable and hurts my tail bone.
I had a guru fit done and ensured that all the bikes that I rode were adjusted to match the results of the fit. I'd really appreciate it if you guys could suggest a comfortable saddle that won't hurt your backside over long distances.
I'm looking to buy the saddle along with the bike and replace the existing saddle on the bike. Appreciate any insights.
Cheers!
I've test ridden a lot of road bikes (including Roubaix comp, Giant Defy, Domane SL 6) and have noticed one common issue. The saddle is really uncomfortable and hurts my tail bone.
I had a guru fit done and ensured that all the bikes that I rode were adjusted to match the results of the fit. I'd really appreciate it if you guys could suggest a comfortable saddle that won't hurt your backside over long distances.
I'm looking to buy the saddle along with the bike and replace the existing saddle on the bike. Appreciate any insights.
Cheers!
#32
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 786
Likes: 408
I find the Specialized Power (in 155mm width; tried 168mm and that was fine, too, but I broke it in a crash) to be supremely comfortable.
I put it on my gravel bike, too. Occasionally ride it in normal clothes without a hint of an issue. On the road bike I do long distances on it in a trisuit without any trouble.
However, it is personal, so. Measure your sit bones, imo, and base the saddle width on that.
I put it on my gravel bike, too. Occasionally ride it in normal clothes without a hint of an issue. On the road bike I do long distances on it in a trisuit without any trouble.
However, it is personal, so. Measure your sit bones, imo, and base the saddle width on that.
Last edited by Branko D; 10-30-21 at 03:03 PM.
#34
Banned.
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 187
Likes: 63
From: DFW area, TX
Bikes: Specialized Sequoia
I find the Specialized Power (in 155mm width; tried 168mm and that was fine, too, but I broke it in a crash) to be supremely comfortable.
I put it on my gravel bike, too. Occasionally ride it in normal clothes without a hint of an issue. On the road bike I do long distances on it in a trisuit without any trouble.
However, it is personal, so. Measure your sit bones, imo, and base the saddle width on that.
I put it on my gravel bike, too. Occasionally ride it in normal clothes without a hint of an issue. On the road bike I do long distances on it in a trisuit without any trouble.
However, it is personal, so. Measure your sit bones, imo, and base the saddle width on that.
#35
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 23
Likes: 9
Bikes: 1952-ish BSA Sunbeam, 1964 Schwinn Fleet, 1964 JC Higgins, 1970s Sears Step-Thru, 1969 Raleigh Sunbeam, Late 40's Raleigh Rod Brake, Late 40's BSA Sunbeam
Daway Seat
I recently found a brand new Daway seat in a thrift store for very low $ so I bought it. I find it to be very comfortable, at least for the short ride. I am looking forward to taking it on a longer ride to see if it holds up. Again, I got this for low $. I do not yet know if I would buy it for more $.
#36
Hello all,
I've test ridden a lot of road bikes (including Roubaix comp, Giant Defy, Domane SL 6) and have noticed one common issue. The saddle is really uncomfortable and hurts my tail bone.
I had a guru fit done and ensured that all the bikes that I rode were adjusted to match the results of the fit. I'd really appreciate it if you guys could suggest a comfortable saddle that won't hurt your backside over long distances.
I'm looking to buy the saddle along with the bike and replace the existing saddle on the bike. Appreciate any insights.
Cheers!
I've test ridden a lot of road bikes (including Roubaix comp, Giant Defy, Domane SL 6) and have noticed one common issue. The saddle is really uncomfortable and hurts my tail bone.
I had a guru fit done and ensured that all the bikes that I rode were adjusted to match the results of the fit. I'd really appreciate it if you guys could suggest a comfortable saddle that won't hurt your backside over long distances.
I'm looking to buy the saddle along with the bike and replace the existing saddle on the bike. Appreciate any insights.
Cheers!
many saddle designs feel different depending on the available widths. Some saddles will be available only in certain widths.
Everyone has a current 'favorite', quite possibly the best saddle ever... I know the ones I don;t prefer... Otherwise there is a good selection of those I have a liking for.
and rider weight and leg thickness/size will make a difference - I'm 150 lbs and have relatively slender legs - some say 'chicken legs"... LOL!!!!
... but so far, there are none which might go more that a bit over 6 hrs continuous saddle time without an extended break. otherwise serious monkey-butt.
my favorites : San Marco Strada (no longer made, but often available used in primo condition) San Marco Regal (long time on market and still preferred by many)
Specialized Phenom on my main Tarmac (current modern Fav), I have a Toupe on another Spec tarmac, but that's a 3 hr saddle at best.
, for mtb or city/errands, long slow distance joy rides - Sella Italia Trans Am (has a bit more padding, but still firm enough, and good when wearing bottoms other than cycling kit)
common to all these saddle is the saddle shape/outline, leg cutout, width of 141-143, and the curve and slope of the seating area. some have channel cutout, some don't...
good luck
Last edited by cyclezen; 10-31-21 at 10:05 PM.
#37
Senior Member


Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 579
Likes: 80
From: Wisconsin
Bikes: 1973 Schwinn Paramount, 2017 Raleigh Clubman Carbon, 2015 Felt Z75 Disc, 2008 Fuji Cross Comp, 2010 Trek Navigator 1.0, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1974 Schwinn Le Tour, 2017 Giant Anyroad 2, Surly Cross Check, 2021 Giant Talon 2
Don't overlook the WTB Rocket Carbon or Team
Very comfortable. Even the lesser valued levels are a steal, IMO.
Very comfortable. Even the lesser valued levels are a steal, IMO.
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#38
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Ask 100 people this question and you'll get 110 different answers. A saddle is a very personal choice. What works for me and my anatomy and position won't necessarily work for you.
I'm perhaps more sensitive to saddles than some others. I'm a big guy at 100 kg, which doesn't help and not all that flexible. I've tried: Fizik Aliante and Tempo, Selle Italia Novus and SLR Boost Endurance, Specialized Power Arc and Power Mirror, SMP Dynamic, Plus and Well Gel and and SQ Labs 612 both active and non active.
The Fiziks and SQ Labs were ~1 hr saddles for me, the SLR Boost, SMP Dynamic about 1:30-1:45 and the Specialized Power Mirror and Arc are 2-2.5 hour saddles. The Power Arc was the first saddle I rode were I could last over 2 hours but started to make me numb over time. The Power Mirror, while expensive, resolved that numbness problem and it's a touch more comfy vs. the Arc, just stupidly expensive. The Power Mirror is the only saddle I can ride indoors for more than an hour without dying to get off, but for me the Arc is close & I think part of my numbness issue with the Arc is the wrong width, as it tapers quite a bit more than some other saddles in spite of the quoted measurements being the same (i.e. a 155mm saddle in the Power Arc is not the same as a 155mm saddle in another saddle like the original Power).
I'm also going to try the Romin Mirror, as I believe the shape is a little more to my liking vs. the flatter Power.
I'm perhaps more sensitive to saddles than some others. I'm a big guy at 100 kg, which doesn't help and not all that flexible. I've tried: Fizik Aliante and Tempo, Selle Italia Novus and SLR Boost Endurance, Specialized Power Arc and Power Mirror, SMP Dynamic, Plus and Well Gel and and SQ Labs 612 both active and non active.
The Fiziks and SQ Labs were ~1 hr saddles for me, the SLR Boost, SMP Dynamic about 1:30-1:45 and the Specialized Power Mirror and Arc are 2-2.5 hour saddles. The Power Arc was the first saddle I rode were I could last over 2 hours but started to make me numb over time. The Power Mirror, while expensive, resolved that numbness problem and it's a touch more comfy vs. the Arc, just stupidly expensive. The Power Mirror is the only saddle I can ride indoors for more than an hour without dying to get off, but for me the Arc is close & I think part of my numbness issue with the Arc is the wrong width, as it tapers quite a bit more than some other saddles in spite of the quoted measurements being the same (i.e. a 155mm saddle in the Power Arc is not the same as a 155mm saddle in another saddle like the original Power).
I'm also going to try the Romin Mirror, as I believe the shape is a little more to my liking vs. the flatter Power.
#39
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 251
From: Palm Desert, CA
Bikes: Speedvagen Steel
Zombie thread!
although I actually do appreciate understanding some of the differences between the various power models since I’m back in the market with my last Toupe finally broken…
hopefully the original poster has found his perfect saddle since it’s been since 2017!
although I actually do appreciate understanding some of the differences between the various power models since I’m back in the market with my last Toupe finally broken…
hopefully the original poster has found his perfect saddle since it’s been since 2017!







