How About This Saddle Approach?
 

So, I need a new saddle for my brand-new Flatbar bike because the stock one is too soft and mushy.
So, instead of dropping $100 plus and rolling the dice on whether I like a nice saddle, I'm thinking about getting 2 or 3 sale/knockoff/budget saddles.
It seems like you're gambling on whether a saddle works for you or not, so I can increase my odds by going quantity over quality.
I'm looking at the Nashbar Glide, which seems like a Fizik Arionne knockoff for about $30.
Performance has several in the $30-$50 range.
Cambria has some "Hot Deals" on saddles for around $40.
Has anyone lucked-out on low $ saddles?
What do you think of the knock-off saddles?
Should I get a Brooks B-17?
I like to do fast/power/fitness riding with the new Flatbar, Sirrus Comp, which I love. Looking for a firm saddle with a little padding, good support, cut-out, etc.
My road saddle is a Specialized Toupe, so I know what a firm saddle is. Looking for a little more forgiveness in the Flatbar saddle.
Anyone have suggestions on a low $ saddle that works for you? Websites?
Thanks for reading, and thanks for any suggestions.

Slackerprince

I'd just demo them one at a time. I found the Selle Italia Fokus fairly nice, the arione felt like a rail.

My bike came stock with a Selle Italia x2 saddle, which should MSRP for around 30. It's small, light, and firm enough that it won't break my balls, but still is a bit squishy for my needs.

So low $ saddles can work, it just depends on if you can find the right one. The Forte Pro from Performance Bike doesn't look too bad for a $40 saddle.

I just dropped the ball on a Soma Ensho, their normal saddles retails for $40 on UniversalCycles and the brown one (the one I got) is $52. It'll be here within the week and I'll give you some feedback on that.

In my early days of cycling, I bought a number of inexpensive saddles to try, and I test rode some others. Doing that helped me discover the right shape and size of saddle I need to be comfortable.

Of course now I've got a box of saddles because the discovery process led me to the Brooks B17, which is exactly the right shape and size for me.

If you are thinking of going with a Brooks, check out Wallingford Cycles ... they've got a 6 month return policy. You don't like it after 6 months, you can return it.

See if your LBS has saddles you can demo.

selle ponza $40 retail

The bike shop I work at has a 90 fit guarantee, see if your LBS has something like that.