Best saddle for my ars for longer rides 30+ miles?
09-01-12, 05:06 PM
#26
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I used a Selle Anatomica for a couple of years and have a few still in my garage. It is the best saddle I have ever used as for a being easy on the sit bones but on longer rides would cause me some numbness so I replaced it with a SMP. The SMP was felt much harder on the sit bones but didn't cause any numbness at all. Over time the feeling of being hard on the sit bones completely went away. I can now ride for all day long without any discomfort. If you are having numbness consider a saddle with a wide cut out. There are a few. Go to a bike shop that will let you test a few saddles.
09-01-12, 06:09 PM
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Personally I would up the budget or buy used. 100 -170 should give you a lot of options. Even with that budget there is a lot of personal preference.
I ride a specialize toupe and am happy with it. Though if you do not sit "correctly" it will be horribly uncomfortable. And by correctly I mean pelvis tipped forward and not pelvis vertical and back hunched.
From the list you provided I would go with
[h=1]Serfas Performance RX Bicycle Saddle
[/h][h=1]WTB Speed V ProGel Saddle[/h]If you ride over 30 miles in either I anticipate it sucking.
I ride a specialize toupe and am happy with it. Though if you do not sit "correctly" it will be horribly uncomfortable. And by correctly I mean pelvis tipped forward and not pelvis vertical and back hunched.
From the list you provided I would go with
[h=1]Serfas Performance RX Bicycle Saddle
[/h][h=1]WTB Speed V ProGel Saddle[/h]If you ride over 30 miles in either I anticipate it sucking.
09-01-12, 06:16 PM
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This is a key point. Sore bum problems are often very different from "male numbness" issues. Also, your ride position has a lot to do with it, and your number of miles on the saddle. When I've been off my bike a while, often when I get back to riding I find myself sitting on the seat much more. As I get my muscle tone back I find myself putting more weight on the bars and pedals.
09-01-12, 06:16 PM
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09-02-12, 07:37 PM
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That depends on how I grab handlebars. Is there universal, all-around saddle?
Crap, Crap, Crap, Crap Crap, Crap and Crap.
You're a noob I gather, no harm in that , we all were. I strongly, emphatically suggest Brooks Pro. Like a pair of leather shoes, it molds to your specific anatomy but to begin with has a great shape. The first couple hundred miles it is hard. But with each passing mile it gets better and better. I have had my current Brooks for 2 years and believe me when I say, it is a marvel of comfort. I have tried hard to avoid using a Brooks, I wanted the cool look for my bike. I went through a dozen high end saddles and was ultimately unhappy with all. I found none of them had the conformable quality of a brooks. Yeah it's a personal thing but I think the marvel of good leather well used is that it allows the saddle to adjust to many different "persons" to a degree that is hard to find in the synthetics.
I have been cycling 40 years, most of them on a Brooks. Check them out, expensive but they last forever.
You're a noob I gather, no harm in that , we all were. I strongly, emphatically suggest Brooks Pro. Like a pair of leather shoes, it molds to your specific anatomy but to begin with has a great shape. The first couple hundred miles it is hard. But with each passing mile it gets better and better. I have had my current Brooks for 2 years and believe me when I say, it is a marvel of comfort. I have tried hard to avoid using a Brooks, I wanted the cool look for my bike. I went through a dozen high end saddles and was ultimately unhappy with all. I found none of them had the conformable quality of a brooks. Yeah it's a personal thing but I think the marvel of good leather well used is that it allows the saddle to adjust to many different "persons" to a degree that is hard to find in the synthetics.
I have been cycling 40 years, most of them on a Brooks. Check them out, expensive but they last forever.
Brooks just lost one voice count.
What happened?
09-02-12, 07:53 PM
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Please let us know how your 50 miles ride went.
Ouch! Pricey!
is this your first 30 mile ride? did you go a bit slower than usual to get the longer miles in?
If so, your arse is not used to that much time in the saddle. I would just do a few more of the same time rides as this one and remember to get out of the saddle more during the ride stand up for 30 seconds every 10-15 minutes.
If your still tender after a few rides of the same time then onward the for a saddle searching you should go.
If so, your arse is not used to that much time in the saddle. I would just do a few more of the same time rides as this one and remember to get out of the saddle more during the ride stand up for 30 seconds every 10-15 minutes.
If your still tender after a few rides of the same time then onward the for a saddle searching you should go.
Great advise btw about standing every 10-15 minutes!!!
Today I did 35 miles ride, standing from time to time, and it was not as bad as yesterday's 30 mile ride.Will see how it goes over next few weeks, and then if things don't change I should probably get new saddle. In the meantime I can do some more research on different ones, and prepare mentally for upgrade.
Will have to look at those too. Thanks!
09-02-12, 08:02 PM
#32
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I'm about 125 miles into my test rides on a Fizik Antares. Not too bad so far, but that is me. My LBS uses the Fizik test ride program so you can try a few different saddles before dropping the $$$. Maybe an LBS near you has a similar program. I'd ask around. Also, I put over 1400 miles on the stock saddle before I decided I'd had enough and started looking for a replacement. One 30 mile ride isn't an accurate measure of saddle comfort. Put more miles in on your current one before switching, IMHO.
Good to know that something on my list of inexpensive saddles gets praises from someone! Thank you!
I'll try. )
Not sure how long you been riding but my advice is wait for your bum to break in before you go saddle shopping about 2-4 weeks of riding 3 or more days per week.
The saddles you are looking at look like recreational saddles, if you get one of those that's fine and it may help you at first, but if you plan on doing lots of riding be ready to swap back to a thinner saddle when your muscles get built up and the bigger saddle starts to feel bulky.
Cheers.
The saddles you are looking at look like recreational saddles, if you get one of those that's fine and it may help you at first, but if you plan on doing lots of riding be ready to swap back to a thinner saddle when your muscles get built up and the bigger saddle starts to feel bulky.
Cheers.
I think it was pressure on sit bones, not really numbness. Today I was standing up while riding, and it helped to relive pressure. As a result, after 35 miles I felt much better than yesterday after 30 miles.
09-02-12, 08:45 PM
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I used it for two years but I found I needed something with a wide cut out so I bought an SMP.
09-02-12, 08:50 PM
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Another huge +1 for more miles first. Then try adjusting the saddle depending upon what discomfort you have. A little tilt either way, or alternatively leveling can make a huge difference.
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09-02-12, 09:32 PM
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+1 on the fizik's I ride an antares
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09-08-12, 11:29 AM
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im using selle royal respiro because look comfortable but after long hour is become less comfort, and i buy brook for my 2nd choice, first look of this saddle leather is look hard so i doubt it will comfortable then gell. after couple mile the next day i try for another ride OMG this is best comfortable sadle i have try. its look like the leather adjust your sit bone or something. so brook for me
09-08-12, 04:07 PM
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09-08-12, 04:27 PM
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As any saddle, Brooks is not a panacea for everyone. I think about 20-25% of people will find them uncomfortable. For the rest for whom they work, they are just amazing.
My buddy and I have both switched this year to Brooks B17 saddles. We just love them! We no longer complain about how our butts hurt after our rides. Our bikes are set up for more of a relaxed geometry (randonneuring/touring.) If I were racing or simply had a bike with an aggressive geometry (or spend lots of time on the drops), I would suggest trying the Brooks Team Pro or Swallow.
My buddy and I have both switched this year to Brooks B17 saddles. We just love them! We no longer complain about how our butts hurt after our rides. Our bikes are set up for more of a relaxed geometry (randonneuring/touring.) If I were racing or simply had a bike with an aggressive geometry (or spend lots of time on the drops), I would suggest trying the Brooks Team Pro or Swallow.
09-08-12, 04:47 PM
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As any saddle, Brooks is not a panacea for everyone. I think about 20-25% of people will find them uncomfortable. For the rest for whom they work, they are just amazing.
My buddy and I have both switched this year to Brooks B17 saddles. We just love them! We no longer complain about how our butts hurt after our rides. Our bikes are set up for more of a relaxed geometry (randonneuring/touring.) If I were racing or simply had a bike with an aggressive geometry (or spend lots of time on the drops), I would suggest trying the Brooks Team Pro or Swallow.
My buddy and I have both switched this year to Brooks B17 saddles. We just love them! We no longer complain about how our butts hurt after our rides. Our bikes are set up for more of a relaxed geometry (randonneuring/touring.) If I were racing or simply had a bike with an aggressive geometry (or spend lots of time on the drops), I would suggest trying the Brooks Team Pro or Swallow.
09-08-12, 07:37 PM
#42
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Brooks B-17 for me. 15-18K miles/yr; 7 centuries in 7 days once, saddle comfort was never an issue. Was mistakenly shipped a Brooks Swallow for a new bike recently; way too narrow and less give than the B-17. But my bars are near saddle height. The Swallow might be better for a more aggressive setup.
That said, as I watch riders in the Race Across America pass through each year, I don't ever remember seeing a Brooks, or any leather saddle. This year's winner was on a Fizik Arione, custom made for him as he sits asymmetrically on the saddle. He's was riding over 300 miles a day for 8 days on what looked like a racing saddle.
You get used to it, I guess. But as others said, how you sit on the bike will play a large part in which saddle is more comfortable. If you're really doing long rides, the saddle plays a huge role in your willingness to complete the ride. The best saddle is one you ignore.
That said, as I watch riders in the Race Across America pass through each year, I don't ever remember seeing a Brooks, or any leather saddle. This year's winner was on a Fizik Arione, custom made for him as he sits asymmetrically on the saddle. He's was riding over 300 miles a day for 8 days on what looked like a racing saddle.
You get used to it, I guess. But as others said, how you sit on the bike will play a large part in which saddle is more comfortable. If you're really doing long rides, the saddle plays a huge role in your willingness to complete the ride. The best saddle is one you ignore.
09-09-12, 05:37 AM
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Brooks are overrated, heavy and takes time to get it "moulded", and fugly on most modern bikes.
To OP, any saddle with a lot of padding will feel great in the shop and for that 5 min parking lot test ride. It will be the worst ass-hatchet for long rides. The soft, moving saddle surface on top of all that gel or whatever they have underneath will rub against your skin, and causing some pretty serious pain.
For me, the Specialized Romin Evo saddles are the best after many years of search; I've tried them all. Even though YMMV, give it a try. I think they also have a demo program, or 30 day no questions asked money back program if you are not happy. I think you will find a saddle in their offering range. And for the most part, their price is reasonable.
BTW, the cut-outs in the saddle work, and they are not just marketing gimmicks.
To OP, any saddle with a lot of padding will feel great in the shop and for that 5 min parking lot test ride. It will be the worst ass-hatchet for long rides. The soft, moving saddle surface on top of all that gel or whatever they have underneath will rub against your skin, and causing some pretty serious pain.
For me, the Specialized Romin Evo saddles are the best after many years of search; I've tried them all. Even though YMMV, give it a try. I think they also have a demo program, or 30 day no questions asked money back program if you are not happy. I think you will find a saddle in their offering range. And for the most part, their price is reasonable.
BTW, the cut-outs in the saddle work, and they are not just marketing gimmicks.
09-09-12, 09:13 AM
#44
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As any saddle, Brooks is not a panacea for everyone. I think about 20-25% of people will find them uncomfortable. For the rest for whom they work, they are just amazing.
My buddy and I have both switched this year to Brooks B17 saddles. We just love them! We no longer complain about how our butts hurt after our rides. Our bikes are set up for more of a relaxed geometry (randonneuring/touring.) If I were racing or simply had a bike with an aggressive geometry (or spend lots of time on the drops), I would suggest trying the Brooks Team Pro or Swallow.
My buddy and I have both switched this year to Brooks B17 saddles. We just love them! We no longer complain about how our butts hurt after our rides. Our bikes are set up for more of a relaxed geometry (randonneuring/touring.) If I were racing or simply had a bike with an aggressive geometry (or spend lots of time on the drops), I would suggest trying the Brooks Team Pro or Swallow.
09-09-12, 09:20 AM
#45
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I won't bother to find the link, no one is ever impressed to give thanks. Its a radical design with no nose, I got off Amazon. Did a 75 miler yesterday. Today, I feel GREAT!
09-09-12, 09:32 AM
#46
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For my butt
Fizik arione-ass hatchet, Fizik aliente- less of an ass hatchet but better than the arione. Specialized Romin- Hard, Flat, ok at first but eventually became the most uncomfortable saddle I have ever ridden. Brooks B-17 good for touring or upright position, not good if in an aggressive riding posture. Brooks Swallow/ Swift- Too expensive, look nice and pretty comfortable but the leather is thin and stretches out too easily. Brooks Professional- saddle perfection. Will never own another type of saddle, comfortable though hard as a rock at first. I know that sounds contradictory but it is not. With each passing year it becomes more of a gem, lasts forever and worth every penny- not overrated, in fact underrated. Brooks has something all other modern synthetic saddles lack, the ability of good leather to mold to your own special anatomy.
Fizik arione-ass hatchet, Fizik aliente- less of an ass hatchet but better than the arione. Specialized Romin- Hard, Flat, ok at first but eventually became the most uncomfortable saddle I have ever ridden. Brooks B-17 good for touring or upright position, not good if in an aggressive riding posture. Brooks Swallow/ Swift- Too expensive, look nice and pretty comfortable but the leather is thin and stretches out too easily. Brooks Professional- saddle perfection. Will never own another type of saddle, comfortable though hard as a rock at first. I know that sounds contradictory but it is not. With each passing year it becomes more of a gem, lasts forever and worth every penny- not overrated, in fact underrated. Brooks has something all other modern synthetic saddles lack, the ability of good leather to mold to your own special anatomy.
09-09-12, 09:35 AM
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Fi'zi:K Wing Flex works for me. They have some padding and flex when you pedal.
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09-09-12, 09:54 AM
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Any other riders use the Specialized Romin? I recently bought a used bike and it came with a Romin. I'm a new rider so I don't really know how to differentiate between saddles, but after 3 weeks of riding, including one 75 mile ride, I can't tell if I'm still conditioning my sit bones or if this is just a tough saddle - but...I still get a sore butt around 30 miles each ride.
If anyone has experience with a Romin, I'd like to hear it. If its a nice saddle and I should wait it out, I'd rather not put more money into my bike at this time.
If anyone has experience with a Romin, I'd like to hear it. If its a nice saddle and I should wait it out, I'd rather not put more money into my bike at this time.
09-09-12, 10:02 AM
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Any other riders use the Specialized Romin? I recently bought a used bike and it came with a Romin. I'm a new rider so I don't really know how to differentiate between saddles, but after 3 weeks of riding, including one 75 mile ride, I can't tell if I'm still conditioning my sit bones or if this is just a tough saddle - but...I still get a sore butt around 30 miles each ride.
If anyone has experience with a Romin, I'd like to hear it. If its a nice saddle and I should wait it out, I'd rather not put more money into my bike at this time.
If anyone has experience with a Romin, I'd like to hear it. If its a nice saddle and I should wait it out, I'd rather not put more money into my bike at this time.
09-09-12, 10:28 AM
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I like my Regal(s) and have been riding them for 20 years. Just got one for the new bike and it's perfect right out of the box.