hey all
new to the forum and new to 50.
Just bought a new Road bike (Felt F65)
came with a Selle Italia Genuine Gel saddle.
Only been out a couple times this season, but it feels a bit uncomfortable... or perhaps my aging caboose is not used to the standard road saddle. I have an old Dawes Galaxy from the 70's. It has an Avocet saddle that I bought for 5 bucks at a yard sale... an early gel type...generic, but it works. I don't think Avocet is even in game any more.
I'll be using the bike for modest road riding, training, and this summer, a weeklong tour.
anyway... can any of you folks suggest some sturdy but comfy saddle brands/models to make it easy on my butt?

Cost would be an issue as I've busted the bank in the last couple weeks on bike gear.

thanks!

Mark

Saddles are a peculiar animal! Each person to their own thing.

Most folks instinctively feel that a "soft" or gel saddle is best, but that really is not true for many people. Broad soft saddles cause more rubbing and sores. They are fine for shorter rides, but not for days in the saddle!

Folks swear by the Brooks B17 leather saddle. Never had one. I use a Selle hard saddle. Takes a bit to get used to.

Ask about a good saddle and you will get lots of different opinions! What works, works.

Much obliged!
I rekoned their would be a few opinions and thoughts... I enjoy getting a broad range of ideas. I actually have an old Brooks Leather saddle (came off the Dawes), but I just can't bring myself to try it... and I think the seat tube and mount are likely not the right size to hold it.

I'll wait for more suggestions and then maybe give the Selle a few more miles.

Yes saddle comfort is a very individual thing. I've actually changed my saddle several times as I develop my riding style and ability and continue to achieve a bike better set up, i.e. a more correct riding position. I've actually gone from a very soft saddle to a Selle Italia TT which is quite hard.

To get to your question, I'd personally stick with the Selle. They are a very good saddle and the discomfort you are presently experiencing is more likely to do with your immature cycle bum and your riding position.
To get a better understanding of just what's required to make an informed choice I suggest you take a look at the article at; https://camwest.pps.com.au/news/bicycle_fit.html
Good luck,
Bern

Would you be willing to put your old saddle on your new bike? If it works it works! Interestingly, as a side note, I believe Selle recently bought Brooks.

One thing I have learned, One needs to work-in his Behind to the saddle not vice versa. I have borrowed many saddles till I found the one I like and find more of them on ebay. For me its the terry fly (Buzz-Off). Takes me couple weeks each spring to get my behind used to it again. BTW- REALLY did not like Gel seats, nor Gel shorts.

It's true that softer saddles do tend to 'squish' out sideways changing the shape, oft-times making them less comfortable.

Run a "search" using the terms: specialized body geometry


You will turn up several threads with lots of suggestions regarding saddles. My own experience has been that the more I ride, the more I like a firm saddle, with a "flat" area where the sit bones go. Softer, and well padded saddles can feel good in the store, but, on the road, they tend to push up into the crotch. A firm saddle puts the weight on the pelvis, not the crotch.

From my many years experimenting with all kind of saddles there is no substitute for Brooks. I use 40 years old Brooks Professional on my Klein road bike. Brooks B66 for my folding bike. The good leather saddles do weigh more but they are very comfortable.

See https://www.sheldonbrown.com/leather.html .

I rode a Selle Italia for 1 1/2 seasons trying to get my bum "used" to it. Couldn't ride more than 30 minutes without discomfort. Switched to a Brooks B17 last year - my second ride on it was 2 1/2 hours and there was absolutely no pain at all. I'm in heaven. Best accessory I've ever purchased for my bike. That being said, I've heard some people say they don't like them, just like every other saddle out there. However, I've heard more people say they like Brooks than those who don't. I'd say to give your Selle a little more time and maybe your posterior will get used to it. If it doesn't, I'd definitely try out a Brooks. Good luck.

Hmmm well, I guess I will not jump the gun so soon (let my 'bum' get worked in first) and stick with the Selle. In the mean time, I will oil up the old Brook (I believe it is a model 85?), and keep it in reserver to try out later in the spring.

the one thing that bugs me about the Selle Itallia Gel is it has a bunch of 'embroidery' stitiching all over the top. I wish it was just smooth.

The weather is not improving today (2/13) like I thought (cooler, rainy) so it may be a wash. Bah!

Nice Bike. I use the Specialized Body Geometry saddle. Never gives mne any problems.

I use a Fizik Arione, mucho dinero for this saddle but it's the most comfortable saddle I have used to date.

Of course, I haven't tried the legendary brooks saddles, but I plan to someday.

I just tried the Selle Italia Prolink yesterday, and I'm rubbed raw along the exact line of the stitching on top of the saddle. What were they thinking? Even if the weather was good today, there's no way I could ride.

i think WTB has some of the comfiest saddles out there. check em out.

Only Brooks-type saddles break in- and change shape to fit you. All others oblige you to do the adapting!

-Why don't you just use the Avocet you already have, if you like it?

The Fizik saddles with the wing-flex break in a bit.

Good questions;
the Avocet is really a cheapie and ripped on the nose... comfortable, but I rekon over the long haul, it may be a killer (never toured on it... just medium day rides)... plus the Dawes is going to stay in the stable as my city bike.

I dredged out my neatsfoot oil and I'm rehydrating/softening the old Brooks Saddle that has been resident in a box for years. I noticed It has a row of punch holes along the lower edge on either side (middle) so I may use a lace to cinch it together, shape it(?). the leather 'flares' a bit, not too much, but I'm not sure how much is correct or original or normal. Perhaps this would also 'form' over time

I'm thinking... KHARMA... maybe there was a reason to hang on to this classic touring saddle. Maybe it will be the THANG.

Another vote for Specialized Body Geometry. Very comfy and I don't even notice it on longer rides, but not as light as some.

I was riding WTB Rocket saddles, but had numbness and they made me pretty sore. I'm breaking in a Body Geometry Avatar right now. I only make contact exactly where my sitbones are. I was measured, and found out my sit bones are 140mm. Body Geometry has the Avatar, and Alias, both in three widths. They make the 135mm, the 143mm, and the 155mm.

I'm adding my voice to those who have suggested a Brooks. After resisting buying one because they looked so hard and uncomfortable, I finally broke down and got one. Best purchase I've made for my bicycle and my comfort. It took me 800 kms to break it in, but during the subsequent 6000 kms I've put on it, my seating area has been the least of my worries.

Bought a Brooks B-17 2 years ago because it came highly recommended in this forum. It was broken in in about 2 weeks and now it fits like a glove. One of the best purchases I ever made. A B-17 might look a little funky on a Felt but they also make a racing saddle too (Team Pro I think). I bought it from Wallingford Bikes. They offer a 6 month money back guarantee if you don't like it. Can't beat that. https://www.wallbike.com/Brooks.html

I really dislike soft saddles. The aptrol bike I use at wrk right now has this huge seat and it kills my butt after an hour of so. With the right shorts I can be confortable all day on my race lite. Your own choice... have been through 6 saddles already...

I've been running around preaching the praises of the Rido saddle. It's completly new and a little strange looking. This english saddle won some awards for innovative new product in Engalnd last year. I've had it about a month and it is a revolution for me. NO pain or discomfort in the perinium. I can't describe it as comfortable, becuase it's not some plush super-gel seat. In fact when most people touch the thing, they tell me there's no way it can be comfortable. There is no covering, no fabric, no stitching - it's a funky monococque plastic with a rubberized top. Sounds terrible but I will never ride anything else ever again. I also have a Brooks B17 that never got broken it - it broke me, a Bontrager race seat that's OK, a new Selle Italia Trans Am that is just plain sexy and light as a feather but uncomfortable after 2 hours; but none of these others can compare to the Rido. And the Rido is cheap.

Check out the website:
https://www.rido-cyclesaddles.com/con...categoryId=256

Break in the saddle first and if 100 miles, you're still not comfortable, make an investment in a Fizik Aliante. Expensive, yes, but worth every dime! You can't ride efficiently if you're not comfortable.