Anyone ever make a cut-out in a regular saddle?
 

I've tried four different expensive saddles with cut-outs, but none were comfortable enough for long rides, plus they were all heavier than the comfotable regular saddle I have. So I was wondering, why not make a slit in the cover from the top and make an appropriate sized cut-out underneath, then pull the material from the top through the cut-out and glue it to the under side (and trim to make neat). Only question becomes then is what glue to use? Gorilla glue? Anybody see a downside to doing something like this?

Downside: you won't have enough fabric to pull underneath unles the cutout is huge, then the idea of saddle failure and getting gored comes to mind... Plus it'll look like hell...

Yeah, that's kinda radical...I suppose it could work, though you should probably practice on a cheapo saddle first, not your comfy one!

Yes. It'll be a ****ing disaster.

It might be tough to get the shape perfectly symmetrical also.

This is what makes me ask why bother?

Bad idea.
Cutout saddles are designed that way and I would be surprised if they didn't have specific reinforcements to remain strong.
A saddle has to be strong because it takes your full weight and bends slightly while riding, too.
I suppose it could be done, but is it really worth dying for?

Not many votes of confidence around here. Despite that, I have begun doing this to an extra cheapie saddle for practice. So far, so good. I'm just at the point where I need to pull the cover through and glue it. It looks nice and there is no impact on structural integrity. I've looked at many saddles with cutouts, and none of them have any extra engineering to accomodate the cut-out. Many of Selle Italia's regular saddles have "Flow" versions, and I've found no difference beteen them. To answer the question "why", well, for the very reason they make saddles with cut-outs, that's why. I'd just buy one if I could fin one as comfortable as my non cut-out saddle. I'll post before and after pics eventually. So far, it seems like the saddle will look like it came with the cut-out, and I've removed 30g. Of course, I'll probably add half of that back with whatever glue I decide to go with. I'd like to know what the manufacturers use.

Probably some form of contact cement. Coat both contact areas and let dry, the n press into place. Just make sure you place it where you want it once it touches its stuck.

I think the confusion you are seeing is because you have described your current saddle as comfortable. If its comfortable then why bother with the cut out?

Because I want the cutout for the very reason they were invented. Besides, I'm a tinkerer by nature... never can leave ell-enough alone. ;)

Thanks for the tip on the contact cement. It will have to be some really strong stuff. If this works, I'll likely do this on my comfy saddle, which fortuneatly is cheap too, haha.

Why? Why on earth would you want a cutout in your saddle? There's no point to a cutout. The reason they make saddles with cut-outs is because people are riding bicycles and saddles that don't fit ... it's a band-aid solution which some marketing department thought would sell lots of saddles. Right up there with gel.


Get a good saddle.
Make sure your bicycle fits.

Let me know when you've spent some time riding a bike with male genitalia between your legs.

i think this is going to be a bad idea.

I've ridden with a lot of men who don't like the cutouts and think they are pointless too.

I have a Brooks Imperial Narrow (cut-out) and Brooks Pro (no cut-out). The Pro is more comfortable once it is fully broken-in. The cut-out has a tendency to pinch the bottom.

Tinkerer, shminkerer. Knock yourself out, and I really do wish you the best, but I would be shocked if you can do this in an attractive and professional manner. If it makes you happy to think you will arrive at a good looking and working product like one off the shelf should be, more power to you. But I don't see how it is possible to chop up a saddle and have it pass for an off the shelf item. Cutting through the nylon shell after a saddle is completely assembled is no easy feat. Doing it neatly and symmetrically is nearly impossible. I really don't think it is about what glue you use. The key to obtaining a cut out saddle that you like is to transfer the characteristics of your current favorite regular sadded to the new one: i.e. length, width at the sit bones, padding quantity, padding density, etc. If you buy a similarly sized and designed saddle to the one you like, but with the cutout, it should come very close to being right for you. Is that how you chose the cutout saddles you already tested?

As far as the value of cutouts is concerned, I do find they are very functional for relieving stress on a sore prostate, especially when the sit bones are properly supported as well. Many folks think saddles are all about looks, but they have to be designed just like you are to work as they should. My favorite, the Terry Falcon Y with a generous cutout, is a little wider at the back than the standard racing saddle without being heavier or "dumpier". For me it is perfect. YMMV.

Bona fortuna!

Just like all saddles, one with cutouts are beneficial for some and not for others. Saddles are the most personal of choices. You can't recommend them to anyone else, because you have no idea of what anyone else really needs. I need and benefit from a cutout saddle. Marketing department boondoggle or not, they work, and I wouldn't ride any other kind.

Your conclusions about it is all in the bike fit are unfortunate oversimplifications. A well fitting saddle is part of a well fitting bike, and that may just mean a saddle with a cutout.

If you haven't had prostatitis, you can't even begin to weigh in on this subject.

Robert

No argument about your observations, but don't you really mean that is how those saddles work for you. The Pro is more comfortable for you. The cutout tends to pinch your bottom. It is impossible to recommend for or against any saddle for any person except yourself.

Robert

OMG, do we agree on this? Yes, we do. Cool.

Robert

Really? Nearly 33,000 posts and you still state your opinion like it is fact. Amazing.

Let's not forget about the lifetime of cycling behind those nearly 33,000 posts. How many years have you been at it? How much cycling have you done? :)



But hey, if you want to hack up a cheap saddle to create a cutout, go for it. Do report back to tell us how comfortable it is on your next century ride.

And let's keep in mind that you, yourself said .. "I've tried four different expensive saddles with cut-outs, but none were comfortable enough for long rides" ... hmmmm ... maybe a non-cutout saddle might might a better choice ... maybe a better bicycle fit might help ... maybe increased core strength and fitness would be good ...... or maybe hacking up an cheap saddle to put a cutout in it will be the solution.

Oh please. I too have a "lifetime" of riding experience. If you read the thread, you'd know I'm doing this on a "cheap" saddle is just a test to see if it can be done, and if so, how well will the result look and feel (and last). Finally, none of the expensive seats I tried were uncomfortable because of the cutout (the issue was with was their general shape). If that was the case, why would I be contemplating doing this to a known comfortable saddle? The point is to be able to reap the benefits that cutouts provide without spending $200 on another new saddle that's comparable in weight to the saddle I already own.

What were the 4 saddles? And how long did you try them for?

'Course one way to deal with the problem is to start riding 'bents.

I'm skeptical that solution depending on glue would last well or that cutting out a saddle is likely to work better than something you can buy. This sounds too much like making a convertible out of a car by chopping the top.

Three were Selle Italia's (SLS, SLR x2), and one was something else (Prologue?). All the Selle Italias bother my inner thigh, regardless of width. The shape just doesn't agree with me (I think the sides are too pointy). The saddle I like is a cheap, light, house brand from BackCountry/Competitive Cyclist (158g). I bought it because it was light and cheap, and if it wasn't comfy, I'd resell it. Well, turns out the dang thing is comfy! I only wished it had a cutout. It is currently off my bike, as I aim to try another Selle Italia tomorrow. I've made sure I put plenty of miles on each of them to give them a fair chance. I subjected each saddle to at least one 30 minute session on rollers AND a 35-66 mile outside ride. The only thing I haven't tried are heavy saddles with generous padding. I'm trying to keep whatever I end up with under 200g.