RLinNH

A little background here. I have been riding on the road now for about 14 years. I come from a MTB background. I am now 41, and just starting to realize that maybe I should try a Road saddle. I have been riding a MTB sadde on my road bike all these years. Last week when I got my bike back from my mechanic, I complained about me fighting to stay on the bike as I felt it was always trying to throw me off the nose of the saddle. It seems that my saddle was pitched forward. He placed it a tlevel, and so far, so good, Another hypothesis he had was my MTB seat. He explained the differences betweenthe 2, and mentioned that I might want to try a road saddle. So, the search begins. I am a 190 lb guy that is not a weight weenie when it comes to accesories. I have never been in the saddle market, so I have no idea of what brands to check out. My big question is WHERE to buy it. I love Zappos, but they don't sell saddles. Can anyone recommend an online merchant that they are happy with? Thanks for checking out this thread and I look forwad to your replies. And yes I realize that a saddle is a very personal thing, so I am ready to start experimenting. As far as sit bones, mine are pretty standard for a guy.

RPK79

Purchased my last saddle from Nashbar and so far I'm happy with it, but I haven't had any rides longer than two hours since I haven't yet gotten my new bike off the trainer.

RLinNH

What make and model is it?

Rammer64

Now that your saddle has been leveled and you said it is better, why do you want a different one? Did they do that oogally eyed mind sync on you? I find that when I go to my LBS they must be trained to watch your eyes, if you even look at something you need it, sheesh!

RPK79

It is a Nashbar FR1.

It also comes in a black/white and a white/black.

Nashbar FR1 Saddle - Normal Shipping Ground

RLinNH

Because it is a MTB saddle. MTB saddles are not level, like a road saddle. A MTB saddle is dipped in the middle, hence, it throws your forward into the middle of the saddle. I do think that my saddle is better now that it has been leveled, but it still throws me into the middle of it when I want to ride on the back of it, such as when I am going up hill. That's why I am looking into new saddles. That, and I like shiny new ****...

rpenmanparker 

WTH does that mean. There is no standard. It is like saying "as far as shoes, mine are pretty standard for a guy". Measure your sit bones, apply the correction and order that width saddle.

rpenmanparker 

Where do you get this stuff? Road saddles come flat, dipped in the center, all kinds of designs. It is not MTB one way, road the other.

RLinNH

Really. I was explained that road saddles are flat. Was I misinformed?

gc3

Yes, there are many shapes... Side to side can be curved, flat, or semi-curved.... Front to back can be raised at the back. Cut-out or no... Wide, medium, or. Narrow. Long or longer.

And most important, what color...

MikeyBoyAz

Only as an example of the alternate: My MTB saddle (WTB) is relatively flat and my road saddle (Selle SMP) is very curved.

Seattle Forrest

I bought mine from the local bike shop. They let me borrow several saddles, for a week or two at a time, until I found the best one for me. One man's ass hatchet is another man's treasure.

Rammer64

I got ya! I didn't know there was a difference anyway. I figured it was just what made your butt happy.

Gatorfreak

In my recent saddle shopping I found that a lot of saddles are marketed as both road and mtb. If you really want something new I'd look for something similar to the mtb saddle you already like. I'd just stick with the saddle that's already working for you.

Zero7

Competitive Cyclist - good prices and great customer service.

Not sure I buy the big diff between road and MTB saddles, although my MTB saddles are more padded (WTB Rocket V). Check out Fizik, my Antares is comfortable. Not cheap, however...

Cheers

MagicHour

That looks like a Velo made saddle - same as Performance Forté house brand, judging by the markings at front of rails.
I'm really liking my Forté Pro SLX that I picked up for cheap several years ago and sat unused in my parts box. It's light, looks great, and most importantly I don't notice or think about it after 3:00 hrs of riding. I've tried some $100 saddles where that definitely wasn't the case.

For the OP saddles are really personal, probably gonna have to try a couple to find one that you like.

3alarmer 

....wandering into dangerous territory here.

gc3

Should have expected it with his username...

bianchi10

Specialized romin evo.

RLinNH

I just LOLand sit Home Brew all over my Lap Top...

Jakedatc

or

BikeAnon

Go to your LBS. Tell them your story. Ask them what their return policy is.

One of the best experiences I ever had at a bike store... they let me try different saddles one day. Then, they told me to ride it for a week or so, and exchange as needed.

I didn't need to exchange, as they got me dialed in that day. But it was great knowing I had the option. Good saddles can cost some serious bucks. It's tough to buy a $100+ saddle, and find out it's not for you.

TrojanHorse

Here you go ^

RLinNH

Best post yet. I am going to a well know LBS tomorrow and asking them what their advice is and what their policy is on saddles. I am hoping that it is similar to BikeAnon's experience. It is apparent that I have struck upon a very personal chord, and that my ass should be fitted. Hence the reason I asked the question here. Thanks to everyone that contributed to this thread and I sure as hell look forward to a new saddle.

aubiecat