Bike Forums - Best touring saddles

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Tourist in MSN (Post 19155266)

After several applications of Proofide, a natural water resistance is built up. That said, you still want to take care to avoid getting a saddle too wet. First photo below, I was on a group tour several years ago and one rider put his bike upside down in the evening so he could inspect the tires. Left the bike that way all night, in the early morning hours there was a big thunderstorm and his bike saddle sat in the middle of a puddle. By the time there was enough light for me to take the photo, most of the water had drained, but his saddle had been soaking for at least an hour, maybe two.

I use a waterproof cover. Some waterproof covers are not that waterproof. And sometimes I have instead used a thin plastic bag like a produce bag from a grocery store, those bags are pretty fragile so I used a non-waterproof lycra cover over the plastic to hold it in place.

When I apply Proofide, I have applied it top and bottom. I usually use fenders, but if you do not use fenders, you really want to apply it to the bottom to account for road spray. Second photo attached, I did not have fenders on this rainy day, I was glad that I had put Proofide on the bottom of the saddle. I have a waterproof cover on the bike in the photo although you really can't tell that from the photo.

I put a cover on it at night even if I think there will not be any dew.

Thank you! Great information.:thumb:

As far as leather saddle covers go, I don't think you can beat a $1 bag of plastic shower caps. Cheap, easily storeable, and more durable than plastic grocery bags and the elastic edge makes it easy on/off. Often I'll carry two, one for my saddle at night and one for over my helmet if it is really raining. I have at times placed it over the saddle while riding if I'm forced to ride during a real downpour.

Also, to prevent problems with water absorption on the inferior surface of the saddle, I generally rub in some some Sno Seal water proof underneath, which is heavily composed of bees wax. Doesn't seem to soften the leather or create problems

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/m...bow7/014ab.jpg

Brooks team pro , bought in 1975, still fine , but since my summer Touring bike lives in a damp unheated basement , now.

I take it off , keep it inside, to prevent mildew-mold from growing on it..

We have 2 mens 1 womens Brooks Flyer Specials. Personal favorite as it is most comfortable ride, IMO.
1 mens B17 Special Copper and 1 womens B17 Standard.
1 VO Model 5 Sprung Touring Saddle made by Geyes of Australian cowhide. Very thick and factory laced. Super stiff heavy duty saddle. Still breaking in.
Old leather Selle mens saddle.

Saddles really are a very personal choice due to the individual's unique physiology. Some people prefer a wide flat saddle whilst others prefer a short nose saddle. Others prefer more cushioning on their saddle whilst others prefer any cushioning to be in their shorts/clothing.

For touring I like a wider saddle that what i use for fitness riding because when touring I'm sitting more upright. I also like the springs on my MTB touring saddle as those really help to soak up rough road surface shocks.

I tried a gel cover but found it too squirmy and also after time on the saddle, like on a deeply padded saddle, the rear of the saddle compresses which raises the nose padding and can cause extreme discomfort over a long day of riding. Ditto for thickly padded shorts.

Cheers

I asked the same question about saddles when I was getting in to riding. I went for a Brooks Flyer Special right from the get-go. No problems here. The good thing about leather is it will form to you. You may find the saddle comfortable right off the bat. Though, a good 500 miles on it will form it to you. Mine seems to get better the more I ride. I'm coming up on 3000 miles with it.