forgewithinfire

I have a 2009 Surly Cross Check that I have set up for touring, it's perfect but the saddle is an issue. I love it, but I need one with a cut-out for pressure relief. Right now I have a WTB SST, what would be a good equivalent seat but with a cutout? Would the WTB Pure V be close? Thanks!

lechatmort

Is the saddle top soft?

You could try tilting the saddle down a bit if you haven't tried that.

LeeG

I have no idea what would be close or what you like but I've been very pleased with the Specialized Avatar saddle.

forgewithinfire

I tried tilting down, but too much pressure was on my hands... and I'm not a gel person, just don't like the feel.

fuzz2050

Saddles are immensely personal. I'll throw my towel in with the Brooks fan club, but you really need to find one that works for you. I suggest building a relationship with a LBS, and 'trying out' a few. If you're lucky, you can find a place that's ok with you buying a saddle, ridding it for a few dats, and then returning it if you don't like it.

skijor

+1
with it tilted up just a tad.

fietsbob

Selle Anatomica is a leather saddle made with die cut slot down the middle,
made in Wisconsin from non producing dairy cows..

abdon 

I 'imperialized' my Brooks saddle (after a 60-mile trip that rendered my junk numb I was ready to stab something) This is another good thing about leather saddles; you can modify them to fit your 'needs' even better.

If I ever become a hobo, you can bet that somewhere on my shopping cart will be my brooks saddle

parecon89

If I may ask, how'd that work for you, did you notice an improvement? And how did you go about slicing the leather? I have a B17 leather saddle and was thinking of doing the same, because comfortable as it is, I still get numbness on long rides. I'm worried about damaging the strength/rigidity of the saddle.

abdon 

At first I was squeamish about messing with my saddle but when it was framed as the risk of messing up my saddle or messing up my ___, it was a no brainer.

Yes, i was worth it. No more things going numb no mater how long I ride. I still ask the wife to help ensure that everything still works as it should, but this is just me being extra careful I also laced up my saddle which helps to keep it firm (the saddle).

It is scary to see how easy a brand new razor blade cuts through the leather. It helps to grab the razor blade with pliers for control. After you cut your shape, it is easy to shave the imperfections away. 100-grit sand paper also works well for the inner rounded ends.

forgewithinfire

Thanks, to Performance I go then, they do have one hell of a liberal return policy, and some pretty good sales... my LBS is kinda strict, even thought we know each other pretty well.

LeeG

I don't know what a gel person is but when I was young my prefered saddle was a Concor San Marco but as I've become heavier the Avatar provides better sit-bone comfort and the cut out MUCH relief. Whatever gel that is in the Avatar is nothing like the thick jello gel saddles that you can roll all over.