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What kind of saddle do you have?
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Hi there,
I have a Serfas saddle on my bike and it really isn't comfy.
As my ride goes on, I find it I'm favouring staying out of the saddle ha ha
What's comfy out there? The king jewls needs it
Cheers robbie
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You need one that is right for you. No point using something that is comfy for someone else.
Go to a specialised shop, they have a pad that you can sit on and it measures the shape of your arse and then they reccomend from there. The sadles are pretty reasonably priced also. However on the flip side one you know whether you need a 135mm wide or a 155mm wide saddle you can shop around based on that.
Now that's what I need, where is that shop?
your local specialized shop, where ever that may be.
I used to run some harder (next to no padding) fizik saddles (tundra) but have now migrated to the gobi! I've had two now and think there're well built and hard wearing but also comfortable. I think fizik have different designs (varying saddle widths) to increase their appeal. worth taking a look at IMHO..
With the regular posters on here everyone has a favourite my 2 bobs .. I like the wtb rocket V , but am getting used to the saddle that came on my Scott Genius haven't swapped it out yet it must be my comfy knicks I wearing under my board shorts
Some of the better bike shops have test saddles that you can try. Put it on your bike for a week and if it don't suit you ass try a different one.
If you do go this way look after the shop and buy your saddle from them. If they spend the time and money looking after you by having the gear you need than you should look after them. Good karma anyway.
Just be aware that the Assometer is not infallible, it is a rough guide only.
The bones that support you on a saddle are not what this device measures, so there are some anatomical assumptions built in that are not always accurate.
The try before you buy part of the service is more valuable IMO.
I got a good result with my roadie but find their saddles too wide in the back for off road use. I get the inside of my legs covered in bruises from sliding back and off if the saddle is wider than 135mm, but the Spesh units recommended for me start at 143mm.
Might not be an issue for you.
As has been said several times already, you really need to try several saddles before committing as everybody's bum is different and there are literally hundreds of saddles on the market. Riding style may also play a part. Whether you ask your LBS or a mate who has a spare saddle, there is no replacement for seat time.
I have two bikes, one hardtail MTB and one flat bar roadie. Both are Scotts and both came with the same small, flat and hard saddle. Only difference was one white and one black. On both bikes those standard saddles might as well have been razor blades. Also very uncomfortable in a really sensitive place
Partly because I was sitting either side of the saddle rather than on it (too narrow) and partly because being perfectly flat they didn't accommodate the human form very well.
Point being, a while ago I put a WTB SpeedV on the MTB and I love it. Not much wider than the OEM Scott, but wide enough. Edges are more square rather than the heavily rounded OEM Scott. Also a bit of padding which helps on the hardtail and it is slightly sculpted to accommodate the sensitive bits. Great saddle for me.
However, last week I finally got sick of the OEM saddle on the roadie (mainly used on the trainer so only 30-40 minutes at a time rather than the hours I spend on the MTB) and went to my LBS and just asked for a WTB SpeedV. Worked on the MTB so how could I go wrong?
Well the OEM Scott was fairly narrow for most of its length, but the WTB is more of a standard triangle. In the couple of roadie rides since, I have noticed that the extra width along the nose of the WTB is a bit annoying as it rubs on the inside of my legs at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Never noticed it on the MTB as I'm up and down and moving around a fair bit. On the roadie I don't move around too much other than the occasional steep hill so the legs just drive up and down for an hour or so.
So same saddle, same body, different outcomes. The moral of the story is try before you buy even if you think you know what you want.
but are you wearing proper cycle shorts?
Like others have said, you won't get the answer you need on a forum. Trial and error is the answer. It isn't a big deal to swap saddles with a mate for a ride.
Is your saddle at the right height, straight....and does the nose point up/down or flat?
There are hundreds of saddles to choose from, but there is really only a dozen or so that get a lot of love from threads like this . A not exhaustive list is Selle SMP's, Selle Italia SLR, Specialized phenom, fizik Anteres, gobi, wtb Rocket v, Brooke's saddles
Saddles like the SMPs and SLR are best for people who get serious perineal problems, moderate problems plus need to get behind the saddle : spesh phenom et al, Sore ass generally: one of the others
My saddle sits pretty horizontal.
Yeah I wear fox baggies
Ok I guess I'm saddle shopping on Saturday
good bike shops SOR?
I'm in canning vale