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Hi All
I am making my return to mountain biking after a 5-year break and having dusted off the bike and doing a casual 12mile ride my bum is paying the price the following day. I know it's just that my body is not use to it anymore and will improve however.
I am thinking about investing in a new saddle as I remember my existing one was ok but never that comfortable on anything over 20mile rides.
How do you go about buying a saddle that actually fits you and you know is the right choice. I can't see sitting on a few for 10 minutes in a shop is going to be anymore beneficial than just picking one from the reviews of Singletrack!
Any advise would be much appreciated.
Thanks Popeye
Imo a decent padded liner is as important as a decent saddle. I think it's Specialized who have a measuring service for their different width sized saddles. A heavily padded saddle does not mean more comfort, in fact minimalist can be often the way to go. I believe some sort of hiring system exists but not sure who or where.
Another option would be to check out Classifieds.
http://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/175881-buyers-guide-cycling-saddles-11-best
I think possibly some bike shops will let you borrow.
Default answer is definitely charge spoon/ Madison flux. But as said above, a good padded liner is worth its weight in gold.
Fizik Gobi on both my bikes, Santini bib shorts, Bristol Buttr chamois cream - mmm comfy bum
I just by whatever saddles come along at the right price.
After 30 miles the old flite has me standing and giving my arse a rest every few minutes for the next 10 miles or so. a charge spoon is slightly better.
I bought a WTB Devo, well it was cheap, it's hard as hell but I can ride
50 miles and no arse ache at all, clearly it's the saddle for me.
Changed my old WTB a while back and went for the Madison Flux, quite simply the most comfortable saddle I've had. All day rides and it only just starts to chew a little.
well worth £20
Measure your arse...You can feel where the bone of the pelvis is, and you need an approximate measure of that distance. Then you can quickly see saddles that are going to be too wide or too narrow. Now do you generally lean forwards or sit upright, which should give you an idea if you could benefit from a cut-out, Also consider whether you prefer a flat or "hammock" shaped seat.
padded shorts are also a good investment
ISM Adamo Peak if you value yer junk
By a process of elimination I have Charge Spoons on my MTBs and wear padded pants most rides. My bot has limited padding of it's own, so I'm quite sensitive to poor saddles....
pickle - MemberChanged my old WTB a while back and went for the Madison Flux, quite simply the most comfortable saddle I've had.
That just shows what a personal thing picking a comfortable saddle is.
I bought a Charge Spoon for a new build after all the good things I had heard about them (same as the Flux, I believe).
Funnily enough, I could have used an old WTB saddle I had used for years, but the nose was ripped & it was very tatty.
The Charge Spoon felt so uncomfortable; easily the worst saddle I had ever used. I persevered for a few months, but ended up swapping it for the old WTB that was sitting forlornly on the shelf & instant comfort restored.
This really is one of the most subjective subjects on STW.
There's plenty of options out there at good prices.
Charge Spoon / Madison Flux always get a lot of love here (i think because of the price as much as anything)
I personally run Fabric Scoops with different padding thickness's for my MTB and road bikes
Specialized saddles are also good value IMO and they do the different widths to find what suits you