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Need to be deliverable at the moment and not too expensive. OH has stolen my old T-130. I'm pretty minimalist and don't really suffer from saddles but non of my saddles are even close in shape so what's the hive say. [Nearly no internet so may have to check back sporadically - doesn't mean I posted and ran]
I'm not a woman, so I don't have direct experience, but a work mate has one of the IXS split ones, and swears by it...
Holy smoke £120 ... seems a lot if she doesn't keep it up and she'd possibly not like the split thing? From what I understand its her actual sit bones that are tender .. though to be fair her bum is new to cycling and because I don't suffer my saddles tend to be a bit random based on sales. I've got a Antares carbon rails (came with a frame) and a NP Neutron cost me £10 and I honestly can't tell the difference on my arse... obviously on the scales they are easy to tell apart.
When Micro goes out on is balance bike I take my wifes Trek as the bars are narrower and it has a shorter wheel base than my bikes so is easier to manouver on tight paths and gates.
The Bontrager Evoke 1.5 WSD is pretty comfy.
On a budget, I would measure her sit bones. Then look for the cheapest Specialized that comes in the correct width. Without being able to try a few I don't have a better plan. There really isn't a straightforward answer. We are all different.
Theres loads of internet guides to measuring sit bones.
My favourite saddle (despite being a man):
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/selle-italia-slr-lady-flow-saddle/rp-prod120545
The brand x cut out saddles from crc are amazingly comfortable... I actually use the female specific version and have done for the last year. Nothing else comes close and I've used most bontrager, spesh, fabric.. Some ergon ones and even old favourites like bel airs etc
Best thing is.. They're cheap as chips too
It's all very personal, what works for one person might not work for another. You are better advised to make sure the bike set up and saddle position are correct, that is a more likely source of any issues. I really like the Terry saddles but they come from US so take a bit longer.
I’ve got a brand new one in the garage we never fitted. If you’re interested I’ll take some photos?
The wife likes a Charge Ladle. Given how ubiquitous the spoon is for men, seems reasonable the ladies version would be OK. Not too pricey either
Don't Fabric offer a 30-day like it or your money back?
Mrs_oab has had a WTB ladies for many years that was 'ok'. It's noticeable that both her new bikes have Giant branded ladies saddles on, and apart from a tilt adjust, she hasn't complained once about them...
Mrs Lunge uses the Brand X cut out saddle.
It’s dirt cheap and suits her backside. Might be worth trying.
Planet X had the Pro Turnix (sp?) carbon on offer recently. It's a firm, roadie style rather than a squishy job like the Selle Italia Diva-type saddles.
The missus has one on her roadie and likes it a lot.
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/SAPRTUCW/pro-turnix-womens-carbon-saddle
As hels and others say it's a personal thing but at the moment it's also new cycling bum thing.
Being honest.. it's also a bit showing I'm happy to buy a new saddle for her... but also someone who won't listen to me or Jnr. [imagine it's like teaching a spouse to drive] so ultimately this could just be a stopgap. I do realise some people need to be really fussy with saddles but I don't so ???? At the moment it's 1/2hr max at about 5km/h... and me and Jnr keep encouraging her to put the saddle up ... (hardly helping but slowly slowly) and obviously new saddle bum time as well.
The ladle's do seem very popular but also seem "unavailable" at the moment.
Brand-X seems like a good shot though... and I need to order more sealant so it makes up free delivery so might give one a shot anyway.
@colp ... yeah let me know... our internet is misbehaving so easier if you post or email than PM me... I'll try and pm you with my email
Mrsbeanz has been using Specialised body geometry saddals for years with no problems. She may have a spare .
The wife likes a Charge Ladle
my wifes choice too on both road and off road.
Liv contact saddle in various guises has has the seal of approval from my wife.
Get her to measure her sit bones for a start.
Then buy something with the right width and length. Then it depends on what her “anatomy” is like downstairs, ahem, as to what she finds comfortable. You may have to buy more than one saddle.
Saddle height makes a massive difference too.
This may be of help
