Saddle advise

bikeit65

A simlpe question, how do you know if your saddle is past its best.

Monty Dog

The saddle cover is worn through or it is mis-shapen and uncomfortable - crashes usually finish-off saddles rather than just general wear.

bikeit65

I think i will treat myself to a new saddle, as i am currently using the Fizik Arione which to be honest i never thought it was that comfortable, i am looking at the Specialized Toupe , i know saddles are a personal item but will this be suitable for the heavier cyclist?
How do you know which width of saddle will suit you if the LBS does'nt have the sit down measuring device or do all Specialized dealers have these.

JonBurns

I've been looking at getting a Toupe for a while (he he hee the saddle not the hair piece). Sat on the the Spcialized arse measurer thing and got the size I need. Has to be said though although it has great reviews I've gone off the plastic bits and the saddle in the LBS didn't seem to have been made with much care or attention to detail.

This has really put me off one now. I'm currently looking at the Selle Italia Flite GF which is over a tenner cheaper than the Toupe and seems so much nicer.

mavicman55

I have a Toupe' and an Alias and love them both. I couldn't find a Spesh dealer who had the arse fitting device so my shop just let me ride an Alias equipped bike around the parking lot. I'm about 80kg and they are the most comfortable saddles I've ever ridden. Here in the States, most shops will let you try a saddle for awhile if you tape the rails to prevent scratching.

OnTow

I have a Fizik Pave on the Audaxer, and it's miles more comfy than the sized gel Toupe that I have on the road bike. Maybe i'm just not suited to the Toupe, as they get rave reviews.
I decided to try a Toupe as I was getting slight numbness after 40 miles, however the backside pain is something I'd rather live without!

peterdowning

Surely it's only past its best when it becomes uncomfortable to the rider.