Road saddles

dave_s

I'm looking for a lightish road saddle which is very comfortable on long rides (60miles +)
Currently I've got a Specialized Avatar Gel saddle but I think I bought the one which is too narrow for me really at 130mm.

Any recommendations for comfy all-day saddles.
Weight isn't really a huge issue but I'm used to riding MTBs with a WTB Pwer V DH saddle on which is very comfy but would be out of place ond quite heavy on my racer.

I had looked at some Selle Italia XO saddles online but I'm not sure if these are comfortable or not.

baudman

fi'zi:k Arione.

Just an awesome piece of Italian goodness.

dave_s

Looks superb, might see if I can test one out because at around £75 for the cheapest model it's too expensive to get wrong.

baudman

[cough, cough] eBay [cough]

fluff.

dave_s wrote:

Currently I've got a Specialized Avatar Gel saddle but I think I bought the one which is too narrow for me really at 130mm.

Arione's are quite narrow at the back end as well, the Aliante might be worth a look if the Arione doesn't suit, even pricier though. My fave all day saddle is an ancient Turbomatic 2, not made any more but the similarly shaped Rolls saddles are.

richardjallen

Both PlanetX and Outland do a saddle that is the same shape as an Arione for about £20. I have the PX one and it is very comfortable, I would only swap it for the real thing. I don't think it does the wingflex thing but the shape seems to be a big factor in comfort so its possible to try out the shape cheaply with either of those.

Monty Dog

Try a few types if possible - the Arione initially feels a bit firm, but because of the large saddle are, distributes the pressure pretty well. The Aliante is a nice saddle, but offers only one, very comfortable position. The XO is pretty basic in comparison. If you want something a bit broader, then the aforementioned Rolls, a Turbomatic or a Prolink might fit your bill.

gboothroyd

I've got an Arione on the Colnago, but I'm not convinced it's really worth all the cash. Most of my other bikes have the trusty old San Marco Rolls classic, and they're fine - even on century rides. OK the Rolls isn't a real lightweight, but if it was good enough for Mario Cipollini, it's good enough for me, and it won't break the bank.

Best bet is to find a good bike shop where they let you hire out saddles for a road test. Like helmets, saddles are a very personal thing. Good luck.

tom_walsh

At the risk of sounding old fashioned - try Brookes leather saddles, they mould to your shape and are very comfortable. Honest!

acorn_user

Brooks Team Pro. Who cares about the weight of saddles anyway?

gavintc

Spec Toupe - the best I have used.

Gav2000

I have a San Marco Regal and have just ordered another for a 2nd bike. It has a real leather cover which I like as it soaks up sweat and is only about £30.

Ashley_R

Have Fizik Arione's on me road bikes, really pleased with their comfort, bought a timetrialbike from Planet X recently, their Arione look-a-like fitted, comfort seems fine albeit I'm only riding it for shorter distances

McBain_v1

Selle Italia SLK Gel Flo

Selle Italia SLK Ti

Selle Italia Thoork - haven't got one (yet) but it looks good

Stuww

I commute 100 miles a week and was suffering from pins and needles in the twig and berries!!! :roll:

I'm now on my 4th saddle in 9 months, but I think at last I've got a comfy one.

It's a Selle SMP Strike TRK and I got it of Ebay for about £18.

Not sure how much it weighs etc but I highly recommend it for comfort, plus I'm 6'1"
and 18 stone so I think its proved to be quite strong!!

Regards

Stu

SteveR_100Milers

dave_s wrote:

I'm looking for a lightish road saddle which is very comfortable on long rides (60miles +)
Currently I've got a Specialized Avatar Gel saddle but I think I bought the one which is too narrow for me really at 130mm.
Any recommendations for comfy all-day saddles.
Weight isn't really a huge issue but I'm used to riding MTBs with a WTB Pwer V DH saddle on which is very comfy but would be out of place ond quite heavy on my racer.

I had looked at some Selle Italia XO saddles online but I'm not sure if these are comfortable or not.

so why not buy one that is the correct width. This makes a HUGE difference to comfort. You should have used the spesh "test" seat to establish the width of the seat bones, and then bought the correct width, which your LBS can do. Saddles are highly personal, I'm afraid (from experience) that no advice helps, other than find an LBS who will let you try before you buy, otherwise you'll spend a fair wad looking for the right one.

alfablue

I used the "assometer" in the shop, the shop guys told me that 90% of people need the 143 (i.e. middle sized) Avatar/Alias saddles. I'm happy with mine.

jackfeeder

I have the 143 width and it's very comfy - when I first sat on it I thought it would be a nightmare, I was used to MTB saddles but on the road now it's great.

feno46

Stuww wrote:

I commute 100 miles a week and was suffering from pins and needles in the twig and berries!!! :roll:

I'm now on my 4th saddle in 9 months, but I think at last I've got a comfy one.

It's a Selle SMP Strike TRK and I got it of Ebay for about £18.

Not sure how much it weighs etc but I highly recommend it for comfort, plus I'm 6'1"
and 18 stone so I think its proved to be quite strong!!

Regards

Stu

I too changed my saddle today from a selle Italia xo for a Selle Strike TRK and it seems to be the one.

Nice gap right down the middle for you know what and the nose droops so you can get in the drops comfortably and also you dont catch your shorts on the nose.

Pete.

formerlyknownasbonj

baudman wrote:

[cough, cough] eBay [cough]

i got my fizik arione for £30.