Cut-out saddles

Rhods
Rhods Posts: 400
edited April 2009 in Road buying advice
Hi all

Having tried and failed to get along with the Scape saddle which came with my Cube 2 months ago, I'm trying to shortlist some saddles. (I wan't expecting to get on with it as the reviews says it doesn't provide a great deal of support for anyone but the lightest riders, and I'm around 90kg!)

Since most of the discomfort is due to the fact that my perineum is having to take some of my weight, I was thinking that a "cut-out saddle" was the way to go (Unless anyone has other recommendations).

Having searched for threads, I know there are a lot out there and most of all, know that I must try them! But, I'd like to ask for suggestions so that I can at least start with a few saddles to check out, rather than trawling through the thousands out there!

(Budget is undecided - open to all suggestions as I don't think you can put a price on comfort!)

Thanks

Comments

  • mrushton
    mrushton Posts: 5,182
    There is a discussion on another thread but here are two suggestions

    selle italia pro-link gel-flow but there are other selle italia saddles that use the cut-out

    Selle Anatomica Titanico from www.mcmwin.com

    One is a shell saddle ie padding on top of a shell and the latter is a frame with leather stretched over it. It works exceedingly well and is v.comfortable.
    M.Rushton
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    I have used Selle Italia cut out saddles(max flite gel & flite gel) no real problems to report.
    Didn't make me numb. Not sure of your riding experience level but if you're sort of new to all this try to remember that there are no "perfect" saddles out there. There are many shapes, sizes, and designs all claiming to be as cushy as your living room couch(well,
    sort of). I've been riding for quite a few years and have yet to find that "living room couch" saddle. After, say, a 100 mile ride, there isn't a saddle in the world that will make you wish you were back on the bike. Good luck. Sorry I can't offer up the perfect solution.

    Dennis Noward
  • mrushton
    mrushton Posts: 5,182
    http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12616435

    Discussion of cut outs here. The Selle Anatomica will take the weight off your perineum as it moves with you. there is a video on the website www.mcmwin.com that shows this movement. Fizik and Selle Italia are trying to replicate this with their saddles
    M.Rushton
  • robby.racer
    robby.racer Posts: 11
    Selle italia Trans Am Max flight does the trick for mee but weighs a ton!. Strangely I have a Turbo gel with no cut out thats pain and numbness free- the only common feature is that also weighs a ton!
  • rollin
    rollin Posts: 26
    Specialized Toupe - I have them on all of my bikes. Love them. Overpriced but fit my arse.

    Also heard great things about SMP (full cutout).

    smpkbsz2.jpg
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    rollin wrote:
    Specialized Toupe - I have them on all of my bikes. Love them. Overpriced but fit my ars*.

    Also heard great things about SMP (full cutout).

    smpkbsz2.jpg

    I,d really like to try SMP saddles but can't bring myself to spend that much money.

    Dennis Noward
  • rollin
    rollin Posts: 26
    I can't bring myself to put something so ugly on my bike!
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    I wouldn't care if is was comfortable, and it isn't people are going to see much of it!
  • rollin
    rollin Posts: 26
    I hear you :beer: but I tried it on my bike and took it straight back to the store. I'll stick to my Toupe.
  • Pokerface
    Pokerface Posts: 7,960
    I use the Selle Italia SLR Carbon Flow saddle - VERY light and has the cut-out. It's my second one and find it immensely comfortable. Rode over 5,000 miles on it last year with no problems.

    Have tried the gel saddles in the past but they were actually LESS comfortable as they took up more space between the legs. Go figure.


    Saddles are a personal preference and sometimes it takes trying a few before you find one you like. I gave my old SLR to a friend and he loves it too!
  • John C.
    John C. Posts: 2,113
    I have the Specialised BG saddles on 2 of my bikes and I love them, I've done up to 15 hour days (200 miles) and my bum has been fine. The only time I had a problem was on The Rydale Rumble when the temperature and pace were HOT.
    Specialised also measure you for the appropriate width saddle now.
    http://www.ripon-loiterers.org.uk/

    Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
    Hills are just a matter of pace
  • Rhods
    Rhods Posts: 400
    Great

    Thanks for the recommendations - it gives me a starting point at least.

    Interesting point on the gel in the middle - Mine doesn't have loads of padding but I think the amount that is there does actually hinder.

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