Good saddle with cut-out ?!?

pinno

Is there such a thing as a good comfy saddle?

I am on no.3 this year - prolite saddle "one word - comfort... balh blah" b*llshit

Help!

http://www.parker-international.co.uk/6 ... addle.html - any good?

gkerr4

I like the specialized toupe - I have the non-gel model and will shortly put one on all my bikes.

I think saddles are very personal but sadly it can cost a fair few quid to try a few 'til you get it right. One thing on the toupes favour is that they carry a fairly high resale price on ebay so you will get most of your money back if you decide you don't like it.

TarmacExpert

+1 for the Toupe. I had an Alias and swapped for a Toupe to save some weight. The Toupe LOOKS like a really minimalist uncomfortable saddle, but it really is very comfortable, though you are supposed to get measured to make sure you get one the right size. I knew the 143 Alias was very comfortable for me, so just got a 143 Toupe without being measured.

gkerr4

^ agreed - in fact my missus says it looks like a torture device - but it is very comfy.

alp777

I have the San Marco SKN, very comfortable.

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productdetail.asp?productcatalogue=SANMSADD575

If your having that much trouble getting the right saddle, one has to ask if your bike set up is right?

jibberjim

pinarello001 wrote:

Is there such a thing as a good comfy saddle?

I am on no.3 this year - prolite saddle "one word - comfort... balh blah" b*llshit

Help!

http://www.parker-international.co.uk/6 ... addle.html - any good?

I find the Selle Italia C2 very comfortable, but it's going to be a very personal thing, so I'm not sure telling you that is going to be much use.

See if you can find a shop that does trial saddles.

hugo30

During the last year i spent well over 500€ in saddles, the first saddle was a wtb Devo but inspite being confortable i was getting my private parts numb so if numbness was the issue i decided that i wanted a cut out saddle and then i started to read and bought a Selle SMP Glider, it was ok about the numbness but the pain was HUGE in 20+ miles rides then i went to a Selle Itallia Signo gel flow and it was also ok about the numbness but it was also painfull when i tried to do 30+ miles rides, i tried them during some rides and making some nice miles before i decided to move forward, when i was already getting furious i was recomended by a friend to try out a Fizik aliante and he borowed me his saddle and it was like if i saw the light, after a 40 mile ride i was like new and went to the store to buy one and i can't say anything but good things about this saddle, even after 50 miles rides i can still seat on it and feel no pain or numbness whatsoever so this is my recomendation, it's not ultra light it is a bit expensive but it is in a all diferent league!

andy162

+1 for Specialized perches, got Alias 143's on both bikes. Did 7 hours on Sunday with no issues. My mate recommended them to me & I haven't looked back. In general I get the feeling Specialized gear is well designed & works as it should.

Andy

StrangelyBrown

TarmacExpert wrote:

+1 for the Toupe. I had an Alias and swapped for a Toupe to save some weight. The Toupe LOOKS like a really minimalist uncomfortable saddle, but it really is very comfortable, though you are supposed to get measured to make sure you get one the right size. I knew the 143 Alias was very comfortable for me, so just got a 143 Toupe without being measured.

On the other hand I tried a Toupe and hated it - found it really uncomfortable. Now use an Alias and it is very comfortable. Never have any problem regardless of how long I am riding.

It's a personal thing.

stevenmh

torture device

my Selle SMP Evolution has been described like that a few times. Have two already - one white and one black - and am considering getting a carbon.

The saddle solved all my undercarriage issues and is extremely comfortable once you get used to it.

topdude

I tried the Selle C2, beautiful leather saddle but sadly i found it rock hard and went back to my trusty Arione.
Have you tried an Arione or Charge spoon / Knife, both are well thought of and will resell well if not suitable

joshposh

+1 for the toupe! I have this saddle on all of my bikes, even ridden it off road! In fact for mountain biking it encourages you to try harder by making you get out of the saddle.

jordan_217

+1 Toupe. Doesn't look it but it's a comfy perch.

APIII

I just swapped my toupe for the San Marco SKN. Think I'll be swapping back though

on-yer-bike

Selle SMP Glider. Before this I used a Toupe which is good but hard on the sit bones. I tried all the Fiziks and they made my parts numb. I tried a Selle Italia Flite Gel Flow and it caused internal bleeding. With Selle SMPs you have to get the angle right for you. Specialised are coming out with a new saddle which is a Toupe designed for long distance.

harkmeadow

Another one for the toupe!. Plus you can try the seat fitter at your bs to get the right width.

AidanR

If you can live with the weight penalty, try the Selle An-Anatomica Titanico. It's a leather saddle with a cut-out, but unlike a Brooks the leather is fairly soft so the effect is like sitting on a cloud - very different from any plastic saddle.

There are downsides - the cost, the fact you have to import them from the States (your cheapest bet would be eBay US), the weight at about 450g, reports of leather overstretching and rails bending (though less of an issue on road bikes). But it is unlike any other saddle out there. If you're in Edinburgh let me know and you can try out mine.

Speed_King

The toupe is deffthe saddle to have , as it has been state prior to my comment it does look very harsh and uncomfortable but let me assure you whatever version you get it will feel fab! And also the cut away area doesnt leave your bum and genital area feeling numb, a BIG plus lol

Speed_King

AidanR wrote:

If you can live with the weight penalty, try the Selle An-Anatomica Titanico. It's a leather saddle with a cut-out, but unlike a Brooks the leather is fairly soft so the effect is like sitting on a cloud )

Since when do you ever sit on clouds ??? DO we have an enlightened being among us ?

AidanR

Hey, try the saddle, then knock the simile...

Speed_King

Hi adainR sorry mate i couldnt resist i have actually tried it in my LBS, i did like it but i find the toupe fits my rear better although i got to admit the titanco is nice looking but you always stick to what you know dont you?

a_n_t

toupe on both my bikes, decent shorts help too!

sward29

I tried the Toupe and the Toupe Gel and hated both of them. Switched to an Selle Italia SLR XP and after a hundred miles breaking in period now find it the comfiest saddle I've ever used.

Steveorow

Found the Toupe ( 143 and not the GEL version ) started to get uncomfortable after 3 hours ; comfortable up to that point .
Put a Prologo Nago PAS ; has a cut out but you can get one without . No problems any more ; as others have said its personal choice and good shorts help .
If you can find a local shop that stocks Prologo they have a scheme that lets you try before you buy . You wont "forget" to return it as the loan saddles are a hideous Green colour

Anonymous

alp777 wrote:

I have the San Marco SKN, very comfortable.

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productdetail.asp?productcatalogue=SANMSADD575

If your having that much trouble getting the right saddle, one has to ask if your bike set up is right?

+1, got it in white, so it is also faster than most others.