Going from more to less padded saddle

wishitwasallflat
wishitwasallflat Posts: 2,927
edited August 2012 in Road buying advice
I have been using a Specialized Avatar Gel saddle for about a year now - tbh I have never felt it was that comfortable and I find it pretty awfull after my longer rides (30-50 miles). I have read a few places that as ride distances, and time spent in the saddle increase a less padded saddle actually works out to be more comfortable?

I find this hard to believe as it seems counter intuitive - does anyone have any experience of swapping a well padded saddle like the Avatar for something less padded like Toupe or Romin?

Avatar info here - http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec025562

Comments

  • lc1981
    lc1981 Posts: 820
    What you want is padding in your shorts, not the saddle. Padding on the saddle just means that more of it is in contact with your body, and as you move, it rubs and makes you saddle sore. Padding in your shorts, on the other hand, is held close to your body by the Lycra and so doesn't rub.
  • sungod
    sungod Posts: 17,536
    depends on your bum and the saddles

    my comfiest saddle is a plain carbon fibre one, i find saddles with padding less comfortable - and i tried umpteen before discovering unpadded nirvana, i really need to set up a saddle store on ebay

    the cf saddle *does* have some spring from the rail design though, which i think is what makes it work so well

    i've got narrowly-spaced sit bones and little natural padding, i seem to sink into any saddle padding which then increases pressure on the muscles, plus on wider saddles they often catch/rub

    but then i know others who hate unpadded saddles, there're no absolutes, it's about what's right for you
    my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny
  • bigpikle
    bigpikle Posts: 1,690
    agree here - moved to a Spesh Romin about 18 months ago and that felt rock hard, but is easily the most comfortable saddle I've used. Now have them on all my bikes and wont change.
    Your Past is Not Your Potential...
  • Wirral_paul
    Wirral_paul Posts: 2,476
    I've also got a Romin on my summer bike and no problem with 100 miles+ for comfort. Getting the right width for your sit bones is crucial though - so get yourself on an "Ass-O-Meter" at a Specialized stockist.
  • MattC59
    MattC59 Posts: 5,408
    I've just bought the carbon railed version of the San Marco Regal-e : http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=50504

    I was a little concerned when I bought it, as it's pretty firm, but all the reports said that the shape is great. First ride out on it, I literally didn't notice it at all. On the second ride, again, I didn't think about it and didn't notice it. Next time, I purposefully thought about the saddle, and can honestly say, it's the most comfortable saddle I've used. I didn't realise that saddles existed that wouldn't give at least some discomfort.

    I can only conclude from this, that shape is more important than the amount of padding.
    Science adjusts it’s beliefs based on what’s observed.
    Faith is the denial of observation so that Belief can be preserved
  • Mmm ... interesting stuff many thanks for the replies - it seems it is true that less padded is more comfortable.

    I have wide sit bones - measure about 160 on the assometer - and to be honest the 155m, Avatar has always felt like it may be a bit narrow. I hear tell Spesh are going to do all their saddles in four widths adding 168mm and Leasure Lakes already have Romins in stock in that size so may take the plunge. Must say I am intrigued by SQLab saddles though but the never seem to appear 2nd hand and they don't do test models ...
  • MattC59
    MattC59 Posts: 5,408
    Mmm ... interesting stuff many thanks for the replies - it seems it is true that less padded is more comfortable.

    If, the saddle is the right shape.
    Science adjusts it’s beliefs based on what’s observed.
    Faith is the denial of observation so that Belief can be preserved
  • ajb72
    ajb72 Posts: 1,178
    MattC59 wrote:
    Mmm ... interesting stuff many thanks for the replies - it seems it is true that less padded is more comfortable.

    If, the saddle is the right shape.

    He's hit the nail on the head there. Shape is everything and very personal, can you demo a few saddles form an LBS?
  • ajb72 wrote:
    can you demo a few saddles form an LBS?

    Yea good advice but unfortunately the Spesh shop is 50 miles away though (I like the idea of trying the 168mm width) and you can't get SQLab to test ... a good local lbs has fizik bull though but I'm scared to try it in case I love it at £200 :shock:
  • ajb72
    ajb72 Posts: 1,178
    ajb72 wrote:
    can you demo a few saddles form an LBS?

    Yea good advice but unfortunately the Spesh shop is 50 miles away though (I like the idea of trying the 168mm width) and you can't get SQLab to test ... a good local lbs has fizik bull though but I'm scared to try it in case I love it at £200 :shock:

    Yes, that is rather dangerous. I ended up buying a Fizik Kurve that way :wink: That said, it's so comfy it's the best money I ever spent in cycling!
  • bmxboy10
    bmxboy10 Posts: 1,958
    ajb72 wrote:
    ajb72 wrote:
    can you demo a few saddles form an LBS?

    Yea good advice but unfortunately the Spesh shop is 50 miles away though (I like the idea of trying the 168mm width) and you can't get SQLab to test ... a good local lbs has fizik bull though but I'm scared to try it in case I love it at £200 :shock:

    Yes, that is rather dangerous. I ended up buying a Fizik Kurve that way :wink: That said, it's so comfy it's the best money I ever spent in cycling!

    Where as I bought a Kurve that has no padding, hated it and went back to my brooks, also with padding as the books just fits better.....
  • MattC59 wrote:
    I've just bought the carbon railed version of the San Marco Regal-e : http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=50504

    I was a little concerned when I bought it, as it's pretty firm, but all the reports said that the shape is great. First ride out on it, I literally didn't notice it at all. On the second ride, again, I didn't think about it and didn't notice it. Next time, I purposefully thought about the saddle, and can honestly say, it's the most comfortable saddle I've used. I didn't realise that saddles existed that wouldn't give at least some discomfort.

    I can only conclude from this, that shape is more important than the amount of padding.

    Glad you’re loving the Regal-e MattC59! For such a classic saddle it’s seriously underrated when these topics come up. It’s not called the Belgian Sofa for nothing! ;-)
  • ajb72
    ajb72 Posts: 1,178
    solboy10 wrote:
    ajb72 wrote:
    ajb72 wrote:
    can you demo a few saddles form an LBS?

    Yea good advice but unfortunately the Spesh shop is 50 miles away though (I like the idea of trying the 168mm width) and you can't get SQLab to test ... a good local lbs has fizik bull though but I'm scared to try it in case I love it at £200 :shock:

    Yes, that is rather dangerous. I ended up buying a Fizik Kurve that way :wink: That said, it's so comfy it's the best money I ever spent in cycling!

    Where as I bought a Kurve that has no padding, hated it and went back to my brooks, also with padding as the books just fits better.....

    Hence the need to try before you buy………...
  • benkxk
    benkxk Posts: 151
    Easiest way to test a saddle: go into a store and ask.

    Most shops will allow you. You pay full price, but means you can return it with no questions asked.

    If you're scared of them saying no, look for a shop that does bike fit, they'll have test saddles as it will be a major part of the fit.