Specialized saddles

rob39

Got the old sit bones measured (diy method :oops: ) 105mm centre to centre so specialize recommend a 143mm saddle. Looking at the Toupe and Romin saddles. Anyone using them and recommend

sadlybiggins

My bike came with a Fizik Arione which I found very uncomfortable on longer rides. I switched to a Toupe Gel at the end of last summer and find it very comfortable, especially as it has the perineal cutout. I haven't ridden it for 5 or 6 hours yet but will be ramping up the mileage shortly. On the rides I've done so far (up to about 3 hours) I haven't noticed it at all, which is a good sign. Everyone's backside is different though. Hope you find something comfortable.

MrChuck

I've done a few 100 milers on my regular Toupe and no problems at all. As above though, everyone's different so that's not necessarily a guarantee of anything at all.

mikenetic

I've cracked the undersides of three Spec Avatar saddles over the course of 18 months, they fail where the rails insert into the rear part of the body.

Not sure what the Ronin and Toupe build quality is like, but I've switched to Fiziks (I ride the Antares) and I've been very pleased with them.

The shame of it was the Avatar felt good, but the build quality was shocking.

Grill

I have 3 Toupes in 143. No quality issues with the lower end, but I prefer the Pro and S-Works as the others have too much flex for my liking.

mitchgixer6

I went through a lot of saddles trying to fin the right one. Fizik Aliante/Arione,Versus, ISM Road, ISM Podium. I finally tries the Toupe after first trying the Romin, and I get on very well with the Toupe. As mentioned everyone is different and you might not like it, but another vote for the Toupe.

FWIW I tried the gel version first but was still uncomfortable on this, I think it had too much padding.

This seems like a good price for the carbon railed version http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueProductKey.ice?ProductID=CSBC0697KK

furiousd

I have a Romin Evo and really like it. A friend has the Toupe and he really likes that. Some bike shops will let you borrow so you can try.
D

FatTed

I have both, moved from Toupe to Romin, prefer the Romin, still use the Toupe on the Trainer. Neither is perfect, still to find the one I want thought of the Fizik Kurve range not sure they are wide enough.

schofie

I also had issues with Fizik Arione on longer rides and have switched to a 143 romin. It's bloody fantastic, the one thing you notice is how it really focuses your weight onto the sit bones and not any soft surrounding tissue. If you're in doubt, buy a second hand one on here or eBay and test it out before splashing out full price.

mitchgixer6

^^^^^ Yeah good point. If you do go for the romin or Toupe then don't be put off if you get a little pain in your sit bones at first. Because they take the pressure off of the bits you're not meant to be sitting on it can take a bit of getting used to.

seanoconn

I've tried loads if saddles and the last few years, just Specialized. Been using my Romin for about 2 years now, riding at least 5 days a week and recommend it highly. It distributes the weight of your sit bones more evenly than any saddle I've owned. Don't be put off with the lack of padding, I can ride a fair few miles without padded shorts, with no discomfort and have little natural padding on my backside.

The biggest compliment I can give the Romin is that I don't notice it. If you do go the Romin route, because of its shape, level from the middle part of the saddle. You might need a mm tweak up or down if you find it hard on your sit bones at first.

I'm 12 and a half stone and haven't experienced any issues with build quality.