Saddle choice

SME
SME Posts: 348
edited May 2016 in Road buying advice
Last year I done my first London to Brighton, for Cancer Research, on a Carrera with an SDG Bel Air saddle (I didn't get on with the OEM saddle). With the commute and a slight error (missing a turn point) I ended up doing 70 miles and felt quite comfortable (enough to have signed up again this year, this time for a 'there and back'!).

I bought a Trek Domane recently - the Halfords bike is now a winter/commuter steed. Despite the hype about the isospeed decoupler I find the Bontrager saddle not quite as good as the SDG and have considered another saddle.

I have pondered on another SDG, but have also heard that the Specialised Romin Evo Expert Gel saddle is meant to be quite good and I'm wondering if I should give this one a try?

Has anyone got experience of the Romin...?

Any thoughts on either choice?
Cheers,
Steve

Comments

  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    Someone else's experience of the Romin will not be relevant to you. If you like the Bel Air, then get one of those...
  • hsiaolc
    hsiaolc Posts: 492
    I agree with poster above. If you liked it so much then why not stick with it?

    Or find something very similar.
  • bikes`n`guns
    bikes`n`guns Posts: 959
    I have a domane and ended up with the paradigm rxxxl

    Very comfy and weighs bugger all.
    Trek,,,, too cool for school ,, apparently
  • kajjal
    kajjal Posts: 3,380
    Start by measuring your sit bones to get an idea of what width saddle you need. The saddle on my Trek was too narrow and sore after about an hour.
  • northpole
    northpole Posts: 1,499
    I have the romin evo expert and find it pretty good.

    If you are within striking distance of a Spesh dealer I think they offer loaners to try out plus they will assess your sit bone width and the most appropriate width to suit you.

    Worth a try if you don't get on with your new saddle. If you find it's not for you, you should be able to return it for little or no cost. Ne prepared for a wider search off and on - possibly ending up with your original saddle!

    Peter
  • SME
    SME Posts: 348
    Thanks for the replies. I appreciate that what fits one person may not be the same for others, but it's a starting point. Yes, the SDG fits me ok, but have you never wondered if some aspect can just he tweaked just a little bit better?

    Thanks for the idea of sit bone measurement - just Googled that (cardboard and a piece of chalk!!!).

    Thanks, Peter. There's a Specialised dealer near where I skate so I'll talk to them. And maybe go around the corner to Evans and tty out a RXXXL.

    Thanks people,
    Steve
  • thepeginator
    thepeginator Posts: 147
    Saddles, along with - in particular - shoes, are one of those things where going to a shop and getting measure and/or trying a demo model before you comit.

    My LBS let me buy a saddle and then exchange it against a different one if i didn't like it - also worth asking about.
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    FWIW. I went from a narrow saddle(134 mm - with cutout) to a slightly wider(145 mm - with cutout) and found a better level of comfort. However, don't think that you will find one as comfortable as the sofa in your house. It's still only a bike saddle with it's own limitations.
  • SME
    SME Posts: 348
    Just an update...

    I had a sitbone measurement and was recommended a 148mm wide saddle.

    So I've opted for a Bontrager Paradigm RL. This saddle has slightly less padding than the original supplied saddle - the first few miles can be... 'felt'(!) a little, not uncomfortable, just a little stiffer than the original saddle. But after a few miles I forget I'm even sitting on a saddle!

    I was also surprised how light it feels - apparently the main part is made from carbon fiber, which probably aids in the comfort, being flexible.

    Haven't done longer than a 45 mile long ride on it yet, but really can't foresee any problems (I have got the option to change it/refund up to 30 days, but don't believe I'll be needing it!).

    Overall, well impressed, and glad I sought help from these forums and made the change.

    Thanks all,
    Steve

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