Which saddle?


James273, June 14, 2012

Hi, I'm rather new to road cycling I've had my specialized allez for a 3 months. I dont think the saddle is great it's a specialized one don't know which model. I was just after some recommendations for a new one!

Every ar*e is different, so whats comfy for one may be a nightmare for another, get into a bike shop and have a look at some, see if you can try any that might be on demo bikes already. Wink

Gkam84's picture

posted by Gkam84 [6458 posts] 14th June 2012 - 20:17

Don't get one with a load of padding.

Arione seems to be the general consensus here, there was exactly the same thread a few days ago

Sir Velo

Raleigh's picture

posted by Raleigh [1512 posts] 14th June 2012 - 22:21

I just upgraded my saddle and after some really good reviews on forums i went for a Charge Spoon. Under £20 so not too much of a gamble, and i have to say its brilliant. Cant say how it lasts but the general consensus seemed to be its a good place to start and not much £££ to risk.

posted by 02curtisb [40 posts] 15th June 2012 - 13:42

My occurrence of saddle sores has increased since moving to the charge spoon, although numbness has decreased. May switch to fizik.

If the bicycle was invented tomorrow, it would be seen as the solution, not the problem

posted by notfastenough [1937 posts] 15th June 2012 - 15:18

I had a pro fitment at a high-end shop (the fitment cost me like $200 USD Surprise ) and they let me try a few saddles. They put the Fi*Zik (or however it's abbreviated) Arione on first, presumably because it's the most popular. It was OK at first but after only about 10 minutes on the trainer I knew it wasn't right for me... too much pressure "down the middle" if you know what I mean. Swapped to a Selle Italia Flite Gel and I knew we had a winner. Couldn't be happier (well, maybe they could improve the price a bit!)

I had the opportunity to meet a lot of the pros at the big Philly bike race and I noticed probably half the peloton were riding one of those two saddles, or a strikingly similar model from Selle Italia or Fi*Zik.

I'd say find a shop that lets you try out their saddles for a while (they offered me 6 weeks to try it out, and swap the saddle out at no cost as long as it wasn't ripped or torn). Like complete bike purchases, it's often better to pay more from a shop that supports you in that way when you look at the long-term benefits.

posted by TheBigMong [202 posts] 15th June 2012 - 16:27

Call me an old cynic but......

is there any such thing as a comfy saddle.....really????

My ar*s ends up numb whatever saddle I try! Smile

old enough to know better!

posted by swansfan [17 posts] 15th June 2012 - 23:08

fizik arione!

posted by russyparkin [443 posts] 15th June 2012 - 23:21

fizik aliante or a charge spoon. prologo scratch works
fairly well too

still on the 3rd switch-back of Bwlch !

posted by therevokid [442 posts] 16th June 2012 - 11:36

I have tried quite a few and always gone back to Brooks leather saddles. I'll grant even the raciest titanium ones look slightly odd on a modern road bike, but as long as it's comfortable....

posted by Vercors [30 posts] 16th June 2012 - 22:46

I use a charge spoon on my mtb and is very similar (perhaps slightly less padding) than the one on my allez. We won't even go there on the one on my tarmac as that is a razor blade but I find it very comfy.

Not sure if its still on but spesh had a money back guarantee on comfort from their saddles if you went and got measured up at a concept store. Might be worth looking at doing.

posted by Super Domestique [1084 posts] 17th June 2012 - 11:47

Specialised also have demo saddles you can try out for a week or 2, which is nice...
Some of the top ones get good reviews
Lots seem to like spoons, not for me though - as prev post =sores, have an Arione which is ok, not for too far though, quite like my rolls ti, firm but fair...

posted by jengy [56 posts] 17th June 2012 - 20:59

02curtisb wrote:
I just upgraded my saddle and after some really good reviews on forums i went for a Charge Spoon. Under £20 so not too much of a gamble, and i have to say its brilliant. Cant say how it lasts but the general consensus seemed to be its a good place to start and not much £££ to risk.

Ive not tried a Charge Spoon but know lots of people that swear by them and have them on very expensive bikes (mtb & road) definately worth a punt!

posted by antozzi48 [9 posts] 17th June 2012 - 21:30

I agree with 02curtisb Charge spoon every time,and mine lasted pretty well. Just about to purchase another for a new bike.

Skardy's picture

posted by Skardy [91 posts] 17th June 2012 - 21:56

Brookes titanium rail Swift, last for ever, 120g weight cost over one of the standard racing saddles from the major companies. Expensive, but you'll save money in the long run, buying and selling "this years comfiest saddle ever".

posted by thefatcyclist [514 posts] 17th June 2012 - 21:59

My concern for the OP would be that if his allez has the same saddle as my allez then the Spoon might not suit him. They are mighty similar. For me, that means both are comfy.

posted by Super Domestique [1084 posts] 17th June 2012 - 22:03

Which saddle is up to you. All I'd suggest is find out if any bike shop near you has a saddle 'test service'.

Many saddle makers, definitely fizik and selle italia, have a test saddle scheme with retailers in each area. You get the saddle for a small safety deposit, ride with it for anything from a few hours to a couple of weeks, and then buy if it suits your bottom. Seems like a much better option than going by feedback on a forum!

Warning: Test saddles come in weird colours ranging from bright pink and blue to orange. The nice LBS guy (London Cycle Workshop near Clapham Jn, if you must know) encouraged me to ride my upcoming sportive (Ronde Vlaanderen) with one when I went in to buy. My ego wouldn't let me ride with a pink saddle Confused

~rbx

rbx's picture

posted by rbx [242 posts] 19th June 2012 - 0:40