Time to ask a question that hasn't been asked lately.
What is the latest and greatest concerning saddles? I've go a new bike on the way and some epic loooooong rides this coming season and I need the best seat I can get to survive them. I'm getting fitted so I'll know what width my sit bones are shortly. I'm on a 155 mm now though is it's OK.
I've been really happy with the Prologo seat with the CPC material on the cover. I can't say I notice any vibration damping from it, but seems to be a good mix of being able to move around when needed, but just enough 'friction' on the wet / sloppy days. As far as which of their seeming infinite number of shape and size combinations, can't begin to guess which shape anyone else would prefer :-)
Leather saddles are not the latest and greatest but have made a big comeback with changes to eliminate the painful break in period. Brands like Selle Anatomica and Rivet offer different models based on weight and sit bone width. Not gravel riding related, but I got a Selle Anatomica for my wife on our tandem and it made a huge difference.
I have been riding Specialized saddles for the last 5 years, I really like the Romin Pro in a 155, the Power Pro in a 155, and the Phenom Expert in a 155. That said, I finally decided to give Brooks a shot with the Brook Cambium C17 Carved, and I've only put ~100 miles on it, but I really like the feel of this saddle. *no break in or worry about rain, since its not leather (10 year warranty is cool too).
I'm a fan of Specialized's phenom. I have the 143 gel on my carbon road bike and my Diverge and a much older and more padded but with te same name on my Stumpjumper HT.
I've tried them all in the last 40 years..well, not all but you get it. I wore out a Brooks B17, bought another and didn't like it. Bought a Selle Anatomica and was sure I had received some type of Nordic torture device.
\nMy wife loved hers until the rails bent. SA fixed it but she sold it.
\nNever thought I'd hear her say "I'd like to try a Brooks" but she now has Canbium on two of her bikes.
\nI ride with Brooks B17 sport, the one with big springs, on my gravel bike (Vaya) and my 27.5 plus. Zero problems and for me, a big guy, all day comfort.
So is the Brooks the best? Or is it just as good as the others?
mr_slow wrote:I have been riding Specialized saddles for the last 5 years, I really like the Romin Pro in a 155, the Power Pro in a 155, and the Phenom Expert in a 155. That said, I finally decided to give Brooks a shot with the Brook Cambium C17 Carved, and I've only put ~100 miles on it, but I really like the feel of this saddle. *no break in or worry about rain, since its not leather (10 year warranty is cool too).
DerekJ_MI wrote:So is the Brooks the best? Or is it just as good as the others?
I have been riding it quite a lot over the last couple of weeks, and I think its pretty damn comfy. I wouldn't say its the "best", but it is different, in that it feels great when you find the right position, but I have struggled when getting out of the saddle to find that exact position again (have to adjust maybe 2 or 3 times), but once you're set, you don't move around. The only complaint I have with the fabric, it shows how much you sweat, and for whatever reason, my body likes to sweat, so there are noticeable wet spots on the fabric after a ride, but this is a very small complaint. I would recommend this saddle, but I still like riding my Romin's as well.
If I were looking again, I would do what others have suggested and find a shop that has a "rent to own" program, and test a few different ones out, but make sure whichever one you end up with, is the right width, not all sit bones are created equal.
I have been really happy with the Fabric Scoop saddle. I run the shallow elite model, but you can spend mega$$ to get lighter versions. I found the two I bought at around $50 cdn. I'll be buying another for one of my other bikes.
this is interesting. Problem is I need a 155mm saddle and everyone I see is a 142 except the ladies one.
GSPChilliwack wrote:I have been really happy with the Fabric Scoop saddle. I run the shallow elite model, but you can spend mega$$ to get lighter versions. I found the two I bought at around $50 cdn. I'll be buying another for one of my other bikes.
Unlike at least two other posters my ass hates the Specialized Phenom. It likes Selle Italia Novus and another model that I can't remember. The point is no forum can steer you to a saddle that will satisfy you. It's simply a trial and error process until you find the right one. Then I recommend you buy a spare unless it goes out of production.
babylou wrote:Unlike at least two other posters my ass hates the Specialized Phenom. It likes Selle Italia Novus and another model that I can't remember. The point is no forum can steer you to a saddle that will satisfy you. It's simply a trial and error process until you find the right one. Then I recommend you buy a spare unless it goes out of production.
I will second the, buy another if you fall in love... The Romin Pro I have is from 2013, and is amazing, every time I sit on it, its excellent. I went to buy a new one this year.... sad days, they added a layer of gel to it, and it is far from the same saddle, this was another reason I chose to try the Brooks product. And as you've said, and I've tried to say, you need to try them before getting the right one.
DerekJ_MI wrote:this is interesting. Problem is I need a 155mm saddle and everyone I see is a 142 except the ladies one.
The Fabric Cell Radius Elite is 155mm, but a different design. Might be worth a look though. Similar price point at probikekit.ca with the 30% off code.
IMHO the question can't really be answered. Everyone's anatomy, physiology, riding style, terrain, mileage etc. vary. A saddle that is optimal for one rider, will torture another. I've found that for myself, I prefer different saddles for different bikes and conditions. I've also found that specially designed saddles to relieve pressure in sensitive areas, are often ineffective for me. In short, " the latest and greatest" maybe not the direction to go in saddle selection. In my case my current saddles are the hard to find Selle Italia Flite for paved roads and hilly routes, and the the Brooks Cambium C-17. The Flyte was introduced to the market over 20 years ago. It was the first of the very light weight road saddles using Ti rails and a leather saddle cover. It was a industry game changer, and lead to many new light weight saddles. The Flyte is still the best for me. The C-17 is a Brooks non-leather saddle with a natural robber core and a treated canvas cover. It follows the design of the iconic B-17, but is weather and mud resistant, and does not require the TLC of the B-17. Ideal for GG riding. You might want to try one of these for your tush. But, try to buy them from a retailer who will allow you to return them after trying them out. For example Amazon, or Performance. As I said, while I love them, they may be awful for you.
The bottom line is that only you can determine what's comfortable and that's likely to take some experimentation. You will eventually determine what's the best width, shape (flat or curved in back, narrow or flared in the center, straight or curved front-to-back), design (groove, cut-out or neither), level of rigidity (stiff or flexible), amount and density of padding, and cover material (leather, faux leather, fabric). Armed with that knowledge, you'll be able to look at any saddle and tell right away if it has potential to work for you. Don't get hung up on "mens" vs. "womens" saddles; it's the fit that matters and nobody is going to notice or care if you're on a saddle that's marketed toward women.
Yeah, it sucks that you can't simply know what will work immediately, but that's just the way it is. It took me several years and many saddles until I found a few that work well for me. I suspect that's true for most of us here.
One suggestion: When you find a saddle that fits you well, buy spares when you catch them on sale. More than once I've had one that I really liked disappear from the market.
