Suggestions for a new saddle?
 

Now that warmer weather is here, and I’m in a new city with longer bike trails, I’m putting more miles on my bike. It’s mostly weekends now that I work a desk job M-F.

I used to ride a little every day, but I don’t think that’s gonna happen now. This weekend I logged more miles than usual and those 2 little spots under my sitbones feel sore, bruised.

I’m on the stock Jamis saddle which is pretty narrow. I’m thinking I might try something wider, maybe a Brooks B17 or Selle Anatomica. I’m wondering if only riding weekends is gonna take too long to break in the Brooks? Any thoughts or other suggestions?

Thanks!

Oh yeah, I ride a steel frame road bike, on paved trails. I ride on the hoods a lot, not so much on the drops.

I like the old school Selle Italia Turbo saddle for almost everything ---- the rounded profile is nice compared to the angular shells on a lot of modern saddles --- But that said, I also tried a Specialized Power saddle on one of my road bikes on the advise of my LBS's staff --- its great - If I had the budget, id have several of these

But saddle choice being highly individual, id try to visit a Specialized dealer if any are in your area and see if you can demo a saddle or two

I was at Brooks B-17 fan for years but I tried to selle anatomica I like it a lot better. A little softer and springer. I just got the r2 rubberized version going to try it too. But as it is with saddles your results may vary

My experience with the B17 is that a generous initial application of Obenauf's leather preservative, top and bottom (after using all the proofide on there) softens a Brooks saddle nicely.
That said, don't count out your old saddle unless you're noticing more troubling symptoms of poor fit. I get the bruised feeling on a B17 after longer rides too.

Thanks guys I’ll keep that all in mind. It may just be that I’ve been sitting at a desk all winter.

As already said, saddles are very personal. I am personally really liking my Terry Liberator. Good price and works well for my riding.

I’ll check out the local shops this week and see if any them do saddle fitting or have an exchange program.

Don’t have much to add besides *not* the specialized power. It’s a favorite amongst racers but it’s probably not a good fit based on your requirements. If you walk into a bike shop and just say “give me a good saddle” they might suggest that.

I tried to talk some people out of buying the Power when they say they have a more upright riding position, but others have said it works for them even when not racing. I suppose the flatter profile is more pleasing to some tushes.

OP: some things you can do for free before spending money on a new saddle is to make sure you are giving your butt periodic breaks. Stand up and pedal for 10-60 seconds every 10-20 minutes. Get off the bike and stretch or walk around. Your sit bones may grow accustomed to the load after a few rides also. It's normal to feel a bit of pain when you first start riding longer. If you're already doing those things, then a new saddle may be just the ticket to comfort.

WTB saddles

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...22fac154c3.jpg

I like the Fizik Arione but it's an expensive saddle. When mine broke and I decided I couldn't afford to replace it a friend suggested Fabric. They make their saddles in a differing widths and profiles (flat, shallow and radius) to suit different riding styles. They also do four different rails on them. I went for a Line Elite Shallow and I've found it to be very good. So I got a Scoop Elite Shallow for the other bike - also good but I think I prefer the Line.

My bike came with a bottom end Selle San Marco saddle and it has to be the worst saddle I've ever sat upon.

I went through a number of saddles in the search for the one that worked best for me. The B17 was one of the best, and I’ll be putting one on a Raleigh International I’m building up. But the saddle that has become my “go-to” is the WTB Pure V. I use that on three of my bikes.

Been riding a Sella Anatomica H2 on my road bike since last spring and it is the most comfortable saddle I've ridden. Just got an R2 for my gravel bike. Rode it yesterday for the first time and it feels pretty good though not as good as my H2. It may need a little more time to break in.

i ride predominately on the hoods and with my back at an approximate 45 degree angle--- classic rando type position- and the power works well for me there --- but it should be noted that i have a clydesdale physique and body type and size can also play into what saddle makes a person happy

MTB speed V...cheap and super comfy for me. Irwv ofc

Now you have me a little worried on R2 I ordered. Won't be home to pick it up for about a week. Maybe better bring my H2 along on road too till I try R2 out. Couldn't find nothing for a review on the R2.

My two favorite choices. That said, I’m riding a B17 now. Been pain free since the second day on it. Doing a century in 2 weeks. It’s really good!
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4e86fa404.jpeg

Many already mentioned, but for saddles, these are my picks:

Brooks
Special Ed Body Geometry
Terry
WTB
Charge Spoon for cheap backup

Flat and Firm
 

I'd be careful about the WTB or Terry saddles, as they often add unnecessary padding.

For me and my butt, the trick(s) are flat sit bone area (that means flat in the cross-wise direction, not cupped and not arched), flat sit bone area fore-and-aft, and firm (either with no padding or minimal padding). Also, there's narrow, but I can tolerate a bit of width if the rest is correct. A Brooks B-17 or equivalent is about as wide as I like to go. I like the older B17N.

After riding for now nearly 50 years, my butt is pretty well conditioned to ride on anything. That is, as long as the saddle is properly positioned, and pitched to flat on the sit area. I don't require special padding or any such thing in my shorts or tights, mostly a bit of moisture wicking and some airflow. Tri-shorts are a nice compromise.

The OP might like the Brooks. The modern production ones have flimsy (pretty thin) leather that breaks in quickly. I don't prefer them (modern ones) for that reason alone. Of course, the OP didn't share the bike type or saddle to handlebar drop, which would've been helpful...

My LBS has a large pile of takeoff saddles, taken from new bikes when the purchaser would want a larger 'comfort' seat. They let me have all i want, either cheap ($10) or free, depending on how many of any type are there. These are nice higher end saddles from Fabric, WTB and more. I get to try all sorts of profiles for as long as I want and have a nice selection at home now. You may try this as well before splashing out on some $80+ saddle based on a stranger's advice.

Nice

If it's sore sit bones, that is a fitness issue, not an equipment issue. If your sit bones are sore, you need more saddle time. If your "nether regions" are abraded/raw, or you have saddle sores, or you have perineal numbness, that could be a either a saddle issue or it could be a fit issue.

Okay thanks. I wondered if it was just my butt feeling the effects from sitting at a desk all winter, for the first time in my life. I’m 49 and I’m never had a desk job before, I’ve always worked on my feet.

I do feel great everywhere else, it’s just sore sit bones. I am getting exercise, but I’ve had almost zero saddle time this winter.

Could you please explain how you think minimal padding or no padding increases comfort for you? Thanks a bunch!!

Briefly, cushioning on a saddle both compresses and expands. As you sit on a soft saddle and sink in, the padding pushes back on the softer parts, potentially causing saddle sores and/or numbness.