Saddle recommendations...
 

Hi All

I am training for an the Taupo Ironman 70.3 this December, and will be doing the bike leg on a Trek Speed Concept 7, circa 2012 vintage. Have never been comfortable on aero bars, but have decided that this will be the way to go on the day so am putting the training in on this machine.

I also, don't find the stock saddle comfortable at all, and am wanting to replace it. My other bikes are fitted with Brooks saddles, but cant really see these working for me for circa 3 hours on aeros.

Any advice on the best type of saddle to go for would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Carlton

For me it's ISM saddle all the way (https://ismseat.com). I started with a Selle Italia with padded nose but the first day I tried my ISM Adamo Time Trial saddle, I knew there was no going back. The Adamo Time Trial is now replaced by the PS 1.0 I think.

Having said that, you can't choose a saddle based on reviews from other. Confort is something personal and what's good for my sensible areas is not necessarily good for yours. My best advice is to try different saddles.

Concur with fraba. But...it could simply be a matter of adjustment. The Brooks saddles that you like on your other bikes might work in the aero position with a simple adjustment of height and/or tilt. Just a thought.

Dan

Noseless is the only answer. The catch is, even noseless saddles are pretty particular to the rider, and none of them are especially cheap. ISM has a starter guide. I ended up with a PN 1.1 (partially due to the expense,) which might not be perfect, but it absolutely serves me for 3-4 hours.

probably plastic covered since you will put your wet from swimming back side on it..

Fizik Is a maker of professional race bike saddles and they use a synthetic cover..

but I'm not going to sit on any saddle I have been OK with, with your hips..







...

Thanks... I did just buy an ISM PN2.1 on our NZ auction site a couple of days ago. Hopefully it will work out.

Note that you have to be patient. At the beginning, you may feel uncomfortable. It is because the saddle does not support your body the same way as more standard saddles do. The "nose" of the saddle is wider and support wider in order to relieve the soft tissues.

Also follow carefully the instruction about the positioning. Even some LBS do not know that it has to be positioned further back compared to a standard saddle. And a bit lower also.

I'm in the market for a new tri saddle too. Posting to watch this thread.

Thanks

I definitely recommend trying ISM . I struggled with this for years until I got on a split nose!

fizik saddle are a great option

I have an Avenir saddle that I like. It took me a long time to find it but it works for me. I found that tilt angle was more important than the actual saddle in my case. I'm female. (because that really matters.)