Comfortable bike seat for 80's bike
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Great White North
Posts: 1,213
Bikes: 2013 Cannondale Caad 8, 2010 Opus Fidelio, 1985 Peugeot UO14, 1999 Peugeot Dune, Sakai Select, L'Avantage, 1971 Gitane Apache Standard, 1999 Specialized Hard Rock
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 543 Post(s)
Liked 469 Times
in
299 Posts
Comfortable bike seat for 80's bike
Can anyone recommend a bike seat model or style I might look out for to use on my 80's Peugeot road bike? An upgrade I made years ago was a Fizik saddle but my old butt can't handle it anymore. I want something that fits the style/genre of the bike but gentle on the old pelvis.
I'm thinking of looking around in older bike shops in the city.
thanks
I'm thinking of looking around in older bike shops in the city.
thanks
#2
Full Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Denver CO
Posts: 234
Bikes: 2014 Fuji Cross 2.0 LE, 1993 Santana Vision, 1993 Specialized Allez Pro, 1993 Trek 930, 1985 Panasonic DX3000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 49 Post(s)
Liked 74 Times
in
55 Posts
I just picked up a 1985 Panasonic DX-3000, that came stock with a Selle Italia Anatomic saddle. In the few miles I have ridden it has been very comfy. I see them on ebay used a lot for decent prices.
#3
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Oakville, ON, Canada
Posts: 12
Bikes: 1985 Sakai Star
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Seat
Another option is to get a seat cover, not the most elegant solution but it will provide additional comfort.
#4
"part timer"
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Tidewater VA
Posts: 622
Bikes: 1975 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1978 Bertin C35, 1982 Trek 614, 1983 Trek 620, 1984 Nishiki Seral, 1995 Mercian Ko’M, 1998 Fisher HKEK, 2000 Rivendell RS, 2001 Heron Touring, 2016 Nobilette Custom
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 114 Post(s)
Liked 159 Times
in
60 Posts
Can anyone recommend a bike seat model or style I might look out for to use on my 80's Peugeot road bike? An upgrade I made years ago was a Fizik saddle but my old butt can't handle it anymore. I want something that fits the style/genre of the bike but gentle on the old pelvis.
I'm thinking of looking around in older bike shops in the city.
thanks
I'm thinking of looking around in older bike shops in the city.
thanks
Last edited by SuperLJ; 06-16-20 at 08:00 AM.
Likes For SuperLJ:
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 1,259
Bikes: Bianchi Ti Megatube; Colnago Competition; Planet-X EC-130E; Klein Pulse; Amp Research B4; Litespeed Catalyst; Trek Y11
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 596 Post(s)
Liked 476 Times
in
258 Posts
I have a San Marco Rolls on an old Bianchi, surprisingly comfortable.
#6
Senior Member
I'm not a slave to fashion when butt pain is involved. Pretty much have this on all my bikes. I can ride this saddle all day with no complaints. Comes in various styles and colors.
https://www.planetbike.com/a-r-s-cla...ke-seat-black/
https://www.planetbike.com/a-r-s-cla...ke-seat-black/
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Great White North
Posts: 1,213
Bikes: 2013 Cannondale Caad 8, 2010 Opus Fidelio, 1985 Peugeot UO14, 1999 Peugeot Dune, Sakai Select, L'Avantage, 1971 Gitane Apache Standard, 1999 Specialized Hard Rock
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 543 Post(s)
Liked 469 Times
in
299 Posts
Kernie, that does look comfortable and the bike looks great. Is that Panasonic, the same as the electronics company? I'll look around on eBay.
Fissle, I like those seats as well, simple and not expensive. Ride all day with no complaints is what I'm looking for, especially when you're just wearing a regular pair of shorts.
Fissle, I like those seats as well, simple and not expensive. Ride all day with no complaints is what I'm looking for, especially when you're just wearing a regular pair of shorts.
#8
seńor miembro
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 8,284
Bikes: '70s - '80s Campagnolo
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3846 Post(s)
Liked 6,437 Times
in
3,183 Posts
Turbo.
#9
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,640
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2597 Post(s)
Liked 1,678 Times
in
926 Posts
I’m surprised to not see the obvious comment: Everybody’s rear is different-
What’s a comfy saddle that disappears under one person is an ass-hatchet to another.
I’ve had good luck with Brooks Cambiums and Avocet Touring II.
What’s a comfy saddle that disappears under one person is an ass-hatchet to another.
I’ve had good luck with Brooks Cambiums and Avocet Touring II.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Likes For The Golden Boy:
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Great White North
Posts: 1,213
Bikes: 2013 Cannondale Caad 8, 2010 Opus Fidelio, 1985 Peugeot UO14, 1999 Peugeot Dune, Sakai Select, L'Avantage, 1971 Gitane Apache Standard, 1999 Specialized Hard Rock
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 543 Post(s)
Liked 469 Times
in
299 Posts
This is true, everyone is different and lot's of variables (age, size, body proportions, etc...) but I think it's safe to say that saddles are designed for specific purposes. A high end race bike will most likely not have a saddle that anyone would say was comfy. I'm also told the saddle should fit your sit bones and that you should have the distance between them measured to fit the right saddle.
That might be going a bit far for me but I feel I can look at a saddle and see that one would provide better comfort than another.
That might be going a bit far for me but I feel I can look at a saddle and see that one would provide better comfort than another.
#11
(rhymes with spook)
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Winslow, AR
Posts: 2,795
Bikes: '83 univega gran turismo x2, '85 schwinn super le tour,'89 miyata triple cross, '91 GT tequesta, '90 yokota grizzly peak, '94 GT backwoods, '95'ish scott tampico, '98 bonty privateer, '93 mongoose crossway 625, '98 parkpre ariel, 2k'ish giant fcr3
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 919 Post(s)
Liked 745 Times
in
546 Posts
the selle san marco that came on my '85 super le tour has been the best looking and most comfortable saddle for me that fits your criteria. i have wider seat bones, and it does the job in supporting them without perineum pressure, second to that are the avocet touring saddles of the same era. they are all made of a flexy vinyl material that moves with you like a brooks, etc and still have a judicious amount of padding. however, the san marcos, to me, looks better...cooler...sportier....racier and so on.
underneath, that may look like hard plastic, but it isn't. it's quite flexible but supportive
underneath, that may look like hard plastic, but it isn't. it's quite flexible but supportive
Last edited by thook; 06-16-20 at 11:16 AM.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Queens, NY for now...
Posts: 1,533
Bikes: 82 Lotus Unique, 86 Lotus Legend, 88 Basso Loto, 88 Basso PR, 89 Basso PR, 96 Bianchi CDI, 2013 Deda Aegis, 2019 Basso Diamante SV
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 943 Post(s)
Liked 172 Times
in
113 Posts
My father's bike has an Avocet (not sure which model), but it is super comfy. I also find the Vetta models to be quite comfortable when positioned right.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - burrrrr!
Posts: 11,672
Bikes: 1958 Rabeneick 120D, 1968 Legnano Gran Premio, 196? Torpado Professional, 2000 Marinoni Piuma
Mentioned: 210 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1370 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,743 Times
in
934 Posts
I have tried many saddles, over the years. Brooks, Italia, San Marco, Ideal, Turbo, Rolls... You can just about name it and I have tested it. Before I comment on which one is the best, or most comfortable, I must say that saddles are incredibly specific. A saddle that it perfect for me, might be the butt perch from Hades for the next person. That said and pay attention to that, this is the most comfortable saddle that I have ever used. I am looking for another one since this one will wear out, sooner or later. My butt and the Selle Italia have seen many thousands of kilo meters together...
__________________
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
#14
Bike Butcher of Portland
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,639
Bikes: It's complicated.
Mentioned: 1299 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4669 Post(s)
Liked 5,768 Times
in
2,272 Posts
"What's the most comfortable shoe?"
The one that fits.
Brooks and other saddles have been around for a century or more. Many randonneurs, tourists, and other long distance riders swear by them. A stretched leather design is the only one I know of that will break in to your posterior, but are often ass-hatchets when brand new. I've got 4 rhm releathered saddles, he uses leather that's twice as thick as what a new Brooks uses, so they tend to take longer to break in. On the plus side, they last a lot longer.
The one that fits.
Brooks and other saddles have been around for a century or more. Many randonneurs, tourists, and other long distance riders swear by them. A stretched leather design is the only one I know of that will break in to your posterior, but are often ass-hatchets when brand new. I've got 4 rhm releathered saddles, he uses leather that's twice as thick as what a new Brooks uses, so they tend to take longer to break in. On the plus side, they last a lot longer.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Great White North
Posts: 1,213
Bikes: 2013 Cannondale Caad 8, 2010 Opus Fidelio, 1985 Peugeot UO14, 1999 Peugeot Dune, Sakai Select, L'Avantage, 1971 Gitane Apache Standard, 1999 Specialized Hard Rock
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 543 Post(s)
Liked 469 Times
in
299 Posts
It's too bad all our vintage bike shows will be cancelled this summer due to COVID 19, otherwise I would probably have found most of these awesome recommendations. Oh, well I will suffer for now until I can get to them next year. I've never heard these terms before but I love them and will think of them each time I ride
"A saddle that it perfect for me, might be the butt perch from Hades for the next person"
"Ass hatchet"
"A saddle that it perfect for me, might be the butt perch from Hades for the next person"
"Ass hatchet"
#16
Senior Member
"What's the most comfortable shoe?"
The one that fits.
Brooks and other saddles have been around for a century or more. Many randonneurs, tourists, and other long distance riders swear by them. A stretched leather design is the only one I know of that will break in to your posterior, but are often ass-hatchets when brand new. I've got 4 rhm releathered saddles, he uses leather that's twice as thick as what a new Brooks uses, so they tend to take longer to break in. On the plus side, they last a lot longer.
The one that fits.
Brooks and other saddles have been around for a century or more. Many randonneurs, tourists, and other long distance riders swear by them. A stretched leather design is the only one I know of that will break in to your posterior, but are often ass-hatchets when brand new. I've got 4 rhm releathered saddles, he uses leather that's twice as thick as what a new Brooks uses, so they tend to take longer to break in. On the plus side, they last a lot longer.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Greenville, NC
Posts: 1,389
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 100 Post(s)
Liked 57 Times
in
40 Posts
Some bike shops will let you test-ride a bunch of saddles and then buy the one you like best. If you don't live near one of those shops, you might want to ask your biking friends to let you borrow theirs. The more you can try, the better.
That said, the current-production Brooks B17 Imperial seems to need very little break-in. That'd be my choice.
That said, the current-production Brooks B17 Imperial seems to need very little break-in. That'd be my choice.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,830
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 128 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4745 Post(s)
Liked 3,861 Times
in
2,510 Posts
The Terry Fly seats, while having the modern cutout,is basically the old Selle Italia seat that many pof use road and raced in the late '70s and early '80s. (II rode those seats for 20 years vut my body changed and the soft parts I could ride 150 miles on as a young man couldn't take it any more. Grooved and cutout seats were a game changer. Discovering the Fly was "oh, here is my favorite seat again - but now I can ride it comfortably!"
Except for the cutout, it doesn't look radically wrong for a vintage bike. (I believe they are made by Selle Italia (they do say "made in Italy" so the good roots are there. Very well made seats like I've cpme to expect them Selle Italia.. I have yet to have one die.)
Ben
Except for the cutout, it doesn't look radically wrong for a vintage bike. (I believe they are made by Selle Italia (they do say "made in Italy" so the good roots are there. Very well made seats like I've cpme to expect them Selle Italia.. I have yet to have one die.)
Ben
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,830
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 128 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4745 Post(s)
Liked 3,861 Times
in
2,510 Posts
Ben
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Mission Viejo
Posts: 5,772
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR400 (Flat bar commuter), 1988 Cannondale Criterium XTR, 1992 Serotta T-Max, 1995 Trek 970
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1935 Post(s)
Liked 2,150 Times
in
1,313 Posts
Brooks is always a good choice. I used one for years but went with the same saddle I have on my mountain bikes on my road bikes. I figure if it works good on a hardtail, what can pavement throw at me.
I think you need to take some measurements off a saddle that you have used and fits well enough so you can look at similar sizing for your sit bones.
As far as how soft, there is a fine line between soft foam and lack of support.
John
I think you need to take some measurements off a saddle that you have used and fits well enough so you can look at similar sizing for your sit bones.
As far as how soft, there is a fine line between soft foam and lack of support.
John
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Great White North
Posts: 1,213
Bikes: 2013 Cannondale Caad 8, 2010 Opus Fidelio, 1985 Peugeot UO14, 1999 Peugeot Dune, Sakai Select, L'Avantage, 1971 Gitane Apache Standard, 1999 Specialized Hard Rock
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 543 Post(s)
Liked 469 Times
in
299 Posts
Before I discovered Zwift 3 or 4 years ago, the cycling season ended when the season changed from Summer to Fall and didn't start back up again until the Spring and I remember those first few rides were torture but back in my "hey day" I don't recall getting saddle sore after a long ride? maybe the years have dulled my memory but it probably doesn't help that I'm about 40 or 50 lbs heavier as well.
I've been riding a lot this year starting on the trainer and then moved outside as soon as it warmed up but never seem to be comfortable anymore. Not painful, just not comfortable.
It carries over to all my bikes, despite the seat
I've been riding a lot this year starting on the trainer and then moved outside as soon as it warmed up but never seem to be comfortable anymore. Not painful, just not comfortable.
It carries over to all my bikes, despite the seat
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Medford MA
Posts: 2,091
Bikes: Ron Cooper touring, 1959 Jack Taylor 650b ladyback touring tandem, Vitus 979, Joe Bell painted Claud Butler Dalesman, Colin Laing curved tube tandem, heavily-Dilberted 1982 Trek 6xx, René Herse tandem
Mentioned: 80 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 964 Post(s)
Liked 1,450 Times
in
723 Posts
The Terry Fly seats, while having the modern cutout,is basically the old Selle Italia seat that many pof use road and raced in the late '70s and early '80s. (II rode those seats for 20 years vut my body changed and the soft parts I could ride 150 miles on as a young man couldn't take it any more. Grooved and cutout seats were a game changer. Discovering the Fly was "oh, here is my favorite seat again - but now I can ride it comfortably!"
Except for the cutout, it doesn't look radically wrong for a vintage bike. (I believe they are made by Selle Italia (they do say "made in Italy" so the good roots are there. Very well made seats like I've cpme to expect them Selle Italia.. I have yet to have one die.)
Ben
Except for the cutout, it doesn't look radically wrong for a vintage bike. (I believe they are made by Selle Italia (they do say "made in Italy" so the good roots are there. Very well made seats like I've cpme to expect them Selle Italia.. I have yet to have one die.)
Ben
__________________
Owner & co-founder, Cycles René Hubris. Unfortunately attaching questionable braze-ons to perfectly good frames since about 2015. With style.
Owner & co-founder, Cycles René Hubris. Unfortunately attaching questionable braze-ons to perfectly good frames since about 2015. With style.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Posts: 774
Bikes: Raleigh Classic 15, 84; Miyata 912, 85; Miyata Ridge Runner SE, 85; Miyata 610, 86; Miyata 100M, 86; Miyata Valley Runner, 88; Miyata Triple Cross, 89; GT Karakoram, 90; Miyata Elevation 300, 91; Marinoni Touring, 95; Long Haul Trucker, 2013
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 131 Times
in
79 Posts
I'm not too particular: I have a B17 and a couple of Cambium C17s...I like the C17 cut out version.
But, for economy, I must say Fabric's Scoop Sport Radius is pretty good.
But, for economy, I must say Fabric's Scoop Sport Radius is pretty good.
#24
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,003
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 277 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2182 Post(s)
Liked 4,526 Times
in
1,743 Posts
"What's the most comfortable shoe?"
The one that fits.
Brooks and other saddles have been around for a century or more. Many randonneurs, tourists, and other long distance riders swear by them. A stretched leather design is the only one I know of that will break in to your posterior, but are often ass-hatchets when brand new. I've got 4 rhm releathered saddles, he uses leather that's twice as thick as what a new Brooks uses, so they tend to take longer to break in. On the plus side, they last a lot longer.
The one that fits.
Brooks and other saddles have been around for a century or more. Many randonneurs, tourists, and other long distance riders swear by them. A stretched leather design is the only one I know of that will break in to your posterior, but are often ass-hatchets when brand new. I've got 4 rhm releathered saddles, he uses leather that's twice as thick as what a new Brooks uses, so they tend to take longer to break in. On the plus side, they last a lot longer.
#25
Bike Butcher of Portland
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,639
Bikes: It's complicated.
Mentioned: 1299 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4669 Post(s)
Liked 5,768 Times
in
2,272 Posts
And maybe half the lifetime...but I find that my Brooks saddles last a lot longer as my quiver has grown. None of them get more than 1000 miles a year, and they're well kept.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.