Saddle Recommendation for Road Bike?
#26
Senior Member
I came back to biking at 235-240 & 5' 7". The actual size of one's butt is quite different from the width of the sit-bones. Big butt doesn't necessarily mean wide saddle.
For saddles, what part of you hurts? If you're a new rider, you have to break in your butt. If you've got specific complaints, let us know. That would help recommend something that would solve your problem(s).
For 35 mile rides, I strongly recommend bike shorts or thin shorts over liners. A lot of vendors make big shorts. Aerotech Designs promotes themselves to big men - good stuff at reasonable prices. In addition to Kucharik, Boure, Jandd, Pearl Izumi, Bontrager, etc. make shorts that are likely to fit you.
For saddles, what part of you hurts? If you're a new rider, you have to break in your butt. If you've got specific complaints, let us know. That would help recommend something that would solve your problem(s).
For 35 mile rides, I strongly recommend bike shorts or thin shorts over liners. A lot of vendors make big shorts. Aerotech Designs promotes themselves to big men - good stuff at reasonable prices. In addition to Kucharik, Boure, Jandd, Pearl Izumi, Bontrager, etc. make shorts that are likely to fit you.
#27
Senior Member
Until you get a few hundred miles within a couple weeks, your butt will be sore. After that, soreness goes away.
I replaced my WTB saddles with ISM saddles, PR 2.0 (road) and PR 3.0 (gravel). Know what width fits your butt. Get the right width. Great saddles.
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#29
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I used a Brooks Team Pro for decades. But after getting into mountain biking on a hardtail, I switched to a WTB Pure V on my road bike. I figured that if it is good off road, it will just as good on pavement. I’ve never looked back.
You’ll have to figure out what works best for you, but don’t dismiss a MTB saddle if it fits.
John
You’ll have to figure out what works best for you, but don’t dismiss a MTB saddle if it fits.
John
#30
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I went to an LBS that has the memory foam you can sit on that shows the location of your sit spots, and they measure the width between the two indents. Then they select saddles that cater to that width. The shop I went to also had a trainer set up and allowed me to try several saddles for 10 mins. until one just felt right to me. Specialized Power Expert, with a nice little cutout. I've done a 325 mile ride (in 24 hours) on it, and the sit spots felt great afterwards, the legs not-so-much. Anything less than 50 miles and I sometimes forget I'm even on a saddle.
#31
Spin Meister
I hope the original poster is now sitting pretty on his bike.
God (if she exists) does Not send lightning bolts down to earth while commanding while commanding people to wear bike shorts. However, there's a reason people wear them and it's not just marketing. Bike shorts (or bibs) make for a more comfortable ride. Also, the more miles, the more the body adjusts to those miles, (within limits, especially for older cyclists).
God (if she exists) does Not send lightning bolts down to earth while commanding while commanding people to wear bike shorts. However, there's a reason people wear them and it's not just marketing. Bike shorts (or bibs) make for a more comfortable ride. Also, the more miles, the more the body adjusts to those miles, (within limits, especially for older cyclists).
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This post is a natural product. Slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and are in no way to be considered flaws or defects.
This post is a natural product. Slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and are in no way to be considered flaws or defects.
#32
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I'll chime in here. I recently got this saddle the Ergon SR Comp on my main bike and after a solid few months on it love it: https://www.jensonusa.com/Ergon-SR-C...SAAEgL-nvD_BwE
I bought it because of the generous cut out channel, but not because of any particular issue I was having previously with my WTB Volt (also very comfortable, and still on my #2 bike). I just figured, why not? Can't hurt!
I love the look of a classic Brooks, but I've discovered I'm most comfy on a saddle with that more pronounced "Whale Tail" shape that rises up in the back. My sit bones perch right there just right on this saddle (actually on the WTB too, but I just wanted a new saddle).
As for shorts, everyone is different, but I've stopped wearing any kind of padded shorts. I ride a gravel bike on pavement and dirt, and I wear some of the newer "gravel" shorts that are like much more streamlined, shorter and un-baggy MTB shorts. Underneath I wear Smartwool Merino boxer briefs. I'm a skinny little guy with hardly any fat to speak of, and I ended up discovering that with a saddle that allows me to sit properly on my sitbones like that, I don't need any extra padding. I ride looong days, lots of hot weather too, and have never been more comfortable than I am with this approach. I used to get back and be dying to get the damn padded liner off, but with these merino undies, you stay dry and comfortable. YMMV pf course.
I bought it because of the generous cut out channel, but not because of any particular issue I was having previously with my WTB Volt (also very comfortable, and still on my #2 bike). I just figured, why not? Can't hurt!
I love the look of a classic Brooks, but I've discovered I'm most comfy on a saddle with that more pronounced "Whale Tail" shape that rises up in the back. My sit bones perch right there just right on this saddle (actually on the WTB too, but I just wanted a new saddle).
As for shorts, everyone is different, but I've stopped wearing any kind of padded shorts. I ride a gravel bike on pavement and dirt, and I wear some of the newer "gravel" shorts that are like much more streamlined, shorter and un-baggy MTB shorts. Underneath I wear Smartwool Merino boxer briefs. I'm a skinny little guy with hardly any fat to speak of, and I ended up discovering that with a saddle that allows me to sit properly on my sitbones like that, I don't need any extra padding. I ride looong days, lots of hot weather too, and have never been more comfortable than I am with this approach. I used to get back and be dying to get the damn padded liner off, but with these merino undies, you stay dry and comfortable. YMMV pf course.
#33
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Totally personal but...
I get on very well with Fabric Pro (carbon rails 142mm) - either the radius or shallow... have not tried flat.
I also have a Fizik Aliante Braided (Carbon rails) that is very comfortable. This would equate generally to the Fabric radius... a "bull" in Fizik's parlance. I am actually pretty flexible, but the Aliante is still very comfy to me
I do not wear shorts for the distance I normally ride daily. Just not needed. The more you ride the more that will become true. Still wear them, but it is usually for the longer efforts.
I get on very well with Fabric Pro (carbon rails 142mm) - either the radius or shallow... have not tried flat.
I also have a Fizik Aliante Braided (Carbon rails) that is very comfortable. This would equate generally to the Fabric radius... a "bull" in Fizik's parlance. I am actually pretty flexible, but the Aliante is still very comfy to me
I do not wear shorts for the distance I normally ride daily. Just not needed. The more you ride the more that will become true. Still wear them, but it is usually for the longer efforts.
#34
Senior Member
Unfortunately, I have been through 20 saddles at least.
My two favorite saddles are the Specialized Power Expert in 155 and my current saddle a Fizik Aliante Open R1 153 with braided carbon rails. I have had my Fizkik Aliante for only three weeks and I am still trying to find the perfect way to dial it in. I finally had to admit to myself, I am a bull. I showed my Wife how the Fizik flexibility test works. I was expecting her to say I was a Cameleon. She said I was definitely a bull. So far, the swoopy "S" shape of the Fizik Aliante seems to work.
I probably have ridden a couple of thousand miles on the Power Expert saddle. If you can get it dialed in, it is very comfortable. I gave up on it when I got sore after a 140 mile ride. I probably should have stuck with it because any saddle will cause soreness after that many miles.
#Woofy , how do you have your Fizik setup? I have read that many have their level from front to back. I have seen some have their nose down up to 2 degrees. Fizik says to level the first 7.5cm of the saddle.#
My two favorite saddles are the Specialized Power Expert in 155 and my current saddle a Fizik Aliante Open R1 153 with braided carbon rails. I have had my Fizkik Aliante for only three weeks and I am still trying to find the perfect way to dial it in. I finally had to admit to myself, I am a bull. I showed my Wife how the Fizik flexibility test works. I was expecting her to say I was a Cameleon. She said I was definitely a bull. So far, the swoopy "S" shape of the Fizik Aliante seems to work.
I probably have ridden a couple of thousand miles on the Power Expert saddle. If you can get it dialed in, it is very comfortable. I gave up on it when I got sore after a 140 mile ride. I probably should have stuck with it because any saddle will cause soreness after that many miles.
#Woofy , how do you have your Fizik setup? I have read that many have their level from front to back. I have seen some have their nose down up to 2 degrees. Fizik says to level the first 7.5cm of the saddle.#
#35
Banned
several..
2 Brooks team pro 75 & 85.
Fizik Vitesse HP (for Brompton) & CP3 + *a M5 mtb take off
*Turbo Hinault edition& Avocet race 2,
SI ' Rolls' & *Flyte.
SM Concor Max
Avocet touring
& a re padded & re covered Cinelli Volare
& *a PDW Dos Thronus
* will sell these.. ask. if interested..
Fizik Vitesse HP (for Brompton) & CP3 + *a M5 mtb take off
*Turbo Hinault edition& Avocet race 2,
SI ' Rolls' & *Flyte.
SM Concor Max
Avocet touring
& a re padded & re covered Cinelli Volare
& *a PDW Dos Thronus
* will sell these.. ask. if interested..
#37
Newbie
Bike shorts are an essential basic.
I’d recommend the Pro Stealth. Works well for me to eliminate the pressure down the middle, is very comfortable to sit back into for long periods or lean forward forpower bursts without irritating your inner thighs.
I’d recommend the Pro Stealth. Works well for me to eliminate the pressure down the middle, is very comfortable to sit back into for long periods or lean forward forpower bursts without irritating your inner thighs.
#38
feros ferio
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For utility cycling I favor so-called "double" or "mountain biking" shorts. Since REI discontinued my favored Navarras, I have switched to Deckras. They are a bit baggy/long in the legs, but so far, so good, and the $32 price is right. The inner bike short liner is fully detachable, so it could be worn with other hiking/walk shorts, if desired. I'll see how well they hold up over use and time.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069