Bike saddle questions for the ladies
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Bike saddle questions for the ladies
Alright ladies..tell me what saddles you would recommend please..
#2
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Many females of my acquaintance, including my wife, like the Sella Italia Diva.
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#3
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Take a look at the Bontrager Ajna. I'm not a woman but I bought one from the LBS bargain box just to try it out -- the profile was similar to my preferred Selle Italia saddles. It was an unused take-off from a new Trek. I think I paid $50, less than half the MSRP. It's quite comfy. The nose is very slightly shorter than I'd prefer but it hasn't been a problem when I'm in and out of the saddle for climbs and sprints. It's also very slightly wider than I prefer -- I think it's 145mm and I prefer 130 -- but it hasn't really been noticeable.
It's a nice combination of resilient padding without feeling like a sofa cushion, with a shell that flexes just enough to absorb road vibration. Wouldn't be my first choice for pavement, but has been comfy on rougher pavement and gravel.
The Cobb and ISM saddles are also popular with folks who are uncomfortable with conventional saddles for longer rides. I borrowed a Cobb saddle from a friend -- I think he and his wife both like the Cobb on their tandem.
It's a nice combination of resilient padding without feeling like a sofa cushion, with a shell that flexes just enough to absorb road vibration. Wouldn't be my first choice for pavement, but has been comfy on rougher pavement and gravel.
The Cobb and ISM saddles are also popular with folks who are uncomfortable with conventional saddles for longer rides. I borrowed a Cobb saddle from a friend -- I think he and his wife both like the Cobb on their tandem.
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Not a woman, but one of the women I know recently bought this and is very happy with it: Terry Women's Butterfly Galactic+ Bicycle Saddle | Terry
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Also not a lady, but I bought myself a Brooks Flyer before my first tour. My daughter, who rode with me, was having trouble with her saddle, so I put it on her bike.
I never got it back.
I never got it back.
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thank you all for your input...I rode a Brooks on a friend of mines bike and had not problems with it ..
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Also not a woman..but I played one on TV..no wait..that's not right..
I've purchased a number, like 5-6, saddles for by GF's bikes. While I don't ride them, I get her reviews and if not great, I continue the research into different options. I want her to be comfortable and not just put up with a an uncomfortable or marginally comfortable saddle.
Based on that..the key thing we've discovered is to avoid the typical approach to women's saddles..which is to favor saddles that are a bit wider..in the 140s to 150mm range. It isn't the 140s-150mm that's the issue, rather it's the transition from the wider rear portion of the saddle to the narrow horn. If the mid-horn area (mid-saddle, halfway between the rear edge & front edge of the saddle) is too wide then her thighs hit this region and push her butt forward on the saddle. This sets up a battle between sliding back to sit on the saddle and her legs pushing her forward. This is then followed by multiple adjustments sliding the saddle forward on the seatpost to get her butt to settle in farther back..this doesn't work and shouldn't be done in general as this messes up fitting her saddle properly in relation to the crank.
Once we figured out the mid-horn area is the real problem we abandoned 3-4 saddles we'd tried as they could never possibly work, be adjusted in, no matter how comfortable they were to sit on. Saddles in this group were a couple unknowns(generic Bianchi I had laying around and one other), a Terry Butterfly, and a Specialized Milano.
Her sit-bone width is 108mm. So next we tried a different approach and picked up a Terry Falcon..nope, still too wide in the mid-horn area. Then a Terry Dragonfly (men's saddle, basically the same as a Terry Damselfly, 267mm long by 130mm wide) and this works quite well. Then I ran across the Cobb saddle deal on the Goodwill site(deal is still going at a slightly higher price and as an auction..I picked them up for $25 each) and had to go for a couple of them(she has multiple bikes) as they were such a great deal and spec'd out well. I picked up two Cobb V-Flow saddles. 130mm wide with a narrow mid-horn area. She rode this last weekend for the first time..30 miles..after a couple adjustments she's thinking we have a winner. The Terry Dragonfly is still a very possible option, but between the two (Dragonfly/Damselfly and the V-Flow) I think we've found her saddle(s).
RE: the original poster (OP)...
1) measure your sit bone width. (Google "diy measuring sit bone width" and you'll fine some instructions that probably include tin foil and some carpeted stairs)
2) add 20mm to your measured sit bone width..this will be your ballpark saddle width you should start evaluating. Saddles are generally spec'd by length, width, and weight.
3) Try some saddles and see where you net out.
Also..if you google "women's triathlon saddle forum" you should find a good, long discussion on women's saddles by women triathletes..
oh..and stay away from excessive gel saddles or the gel saddle covers..bad news..waste of money. Minor padding is fine, no padding can be great too. Shape and width are the key factors to comfort.
I've purchased a number, like 5-6, saddles for by GF's bikes. While I don't ride them, I get her reviews and if not great, I continue the research into different options. I want her to be comfortable and not just put up with a an uncomfortable or marginally comfortable saddle.
Based on that..the key thing we've discovered is to avoid the typical approach to women's saddles..which is to favor saddles that are a bit wider..in the 140s to 150mm range. It isn't the 140s-150mm that's the issue, rather it's the transition from the wider rear portion of the saddle to the narrow horn. If the mid-horn area (mid-saddle, halfway between the rear edge & front edge of the saddle) is too wide then her thighs hit this region and push her butt forward on the saddle. This sets up a battle between sliding back to sit on the saddle and her legs pushing her forward. This is then followed by multiple adjustments sliding the saddle forward on the seatpost to get her butt to settle in farther back..this doesn't work and shouldn't be done in general as this messes up fitting her saddle properly in relation to the crank.
Once we figured out the mid-horn area is the real problem we abandoned 3-4 saddles we'd tried as they could never possibly work, be adjusted in, no matter how comfortable they were to sit on. Saddles in this group were a couple unknowns(generic Bianchi I had laying around and one other), a Terry Butterfly, and a Specialized Milano.
Her sit-bone width is 108mm. So next we tried a different approach and picked up a Terry Falcon..nope, still too wide in the mid-horn area. Then a Terry Dragonfly (men's saddle, basically the same as a Terry Damselfly, 267mm long by 130mm wide) and this works quite well. Then I ran across the Cobb saddle deal on the Goodwill site(deal is still going at a slightly higher price and as an auction..I picked them up for $25 each) and had to go for a couple of them(she has multiple bikes) as they were such a great deal and spec'd out well. I picked up two Cobb V-Flow saddles. 130mm wide with a narrow mid-horn area. She rode this last weekend for the first time..30 miles..after a couple adjustments she's thinking we have a winner. The Terry Dragonfly is still a very possible option, but between the two (Dragonfly/Damselfly and the V-Flow) I think we've found her saddle(s).
RE: the original poster (OP)...
1) measure your sit bone width. (Google "diy measuring sit bone width" and you'll fine some instructions that probably include tin foil and some carpeted stairs)
2) add 20mm to your measured sit bone width..this will be your ballpark saddle width you should start evaluating. Saddles are generally spec'd by length, width, and weight.
3) Try some saddles and see where you net out.
Also..if you google "women's triathlon saddle forum" you should find a good, long discussion on women's saddles by women triathletes..
oh..and stay away from excessive gel saddles or the gel saddle covers..bad news..waste of money. Minor padding is fine, no padding can be great too. Shape and width are the key factors to comfort.
Last edited by fishboat; 05-07-20 at 03:51 PM. Reason: edit..forgot something
#10
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Also not a woman..but I played one on TV..no wait..that's not right..
I've purchased a number, like 5-6, saddles for by GF's bikes. While I don't ride them, I get her reviews and if not great, I continue the research into different options. I want her to be comfortable and not just put up with a an uncomfortable or marginally comfortable saddle.
Based on that..the key thing we've discovered is to avoid the typical approach to women's saddles..which is to favor saddles that are a bit wider..in the 140s to 150mm range. It isn't the 140s-150mm that's the issue, rather it's the transition from the wider rear portion of the saddle to the narrow horn. If the mid-horn area (mid-saddle, halfway between the rear edge & front edge of the saddle) is too wide then her thighs hit this region and push her butt forward on the saddle. This sets up a battle between sliding back to sit on the saddle and her legs pushing her forward. This is then followed by multiple adjustments sliding the saddle forward on the seatpost to get her butt to settle in farther back..this doesn't work and shouldn't be done in general as this messes up fitting her saddle properly in relation to the crank.
Once we figured out the mid-horn area is the real problem we abandoned 3-4 saddles we'd tried as they could never possibly work, be adjusted in, no matter how comfortable they were to sit on. Saddles in this group were a couple unknowns(generic Bianchi I had laying around and one other), a Terry Butterfly, and a Specialized Milano.
Her sit-bone width is 108mm. So next we tried a different approach and picked up a Terry Falcon..nope, still too wide in the mid-horn area. Then a Terry Dragonfly (men's saddle, basically the same as a Terry Damselfly, 267mm long by 130mm wide) and this works quite well. Then I ran across the Cobb saddle deal on the Goodwill site(deal is still going at a slightly higher price and as an auction..I picked them up for $25 each) and had to go for a couple of them(she has multiple bikes) as they were such a great deal and spec'd out well. I picked up two Cobb V-Flow saddles. 130mm wide with a narrow mid-horn area. She rode this last weekend for the first time..30 miles..after a couple adjustments she's thinking we have a winner. The Terry Dragonfly is still a very possible option, but between the two (Dragonfly/Damselfly and the V-Flow) I think we've found her saddle(s).
RE: the original poster (OP)...
1) measure your sit bone width. (Google "diy measuring sit bone width" and you'll fine some instructions that probably include tin foil and some carpeted stairs)
2) add 20mm to your measured sit bone width..this will be your ballpark saddle width you should start evaluating. Saddles are generally spec'd by length, width, and weight.
3) Try some saddles and see where you net out.
Also..if you google "women's triathlon saddle forum" you should find a good, long discussion on women's saddles by women triathletes..
oh..and stay away from excessive gel saddles or the gel saddle covers..bad news..waste of money. Minor padding is fine, no padding can be great too. Shape and width are the key factors to comfort.
I've purchased a number, like 5-6, saddles for by GF's bikes. While I don't ride them, I get her reviews and if not great, I continue the research into different options. I want her to be comfortable and not just put up with a an uncomfortable or marginally comfortable saddle.
Based on that..the key thing we've discovered is to avoid the typical approach to women's saddles..which is to favor saddles that are a bit wider..in the 140s to 150mm range. It isn't the 140s-150mm that's the issue, rather it's the transition from the wider rear portion of the saddle to the narrow horn. If the mid-horn area (mid-saddle, halfway between the rear edge & front edge of the saddle) is too wide then her thighs hit this region and push her butt forward on the saddle. This sets up a battle between sliding back to sit on the saddle and her legs pushing her forward. This is then followed by multiple adjustments sliding the saddle forward on the seatpost to get her butt to settle in farther back..this doesn't work and shouldn't be done in general as this messes up fitting her saddle properly in relation to the crank.
Once we figured out the mid-horn area is the real problem we abandoned 3-4 saddles we'd tried as they could never possibly work, be adjusted in, no matter how comfortable they were to sit on. Saddles in this group were a couple unknowns(generic Bianchi I had laying around and one other), a Terry Butterfly, and a Specialized Milano.
Her sit-bone width is 108mm. So next we tried a different approach and picked up a Terry Falcon..nope, still too wide in the mid-horn area. Then a Terry Dragonfly (men's saddle, basically the same as a Terry Damselfly, 267mm long by 130mm wide) and this works quite well. Then I ran across the Cobb saddle deal on the Goodwill site(deal is still going at a slightly higher price and as an auction..I picked them up for $25 each) and had to go for a couple of them(she has multiple bikes) as they were such a great deal and spec'd out well. I picked up two Cobb V-Flow saddles. 130mm wide with a narrow mid-horn area. She rode this last weekend for the first time..30 miles..after a couple adjustments she's thinking we have a winner. The Terry Dragonfly is still a very possible option, but between the two (Dragonfly/Damselfly and the V-Flow) I think we've found her saddle(s).
RE: the original poster (OP)...
1) measure your sit bone width. (Google "diy measuring sit bone width" and you'll fine some instructions that probably include tin foil and some carpeted stairs)
2) add 20mm to your measured sit bone width..this will be your ballpark saddle width you should start evaluating. Saddles are generally spec'd by length, width, and weight.
3) Try some saddles and see where you net out.
Also..if you google "women's triathlon saddle forum" you should find a good, long discussion on women's saddles by women triathletes..
oh..and stay away from excessive gel saddles or the gel saddle covers..bad news..waste of money. Minor padding is fine, no padding can be great too. Shape and width are the key factors to comfort.
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Results matter
Results matter
#11
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ISM
https://ismseat.com/
Why ride old tech when there is better, you just have to NOT follow the herd..
It's In the science,, do read it.
They let you test ride for the cost of return shipping...
Tika, trust me on this, You WILL thank me, This I know.
https://ismseat.com/
Why ride old tech when there is better, you just have to NOT follow the herd..
It's In the science,, do read it.
They let you test ride for the cost of return shipping...
Tika, trust me on this, You WILL thank me, This I know.
#12
Non omnino gravis
The wife has been on a Selle Anatomica NSX1 for I think three years now, which says something-- she probably went through 5 saddles in the three years prior.
#13
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I know quite a few ladies that ride competitively on ISM saddles and won't give them up for anything. But if you don't like that style of saddle, Terry makes a complete line of women's saddles that you may want to check out.
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#14
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I tried posting a pc but not allowed just yet.. the saddle that came on my bike is a Specialized Phenom Alloy, I've only put about 50 miles on it so may not be giving it a fair chance.
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I will say a normal saddle gives me great pain in the first few miles even after several tries.
My First ISM saddle gave me no pain on the very first 15 mile ride, and the second and third,,
I had them on my Mountain bikes, gravel bikes and my road bike,,
I never rode an old school pain saddle again.
The biggest mistake people make is not following the very specific forward/aft mounting position and ride sit location when trying an ISM..
Last edited by osco53; 05-08-20 at 03:43 PM.
#16
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(Though I have to say..since I switched over to Brooks saddles I'm good from the first ride on. You'll need to figure out your sit-bone width to determine where to start. Brooks has a narrow model that may be of help)
#17
aka Phil Jungels
If Brooks feels too wide, the Selle AnAtomica NSX is slightly more svelt, especially thru the mid section - while still being comfortable right out of the box.
#18
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Google, 'Sit Bones'
I will say a normal saddle gives me great pain in the first few miles even after several tries.
My First ISM saddle gave me no pain on the very first 15 mile ride, and the second and third,,
I had them on my Mountain bikes, gravel bikes and my road bike,,
I never rode an old school pain saddle again.
The biggest mistake people make is not following the very specific forward/aft mounting position and ride sit location when trying an ISM..
I will say a normal saddle gives me great pain in the first few miles even after several tries.
My First ISM saddle gave me no pain on the very first 15 mile ride, and the second and third,,
I had them on my Mountain bikes, gravel bikes and my road bike,,
I never rode an old school pain saddle again.
The biggest mistake people make is not following the very specific forward/aft mounting position and ride sit location when trying an ISM..
You're also very correct in your statement about improper mounting and sitting position when trying ISM saddles. If they are mounted properly, they're awesome.
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#19
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Serfas RX. After many years riding with her, I found really good reviews and picked one up for my wife. Happy wife...
John
John
#20
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Thank you all for the information..I've put several miles on the last couple days..I'm trying to stick with my saddle but IDK..
#22
Senior Member
Also, a shop in a nearby town said they were good at fitting and she said "Great, let's do it!" I think it was just an excuse to sell us an expensive saddle, and it was a Selle Italia Diva. She hated it after two days.
#23
Senior Member
Mrs. Road Fan LOVES her B17, but it is the standard version, not an Imperial model, no lacing. She tried a Professional "S" a number of years ago, and did not like it. There is a long-time member here, from Australia, who is also a woman who likes the standard B17. I think women should feel free to consider the saddles that are out there (or whatever catches her eye as with my 17 Select), not just the ones designed specifically for women. I wish Mrs. Road Fan had said "Can you get me one of those?" but after about 2 years, it's just important that she has a saddle she can ride for 50+ miles.
#24
aka Phil Jungels
#25
Senior Member
My ex swears that the only thing I got right in our relationship was my gift of a Terry Liberator X Elite for her
Terry Women's Liberator X Elite Bike Saddle | Terry
She never liked the Brooks B17s I originally put on her bike.
She traded me in, but hasn't parted with the Liberator
Terry Women's Liberator X Elite Bike Saddle | Terry
She never liked the Brooks B17s I originally put on her bike.
She traded me in, but hasn't parted with the Liberator