decent value saddle?
 

I'm looking into getting a new saddle for my road bike and I'm kind of on the fence about which one to choose. I'm looking into the Bontrager Inform R and the Selle Turbo but I'd like some other alternatives. Both can be had for around $40ish on ebay. If anyone has any opinions on these two or could suggest another one in the same price ballpark please speak up.

Selle San Marco Rolls or Regal

I love the look of a Brooks.... And that has nothing to do with your post.

http://www.chrisabraham.com/brooks-professional.jpg

saddles are not the place to cheap out, IMO

+1 on the Rolls.. Been around for 25+ years for one reason it is comfortable.. If price is big concern the re-issue of the Turbo saddle is pretty good choice..

Classic!

http://austinbikeblog.org/wp-content...1/b17-pic1.jpg

Agreed. You'll just keep replacing and replacing, losing money each time.

it would be cheaper and more comfortable if you used one of these instead of the Brooks

http://staff.harrisonburg.k12.va.us/.../door-knob.jpg

I just received a San Marco Rolls in white for approx. 50USD, and it's pretty comfortable to a majority of the riders who seem to try it.

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Saddle comfort can make the difference between riding or not riding. Actually try any saddle you can before you buy for good (many LBS's have test saddle programs, or if you don't mar the saddle in any way, can return it within 30 days). Otherwise, you will just be wasting money on saddles that don't work because you think you can save a few bucks. I've been through 6 saddles now in the past year. I am sick and tired of trying different saddles, but I think I've found the winner. No more bleeding lacerations or inability to sit in certain positions for a few days, in any case.

bleeding lacerations?? wow, that is a bad fit.

I just installed a Nashbar GR2. Not only does it look good, it is comfortable. More miles will tell the true tale, but so far I'm very happy.

The various Arione knock offs have worked pretty well for many.

As a counter-point to a few posts above. Big pricetags do not guarantee comfort. You might get lucky with one of the cheaper ones.

:(

Yup, what he said. Comfort is primary concern.

Brooks are awesome, I have two on commuter and touring bikes, but don't work on a road bike.

Take a look at the Forte Classic Saddle from Performance, $34.99. It is a leather covered saddle with a center cut-out that is very comfortable.

I am a cheapskate and am always looking for good cost effective alternatives, but I buy the worlds best saddles. There is nothing worse than a long day in an uncomfortable saddle.

Having said that, I have never paid more than $50 for a saddle because I have bought used saddles on Ebay for all 4 of my bikes. In fact, I have bought and sold about 10-12 different saddles (all the big names) before I found the best one for me. Most of the time I was able to try them for just a few dollars because I bought them used and sold them for the same price if they didn't work out. Virtually everyone of them arrived at my door in virtually new condition with very low mileage. Ebay is full of used saddles in great condition.

Don't try to save money by cutting corners on saddles. Stick with the tried and true saddles, buy the best ones they make and buy them used on Ebay for cheap.

I managed to pick up a great deal on the Terry fly saddle last year when they switched the design on the fabric. you may want to call Performance to see if they have any more left.

I would get a used fizik arione or aliante, whichever one is better for you.

This is a good value because it fits my arse http://www.****************/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/specialized-toupe-team-saddle.jpg

That was partly the saddle (arione cx, and again with the vitesse hp) and partly because of POS PI shorts. 100 dollar shorts, and they are both hugely overpadded, and overburdened with seams, which caused the laceration. Since they are used, I would not want to sell them, so eventually I will just throw them away for the crap shorts they are. PI seems to be good for shoecovers and socks, and little else, unfortunately.
Have a specialized bbg avatar 155 (apparently fizik saddles are just too narrow) with a cutout and it is much better.

The only saddle with value is the one you will want to ride on.

On the contrary, the Terry Fly DESTROYED my rear. I ended up being very comfortable with a Selle Italia SLR XP.

My point is, saddles are different for everyone. Try a bunch for yourself.