Versatile saddles
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Versatile saddles
considering picking up a nice saddle that can be used on road bikes and off road bikes. a great all purpose saddle that can be swapped between rides. i know very little of what's out there, but have considered a classic leather Brooks for at least road bikes. any ideas/guidance?
#2
Grupetto Bob
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 6,372
Bikes: Bikey McBike Face
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2662 Post(s)
Liked 5,857 Times
in
3,017 Posts
The very first question about saddles on BF. This should be interesting.
Personally, I removed the saddle years ago and never missed it.
Personally, I removed the saddle years ago and never missed it.
__________________
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
Likes For rsbob:
#3
Junior Member
I just slowly ease into longer rides and my butt/taint adapts. I also ride the largest tire I can in each frame in the back which helps absorb road imperfections and allows me to use sub-optimal saddles.
Admittedly every once in a while I encounter a saddle that gives me the tingles, and that can be fixed by minor nose down adjustments. I am a cheap saddle guy.
Admittedly every once in a while I encounter a saddle that gives me the tingles, and that can be fixed by minor nose down adjustments. I am a cheap saddle guy.
#4
Newbie
One choice is Brooks Cambium. My most comfortable saddle that is versatile and doesn't require attention like Brooks leather. But reviews are mixed between it being comfortable and painful.
Likes For Ramshackle:
#5
The Wheezing Geezer
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Española, NM
Posts: 1,092
Bikes: 1976 Fredo Speciale, Rivendell Clem Smith Jr., Libertas mixte
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 422 Post(s)
Liked 976 Times
in
466 Posts
If I were SMP, I'd trademark the term 'crotch cradle'.
Their TRK model suits my aging undercarraige in a Medium on my drop-bar bikes, and a Wide on my upright bikes.
Their TRK model suits my aging undercarraige in a Medium on my drop-bar bikes, and a Wide on my upright bikes.
#7
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,794
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3766 Post(s)
Liked 5,717 Times
in
2,886 Posts
The notion of swapping a saddle from bike to bike regularly doesn't have much appeal.
Likes For shelbyfv:
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 2,616
Bikes: 06 Lemond Reno, 98 GT Timberline mtn.bike
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 430 Post(s)
Liked 714 Times
in
445 Posts
Takes me a little time, whenever I put a saddle on a bike, to get the tilt and forward/aft position just right. I ride both on and off road, and can't think of a saddle that would suit both. The Terry Butterfly that was prev. mentioned might do, but have never tried one. But even if I found one that worked for both, still don't think I'd be happy switching back and forth, and getting adjustment just right. May not be cheaper, but so much easier just to have a dedicated saddle to each bike.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,021
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 586 Post(s)
Liked 510 Times
in
283 Posts
Saddles are a very personal fit item. I often find that a saddle I hate on one bike feels great on another. I saw an interview with a bike fitter yesterday and he was saying the Brooks works much better on an upright bike than on a road bike. I have a Brooks but haven't grown to love it yet.
#10
Mother Nature's Son
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Sussex County, Delaware
Posts: 3,134
Bikes: 2014 Orbea Avant MD30, 2004 Airborne Zeppelin TI, 2003 Lemond Poprad, 2001 Lemond Tourmalet, 2014? Soma Smoothie
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 860 Post(s)
Liked 1,453 Times
in
826 Posts
Swapping saddles back and forth, between bikes, is a pain. Maybe okay if the framesets have the same geometry and seat post diameter, do the post and saddle as a unit.
For me, different saddle for each bike. I have a few of the same brand, but different models. The more switching done between bikes, the more chance of error
For me, different saddle for each bike. I have a few of the same brand, but different models. The more switching done between bikes, the more chance of error
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 8,042
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7087 Post(s)
Liked 11,207 Times
in
4,784 Posts
Likes For Koyote:
#12
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,794
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3766 Post(s)
Liked 5,717 Times
in
2,886 Posts
I do have a limit! Use the same water bottles and Wahoo on all bikes.
Likes For shelbyfv:
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Tucson Az
Posts: 1,699
Bikes: 2015 Ridley Fenix, 1983 Team Fuji, 2019 Marin Nail Trail 6
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 344 Post(s)
Liked 246 Times
in
148 Posts
I have that unicorn saddle, in fact, I have two. They’re Forte Pro SL saddles, 145 mm with ti rails, and unfortunately they don’t make them anymore. I have one on a roadie, and the other on my mtn bike. I should’ve stocked up when Performance Bike went under.
What I wouldn’t do is swap them back and forth.
What I wouldn’t do is swap them back and forth.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,731
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4553 Post(s)
Liked 5,073 Times
in
3,128 Posts
considering picking up a nice saddle that can be used on road bikes and off road bikes. a great all purpose saddle that can be swapped between rides. i know very little of what's out there, but have considered a classic leather Brooks for at least road bikes. any ideas/guidance?
#16
climber has-been
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Posts: 7,238
Bikes: Scott Addict R1, Felt Z1
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3539 Post(s)
Liked 3,695 Times
in
1,851 Posts
considering picking up a nice saddle that can be used on road bikes and off road bikes. a great all purpose saddle that can be swapped between rides. i know very little of what's out there, but have considered a classic leather Brooks for at least road bikes. any ideas/guidance?
But that was 20+ years ago. And I had two saddles -- no swapping.
Likes For terrymorse:
#17
Thread Killer
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 12,515
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3213 Post(s)
Liked 1,752 Times
in
1,057 Posts
I don't, and never have, made any meaningful distinction between on- and off- road saddles. There are small features, like edge scuff protection for MTB saddles, but that's pretty small potatoes stuff, IMO. The only real feature I'd consider today, depending on what kind of off road riding I'd do, is nose length. I don't think I'd want a short-nosed saddle for steep trail climbs where I'm balancing keeping traction and keeping the front wheel down; that little stability you get from perching on the nose of the saddle has been a savior when grinding it uphill in places like Moab and Holy Cross. Also, if you wanna do suicide no-handers off flat drops, having some saddle nose to clamp your thighs onto helps.
Other than that, though, I don't think there's much in the on/off road saddle thing other than aesthetics.
Other than that, though, I don't think there's much in the on/off road saddle thing other than aesthetics.
#18
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 4,140
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2280 Post(s)
Liked 3,503 Times
in
1,839 Posts
#19
Senior Member
#20
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,803
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4451 Post(s)
Liked 4,114 Times
in
2,747 Posts
What saddle does your rear end like and how does your position on the different bikes change? Those are the questions you need to answer and one that we cannot answer at least not the first question and not the second question without lots of info about the bikes.
I do not recommend sharing a saddle between bikes I have done that and it is a pain in the butt (LOL) If you love a saddle get a second one of it assuming the riding position is similar and if one is more upright than I might consider possibly a wider version of that saddle or something similarly shaped but maybe a touch wider as needed.
The saddle that works for me may not be the saddle the works for you. I really love my Brooks Cambium C17s and my Ergon saddles but you have a different butt than I and so does everyone in this forum aside from maybe some identical twins who do everything the same.
I do not recommend sharing a saddle between bikes I have done that and it is a pain in the butt (LOL) If you love a saddle get a second one of it assuming the riding position is similar and if one is more upright than I might consider possibly a wider version of that saddle or something similarly shaped but maybe a touch wider as needed.
The saddle that works for me may not be the saddle the works for you. I really love my Brooks Cambium C17s and my Ergon saddles but you have a different butt than I and so does everyone in this forum aside from maybe some identical twins who do everything the same.
#21
Bad example
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Seattle and Reims
Posts: 3,201
Bikes: Peugeot: AO-8 1973, PA-10 1971, PR-10 1973, Sante 1988; Masi Gran Criterium 1975, Stevenson Tourer 1980, Stevenson Criterium 1981, Schwinn Paramount 1972, Rodriguez 2006, Gitane Federal ~1975, Holdsworth Pro, Follis 172 ~1973, Bianchi '62
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 868 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
164 Posts
Let's not forget also that Brooks makes a wide (pun intended) range of saddles. The B17 is what people commonly refer to, but there are also much wider seats (B68, B72) and narrower (B15, Professional.) I don't fit a B17 on my road bikes but the Professional fits well. And a B68 was fabulous on an upright folder.
__________________
Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
Likes For Aubergine:
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Mission Viejo
Posts: 5,839
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: 1955 Post(s)
Liked 2,199 Times
in
1,337 Posts
A friend suggested a WTB Pure V for my mtb. I then tried one on my road bike and it stayed there for some years.
I’ve moved on to an SMP Well on my road bike.
Both saddles have the whale tail and beak nose. And a channel can be the difference between extreme pain and passing out on a mis-timed move on a hard tail.
It is personal preference.
John
I’ve moved on to an SMP Well on my road bike.
Both saddles have the whale tail and beak nose. And a channel can be the difference between extreme pain and passing out on a mis-timed move on a hard tail.
It is personal preference.
John
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,021
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 586 Post(s)
Liked 510 Times
in
283 Posts
Let's not forget also that Brooks makes a wide (pun intended) range of saddles. The B17 is what people commonly refer to, but there are also much wider seats (B68, B72) and narrower (B15, Professional.) I don't fit a B17 on my road bikes but the Professional fits well. And a B68 was fabulous on an upright folder.
I have a B17 and I might like it, but the short section of possible adjustment has caused me to need a set back seat post on the bikes I've tried it on. I keep finding myself mostly trying to sit on the very rear of it and the rivets aren't very comfortable.
#24
Bad example
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Seattle and Reims
Posts: 3,201
Bikes: Peugeot: AO-8 1973, PA-10 1971, PR-10 1973, Sante 1988; Masi Gran Criterium 1975, Stevenson Tourer 1980, Stevenson Criterium 1981, Schwinn Paramount 1972, Rodriguez 2006, Gitane Federal ~1975, Holdsworth Pro, Follis 172 ~1973, Bianchi '62
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 868 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
164 Posts
I don't agree with this. I have a Brooks Professional on my Paramount (te racing version) and I have Idéale saddles on many of my other bikes, with both racing geometry and more relaxed touring setups. They all are fine for support. (And comfortable to boot.)
__________________
Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,132
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1060 Post(s)
Liked 1,319 Times
in
759 Posts
The bike fitter was saying the leather hammock type saddles didn't have enough support for a high saddle low bars situation like on an aggressive road bike. I have no idea. He may have just hated Brooks. I mean how much support does a 120 lb. guy need?
I have a B17 and I might like it, but the short section of possible adjustment has caused me to need a set back seat post on the bikes I've tried it on. I keep finding myself mostly trying to sit on the very rear of it and the rivets aren't very comfortable.
I have a B17 and I might like it, but the short section of possible adjustment has caused me to need a set back seat post on the bikes I've tried it on. I keep finding myself mostly trying to sit on the very rear of it and the rivets aren't very comfortable.