Saddle Advice
#1
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Saddle Advice
Hey everyone. Been riding on the saddle that came with my Trek 1.1 for a bit and I think its time for an upgrade. I've been noticing some numbness so I want something that works with my anatomy a little better. Not a big guy, about 5'11", 175lbs. I was thinkg about either of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Selle-Italia-B...pr_product_top
https://www.amazon.com/Selle-Italia-F...9438463&sr=8-3
https://www.amazon.com/Selle-Italia-B...9438463&sr=8-2
any thoughts, experiences, advice? Thanks!
Forgot to add about my typical riding, about 15 mi every morning, then on weekends do longer 20-30 mi rides.
https://www.amazon.com/Selle-Italia-B...pr_product_top
https://www.amazon.com/Selle-Italia-F...9438463&sr=8-3
https://www.amazon.com/Selle-Italia-B...9438463&sr=8-2
any thoughts, experiences, advice? Thanks!
Forgot to add about my typical riding, about 15 mi every morning, then on weekends do longer 20-30 mi rides.
Last edited by dieseldogpi; 06-30-11 at 06:58 AM. Reason: Last sentance
#2
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Everyone is different when it comes to saddles, have you tried adjusting yours, up, down, forward, back etc; also are you using padded shorts? your only doing short distance rides, would not expect any real numbness in that distance.
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Everyone is different but I've experienced numbness on every saddle that doesnt have a cut out. The Specialized Toupe has been amazing and I'll be purchasing a Specialized Romin this weekend to give that a go as well
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I know the distances arent that long, I periodically do 30-60 mi rides, when there is an organized one locally, but either way there is some tingling and numbness and I do not ride with padded shorts. I do feel like the stock saddle is way to high in the middle, i can feel pressure in spots I shouldn't, even when I'm sitting on my sit bones the way I should. I dont think its the angle or other position of the seat because I really have no discomfort anywhere else. I would think if the angle is off I would have some hand/wrist discomfort. That is why I was leaning towards one with a cut-out. If it doesnt work for me, I can always sell after a couple of weeks. The toupe and the romin both look like they would fit the bill. How many miles you typically ride? Hows the saddle long distances? Also any other suggestons or experiences?
#6
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I've got the Romin (145 I think) and sometimes I don't even know I'm sitting on it. I'm about the same size as you..
#7
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The Selle SMP line, SMP Pro for example - similar idea. These saddles tend to lock you into your rotated position, which might be good or bad depending on your style. The beaked nose is a cool idea, and very comfortable while riding in the drops.
Note: Too pricey not to ride a demo first, or buy used.
Note: Too pricey not to ride a demo first, or buy used.
Last edited by FrenchFit; 06-30-11 at 08:06 AM.
#9
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I personally would avoid a gel saddle and just work on toughening your bum a little. I use a Specialized Toupe and it works great for me (have never tried the Romin that others above have suggested). I know for sure Specialized allows you to try the saddles before purchasing, and I'd assume most LBS would have a trial program for other brands as well.
And seriously, listen to vespoli, bibs will make a world of difference. Don't go cheapo either, get two pairs of quality bibs.
And seriously, listen to vespoli, bibs will make a world of difference. Don't go cheapo either, get two pairs of quality bibs.
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The Selle Anatomica saddle I have ordered for my wife should be here in a couple of days, I'll let you know how she likes it shortly there after.
#11
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I have been riding pretty steady for about 3 months now...its not my bum that hurts...actually nothing really hurts...its a tingling in the frontal area that I am refering too. Either way I think I am going to get a pair or two of bibs, but I also want to get a comfortable saddle.
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My first road saddle was a Specialized toupe, replaced it with a Specialized phenom, bought another phenom for my mountain bike, and haven't thought about it since. I wouldn't mind trying a romin, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it right?
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ride the stem for 5 days then you will appreciate any saddle...just sayin...
i started on the arione...its pretty friggin hard..
i started on the arione...its pretty friggin hard..
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Have you been fitted? If not, you probably want to get fitted, get proper riding shorts/bibs, and then see how that feels. You may still need/want a saddle after that - but it might take a few purchases before you are happy. I bought six saddles before I found the right one.
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There is a company in CO that does demo saddles. You pay a deposit and send them back when you're done testing them for the week. https://www.theprosstuff.com/
I tried three SMP saddles from them last year. Seem like good folks.
I tried three SMP saddles from them last year. Seem like good folks.
#19
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OP - Hie thee to a Specialized dealer that offers the BG Fit service. They've got a device you sit on that measures the distance between your sitbones. Then you can start looking by saddle width. And give Specialized saddles a look - they're pretty decent. I've got a Specialized Avatar on my bike, and I'm pretty pleased with it.
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Regards,
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Demain, on roule!
Last edited by revchuck; 07-03-11 at 05:07 AM.
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When I rode once without shorts I knew right away they were a necessity....or the big black seat with the coil springs and that wasn't happening.
I personally perfer the look and function of the loose or baggy-style shorts, but definately get a pair of shorts....makes ALL the difference.
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._400000_400067
I personally perfer the look and function of the loose or baggy-style shorts, but definately get a pair of shorts....makes ALL the difference.
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._400000_400067
#21
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I have a Trek 2.1 with the stock saddle, no problems for me did have to ensure the saddle was level to ensure no numbness in the private area. Like the others had posted make sure your cockpit is set up properly for yourself. The saddles you posted are a bit pricey especially if you get one and can't exchange it if you don't like it. PB has a good selection of saddles as well as a liberal return/exchange policy may want to check there. See if your LBS has some saddles you can try out. A good pair of shorts or bibs will go a long way in the comfort department you did not post whether you are wearing any on your rides. Good luck on the saddle selection it can be a trying process.
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Just like was stated earlier, everyone's different. It's important to get your sit-bones measured, and start with a saddle that's wide enough for you.
I was riding an Arione for awhile, and I would get numb if I was in the saddle for extended periods of time. Turns out my sit-bones are 140mm apart, and an Arione is only 132mm wide. I decided the pick up a Specialized Toupe 143mm, and the difference is night and day.
I was riding an Arione for awhile, and I would get numb if I was in the saddle for extended periods of time. Turns out my sit-bones are 140mm apart, and an Arione is only 132mm wide. I decided the pick up a Specialized Toupe 143mm, and the difference is night and day.
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See if you LBS does a test program and buy the frist saddle from them it will be good for your Karma.