Saddle Life Expectancy

[indysteel]

Hey ladies. I've been reading up on saddles and shorts the last few days because I'm suddenly experiencing some labial pain and discomfort that I've never had in the past. I've already started the quest for some new shorts, which already has me broke and frustrated. But that's another story.

While my shorts arguably need to be updated--my three pairs of PI Ultras have seen a lot of use--I'm wondering if it's time for a new saddle too. I have a Terry Butterfly Tri Gel on there now. I've had it for about a year and it has roughly 4500 miles on it. Give or take, that's probably about 275 hours of ride time. I've always been relatively happy with it. I mean, it's not like sitting in a Lazy Boy recliner, but for a six by 10 inch piece of leather, it works.

I've heard that cut-out saddles tend to break down more quickly. In your experience, how often do you need to replace a saddle?

[mimitabby]

I love when people ask this question. I have a 30 year old brooks.

[indysteel]

I love when people ask this question. I have a 30 year old brooks.

I'm willing to explore the Brooks route, but I tend to think I need a cutout.

[mimitabby]

I think foam is probably the shortest lived material for a bike seat. You can explore the leathers or the plastics. You are probably used to cushions
but they eventually give out.
Sitting on a leather seat (Cutouts can be found on the selle an-atomica)
there is less give, but the feeling i get (except when going over a bump)
is that i am sitting in space right above my saddle and maybe i am. :)
Sit on a wooden chair. that's kind of what it's like (but leather is softer than wood of course). If you hate wooden chairs; stay with padded saddles.

[pnystr]

I've never heard of a cut out saddle breaking and I would never ride on anything else. I have a Selle Italia Lady Gel flow I love ( I even bought a back up in case they are discontinued). Everyone I know that has one loves them. I've been riding on it for 4 years without any issues. That includes many metrics and centuries, as well as 3 MS 150's.

A riding partner of mine was having similar pain and purchased a Selle SMP Strike Pro Saddle (they also have a strike evolution) available on World Cycling Productions. It is a cut out that is contoured to drop down in the front. She has had no further problems and loves the comfort.
Good luck!

[KnottedYet]

Pnystr - my SO has that saddle, and loves it. I sat on it, and hated it. (my sit bones are MUCH wider than hers! :p )

Everyone has their magic saddle, when you find yours be sure to buy at least two! (three is better :D You never know if your saddle will be changed or discontinued!)

[Kathi]

I use the WTB Laser She saddle. They've changed them, btw. I get about 4,000 miles before I start feeling the need for a new one. When I compare the new ones with the old I can definitely see where the padding is compressing.

This year I went through the "replacing the shorts thing". My shorts were 3 years old, had been on 8 tours and numerous hours of riding. It cost me a fortune because I like Shebeest SSS shorts and they are rarely on sale. Getting new shorts fixed my problem.

I have 3,000 miles on the current saddle so I guess I'll be looking for a new one too.