Bontrager Inform WSD

[vness]

What's the latest on this saddle? I know Bontrager has had a bad rep in the past. Is this saddle better - anyone loving it?

also, must one use their fitting system or is their a correlation to already knowing your sitbone measurements?

Mine are about 117mm center to center. Would the 140mm be a good fit? Photos make it look like it has very little 'slope' off the sides in the back.

I'm curious about this one :)

thanks!
namaste,
vness

[Andrea]

I tried one. Loved the "dent" for soft tissue relief. Loved the stiff shell. Hated all the padding.

[nscrbug]

I seriously looked into one...did the Bontrager butt "fitting" and all...was told I would need the 150mm saddle. Took one look at it and all that padding, and immediately crossed it off my list. I also didn't like the baby blue accents on it, as my bike is mostly red/black and a saddle with blue in it would look terrible on my bike. I even considered the men's version, since it was black/red/silver...but the men's version does NOT have the "indentation" to relieve soft-tissue pressure, which is something I need. So...no Bontrager Inform saddle for me.

FWIW...I ended up with a Specialized Phenom 143mm...which is actually a men's MTB saddle with a cut-out...go figure! But it seems to be working fairly well for me. I need a few hundred more miles on it though, to really make a final decision on it.

[ny biker]

I tried one last year. Liked the nose very much. Returned it because it was too pear-shaped. If it was t-shaped I probably would have kept it.

[dianne_1234]

Which model InForm saddle did you try? The R (about $70) has more and softer foam than the RL (about $100).

The Bontrager web site for the RL:
http://www.bontrager.com/model/07137
where it says:
"covered with Bontrager's Zone Density foam", which has firmer foam in the back half and softer in the front.

And for the R:
http://www.bontrager.com/model/07138
where it says:
"20% more foam has been added for riders who prefer a plusher ride with a little more cushion."

Just wondering if you might have tried the R whether the RL might be better.

[Kiwi Stoker]

DH rides the men's RL on the tandem. The men's has a softer foam insert insead of the cutout. The RL is definitely harder. I would rate it's hardness similar to the Specialized Alias/Jett (women's). Of course there are harder saddles out there but if you like a bit of give with firmness it might work for you.

[Norse]

I tried the RL, found it just ok for shorter (30 miles or less) rides but longer, I really need a cut-out not an indent. So I put the RL on one of my non numero uno bikes and stuck with the Jett for Bike No. 1.

[MillieNZ]

I tried this saddle and hated it, managed about 10 kms before I had to get off and go home... :(

Too hard, too wide and not enough dent for me !

[makbike]

I recently purchased the WSD RL saddle and love it. All my saddle issues have disappeared. Be sure you are fitted for it and remember you have a 90 day trial so if you don't like it you can return it.

[Yelsel]

I tried out the Bontrager RL, and I really liked the saddle for shorter distances; it was great for rolling my hips out and I could get a great, comfortable tuck and reach. I think I could have loved this saddle, but I wasn't able to tweak it right for longer distance riding; Trek states in the literature that you might have to move the saddle back by a centimeter to account for the different positioning, and I didn't have time to "search" all that space on long distance rides. The shop is *supposed* to help you set up and tweak the saddle, but the place I bought it from here was useless - I brought it back in after 2 months and pointed out the information, but they said they couldn't help at all, and didn't touch the saddle. If I weren't so lazy, I would complain to Trek about the lack of service... they likely lost out on a sale from me. (Also, I thought the saddle size was too broad for me; but the next size down is likely too narrow. But. I still wanted to try exchanging it for the other size, but the shop didn't really want to do that because the sitboard didn't suggest that size, and I was giving up at that point anyway.)

I am riding a Specialized Ruby saddle now, it has a good fit for my sitbone width since the sizing intervals are different (a 143 instead of a 155 mm) and works well up until about 50 miles (I also need a seatpost with more adjustment, I have a choice of a tad up or too far down with this saddle at the moment) - soft tissue at that point, my seatbones seem to hold up pretty well. I can't get the extreme roll-forward that I really liked in the Bontrager RL, though. I would be willing to try this saddle again with a more experienced store that would help with the correct seat setback.

I really like T-shaped saddles, since it is easier to stand and guide them... I didn't have an issue with the shape of the Bontrager RL. There was maybe a slight bit of chafing, but that is likely because the saddle was too wide for me.

[g19]

Here another one that has tried the bontrager rl wsd.

My previous saddles where a SAA and brooks team pro (the last one was a nightmare) and after a test ride of 90 miles with the inform i can't say it's too soft or too hard.

With your thumbs it is possible to press in the foam however when your on the bike you certainly don't 'disappear' in the saddle due to the fact that your bum is a much greater area than your thumbs.

The dent is wonderful so is the softer nose when you're riding more forward and getting a high leg speed (at least that is what i do).

I now have a specialized jett to try and this saddle is firmer on the foam so i'm real curious how this one will go.

My guess is that this one will go better as coming from a rock hard saddle like leather (team pro), but than again within 48 h i'll know.

I'll post my experiences here for as saddles are a very important issue for everyone and i have benefitted a lot from reading the experiences from others.

[nscrbug]

Here another one that has tried the bontrager rl wsd.

My previous saddles where a SAA and brooks team pro (the last one was a nightmare) and after a test ride of 90 miles with the inform i can't say it's too soft or too hard.

With your thumbs it is possible to press in the foam however when your on the bike you certainly don't 'disappear' in the saddle due to the fact that your bum is a much greater area than your thumbs.

The dent is wonderful so is the softer nose when you're riding more forward and getting a high leg speed (at least that is what i do).

I now have a specialized jett to try and this saddle is firmer on the foam so i'm real curious how this one will go.

My guess is that this one will go better as coming from a rock hard saddle like leather (team pro), but than again within 48 h i'll know.

I'll post my experiences here for as saddles are a very important issue for everyone and i have benefitted a lot from reading the experiences from others.

Would be very interested in hearing how the Jett works out for you. I am currently riding on a ProLogo Kappa Dea (stock saddle that came on my new Cannondale Synapse Carbon Fem 3). I did my first full ride on the bike today...logging 93 miles, and I have to say that I'm not "in love" with this saddle. So I may be looking for alternative options very soon. The saddle is white, however...and I sort of want to stay with that since my bike is primarily white. I know the Jett comes in white, so that is likely the saddle that I would try next.

[g19]

@nscrbug,

Ok here comes.

My experiences with the jett are not good and here's why.

Firstly i found that the cutout sides presses too much in my upperlegs which is not nice.
Maybe it's partly getting used to and/or toughen up, but i didn't like it.

Secondly during the ride (100 miles) i could feel my right side (inner/upper leg and seatbone) and nothing on the left.
Funny enough when returning home i discovered that my left side had skin damaged due to chaving ... and the right side was ok ...

Thirdly the cutout works, but there is a price to pay (see firstly).

Fourthly although the saddle has foam and no gel this is no indication that it is soft as i would rather describe it as firm at least.

Overall i'm not happy with it and this week i'm able to loan the SSM rolls saddle from a friend just to try and see what this will bring.

I personally can conclude a few things from my saddle testing.
Cutouts are not ideal for me (edges) just like grooves with sharp edges pressing in my upper legs and foam is probably not the thing my butt likes.

As for now i'm looking at the Selle Italia Prolink http://www.selleitalia.com/eng/index.html
due to its small groove which will help for the girlie bits and it seem not to have the sharp edges which hopefully will give a more comfy ride and it also has gel and no foam.
The fizik Vitesse CP is also on my list due to it's design (similar as the SA Prolink)
http://www.fizik.com/product.aspx?c=Vitesse-CP

Time wil tell which is the best i'll keep you posted.

[nscrbug]

g19...thanks for the Jett review. I'm still undecided on my stock ProLogo Kappa Dea saddle. I have a gut feeling that it is just too narrow for me. The measurements that I have found online for it, indicate that it is 138mm wide, and my Selle Italia SLK Lady Gel Flow that I had been riding on is 145mm. That's a fairly big difference in width, and I'm pretty sure that this is the cause of my discomfort on my new bike. I didn't really want to resort to putting a black saddle on my new white Synapse, but if it means less pain...then by all means, I'll put my SI SLK on it....until I can find a suitable white saddle. But I may still test out the Jett, just to see if I can rule it out completely.

[g19]

@nscrbug,

Yes, by all means do test saddles when you have the option to do so. The great thing about it is that it gives a kind of experience in what saddle does what and what doesn't. One can compare and slowly make a list from what is not working and what is working out ok even when ok means relatively (depending on ride distance etc).

Remember that my experience is just my experience.

The great thing about this forum is that for example saddle issues that all of the things one read here is based on womans ride experiences and this leaves no doubt about it when compared to a review/ride experience when the opposite sex does.

Keep it up girls as many female cyclist appreciate this forum from outside the us.

[Cato]

I switched out the stock men's Bontrager saddle on my Trek for the Inform in Sept '09, and loved it for the first 500 miles. Then the center edges started breaking down and caused serious rubbing in the 'leg pit" area. Bottom line is it is too soft. The last 20 miles of a metric century were agony! In a pinch I switched it out with my hubby's Terry Fly (I've used the Butterfly in the past and have liked it). It's not a perfect fit but definitely an improvement. Any other saddle suggestions?

[g19]

Yes definitely.

This one

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z177/2yummy/ism_adamo_breakaway.jpg

Have done a 60 mile ride and no numbness on the girlie-bits whatsoever.

Due to the fact that there is no support in front than there is lots of support on the sit bones and the muscles around it that one will feel they are there ....

It is a matter of time before it will reduce and probably to acceptable standards.

So far this is the best saddle as my girlie-bits where the biggest problem for me and this has been solved.

More miles will be added and i'll keep you informed how things go.

[ny biker]

I'm currently testing the Bontrager Evoke RL WSD.

http://bontrager.com/model/08749

Its size and shape are very similar to my old perfectly-fitting saddle, a Wylder Juliana that is starting to tear at the edges after many happy miles of riding. So I am hopeful that this new Bontrager will work for me. I rode it for an hour and 45 minutes last night on a very hilly ride, so I was shifting around quite a bit as I rode. It wasn't perfect, I think because it has less padding than my old saddle and the contours are different in terms of indentations for soft tissue. But I'm not at all sore this morning. In contrast, when I tried the Inform RL a couple of years ago, I was in major pain the next day.

The Evoke I'm trying is the widest WSD available, which is 155 mm according to the Bontrager specs. Interestingly, when I sat on the butt-o-meter at the LBS, they said I should use a 140 mm saddle. This makes no sense, since my old saddle is 155 mm wide and it's perfect for me. I tried measuring my sit bones on my own and I'm not sure I got a good measurement, but it seems to have come out around 135 mm from outside to outside. The LBS guy who did the measurement for me said that Bontrager's device measures the width from center to center, but when I asked if the 140 mm measurement he gave me was the actual sit bone measurement or if the device takes the measurement and adds a couple centimeters when determining the recommended saddle width, he didn't seem to understand my question. (This wasn't the guy I usually work with for fit issues.) I didn't have my bike with me at the time, so I went back a couple days later with the bike so I could actually compare saddles in the store to the one on my bike. I talked to a different guy that day, and he got me an Evoke to look at, and since it's so similar to my old saddle and there's a 30-day guarantee I decided to give it a try.

I will post my decision after additional testing. I'm planning a very hilly 40-mile ride this weekend, and at my pace that will probably last 4 hours.

[ny biker]

The testing continues. The Evoke was no good for my road bike. However I will put it on my mountain bike, which is what it was designed for, and I think it will be okay with the more upright riding position. The 30 day guarantee period is over so I can't return it.

Meanwhile today I tried the Bontrager Affinity RL, which is a road saddle intended for a less aggressive riding position than the original Inform saddle. I tried the 144 mm because it was all they had in stock, but I think it was too narrow. I think also that I need more padding. So I might try the 154 mm R model instead.

If that doesn't work, I'm not sure what I'll try next...so, fingers crossed...

[dianne_1234]

Thanks for the update NY! I've been looking at these saddles too. As you can see from my sig I also have experience with the inForms and I'm hopeful about the Evoke and Affinity saddles. It seems they get softer with less expensive versions and firmer with more expensive versions; is your understanding too? Also what didn't work with you on the Evoke?

Too bad the shop guy didn't understand your sitbone v saddle width question. You could always go back, re-impress the a$$ometer and measure your sit bone impressions directly. I got the idea that the mm number was a recommended saddle width, not a sit bone measurement. But there are the impressions right there, can't be too hard to measure (even measure a couple times if you like!)

Here's hoping you find a great replacement saddle, and that I can learn from your experiences too. :)

[ny biker]

From what I've read on the Bontrager site, it does look like the more expensive saddles have less padding.

The Evoke feels like there's too much pressure between my legs, like there's not enough weight on the sitbones. I think this is due to the topography of the saddle. When I sit upright on the road bike, it feels better, so I'm hoping it will be okay for the mountain bike. I had to keep it longer than the 30-day warranty period because I had to have something for the Livestrong ride in late August and the Evoke was bearable enough to get me through that.

I went to the LBS yesterday to return the Affinity RL 144. I told them where it hurt, and they recommended I try the 154 mm which is backordered for a couple of weeks. So in the meantime I'm the Evoke is back on the road bike -- it's less uncomfortable than the Affinity was.

However they also told me that what I really need is a new, better fitting bike, because the position of my handlebars relative to my seat is causing me to lean forward and down too much, and we've already done all we can with changing stems. I realize they might just be trying to sell me a new bike, but they seem to know enough about proper bike fit that I suspect there is something to what they are telling me.

[GLC1968]

Well, after 6 years of cycling, I finally found my 'love' saddle! I was fitted to my tri bike with the Inform RL WSD 140mm and it was surprizingly comfortable. It's the first non-cutout saddle that I've ever been able to ride. I was sure it wouldn't work in aero, but it totally does!

Then I realized that I also liked it when sitting up on the horns, so I thought I'd try it on my road bike.

I bought a second one (last years model is on sale on Bontrager's web site for $69.99) and tried it this past weekend on my rain bike. 30 miles, mixed terrain and while my sit bones need some conditioning because of the time of year, there was NO soft tissue pain at all. I've never ridden with no soft tissue pain at all. Usually I am at least a little tender...even for shorter rides. I'm in awe. Pure awe.

I'm about to buy a third one of these babies to put on my go fast road bike (same geometry and fit as my rain bike)! I can't believe it took me 6 years to find a saddle that allows me to have sex the day after a long ride AND that said saddle would be a Bontrager. Will wonders never cease?? :eek:

[kermit]

Thats super cool, I had looked at those as well, how did your measurement square up with sizing? If I measure 150 should I try 150 or go up one to 160? I am still looking for nirvana but getting closer!

[GLC1968]

Thats super cool, I had looked at those as well, how did your measurement square up with sizing? If I measure 150 should I try 150 or go up one to 160? I am still looking for nirvana but getting closer!

Well, I didn't use Bontrager's method for measurements, if that's what you mean. When I measured my own sit bones ages ago, I got a 138mm (ish)...so I know mine are pretty narrow. That shocked me too...as a pear-shaped woman, but it's amazing what one learns when one becomes a cyclist! ;) I was surprized that my fitter handed me the narrowest one of the group to try, but perhaps he could make an educated guess from my other body measurements? Anyway, it fit immediately, so I didn't need to try larger. When I looked at the width later on, it made sense based on my personal measurements.

I would think that if you measure 150, I'd stick with 150, but I'm not really an expert or anything.

[trista]

I have a bontrager inForm RL WSD and i LOVE IT. My sitbones are 133 from center to center and i use the 150 size. It is so perfect. I can ride forever without even noticing I have a seat under me. I love that saddle.

[Skierchickie]

Anybody have any new comments on the Inform RL WSD? I'm considering one.

I went through the whole saddle-search thing a few years ago, after many years of suffering. Terry (3 models) WTB (several test saddles) Fizik Vitesse HP. Then I got a new road bike that came with an Arione, which is a men's. I never expected to keep it, but gave it a shot, and it was the best of the bunch. Haven't moved it in almost 4 years, but now I'm getting saddle sores. Got them once last year, and have now been battling them for 3 weeks. Thought I'd upped my mileage too fast, or my shorts were getting old. Sat on the Butt-o-Meter today, and the LBS owner is positive that the Arione (132 mm) is way too narrow. The Butt-o-Meter indicates the middle-width Inform or Affinity (so 150 or 144, accordingly). That would explain Sunday's bruising after my 100-miler, as well as the 2 angry bumps.

Anyway, after reading up today about the Inform, and comparing their explanation of it with the issues I've had (always feel like my weight is on soft tissue, rather that sit bones), I might have to give it a shot. I don't want too much padding, but the dip in front might be good. Never could get used to the Terry cut-outs. The Inform R sounds too padded (I like the minimal Arione), so I'd probably go with the RL. Looked at the Affinity RXL & RL, but it sounds like it's for more of an upright position. I'm actually always more upright than I'd like, because of rolling more onto soft tissue if I try to get lower. Maybe the Inform would allow me to get into a better position? Like GLC1968 said, I ALWAYS have soft tissue pain after riding (and during).

Looks like they've cut the trial period down to 30 days. :mad:

Any new input would be appreciated!

[KnottedYet]

From dealing with injured cyclists, I'd say give the wider saddle a try.

Not only do I work with bike fits, I also work with pelvic pain/incontinence/sexual dysfunction patients. I see the worst of the worst, so my view is biased. I'd go wide, unpadded, and sprung at every opportunity.

-Knot, who is EXTREMELY biased toward the Brooks B67. (not the B67-Short)

BTW my sitbone measurement is 180-190 mm. I know the misery of narrow saddles...

[Skierchickie]

Thanks, Knot!

Can anyone tell me what the nose width is on the Inform RL WSD? One of my problems is the need for a narrow nose (like the Arione), because of chafing. I've kind of forgotten a lot of the problems I had pre-Arione, since the big search was 4+ years ago, but that was a big one. Darn these thighs, anyway. :mad: Okay, darn my love of food, then. :rolleyes:

[Skierchickie]

I was hunting around for information / reviews, etc, and found it on sale on the Trek Online site (not on sale on the Bontrager site). Anyway, they appear to be closing out the RL models in both the men's & women's versions - listed for $69.99 instead of $109.99, for the 2009 model only. So I called my LBS, and am getting it for $49! Or maybe it's $49.99 - poTAYto, poTAHto! My LBS always passes along the savings on clearance stuff (bikes included). I really wanted the newest model, because I'm afraid of what terrible problem may have been fixed after the first version, but who can justify passing up that kind of savings?

DH has been dissatisfied with his saddle, too, so we ordered him one as well. Two-fers!

I'm awaiting this with much excitement. And terror.

[ny biker]

Yeah, I haven't seen any Informs at the LBS in a long time. I'm wondering if they are coming out with something new to replace it as their "race" saddle. I will try to ask when I'm there tomorrow replacing the headlight that flew off my handlebar and was crushed by a taxicab the other night.

I hope it works for you!!

[Skierchickie]

Can anybody who rides an Inform help me out with positioning this thing? I want to start out level, but level is kind of hard to pin down, with the bump in front, dip in the middle, and flat at the back. Do you just level the back part? The bump in front sort of throws things off, being taller (and squishier) than the back part. I tried leveling the rails, but that tilts it down more in front than what looks like would be right.

I can't wait to try this thing out. It rained tonight. So far I just toodled down the gravel driveway and back in my jeans last night. Sitting on it in the garage felt painful - not my sit bones, I don't think - seemed forward and inboard from those, but when riding down the driveway that didn't hurt. I was holding myself up against the garage wall, so I was probably too upright then. We'll see.

[kermit]

I have always tried to level a saddle by using a hard back book and a leveler. Make sure the book covers the saddle evenly and try the leveler. That's my take, I know guys that can just eyeball it, me not so much! You could also try the leveler next to the rails. For what it's worth, I have a Bontrager affinity RXL on my bike now and had to go above level with the nose. The dip gives it the optical illusion that its higher than it is. What a difference a level saddle makes!

[Skierchickie]

Thanks Kermit.

So, on yours, is the back part level (the only part that actually is flat, if it's like the Inform)? I mean, I know the procedure to level it if I know what needs to be level, but it's that bump & dip that are the problem. The bump on mine is clearly higher than the flat back part. I'm assuming the bump is taller because it squishes down when you sit on it. Or - maybe it is an optical illusion, like you said. I'll have to study it some more. Or maybe it's an Affinity / Inform difference, or because my RL has more padding than your RXL.

When I leveled the rails it was diving down in front a little.

How do you like the Affinity? And the RXL version? If the Inform works on my road bike, I may have to get an Affinity, for my touring bike, and an Evoke for the MTB. Sigh, I wish they would have a clearance on all of them.

I'm amazed at how sleek DH's new Inform RL looks compared with my Inform RL WSD. His looks racy & minimal. Mine looks like a tractor seat beside it. And theoretically his is actually 4 mm wider.

[kermit]

When I did my Specialized super duper bike fit I had an Inform with me to try. It never even made it on the bike, my fitter told me that lump would mush me into the saddle and the nose was very wide. I have heard mixed reviews (everybody is different) but the affinity RXL is very flat. The dip is just enough to be comfy for the girly parts and the right size supports my seat bones very well. I measured it up to my former SSM aspide glamour and it was exact. I have had more success with it that anything else I have tried, and I think I have tried them all. When I look at mine on the bike, the nose looks higher than the seat but my nose bump is smaller. I actually have it past level to compensate for the bump if that makes sense. Just play with it, if you feel like you are on your hands bump the nose up. Good luck.

[nscrbug]

When I did my Specialized super duper bike fit I had an Inform with me to try. It never even made it on the bike, my fitter told me that lump would mush me into the saddle and the nose was very wide. I have heard mixed reviews (everybody is different) but the affinity RXL is very flat. The dip is just enough to be comfy for the girly parts and the right size supports my seat bones very well. I measured it up to my former SSM aspide glamour and it was exact. I have had more success with it that anything else I have tried, and I think I have tried them all. When I look at mine on the bike, the nose looks higher than the seat but my nose bump is smaller. I actually have it past level to compensate for the bump if that makes sense. Just play with it, if you feel like you are on your hands bump the nose up. Good luck.

Just curious...which size Affinity RXL did you go with? And did you get the WSD version, or the men's? I stopped at my local Trek dealer this afternoon to take a look at them...and ended up taking home a WSD 154 RXL. I figure I have nothing to lose in trying it out since I can return it in 30 days if it doesn't work for me. I've just been fidgeting around way too much on my Ruby 155 lately, and today's 83-mile ride was no exception. I need to try something else to confirm if it's the saddle or not. I'll have my DH put it on tomorrow after we get back from our long ride. I don't really want to try the Affinity on a long, hot ride...which undoubtedly tomorrow's ride will be. I test it out on my Monday ride, which will be shorter.

Linda

[zoom-zoom]

Can someone tell me the difference between the Affinity and the InForm...and how they compare to the Jett and the Ruby (the InForm looks too pear-shaped and I can't find any overhead photos of the Affinity models)? I've been toying with the idea of trying a different saddle now that I have 2 bikes (that way I can put whichever one I like less on my cyclocross bike and my preferred one on my road bike). I like my Jett, but I don't love it. It worked better for me on my previous road bike, which had me somewhat more upright. I'm open to trying something new, just for sh!ts-n-giggles.

Also, how T-shaped are the various Bontrager saddles vs. Spec's saddles...?

[kermit]

I got the Affinity RXL WSD in 154. I measure 150 so I need wide. This saddle supports my seat bones perfectly and does not flex. My first ride was two hours, and I got sore, but in the right spots, not the crotch. It pretty much puts you in a spot, there's not much moving around but I am happy with the Dent. The affinity is pretty minimal padding compared to the inform. I would say the inform has twice the padding and although the dent is bigger, so is the overall saddle including the nose width. The inform is more pear shaped and the affinity is more t-shaped. If you took a ruby and aspide glamour and combined them, you get an Affinity. I hope that helps.

[zoom-zoom]

That does. The Affinity is intriguing to me. I'm thinking I may have to give it a try. I have a 150ish miler in the plans in about 5 weeks and I'd really love to find THE saddle before then.

[petitereynard]

Anybody have any new comments on the Inform RL WSD? I'm considering one.


Anyway, after reading up today about the Inform, and comparing their explanation of it with the issues I've had (always feel like my weight is on soft tissue, rather that sit bones), I might have to give it a shot. I don't want too much padding, but the dip in front might be good. Never could get used to the Terry cut-outs. The Inform R sounds too padded (I like the minimal Arione), so I'd probably go with the RL. Looked at the Affinity RXL & RL, but it sounds like it's for more of an upright position. I'm actually always more upright than I'd like, because of rolling more onto soft tissue if I try to get lower. Maybe the Inform would allow me to get into a better position? Like GLC1968 said, I ALWAYS have soft tissue pain after riding (and during).
!

Skierchickie: I just went throught the saddle search. I purchased an Inform RL last fall after I started getting soft-tissue pain on long rides. When I tried it on a new bike this spring, one that makes me ride slightly more upright, I had nothing but pain. I tried a number of other saddles, including 3 different Terrys, with no luck, so I determined to make the Inform work again. I got a new bike fit just to go around that saddle. I did the same thing Kermit did--strong piece of cardboard on top of the saddle, level on top of that, to level the saddle. I don't know why the dip is better than the cutout, but it is for me. The nose looks like it's up a bit, but the dent is level and causes no pain EVER and that's what I care about.

That said, I'm going to look at an Affinity this week. The Affinity has slightly more padding and is designed for a slightly more upright position--kind of that gray area between aggressive and upright. The salsa pistola I'm riding now doesn't encourage an aggressive position, so I'm thinking the Affinity will work better. I just got back from a week-long tour with 50-60 mile days. No soft-tissue pain, but I could only be in one spot on the Inform saddle, or I would get incredible sits-bone pain. It's not a saddle that encourages you to move around a whole lot. I can move back a little going uphill, up a little going downhill, but that's about it.

I'd like to hear how the Inform works for you--
Good luck!

[nscrbug]

I'm a little curious about what happened with the Ruby. Is it sitbone pressure? You are a very long-distance cyclist. I can't imagine putting in the miles you do. Do you just need something a little more padded to accomodate the mileage? Makes me wonder if a Jett or Alias would work.

It does seem to be sitbone pressure, but also a teeny bit of girly bits irritation too. Which is what had me wondering about the cut-out on the Ruby. So today I rode 54 miles on the Affinity RXL and it felt very strange at first. But the longer I rode, the more comfortable I got. I can't yet say that it was "perfect", nor am I ready to take it off yet, either. I'll leave it on a bit longer and see what happens next weekend during my longer rides.

[kermit]

That's how it felt for me the first two rides...different! But when the pUn did not come I was happy!

[Skierchickie]

Okay, for those who may be interested in the Inform RL WSD saddle, here is my initial review. Sorry, but very long:

Overall impression: Why do women's saddles have so darn much padding?? Sheesh! Way squishy compared to the Arione. Otherwise, similar front to back profile - just ends up wider. Same transition front to back, so that is where I initially positioned it. In the end, I can't really tell that it's squishy, and I'm not sure what the bump up front is for, since I'm behind it. Doesn't seem to cause any problems. The two plastic mystery bumps underneath the nose don't seem to cause me any problems - I saw references to those somewhere, and how your shorts can hang up on them. No issue with that at all.

Ride 1: 15 mile shakedown ride, mostly flat, with a few rollers in the middle. Saddle level from front to back (including the nose). This put the back and notch area pointing down just a bit. It was awesome for 5 miles - no soft-tissue pain at all. Couldn't even tell I had soft tissue. Probably due to the unfortunate fact that the slight downward tilt had all my weight on my hands & arms, which started to get numb & hurt a little. I'm not sure just when both feet went numb. I stopped at the half-way point and leveled the back half of the saddle (level by eyeball, and almost perfectly level using an actual level when I got home). This annoyed the soft tissue a bit, and made me wish the notch was deeper. Oh, and in both positions, I was way more comfortable in the drops that on the hoods. I seem to have more access to the hoods than I'm used to. I want to use my drops more, so that part is good. The bad part was the sit bone pain when I'd ride on the hoods. Next morning: 2 saddle sores. One existing one getting to be a bigger bump, and a second one right next to another existing spot. Grrr. However, it was crazy hot & humid, and I had mountain biked in the morning, and waded in the lake in the late afternoon, on a hike. So basically in damp shorts for a lot of the day (not the same shorts, but all damp).

Ride 2: 20 miles, mostly flat. Split the difference between the 2 positions on the first ride. Better, but 1 numb foot (and my shoe was already looser than normal, so it wasn't that). A little discomfort up front. Still pain in back when I was more upright on the hoods. Felt like I had no power. At all. Total lack of oomph. And never really comfortable on the saddle. Still with the saddle sore bumps.

Ride 3: 44 miles, flat to hilly, with one big hill. Had DH check my KOPS position, and he figured I could go back slightly. So I moved it back, maybe 5 mm, but didn't measure. Felt pretty decent for 20 miles, then started getting general discomfort. Most of it not major, except feeling like I'm right on those saddle sores.

Ride 4: 19 miles, gently rolling. After talking to LBS guy, moved the saddle back a hair more. He thought maybe I should tilt it down a hair more too, but trying to isolate one thing at a time. Starting to feel a bit better. And the sores seem less angry. Still a tad bit of hand trouble, so I'm not sure about increasing the tilt.

Ride 5: 15 miles easy with DH (who is 3/4 of the way through chemo right now, so isn't exactly hammering): No problems. No sit bone pain. The saddle still doesn't disappear, but it's better. And I can ride in the drops without squirming.

So, with 113 miles on it, it has promise. I need to get some longer rides in, which I'm not sure I'll get in before the 30-day trial is up, but I guess I'll keep it. If it doesn't work, it was a good deal, and I can probably get most of my money out of it at the annual gear swap. I may tweak it back a hair farther, but the rails are pretty short, and I don't have a whole lot left. Part of my problem could be my mtb saddle, and the fact that I'm riding that on Mondays and Thursdays, and I know it's too narrow. While I'm more upright, and don't get some of the pain during the rides, it may be irritating areas the road saddle finds later? I may talk my Monday friend to switch to road biking for a couple of weeks.

If it weren't for the $60 price difference, I probably would go for the less-padded RXL. I do think I want new shorts, but that's another can of worms.

[Skierchickie]

Last Sunday's 33 miler got really bad. First 10 miles was okay, then got gradually worse until I had pain from my hips down to my knees. DH thought maybe it was nerve pressure somewhere. Whatever it was, that was the first time I really ever wanted to just quit riding. LBS guy fixed me up with a men's Affinity 1 from his trial bin. We'll see how that goes. Only 2 short rides so far - the first one was not very good, but it was the day after the really bad ride, so I gave myself a couple days to recover. Today I didn't have time, so it was just a short ride, but it was pretty good.

[CyborgQueen]

Skierchickie - I was in the similar boat like you were. I had the Bontrager Affinity. When I first started cycling nearly two years ago, I had the Terry Butterfly Ti with the cutout on it. It was comfortable for a long while, but then when I started to change my bike into a little more aggressive position (raising the seat, lowering the handlebars, etc), sitting on the saddle seems to get more uncomfortable. It seems that when I'm in more upright, the saddle is perfect, but once I go in the drops or more tight position, my sit bones seems to kind of slide off to the side slightly.

After a long while, I decided that it's time to start saddle trials. Bontrager was the first I tried. It wasn't bad. Felt comfortable for certain amount of time, then I start to fidget. The width of the saddle was perfect. After a few more rides, I realized that the sides of it is a little too sharp for me (got a big butt), and the indentation on the back part was bothering me really bad. Returned the saddle and now I'm testing the SI Diva. In a small way, I wished I did the research before buying because it turned out to be a lot more money at the LBS than online...however, this LBS has given me so much free service (free adjustments, free fitting, and little free stuff) even though I didn't buy the bike from them. So, I think it's fair.

When I sat on it for the first time, I was already SO comfortable! I'm looking forward for my first ride with it tomorrow. Did you ever think about trying Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow (cutouts), or the Diva? A few of my women cycling friends swears on Selle Italia's products...and they're long distance cyclists.

I'm hoping that the money that I shelled out on this saddle will be worth it and thousands of miles...and for my first century.

Good luck!

[Skierchickie]

Returned the Inform last week. The Affinity I'm trying is a lot better, but haven't ridden a lot of times since putting it on. Did a 58 miler a week ago. Got quite uncomfortable on one side, and leveled it a little 1/2-way through the ride. Seemed a lot better, but the damage was done, so to speak. Tweaked the tilt part-way back again, but haven't ridden it since.

CyborgQueen: I haven't seen the SI saddles in person, so haven't really considered them. Not sure about the cutouts - none of the Terry saddles I tried with cut-outs worked for me. Maybe I'll see something when I'm downstate soon. Unfortunately, $$$ is an object at the moment. Still rooting for the Affinity, anyway. Maybe I need to avoid women's saddles, because in all my trials, the men's models have been the best.

[zoom-zoom]

Reviving this thread to say that I am kicking myself for not having tried this saddle a VERY LONG time ago! Ugh! But I'm glad I have it, now. I picked one up on eBay for $30 and figured it was worth a shot. Oh, I think it's worth every penny!

I have only done a 10 mile trainer ride, but saddles always feel worse on the trainer than they do on the road and this saddle felt actually pretty good on the trainer. During my ride I noticed that my sit bones hurt a little, for a change. Up front I had minimal pressure and ZERO chafing. Chafing has been the big deal-breaker with pretty much every saddle I've tried.

I had previously tried the Affinity on my road bike, but didn't love it. Though it works great on my CX bike, which has me positioned a bit more upright. I always thought the Inform looked too pear-shaped, which is what kept me from trying it earlier, but it doesn't actually feel that way when I'm on it, which surprised me.

I'm really looking forward to the roads being cleaner and warmer for a good outdoor ride on this saddle!

[zoom-zoom]

I got to put the new saddle through it's paces on Sat. during an indoor cycling event to raise money for Livestrong. I rode a total of 3 hours and the only thing that was an issue was the alignment where PI shorts seams and saddle disagree a bit. Today I did a brief ride with a pair of Shebeest S-Pros that I LOVE, but the seams on those were becoming destroyed by the edges of my previous SSM saddle. Interestingly, the Bontrager saddle and the Shebeest shorts seem to be much more compatible (no seams in contact with the saddle, as far as I can tell), which is awesome, since I prefer the Shebeest shorts!

[SarahMN]

I tend to favor a T-shaped saddle. I have the Jett though I find that I get pushed forward quite a bit, no chafing though. The cut out is so small that I don't think it even counts on the Jett. The SSM Aspide cut up the back of my legs pretty badly. I am looking at the Bontrager inForm RL WSD 2010, my sit bones are 135 center to center. Not sure if I should go with the 140 or 150 size. Also the trek site only has the 2010 saddle? Should I look for a more recent design?

[ny biker]

I think the Inform is being phased out. They're all on clearance at my LBS.

[zoom-zoom]

I think the Inform is being phased out. They're all on clearance at my LBS.

Wha...NO!!! All Inform models? Just certain ones? They can't discontinue the only saddle that works for me! :eek:

[emily_in_nc]

Wha...NO!!! All Inform models? Just certain ones? They can't discontinue the only saddle that works for me! :eek:

Take advantage of clearance prices and stock up! Another option is ebay -- bike gear tends to remain on there for way longer than it does in LBS's.

[ny biker]

The Bontrager website still shows the WSD RL version, but not the R or RXL. My LBS has not gotten any new ones in stock in over a year.

You might want to contact Bontrager and ask them what's up.

[zoom-zoom]

The Bontrager website still shows the WSD RL version, but not the R or RXL. My LBS has not gotten any new ones in stock in over a year.

You might want to contact Bontrager and ask them what's up.

That is really odd. And I like my Affinity on my CX bike, but on my more aggressive road bike that dent is not deep enough. The Inform is much better.

[Owlie]

I might have to check this saddle out. My fitting put me in a much more aggressive position than I am used to, and PAIN is the result. I'm not 100% sure it wasn't the shorts, but I'm resigning myself to the fact that I may have to buy a new saddle.

What year is yours, Zoom? And does anyone know what, if any, the differences are between the 2010 and 2009 versions? The 2010 is still 109. The 2009 is $24.99. The only difference I can see is the rail material (Ti vs steel.)

[zoom-zoom]

What year is yours, Zoom? And does anyone know what, if any, the differences are between the 2010 and 2009 versions? The 2010 is still 109. The 2009 is $24.99. The only difference I can see is the rail material (Ti vs steel.)

You know, I wish I knew what year mine is. I think I threw out the packaging. The saddle has blue swirly design...looks just like the ones I see on their site, but those are black swirls. I think mine has steel rails (but I'm not positive).

[Owlie]

You know, I wish I knew what year mine is. I think I threw out the packaging. The saddle has blue swirly design...looks just like the ones I see on their site, but those are black swirls. I think mine has steel rails (but I'm not positive).

2009: http://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?itemID=1551&itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=1551&path=1%2C2%2C4%2C15%2C430

2010:
http://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?itemID=2521&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C442%2C456&iProductID=2521
I have a feeling that the swirl color varies, depending on the width of the saddle...Though that would mean that if it was a 2010, they would be green..

Apparently they both have steel rails...I swear I was looking at something that said one has Ti...
Oh. Their own product page is confused. http://bontrager.com/model/09441. The part description says Ti, the product description says steel. Geez.

[zoom-zoom]

Hmmm...they look the same. I wonder if there is any marked difference, other than cosmetic...?:confused:

[Owlie]

Hmmm...they look the same. I wonder if there is any marked difference, other than cosmetic...?:confused:

Given the reputation that Bontrager saddles have had in the past, I'd really like to know!

[ny biker]

If it helps, with the Affinity and Evoke, the RXL and RL have ti rails, while the R has steel rails.

Originally I think there were at least 2 different versions of the Inform, in terms of the amount of padding. So there might have been a difference in rails, too.

[GLC1968]

The 2009 has blue swirls, the 2010 has white. I have one of each and there is zero difference between them as far as I can tell.

Zoom-zoom - why am I not the least bit surprised that the InForm RL is the saddle for you, too? ;)

SarahMN - if you are 135 center to center, I'd go for the 140. I'm 138 or so, and ride the 140 on all of my road bikes.

[zoom-zoom]

SarahMN - if you are 135 center to center, I'd go for the 140. I'm 138 or so, and ride the 140 on all of my road bikes.

Interesting...I'm 130 and am on the 150. I've wondered if 1 size narrower would work, too... :confused:

[GLC1968]

Interesting...I'm 130 and am on the 150. I've wondered if 1 size narrower would work, too... :confused:

I never tried wider in this saddle. In general, I'm always shooting for the narrowest saddle I can make work to avoid chaffing the upper thighs (which happened when I tried the Terry Butterfly and is the reason I switched to narrower men's saddles before Specialized and Bontrager started making women's saddles in widths).

[Owlie]

If it helps, with the Affinity and Evoke, the RXL and RL have ti rails, while the R has steel rails.

Originally I think there were at least 2 different versions of the Inform, in terms of the amount of padding. So there might have been a difference in rails, too.

Interesting. The men's version of the Inform RXL has Ti rails, but the inconsistency in the RL is still there. The $99 price tag on the 2009 would put it in line with the current lower-end Jett with cro-mo rails...but my Jett, which is the much older one (with the gray "sit spots"--I got it in clearance at the LBS), has a carbon (or carbon-reinforced, can't tell) shell and Ti rails...and was also $99.99 originally. Maybe the Inform is just the odd one out.
The 2009 picture appears to say "Hollow SS" on the rail. So that's settled. Nothing on the 2010.

[Owlie]

Interesting...I'm 130 and am on the 150. I've wondered if 1 size narrower would work, too... :confused:

Interesting! I'm somewhere in the 125-130 range (I got one number, LBS got the other). I'm using a 143 Jett. I'm not sure I want to go too much narrower, but will I really notice 1.5mm on each side?

[turquoise]

Hi know this is an old thread, but thanks to you ladies, I was fed up with saddle pains and I managed to find this saddle a couple of weeks ago; the 2009 version (one with the blue swirls). I have struggled with saddles since I started cycling. I went out yesterday for the first time and several times I realized I had forgotten I was on a saddle, which is a first for me. I barely had any soft tissue pressure, however I did notice I had some sort of saddle edging discomfort, as if the edge of the saddle chaffed against my legs. Not sure what it was, maybe it was just a first spin kind of discomfort. But to my amazement I did not have any sit bone pain and today I don't feel them at all.

My last saddle was a prologo scratch pro dea, which was the best I had found so far but if for some reason I was off the bike for over a week I would feel my sit bones again and lately the pain was constant and I felt bruised days after, so I kept on cycling with bruised sit bones, over and over again. I came across this old thread and I managed to find for $15 one of these saddles. I have high hopes for it, as if it didn't hurt the first spin I doubt it will get any worse. If this doesn't work I'm off to try the ISM saddle for my road bike. This is the 4th saddle, I just hope I don't have to move onto a 5th!

For me it seems to be that I have wide sit bones, you wouldn't think of it if you took one look at me as I have narrow hips, and I'm not really that overweight (maybe 5/7kg).

I just hope that this post helps others and fingers crossed this saddle turns out to be THE one, so far so good.