Buying someone a saddle is like buying someone a pair of jeans...both items are so subjective to the "user". Now I have to decide whether to keep it so I don't hurt his feelings (it's not the saddle I wanted) or take it back. I'm leaning toward taking it back.
I could always put the "gift saddle" on my commuter bike and get the saddle I really want for my roadie...right?
I'd say that depends. Is the gift saddle rideable without lots of discomfort? I'm sure he wouldn't want you to keep it if it's causing you pain.Quote:
Originally Posted by buffybike
Well, I haven't ridden on it in case I want to return it. I've only read reviews on message boards and info on the Specialized site, however I'm thinking it's too cushy a seat for long rides on my road bike--it's more of a "comfort seat" for recreational riders whereas I want something more performance oriented.
The seat he bought for me is the Specialized Lithia. The seat I want is either the SI SLR Lady Gel Flow or the SSM Aspide Glamour.
If it were me I'd be honest and tell him it's not the saddle I wanted, but that you so much appreciate his effort, etc etc, and you would like to return it and would he like to help you get the one you want instead?
I'd try it. I never met a specialized saddle my rear didn't like. You may be surprised. Or not. It may be perfect on you commuter. I think that's where I would put a Lithia anyway. Isn't it kind of a commuter saddle?
My Dolce Elite came with a Lithia Gel saddle and I've been very happy with it. While the Dolce may not be considered a true racing bike-it is definitely a road bike. Depending how comfortable it is for you personally on a long ride, the Lithia is certainly up to the task, IMO.Quote:
Originally Posted by buffybike
The Specialized Lithia is what I have on my hybrid, and I love it. Maybe it would work on your commuter.
When I bought it the LBS said it would be okay for a road bike, but since I haven't bought a road bike yet, I don't have an opinion on that.
I rode a Lithia for almost 6,000 miles and replaced it with a Jett.
I tend to agree the Lithia is a bit squishy. But it all depends on your anatomy... if you're not super prone to chafing, it might be fine for you. I never rode much over 100 miles at a time on it. I think it's plenty comfortable for under 40 miles or so, especially on hills, for commuting, or other situations where you're moving around a lot and not just hammering in the saddle.
I think the other two saddles you're looking at are considerably more pear-shaped. One thing I really like about the entire Specialized line is how T-shaped they are.
The Aspide Glamour looks t-shaped to me. I'm actually considering it for my next saddle.Quote:
Originally Posted by OakLeaf
Well I put the Specialized Lithia on my commuter and I kinda like it! It supports my sitbones perfectly (I got the medium size one), and I'm loving the cutout. Granted I only took it out for an errand, but I wore shorts with no padding and I was fine. I'm still going to try a SI SLR Lady Gel Flow on my road bike, but I think the Lithia saddle is a keeper, too....