Specialized Toupe?

[Popoki_Nui]

Has anyone had any experience with these saddles? My bottom doesn't like padded or gel saddles, so on the advice of my trusted LBS I bought one of these saddles in the 143mm width.
I haven't had a chance to try it out yet, but I'd appreciate any comments any of you might have.

Thanks!

~Sherry.

[mimitabby]

I thought this was about hair!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Me too!

[aicabsolut]

I got a Ruby (like the Toupe gel). There's definitely a breaking-in period. Very very hard at first. Comfy, but my sit bones *really* felt it, especially for back-to-back ride days, and I'd been riding a Jett before--still a "race" saddle.

I've heard the guys say the same thing about the regular Toupe. I really like how it's flexible, but not soooo flexible and squishy like the Jett. I feel like I'm getting better power transfer from a more stable platform for my butt instead of the saddle just moving around a lot.

I'm getting much less chafing than with the other saddle too. Still not perfect in that department, but much better with the thinner sides.

[velogirl]

I've been riding the toupe since last February it is hands down the best saddle (for me) I've ever ridden. my first ride was about 5 hours with 6,000' of climbing. I could feel some firmness on my sit bones but I wouldn't even call it discomfort. after that, it's been perfect, like a hammock.

from a sizing pov, Specialized thinks I should be a 143mm. I'd been riding a different 130mm saddle before the toupe so that's the size I chose. love it! I put the 143mm on my travel bike and immediately ended up with saddle sores -- it was just too wide for my pelvis.

the ruby is new this year. I haven't tried it yet but will probably demo it later in the spring. it's essentially the same, right, but with gel and a modified cut-out.

[Popoki_Nui]

I thought this was about hair!!

Close....

[Popoki_Nui]

Thanks for the input! I tried the 130mm size (felt like I was wearing a thong), and the 150mm size (felt like it would have been too wide, even for my ample behind) as well. The considered opinion was the 143mm would be a good fit, or at least a good place to start. My LBS (bless their hearts) offered to change it for another saddle/make/model/size if this one didn't work out. They even put tape on the rails to keep them from scratching in case I needed to swap. Great people!
I'll post my thoughts when I can get a good long ride in on the new saddle.

Thanks!
~Sherry.

UPDATE: Did a nice 50km+ ride today on this new saddle. Just a little on the hard side, but so far it is MUCH more comfortable that the WTB gel saddle it replaced. I think it's a keeper.

[DrBadger]

My new bike came with the Ruby on it. While doing the fitting on the trainer at the bike shop I found that the Ruby was causing some pressure/discomfort near the front of the cut out. We tried a couple of other saddles and I eventually settled on the Toupe. Felt a lot better on the girly bits...even though it is technically the "men's" saddle, I seem to like it better than the "woman's".

My bike shop also told me to ride it a bit and see if I like it, if not to come back in and we will try something else. Hopefully the weather clears up so I can ride this weekend... I will let you know how it is after I have gotten a decent ride on the road in.

[ehirsch83]

I just got my new bike last night and I it came stock with the Toupe. I loved it- did only 40 miles this morning, but I never had any discomfort! First saddle I have truely never had any issues with.

[maillotpois]

Anyone want a 130mm toupe? It didn't work for me so I need to sell it. PM if so.

[smilingcat]

I have 143mm Toupe in red/white. My bottom is still getting used to riding so its bit tender with Toupe. I hope it goes away in about a month. The color of my Jett doesn't match as well as the red/white toupe on my new bike. I still have my Jett just in case Toupe doesn't work out. Seems awfully stiff, maybe too stiff.

If it doesn't work maybe I need to try the Ruby.

smilingcat