What saddle for an XC MTB?

[emily_in_nc]

As many of you know from another thread, I am awaiting a Titus Racer X, purchased used on ebay (I can't wait!!!) It comes with whatever womens' saddle the previous owner had (I didn't even ask because I figured it wouldn't suit me, everyone being so different). Being a newbie to mountain biking, what type of saddle do y'all recommend for XC riding (gravel roads, paved trails, and eventually single track)? Is there a particular shape/size that works best for this type of riding?

I have a Performance Contour Womens on my starter mtb that is very comfy (narrow, with a cutout, but some padding for the sitbones), but I might want something a little lighter on my Racer-X. I have used Terry Butterflies in the past on road bikes and found them very comfy, but they're a bit wide for me so give me some chafing problems in back.

I am intrigued by the new Terry Falcon X, but according to the Terry site, it's the same width as the Butterfly. I'm wondering about the men's version - the Falcon Y, since the narrower width works better for me, but it's a little longer - would that not be desirable on a mtb?

Any suggestions or info?

Thanks!
Emily

[yellow]

Emily, I'm smallish too and I love the WTB Rocket V on my Racer X. It's narrow and altogether minimal. It's easy to get my butt behind because it is so narrow, yet I find it very comfy for seated riding. It may be the "whale tail" cradling my behind! It's realtively inexpensive (unless you get the fancy-schmancy one). If you were close by I'd let you test drive mine!

[bcipam]

Emily, I'm smallish too and I love the WTB Rocket V on my Racer X. It's narrow and altogether minimal. It's easy to get my butt behind because it is so narrow, yet I find it very comfy for seated riding. It may be the "whale tail" cradling my behind! It's realtively inexpensive (unless you get the fancy-schmancy one). If you were close by I'd let you test drive mine!

I'm "larger" and love this saddle as well. Another WTB saddle to consider is the Laser which I have on my HT and also love.

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks for the replies!!

I should have mentioned that I simply cannot ride a saddle without a cutout. Just can't do it. tlkiwi, you have a great memory - my original mtb came with a WTB saddle, cute little thing, the width was great, so I really did give it the old college try, thinking I might have outgrown my cutout-need, but no way no how! I ended up selling it.

fatbottomedgurl, the Specialized saddles look great (I especially like the looks and sound of the Rival SL), and they have the cutouts I need, so I will go that route if needed. But just looking at them reminded me - duh - that I have a saddle on my Aegis road bike I'm not currently riding that just might do. It's a Selle San Marco Atola womens saddle, narrow, lightweight, great cutout, and short as well. Would be easy to get over the back of it. It's a bit on the hard side (it's a road saddle, of course), but with a full suspension, perhaps it would work. I guess since the price is right (FREE!), it's worth a try. Is there any reason it wouldn't possibly work on a mtb? Or is it just uncool to use a road saddle on a mtb? I'm such a clueless newbie when it comes to all things mountain!

http://www.speedgoat.com/product.asp...=270&brand=224

Thanks ladies!
Emily

[SalsaMTB]

I love the WTB SST 2K. It isn't made anymore, but you can still find it on ebay and greenfishsports.com There isn't a cutout, but it's an amazing saddle. I need to stock up on them before they're sold out!!

[bouncybouncy]

great replies...i have butterfly on my mtb and love it but i do not get off the back very well and am looking for a new saddle!

thanks for asking the question em...

i may just have a butterfly for sale i will need to post soon

[DirtDiva]

tlkiwi, you have a great memory - my original mtb came with a WTB saddle, cute little thing, the width was great, so I really did give it the old college try, thinking I might have outgrown my cutout-need, but no way no how! I ended up selling it.

I wouldn't say "great" so much as filled with a random, random, random selection of information. Hope you find something you like for your sweet new ride.

[texas_emily]

I also have a WTB saddle on my mtb. I opted for the Speed She, and I'm pretty happy with it.

It's light and comfortable, and the "love channel" works as well as a cut out for me (I'm in the Terry Butterfly camp). It also gives me a lot of room to get off and behind the saddle for descents.

My only complaint is that the trim/decals are wearing off very quickly. The first time I laid it down, I was wiping off decals along with the mud!

[DirtDiva]

I luuuuurve my Pure V (not the narrowest they make though, if that's a priority), but if I remember rightly you weren't keen on a WTB you had on another bike..? Unless I'm thinking of someone else's saddle woes and prefs, that is...

[Trekhawk]

My bike came with WTB rocket but I just couldnt get comfy on it. I stuck one of my old road saddles on a Terry Butterfly and it was ok. After riding and talking with SK it became clear that there was no way I could get that saddle thru my legs when trying to get my butt back. It was just too wide. So I had a whirl on SK's bike and her saddle seemed pretty comfy so I ordered one. Its the WTB Laser V SLT. I dont have it yet but Im hoping it will be a keeper.

[fatbottomedgurl]

I use a Specialized Body Geometry mtb racing saddle that I have found to very comfortable. It fits between my thighs when I hang off the back for downhills.
They come in different widths, both men's an women's. I don't think mine is wsd.