I need a cross between an Arione and ??

[Skierchickie]

Arione + WTB Silverado. That would be my dream hybrid.

I ride an Arione now, after a long search. I also wish it had a dip or something in front, but it's still the best saddle I've tried. If only I could cross it with the Silverado.

I tried a bunch of saddles over the course of a few years. I finally landed on the Vitesse HP, which was pretty good. Still, could never quite get it right. Slightly too wide in back, I think, and really wanted some relief up front. Actually, I think the real problem is that, while the overall width in back is 150, the sit-bone support area is kind of narrow. It curves down on the sides. I felt like my sit bones were straddling the flat, allowing my weight to rest on the front. Or maybe the width in back caused me to slip slightly forward as I pedaled, shifting me onto an area too narrow for my sit bones. It does have some sort of dip in the shell underneath, but I couldn't tell that it did anything. Oh - and at one point I used the sit-o-meter at a Specialized dealer, and they recommended a 143 (the middle size of the Specialized saddles).

Debated and debated about renewing the search, but then I got my new road bike. It came with the Arione, which I was certain would be horrible (too narrow, I assumed). If I couldn't get a women's saddle to work, why would a narrow men's? However, I gave it a shot. Like I said, if it had a depression or something, it would be perfect.

I guess I'm saying that you might not like the Vitesse as well as the Arione, because it sounds like maybe we're similar. Then again, maybe you would, ya never know unless you try it.

I'm attaching side-by-side photos. Arione on the left, Vitesse on the right. I don't know if it will be helpful.

You might want to try out some WTB brand saddles, if they still have their free trial program. My LBS has (had?) a whole pile of saddles that were just for trying out. I came VERY close on the men's Silverado. Hard as a rock, FLAT in back, 133mm wide, and very supportive, but I had trouble with chafing because of the pear shape (okay, because of my thunder thighs). They all had a dip in the front, which was awesome.