What is the best seat for a woman?

[Torrilin]

One that doesn't hurt.

I looked at Jiffer's bike (so cute!) and went eep because her saddle was pretty much the exact same shape as the one I just got rid of for giving me saddle sores. Very much a pear shape.

I spent a fair bit of time looking at pictures of saddles online, trying to get an idea of what shapes are out there. Then I uh... spent some time with a mirror and my rear end figuring out where the sores were forming. Then I was able to pin the sores down as *just* my saddle's fault, and could ID the shape most likely to improve matters. Knotted has some really great shots comparing a pear shaped saddle and a T shaped saddle that helped me out a lot.

I ended up on used saddle, built along the lines of a Brooks. Very T shaped.

[lauraelmore1033]

I now swear by the Serfas RX saddle for women (from REI). My old saddle started really bothering me towards the end of a multi day tour and continued to hurt me even after everything had had a chance to rest and heal. The week before we were going to do a century, I realized I'd never make it through 100 miles just because I couldn't stand the saddle for even an instant more. Well, you're supposed to break in a saddle gradually to let your body adjust to the difference, but I figured ANYTHING had to be better than the current torture device. The fella at REI made a face when I said I'd be riding a century in less than a week, but said that he'd heard only good things about the RX saddle and I snapped it up. I rode those 100 miles without even a PEEP out of the girly parts (which were actually still tender). It continues to be a very comfy saddle.

[ShubieGA]

Whatever fits you best.

I tried a Serfas RX, and had some chafing issues. But just did 150 miles on a Terry Liberator X without issue. For me a narrow nose was paramount, as I have beefy thighs.

[Zen]

This is really helping you make up your mind, isn't it ?

I have a Terry Falcon X and am pretty happy with it.

[Grog]

+1 on "whatever fits you best".

We're all different.

Try many and see what works for you... I'm sorry that's not really helpful, but there's no other way I'm afraid. (Been there, done that...)

[RoadRaven]

Spot on Zen!

The only way to find out is to actually sit on them and ride...

I was lucky with the first seat we bought - I have the same seat now for both my bikes.

But if you bought one and it wasn't quite right after using it a few times, you should be able to sell in an online auction place like TradeMe or EBay... they seem to sell quickly and so you should be able to get some of your money back.

[LadyinWhite]

I tried several saddles before settling on the Terry Fly (mens). I think the damsel fly might be worth looking into but since the Fly is working, I won't change. Lilke shubie, I have beefy thighs and a narrow nose is critical to avoid chafing.

Sometimes you know immediately, the moment you sit on it. Other times you need several rides. Just be open to what your body is telling you and the huge variety of saddles out there. Don't look at just Women's either. I tried several WSD saddles and ended up with a mens design so who knows, just keep looking til you find THE one. Trust me, when you find it, you'll know.

[violette]

Thanks everyone. I looked at a seat at lunch time. My LBS guys told me which one would be good for me, but I forgot to look at the brand name...$169.00 !! WAY out of my price range but nice looking seat.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Thanks everyone. I looked at a seat at lunch time. My LBS guys told me which one would be good for me, but I forgot to look at the brand name...$169.00 !! WAY out of my price range but nice looking seat.

I always love it that guys tell us women which saddles will be comfortable for us.