Seats / Saddles

[Cyclo Kitty]

Brooks 17 for me, the Champion Special is great on my commuter.

I have the B17S on my cross bike and here's why I'd consider changing it: it is slightly wider as it curves back from the nose-- the leather flares out a little more because of the shorter length, and I'm rubbing on it a little when I pedal.

The B17 saddles:
have a good sit-bone width (for me),
are smooth enough to adjust position when you need to but not so slippery that you fee like you'll slide off;
mold to you with time (my always feel great from the start, but I have been riding a Brooks of some description since I was a kid).
There is no cut-out (they chafe)
there's no depression running the length of the nose (again, chafing),
and there's no gel or foam to compress and change shape.

There are other good saddles out there, and the BSGs do know that women need different saddles. My guys are a little shy about bringing it up, but they know. If there is a woman who works in the shop, talk to her.

[Starfish]

There is no cut-out (they chafe)
there's no depression running the length of the nose (again, chafing),

I know Cyclo Kitty knows this, I'm just sort of making it clear for anyone newer who is shopping for a saddle...

I really need a cutout and depression. Right now, my Specialized Jett saddle keeps my feminine parts really happy, with no chafing.

[KnottedYet]

Once you know the saddle characteristics you like, it becomes MUCH easier to narrow down the search for the "right" one.

There are a gazillion saddles out there, and one person's dream saddle is another person's nightmare.

Ind - can you take your old saddle with you to the bike shop tomorrow and discuss its good points and bad points with the shop guys? A lot of shops have the Specialized sit-bone measuring board, which would help give you an idea of the minimum saddle width you need, too. (1 or 2 cms to the outside each of your sitbones is sort of the rule of thumb)

[indigoiis]

Thanks for all of the good advice. I haven't visited the shop yet - I know I have to get down there but they're never open when I need them! I'm hoping Saturday. I will bring my seat - maybe my whole bike - with me.

Meantime, yesterday was MUCH better - but I still need a new saddle. I decided to go undiless under the bike shorts and it worked well - I was more comfortable. BUT... I still had, in the last (18th) mile, some pain in the rear.

[Starfish]

Thanks for all of the good advice. I haven't visited the shop yet - I know I have to get down there but they're never open when I need them! I'm hoping Saturday. I will bring my seat - maybe my whole bike - with me.

Meantime, yesterday was MUCH better - but I still need a new saddle. I decided to go undiless under the bike shorts and it worked well - I was more comfortable. BUT... I still had, in the last (18th) mile, some pain in the rear.

How long have you been riding, again? The right saddle is a definite must, but there is also simply some time periods where you just do have to build that muscle and get your tush used to riding.

For instance, I did an 80 mile ride yesterday that left my tush a little sore, but it is the same level of soreness that 3 years ago I might have had after a 40 mile ride...it isn't really a chafing or fit issue...just the muscles and stuff around my seat bones...

[sundial]

I have experimented with Terry saddles and I have found them to be too narrow--including the new Falcon X. So I measured my sitbones and bought a Specialized Alias and so far my tush is very happy.

Specialized offers some of their saddles in 3 widths. I really like their saddles.

When you do find a good saddle, you might want to consider using Chamois Butt'r or something to help reduce any friction or soreness you may experience after being in the saddle for long rides. Plus it will prolong the life of your chamois.

[KnottedYet]

When you find a saddle you really like, buy two!