Question: weight of saddle

[loni0908k]

So, after breaking my "newbie" self into my current saddle, it's become a lot easier to ride. However, I still want to find a new, more comfortable saddle, and I keep hearing that the best out there is the Terry Butterfly. My question is this: Should the weight difference between the Terry Butterfly TI (242g) and the Terry Butterfly Trigel (313g) affect my decision drastically? I'm thinking with the gel it may be a bit more comfortable (however the price remains the same either way), but I am going to be working up to my first century this year, with many more to come after that. What do you more experienced riders think?? Thanks for the input!

[Veronica]

Apparently my bike weighs like 4 pounds more (with all the stuff I have on it) than the rest of the Amici Veloci's team. It doesn't stop me from logging in some miles or riding up mountains.

Go for what's comfortable. I ride a leather saddle, so I can't really tell you about gel.

V.

[SadieKate]

V's bike weighs about 4 lbs more than my vintage-lugged Mercian. About 9 lbs more than my Litespeed. Weight will make you strong!

When it comes to a saddle, use what is comfortable. You can look at the cumulative weight of all your other components and try to keep it to a minimum if you want.

[Veronica]

So if I ride your litespeed will I go as fast as you Sarah? Will I be able to keep up with Kim, the speedster up Diablo?

But I soooo trust my Fluffy bike on descents. We can trade for the way up and trade back for descent.

V.

[SadieKate]

We can trade for the way up and trade back for descent.

Yeah, right. Ask Kim.

But the speed thing? You might! We could just strip Fluffy nekkid and see what happens.

[CorsairMac]

don't worry about the weight - in the overall scheme of things a lighter saddle isn't going to mean much if you can't ride on it! I use Specialized saddles and the road sport has gel pads Only where my sit bones are. I wasn't sure if I would like it or not but after riding my first 50 - I had no issues with my butt either that day or after. I tend to prefer a longer nose on my saddles but some women don't so try them out if you can. Are you getting them from your LBS? If yes, ask what they're return policy is - and/or see if they'll let you try them on your bike! and good luck!

sadie/V: I want the light bike going up but the heavy bike (for speed!) going down!!...wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[AutumnBreez]

I have read somewhere that it is more important to keep the moving components in the lowest weight range as possible more so than none moving parts. Besides... The saddle comfort is important that you want to get on it and GO! If you are not comfy or quinge at the thought it is not going to matter the weight of the saddle.

Terry Tri gel Butterfly is wonderful for this tush, but not all tushes are created the same, and thankfully for others, neither are the saddles.

[SadieKate]

I have read somewhere that it is more important to keep the moving components in the lowest weight range as possible more so than none moving parts.

You're right, Autumn. Rotating weight has more of an impact and the further it is from the center, the more impact. That is why even just changing to a lighter tire can be easily felt by the rider. Now, on the other hand, if V went to narrower tires we couldn't call her "Zippity Do" going down Diablo. She might have to ride like the rest of us mere mortals.

[loni0908k]

Thanks for the help!

[Veronica]

You're right, Autumn. Rotating weight has more of an impact and the further it is from the center, the more impact. That is why even just changing to a lighter tire can be easily felt by the rider. Now, on the other hand, if V went to narrower tires we couldn't call her "Zippity Do" going down Diablo. She might have to ride like the rest of us mere mortals.

I do have some 23 mm tires. They'll go on when the rain stops. If it ever does. I pick up about a mile on average speed on my after work ride when I switch. I haven't climbed Diablo with them yet. I hope to still descend like a crazy person.

Personally I think losing the 5 pounds I gained over the winter will probably help more.

V.

[SadieKate]

They'll go on when the rain stops. If it ever does.

Am I mistaken? I thought it was May already. I didn't realize that clouds were even legal in California past April 30th.