Do I have a saddle problem? Recommendations?

[ny biker]

I tried the Inform RL a couple of years ago, and found the nose to be very comfortable but the overall shape didn't work for me. I'm currently trying the Evoke RL, which is designed for mountain biking/more upright riding. It is a much better shape for me and is very similar to the shape of my old worn-out saddle. However the indentation in the Evoke's nose (a bigger indentation than the Inform) might be a problem for me over long rides. I'll know more in 24 hours since I'm doing 70 miles tomorrow morning.

If the Evoke doesn't work out, I will probably keep it for my mountain bike, since the saddle on that bike is also wearing out, and try the Affinity when it becomes available in late August. The Affinity has a similar shape to the Evoke and is also intended for a more upright riding position, but is considered a road bike saddle so I'm hoping the nose padding will be closer to that of the original Inform.

If the Affinity doesn't work, I'm not sure what I'll try next. Specialized is out since they all have cut-outs.

BTW I think the Affinity is the new stock saddle on some Trek bikes. My LBS manager just got a new Madone and he said it came with an Affinity.

[nscrbug]

I tried the Inform RL a couple of years ago, and found the nose to be very comfortable but the overall shape didn't work for me. I'm currently trying the Evoke RL, which is designed for mountain biking/more upright riding. It is a much better shape for me and is very similar to the shape of my old worn-out saddle. However the indentation in the Evoke's nose (a bigger indentation than the Inform) might be a problem for me over long rides. I'll know more in 24 hours since I'm doing 70 miles tomorrow morning.

If the Evoke doesn't work out, I will probably keep it for my mountain bike, since the saddle on that bike is also wearing out, and try the Affinity when it becomes available in late August. The Affinity has a similar shape to the Evoke and is also intended for a more upright riding position, but is considered a road bike saddle so I'm hoping the nose padding will be closer to that of the original Inform.

If the Affinity doesn't work, I'm not sure what I'll try next. Specialized is out since they all have cut-outs.

BTW I think the Affinity is the new stock saddle on some Trek bikes. My LBS manager just got a new Madone and he said it came with an Affinity.

Hmmm...that Affinity saddle looks interesting. I may have to stop by my local Trek dealer to take a closer look at it. I'm currently riding a Specialized Toupe 155, which is "okay" for the moment, but I'm always looking for something better. Even though I do require a cut-out, I wouldn't mind trying out that Affinity since it does look to have a deep enough center channel. Plus I love the black/white look of the RXL version.

[ny biker]

Hmmm...that Affinity saddle looks interesting. I may have to stop by my local Trek dealer to take a closer look at it. I'm currently riding a Specialized Toupe 155, which is "okay" for the moment, but I'm always looking for something better. Even though I do require a cut-out, I wouldn't mind trying out that Affinity since it does look to have a deep enough center channel. Plus I love the black/white look of the RXL version.

You might want to call the shop first -- I asked at my LBS last Saturday and they said they would have it in stock at the end of August.

One thing I'm pondering is how you decide how much padding you want. I think the different versions of all these saddles (RXL vs RL vs R) vary largely in the amount of padding, and I don't think I've ever read anything about how to decide when you have too much or when you don't have enough.

[dianne_1234]

One thing I'm pondering is how you decide how much padding you want. I think the different versions of all these saddles (RXL vs RL vs R) vary largely in the amount of padding, and I don't think I've ever read anything about how to decide when you have too much or when you don't have enough.

I think you're right ny biker - amount of padding seems a main variable.

For me, the less padding the better (helps maintain clearance under my pubic bone!), until my sit bones hurt. Then I want more padding!

[trista]

I had trouble deciding how much padding to go with on the inForm, and decided like Dianne, the less padding the better unless it hurts. So I went w/ the RL and figured I could exchange it for the softer R if needed. Plus I wanted a white & blue saddle to match my bike and the R only comes in black .

Rode another 20 miles on it this afternoon and OMG I could not be happier. Also, when i put it on, I put it an inch further back from where my other saddle was. It seems perfect

So the padding is great for me, on the RL. It's a firm seat but not crazy hard. I really, really like it.

[kermit]

Hey Trista, are you still happy with the RL? I am considering trying one. I measured at 150 on the Specialized butt-o-meter, have you ever measured with it? I don't know if I should go with the 150 or the 160? I should probably go see my friend Rob at the Trek dealer. How much do you feel the sides of the indent? I have a saddle with a large cutout now, but am getting a little chafing and wondering if the cutout is the cause? Thanks.

[tzvia]

It seems that I'm not the only one who loves that RL/RXL 'Unisex' Inform. I think they changed the look a little, as Trek had a blow out sale on the 2010 model at a local LBS. I picked up two RXLs for 50 bucks each. They ran out, or I would have ordered more. The first one I bought over a year ago cost me 150 bucks.

Muirenn- I think the saddles from Bontrager that aren't so hot are the NON Inform models, those come on many of the Trek bikes like the Bontrager R that came on my brother's Fuel EX8. He hated that saddle and it took some convincing for him to buy an Inform RL to test out. Well he loves it and now has several. Some women here (like myself) can't stand the thick padded WSD ones; I think Bontrager goes over the top on that foam crap they fill saddles with. The saddles like http://bontrager.com/model/07136 have almost a hammock affect, the shell gives a little bit almost like suspension but it's firmer where my sit-bones are, and the center is a bit softer (can't stand cutouts). Hard to explain, but it absorbs a lot of pounding without transmitting it to my rear, all while looking like a nice racing saddle and not a beach cruiser seat. It's also lightweight. I love this saddle (in case you haven't noticed .) After decades of pain from all the saddles I have tried, to find a saddle that just disappears under me is awesome.