Another saddle-suggestion thread.

[Owlie]

So I have a quick question that I haven't found a definitive answer for:

While obviously the width of the saddle should be somewhat greater than the center-to-center sitbone width, should a (non-Brooks) saddle be somewhat wider than the outer sitbone width? I ask because what I measure as my outer sit-bone width seems to be greater than most of the commonly available saddles.

[Owlie]

It makes sense that it's a hard dimension to get good measurements for. Even with the play-dough method, i didn't get clean prints. I've been getting anywhere between 155 and 170. Split the difference...somewhere in the 163 range.

It makes sense that I should probably go for the slightly wider saddle. I know it's quite individual, but it makes sense. Muirenn, didn't you have a 143 Spec saddle at one point? What made you switch? (Or am I completely making things up?)

[OakLeaf]

I'm a bit narrower, but only a bit. Roughly 152 o-o, 115 c-c, 75 i-i. Mainly I think a lot of it is related to shape, and the measurement is only a starting point.

I was apprehensive when I pulled the Turbomatic out of the package, because even though it's nominally 153 mm wide, it's steeply crowned, unlike the Jett which is pretty flat across the top. On the Turbomatic, there's barely 75 mm between the highest spots on the back. But it works for me. It could be that the steep crown creates an effectively more T-shaped saddle - I definitely don't have to scoot myself back on this one nearly as often as I did on the Jett, to get my sitbones where they're supposed to be.

Still, I don't think I could ride a 143 Jett.

[feral1]

I went to my bike shop the other day and they said I should try the Specialized Romin comp gel saddle 155 and yes it's a mens saddle. So far it seems pretty good....no chafing,nice cutout.....my sit bones are alittle sore "butt" that is to be expected. It is also more T shaped.

[OakLeaf]

No, I never did try either of those. The Ruby was going to be my next attempt if you hadn't found me such a great price on the Turbomatic. It's true the Jett is much more padded than the SI - I'm not sure how a Ruby would compare.

[Owlie]

I had a 143 Toupe The darned thing was too narrow. My sits were too close to the saddle's edges, which caused unnecessary 'hard' centralized pressure in the sitting area. The 155 is perfect.

I can't imagine why Specialized claims 143 is okay for c to c of 125. The 155 makes a huge difference.

Like everything in bikeland, it probably works for some people, probably a more aggressive bike than what either of us are riding.

I picked up a white Jett 143 on massive clearance from the LBS. (They didn't have anything else in the Jett. ) I'm going to take it on a short little trainer ride. (Eye doctor trip...I look like a cartoon right now and I'm not entirely sure I can focus properly.) If it works, I'm going to see if I can hunt down black, because it looks silly otherwise. If not, I'm PMing Oak!

[Realgone]

I had a 143 Toupe The darned thing was too narrow. My sits were too close to the saddle's edges, which caused unnecessary 'hard' centralized pressure in the sitting area. The 155 is perfect.

I can't imagine why Specialized claims 143 is okay for c to c of 125. The 155 makes a huge difference.

I am not an expert on sit bone measurements and am struggling to find a saddle that does nor absolutely kill me on my new bike, but I think Specialized actually does recommend a 155 and not a 143 based on this very helpful link. The next saddle I try will be a Specialized 155, not sure which one yet, Jett, Ruby, Ariel, but my previous bike was a Specialized and the saddle is great on that one. I am oprimistic that a 155 Specialized will be a perfect fit. Here is the link http://www.specialized.com/specs/spe...eometrysaddles