What saddle for an XC MTB?

[bcipam]

Just something to consider - why there are road saddles and MTB saddles...

Typically on a road saddle you position yourself and seldon if ever do much moving around (yes I do sometimes when climbing either sit back or move forward) but on a MTB saddle there is alot of moving around. You need to have a long narrow saddle so you can move forward agressively while climbing and have something your thighs can clutch while you pulled back for descents. Not saying a road saddle won't work just saying there is a purpose to a MTB saddle. I also find I don't need a cut out on my MTB saddle, just not in one place long enough for it to matter in fact, it would probably be a hindrance.

[emily_in_nc]

You need to have a long narrow saddle so you can move forward agressively while climbing and have something your thighs can clutch while you pulled back for descents.

Ahhhh, with that information in mind, my Atola (short) probably won't work that well. The Terry Falcon Y might, though - it's both narrow and long.

Or one of the Specialized ones...looks like I'd need the middle size (143 mm), based on the fact that my Atola is 140mm and fits great width-wise.

At first when I'm not doing any single track, pretty much anything will probably be fine, but sounds like I'll need to make a more appropriate choice when I move up to single track.

Thanks - great ideas!

Emily

P.S. My Titus Racer X was supposed to arrive today via UPS but for some reason has been delayed until Monday. Whine!!!

[Pebble]

My bike came with a WTB Rocket V, gave it a good go & it was generally comfy & good enough for MTB, but any time on the road - or a long bitumen climb and parts would start going numb. If only it had a cutout. Although I think it wasn't quite wide enough for my bum as well.

After trying most saddles in the Specialized range. I picked up my new Avatar Gel 155mm yesterday. Seems promising and fingers crossed. Hopefully I'll get to give it a good test today. Initial impression I seem to think the squishy bits will be fine, just have to see how the sit bones go - it seems like it could be a bit harsher or I have to get the set up dialled in a bit more.

Good luck in your hunt - just give some of the recommended ones a trial if you can. At least you have a wider choice being in the smaller size range

[Luci]

Bumping this back up.

Do you all feel that the cutouts and or channels are essential?

I am saddle and short combination shopping. I'm having to sit out riding today after getting badly chaffed in a new saddle/bike short combo yesterday so I want a new saddle/short combo, like NOW --or do I? I rode for years with my old GT gel light saddle. It has a very slight indentation in the middle. I'm wondering if I should just keep the darn thing, ride in my old shorts and put up with the pressure sort of saddle sores it gives me.

I've got a thread started in the new rider's section, but hoping I might get infor here as well.

[fatbottomedgurl]

Hi Luci that is one gorgeous horse!
Don't put up with pain. It will stop you from riding. And if I remember you have a 50 miler planned.
My two cents on shorts- I got the Sugoi Evolution shorts recommended by my female LBS owner. They are not as expensive as the ones Nanci wears. They run around $69.00 I think, which is a lot, but they are fabulous with a great chamois. I don't wear baggies, they make me look fat. I have a pair of Pearl Izumi capris and yes, the chamois on the pearls are massive.

Be sure to go commando under the shorts. Undies will cause chafing.

My saddle has a slight cut-out. Not sure if it matters. Any saddle will cause soreness on the sit-bone area if your butt is not used to riding. Your LBS should be willing to let you try them out a few days at a time. The internet is great for discounts on stuff you know you will keep, but the LBS is still the best when you aren't sure. I have lost money on shipping that I would rather just give to my LBS. Plus you get their devotion to you when you spend money with them.

[Luci]

Thanks FBG for the reply. I'll take a look at those shorts.

I'm headed out in 30 min to REI because there's a woman there who does lots of miles. Most shops around here are run by 19 year old guys that I've been into so far. There are more girls riding now, but this is still Utah. I rode with the guys when I was riding because it was so hard to find any my age willing to hit it. When I did a couple of races there were only a hand full in the 35 and over. Seems to be more "lady-like" to jump horses few guys would touch. Strange culture here.

I rode in a pair of new PI's with the 3D race chamouis. Always commando . I can't imagine bunched up undies under bike pants or thong ouch!!!. I'm 5'6 and have that middle aged I need to drop 15 pounds thing, but these MTB shorts make you look great. Honest!!!! They'd make anyone look good. If you can take the big chamois, I totally recommend them. Not too low so it tucks my stomach in and looks good, but low enough not to look like I borrowed them from my mom. I love them . . . unfortunately for a 40 min. interval train up the hills in my neighborhood only.

Oh, my baby is an exracer Thoroughbred and my favorite all time horse ever. He has a wonderful new owner who loves him too and lets me visit him

[fatbottomedgurl]

I am so lucky because I am able to ride with older women who have nothing to prove and just want to have fun. I'm 43, ride with gals who are 40 and 50+. We tackle some pretty tough climbing so we can do sweet DH single track. People always look a little shocked and usually admiring at us old broads on mountain bikes (AKA Dirtchix). The best part is walking into the smoothie shop covered with sweat, mud, dust and often at least one bloody injury in the group. No spinning class prima donnas on their way to a pedicure here...