Attn: Ladies who know saddles

[Andrea]

I have found that, with proper width in the back and proper pitch adjustment of the saddle, I do not need the cut-out. Just a channel will do. That width thing is so key for so many women!

That said, my new favorite is the Selle San Marco Glamour Aspide. I just bought it last week and did my first long ride (37 miles) with it yesterday. I loved it- kept forgetting that it was there, in fact! I was a little nervous about making such a big change before a long ride, but it paid off. It's the perfect width for me at 155mm (~6.1 inches), has a very abrupt transition from nose to tail (T-shaped), and is quite firm. The firmness really matters for me- otherwise, my "parts" get squished amongst the padding. It does not have a cut-out, just a little groove thing down the center.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...slisearch=true

Good luck on your saddle hunt!

+1 for this saddle

I wish the channel was a little deeper, but it's definitely better than others I've tried (several terrys, specialized jett and toupe, fizik arione, selle an-atomica, brooks, etc...)

As a side note, I still highly recommend the Brooks if you're on a more upright bike. I'm set up with a 3-4 inch drop from my saddle to my bars, so the Brooks was comfy if I sat up with my hands on the tops, but would crush my soft tissue otherwise. If you order one, check out Wallbike. They have a 6 month return policy. I didn't return mine since I plan to build a more upright touring/commuting bike someday.

[ninerfan]

So yesterday I swung by a LBS and picked up a Bontrager Inform. It doesn't have a channel or cut out because the sales guy seemed pretty sure that if the seat was the appropriate measurement for me, I might not need one. He said of course I could bring it back if I needed a cutout.

Well, I need a cut out! After a quick ride on it yesterday I am more convinced than ever the cut out is absolutely essential for me. I do like narrower noses, however, so at least this saddle confirmed that. So, this one is going back too. I did take a peak at some Specialized saddles online and think that might be a possibility. The good thing about the LBS yesterday was that they were able to measure my seat bones so now I know what size I am looking for.

Thank you for all the input ladies! I will figure this out!

[DDH]

So how did they measure them. I have tried the sitting on a piece of paper thing, but that didn't really work for me. I guess I have to much meat on my butt for feel those bones. LOL

[bikerz]

I've tried a BUNCH of different saddles, and on SadieKate's recommendation last year I am currently using the Avocet O2 40 (womens), and I really like it. It has a "T" shape, narrow nose, wide enough for me, and nice and firm, with a channel. It's not very expensive either ($60?).

Here's a link to a photo showing the channel. And on the Avocet site: features and specs

I have to say the Terry Butterfly KILLED me, although many of my friends love it. I have tried and rejected more saddles than I can remember. I liked the Selle An-atomica, except I think it exacerbated a tail-bone issue I had, so now I just use it on my trainer.

Good luck!

[ninerfan]

Bontrager has a contraption that is essentially a stool with kind of an Etch A Sketch type material on the top (best way I can think to describe it) where you sit so you leave a mark and it corresponds to measurements beneath the marks. It was kinda cool.

[roadie gal]

That Koobi looks interesting, but I wish there were more pictures on the site. How thick is the padding on the non-gel model? How T-shaped is it?

I'm not quite sure what you mean by T-shaped. The transition from nose to back is more smooth than a sudden, abrupt widening, though.

I would give them a call or send an email. I did that before I got the tri saddle and they were very helpful.

[Becky]

I've tried a BUNCH of different saddles, and on SadieKate's recommendation last year I am currently using the Avocet O2 40 (womens), and I really like it. It has a "T" shape, narrow nose, wide enough for me, and nice and firm, with a channel. It's not very expensive either ($60?).

This is a really nice saddle too, and it was my favorite prior to finding the SSM Glamour Aspide. The only reason I switched is because it started breaking down, and my local Performance had the SSM (and let me take it for a test cruise )

[mimitabby]

[MM_QFC!]

and are those from your private collection, mimi?!

[mimitabby]

no, mine are all wider, b66 and b67, not shown here unfortunately.

[MM_QFC!]

no, mine are all wider, b66 and b67, not shown here unfortunately.

but, you have the same color as the middle row/left one here, right?
really beautiful...same as Knott's?

[SadieKate]

This is a really nice saddle too, and it was my favorite prior to finding the SSM Glamour Aspide. The only reason I switched is because it started breaking down, and my local Performance had the SSM (and let me take it for a test cruise )

Really? I've gotten thousands of miles on my Avocets. Though all saddles must be replaced eventually.

[mimitabby]

but, you have the same color as the middle row/left one here, right?
really beautiful...same as Knott's?

I have a black one and two of the dark browns. And I just got a Swift which is black as well.

[ilima]

I'm another San Marco Aspide Glamour fan. Best thing so far, by far. Previously used a Butterfly (way to wide in the nose) and Zero X (not T-shaped enough).

I do notice the Aspide Glamour Arrowhead (not the Arrowhead K Gel) looks to be the same shape AND it has a cut-out.

http://www.3-athlon.com/product.php?...&cat=37&page=1

+1 for this saddle

I wish the channel was a little deeper, but it's definitely better than others I've tried (several terrys, specialized jett and toupe, fizik arione, selle an-atomica, brooks, etc...)

As a side note, I still highly recommend the Brooks if you're on a more upright bike. I'm set up with a 3-4 inch drop from my saddle to my bars, so the Brooks was comfy if I sat up with my hands on the tops, but would crush my soft tissue otherwise. If you order one, check out Wallbike. They have a 6 month return policy. I didn't return mine since I plan to build a more upright touring/commuting bike someday.

[KnottedYet]

That San Marco is a nice looking saddle. Now if only it were about 3 cm wider... sigh.