Lets talk about saddles

[Trek420]

Edit: pay particular attention to Knot and Wahine.

Yes. Knott is very wise

[gocard]

I rode on the stock saddle (Prologo Kappa Dea) from my Synapse for several hundred miles but I just replaced it with a Specialized Ruby saddle around 2 weeks ago. My sit bones were slightly tender the first weekend I rode on it (55 miles over 2 days) but I just finished a 50 mile charity ride last weekend and I had no discomfort in my sit bones or tissues at all. My saddle is pretty level but I had to play with the seat height a few times since it is thinner than the stock saddle. Hopefully you'll find a seat that works for you soon!

[brigada]

I too am in the process of looking for a new saddle, unfortunately my budget is a bit tight since I'm still recovering from the costs of buying parts and assembling my bike.

I went to get my sitbones measured at a Specialized concept store nearby and apparently my sitbone width is 128mm. They suggested something between 150 and 155mm. No Specialized saddles in that size were available at the store then so I started looking online, but I could sure use some guidance.

I heard some good things about Charge Ladle, which is fine at $40 incl. shipping. If you have any other suggestions, preferably within the $60 range, my sore butt will surely appreciate it

[TigerMom]

I too am in the process of looking for a new saddle, unfortunately my budget is a bit tight since I'm still recovering from the costs of buying parts and assembling my bike.

I went to get my sitbones measured at a Specialized concept store nearby and apparently my sitbone width is 128mm. They suggested something between 150 and 155mm. No Specialized saddles in that size were available at the store then so I started looking online, but I could sure use some guidance.

I heard some good things about Charge Ladle, which is fine at $40 incl. shipping. If you have any other suggestions, preferably within the $60 range, my sore butt will surely appreciate it

Are there are bike shops in your area that let you demo saddles?

[brigada]

I just bought this one for my cyclocross bike. I know it says 'mens', but I've used both mens and women's Specialized saddles in size 155 (also right for me), and I don't see a difference outside of marketing.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftb.../toupepluscomp

It's just like the one I use on my regular road bike, but a little heavier, and the padding is slightly thicker (still minimal, which is good), hence the lower price. It's $75.00, not cheap, but not outrageous, either.

I've used the Specialized Toupe on my road bike for the last 3 years, now. For me, it's perfect and pain-free. (But read the above links and info before you buy anything, but skip the huge Summary of Saddle Info thread for now).

Thank you for the tip! I will have to see how much this saddle would cost at the Spec concept store, or perhaps look online. I have a feeling that they might bump up the price by $20ish, but I might be wrong.

Are there are bike shops in your area that let you demo saddles?

I don't think so, but I'll ask around just in case. I get the impression that most LBSs here consider saddles an afterthought and only stock the bare minimum.

[brigada]

Oh, I was browsing via my phone, I didn't even realize I could buy it! Unfortunately, they only ship to the US and I'm from Croatia

The saddle I have now is a disaster, I think the rails might even be bent because I feel like I'm slightly tilted to the side of the saddle while riding and the saddle makes a clicking noise when I shift my weight forward or backward. :/

[brigada]

Hi Muirenn, sorry I didn't reply to you earlier, I was busy with uni exams over the past week or so.

First of all, thank you for being so helpful! I checked the position of the saddle I have right now and my friend that works at a LBS checked the seatpost, everything seems fine. The saddle I'm using right now is a Selle Royal Mach. My brother used it before me and he agreed that it's the worst saddle ever. The creaking noise the saddle makes no matter how tight I screw the seatpost bolts makes me believe that the rails are indeed bent.

I would like to try my luck with your Vesta if you're willing to sell it to me. If so, please send me a message so we can arrange everything

Thank you once again for the thorough reply, this saddle is keeping me away from the bike I spent 6 months building up so I'm getting a bit antsy to treat my butt with a nicer one