TDF Saddles

[tuba_transport]

My butt hurts at about 50 miles on the road bike.

All saddles are personal yadda yadda yadda Ok got that out of the way.

I need a saddle which ain't gonna hurt me on long rides. I picked up this one and it was even worse than the Bontrager which came on Trek Madone 4.5 stock.

http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/500/50-2389-BLK-ANGLE.jpg

Anyone have a recommendation on a lightweight comfortable saddle. Not really interested in a Brooks B17 as it weights a ton.

There are a billion choices.

What are the white saddles I see a large number of the TDF riders on? They have a red stripe down the middle and back of the saddle.

[brian_brox]

i think fizik is what you described.

Check out the specialized alias or toupe. I have the alias on my mountain bike and really like it (it's actually a road saddle).

FWIW, when I get around to it, I plan to put another alias on my road bike to replace the b-17.

[saba]

I ride the toupe 143. Make sure you get your ass measured as it really does help with the blood flow. I actually think alot of the pros are on fizik saddles, but dont quote me on that

[PunkRock]

I'm using a Selle Italia Era on one road bike and a Sella San Marco Aspide on another. I've logged many hundreds of miles on both and have no complaints with either.

[TiRyder]

Fizik Here - Road and MTB - best saddles I have ever used

[BikerMiker]

I HATED my Fizik saddles. My bike likes flat saddles, hence the Toupe recommendation I'm giving. Flexy but supportive in the right places. No worries no matter how long the ride.

I would set it up 3 deg up angle from flat. Seems like the back of the saddle holds you up better that way. Flat front to back pushes you onto the bars too much.

Unlike on the mtn bike, saddle position has a HUGE affect on ride comfort in my experience.

mike

[sourceofdenial]

Fizik Arione is the one you see the peleton used a ton, I used one for a while and it made my junk go numb. Like put your junk in an ice bath numb. I could have closed it in a door and not felt anything.

But go ahead and try one yourself, you might have better luck.

[blacknell]

Yeah, this is one of those "have to try it" items (far moreso than pedals, even). Ideally you can get a shop to let you swap out a number of saddles. I'll have to put a word in for the (worst name in the world) Toupe, though, too. Carried me through many a 100+ mile day.

Also not sure if I'd put too much stock in what the pros use on stage races - those are a bunch of tiny little men out there. Maybe look at what Fabian or Maggie rides, if you're closer to normal sized.

[tuba_transport]

the Toupe recommendation I'm giving. Flexy but supportive in the right places. No worries no matter how long the ride.

I have bumped into the Toupe recommendation all over the place. I think I might pick one up tomorrow.

[allroy]

they'll measure your sit bones and other stuff so you know if you need a narrow, wide, somewhere in between, long, short flat, rounded, etc. I know WTB also has a demo saddle program. Last I checked Bicycle Escape participated in it, I'm sure there's other shops that do as well, I just don't know which ones.

My butt hurts at about 50 miles on the road bike.

All saddles are personal yadda yadda yadda Ok got that out of the way.

I need a saddle which ain't gonna hurt me on long rides. I picked up this one and it was even worse than the Bontrager which came on Trek Madone 4.5 stock.

http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/500/50-2389-BLK-ANGLE.jpg

Anyone have a recommendation on a lightweight comfortable saddle. Not really interested in a Brooks B17 as it weights a ton.

There are a billion choices.

What are the white saddles I see a large number of the TDF riders on? They have a red stripe down the middle and back of the saddle.

[tuba_transport]

they'll measure your sit bones and other stuff so you know if you need a narrow, wide, somewhere in between, long, short flat, rounded, etc. I know WTB also has a demo saddle program. Last I checked Bicycle Escape participated in it, I'm sure there's other shops that do as well, I just don't know which ones.

I use WTB on my mountain bikes and the fit is superb. I will probably swing by Contes tomorrow as they are the closest Specialized dealer and a MORE sponsor.

[MD Fire]

I use a WTB Rocket V on my cross bike and it is great!

[pbayne]

Some tour riders modify their saddles. Check out the tech articles from Saturday's TT and you'll see saddles cut short for example. Some riders will slap their sponsor's saddle cover on their favorite saddle. Lance did this for years with a Selle San Marco. I would try out as many saddles as you can. Joe's Bike Shop in baltimore will let you ride a saddle for a day or two for $5. Neuvation.com will also send you saddles to try out.

[232vzlano]

my bike came with a cheap fizik saddle and it was ok but really heavy, I went to performance and bought the E3 saddle because it was really light and inexpensive just like the forte you bought, well that one didnt not work out so I went back to fizik saddles and bought the arione, and man i cant be happier they are great for my clyde body also i was amazed at how many this year TDF riders use the fizik arione saddle and yes thats the one with stripe in the middle. mine its all white no stripes to math my bike. give fizik a try tehy are good

[markie]

I have noticed quite a few fizik saddles, both arione and my second favourite, the aliante.

But my favourite saddle is the Selle San Marco Regal. I am pretty sure there are a few pros still using them.

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/17777-270_SSMRG8-3-Parts-67-Saddles/Selle-San-Marco-Regal-Ti-Rails-offer?utm_source=Googlebase&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_campaign=FTP&offer=IN080GLB.htm&zmam=3075515&zmas=1&zmac=30&zmap=270%20SSMRG8

[Dirt]

I ride the toupe 143. Make sure you get your ass measured as it really does help with the blood flow.
X2

Lalalala

[tuba_transport]

I have noticed quite a few fizik saddles, both arione and my second favourite, the aliante.

But my favourite saddle is the Selle San Marco Regal. I am pretty sure there are a few pros still using them.

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/17777-270_SSMRG8-3-Parts-67-Saddles/Selle-San-Marco-Regal-Ti-Rails-offer?utm_source=Googlebase&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_campaign=FTP&offer=IN080GLB.htm&zmam=3075515&zmas=1&zmac=30&zmap=270%20SSMRG8

391g It is a bit of a tank. And taking a dump before I ride is not going to make swinging the bike back and forth below me any less tiring on standing hill climbs. I was hoping for something in the 180g-250g area.

[markie]

Are you racing? Time-Trialling? And need to shave every second? Or looking for some place comfy to sit for a few hours?

FWIW the aliante with Ti rails is just over 250g as well.

"
The classic Regal combines comfort and style with a formidable race pedigree.
This saddle has been active on the Pro race scene for over 20 years and is still used today by some of the Worlds finest riders. A classic saddle, with classic detailing and a classic fit.
The ultra comfortable, 150 mm base is wide and supportive with luxurious padding ensures day long comfort.
Real textured leather cover provides that classic look and feel and it has decorative copper studs give the Regal a unique look.
Reinforced C40 steel rails are finished in copper.
Made in Italy - Ridden by Boonen.
Weight: 369 grams. "

[tuba_transport]

Are you racing? Time-Trialling? And need to shave every second? Or looking for some place comfy to sit for a few hours?

FWIW the aliante with Ti rails is just over 250g as well.


I forgot my smilies again.

I was not trying to bite the informative hand that was feeding me even if it came out that way. I appreciate you taking the time to give me some needed input.

I was just trying to head off the proverbial comment which seems to follow when someone is trying to save weight on their bike.

For some perspective my 6" FS mountain bike started out at a not too light 32lbs. It has eventually grown to 36lbs as part of my bike obesity epidemic. I thought it would not matter if I added a few hundred grams here and there over the years. Eventually it all added up and the thing is a pig to ride.

I am just trying to avoid that on the road bike. Sorry if I came across as attacking you.

ps. :D

[markie]

Yeah sorry if I came across as a jerk.

I am grumpy all the time anyway and I have not ridden a bike for nearly a month and it is starting to get to me. I am starting to envy the homeless guys who ride past my apt. :D

I still like the regal though. I tried a couple of brooks and never got on with them.

[tsunayoshi]

I've read good things about this saddle:

http://www.ismseat.com/adamo_saddle.htm

Looks funny, but supposedly keeps your junk from getting crushed and supports the sit bones. A little out of your desired weight limit.

A little pricy, but something to look at. There is also a mtb version I think.

[Dirt]

I have a phenom gel you can try while I'm in France if you want. It is the 143 width.

[repoman]

Selle Italia Flite - I like the classic, no gel, cut-out, or minimalist design (like the SLR). I think they weigh in at 195g. I run one on my road bike - and even put an old one I'd broken in nicely on my hardtail SS. It is a firm and stiff saddle to say the least, but I find it very comfy.

Repo

[soreback]

ive got the titanium fizik aliante and its comfy and light. they even have carbon railed version but they aint cheap

[CRAIG2]

My butt hurts at about 50 miles on the road bike.

All saddles are personal yadda yadda yadda Ok got that out of the way.

I need a saddle which ain't gonna hurt me on long rides. I picked up this one and it was even worse than the Bontrager which came on Trek Madone 4.5 stock.

http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/500/50-2389-BLK-ANGLE.jpg

Anyone have a recommendation on a lightweight comfortable saddle. Not really interested in a Brooks B17 as it weights a ton.

There are a billion choices.

What are the white saddles I see a large number of the TDF riders on? They have a red stripe down the middle and back of the saddle.

I actually have that saddle and like it. But, like others have said, everyone's different - opinions are like a$$es - everyone's got one and they all stink. Ha!

[markie]

ive got the titanium fizik aliante and its comfy and light. they even have carbon railed version but they aint cheap

I had a carbon railed aliante. I am close to its weight limit (me 175, limit 180) It died within a year. I got the titanium railed version as a replacement. It is lasting much better, even after taking turns on my MTB.

[soreback]

yeah the rap on the carbon ones in that they dont last too long


I had a carbon railed aliante. I am close to its weight limit (me 175, limit 180) It died within a year. I got the titanium railed version as a replacement. It is lasting much better, even after taking turns on my MTB.

[tuba_transport]

I have bumped into the Toupe recommendation all over the place. I think I might pick one up tomorrow.

Picked up a Toupe Gel 143 yesterday from Contes Bikes.

Spent 2 hours on it today.

Verdict is still out. Butt still hurts. I need an adjustment period. It was a different hurt.

Tomorrow I hope to spin for 3-4 hours. We'll see after that.

Next step is to try my MTB saddle. A WTB Laser V SLT. It weighs another 30 grams over the 205g of the Toupe Gel.

[saxman]

I have the stock Fuji saddle that came with my bike. I have no complaints. It's comfortable and has never bothered me. I ride very low as I like to keep my hands on the bottoms of the drops, so I'm putting less weight on the saddle. When I'm climbing long hills, I'll put my hands on top of the hoods and spin in a low gear, but again, my hoods are far forward enough that I have to lean forward and not put as much weight on the saddle.

You may want to take your bike into a shop to get properly fitted...not just the saddle, but the stem height and angle, seatpost height. To me, it sounds like a fit issue, not an equipment issue. Where mountain bikes tend to be more forgiving in their setups as you constantly move about in the saddle, road bikes really need to be dialed in almost exactly as you're sitting in one position spinning away for miles on end (except for when you get out of saddle to climb). Even the slightest deviations in any of the aspects of fit can make the difference between bliss and misery.

[eloach]

Picked up a Toupe Gel 143 yesterday from Contes Bikes.

Spent 2 hours on it today.

Verdict is still out. Butt still hurts. I need an adjustment period. It was a different hurt.

Tomorrow I hope to spin for 3-4 hours. We'll see after that.

Next step is to try my MTB saddle. A WTB Laser V SLT. It weighs another 30 grams over the 205g of the Toupe Gel.

I have been pleased with my Arione and Arione CX. I would say about 200 miles break in period, but (butt?) pretty comfortable right from the get go.

Have you tried something like the ~$130 Specialized or Sugoi bottoms? The Sugoi are my favorite the Specialized are a close second. A friend bought a pair of Assos and said they WERE worth the money... but those are a LOT of bread if you are not a pretty serious roadie. TBL stocks the high end Sugoi bottoms while Contes and Spokes have the Specialized.

[blacknell]

FWIW, there is always Competitive Cyclist's saddle demo program (http://www.competitivecyclist.com/road-bikes/demo-saddle). I think it's a decent value (esp. if you end up buying from them), which is not something that normally comes to mind when Competitive Cyclist is involved.