Author Topic: Saddle Advice  (Read 14443 times)

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Offline DrScience

Saddle Advice
« on: March 30, 2004, 04:43:01 pm »
I'm preparing for a cross-country tour and I'm looking for
advice on saddles.  I need something that will be comfortable
and also allow me to someday have little DrScience babies.



Offline rootchopper

Saddle Advice
« Reply #1 on: March 30, 2004, 06:33:48 pm »
Every one's anatomy differs.  My experience was that foam or gel cushioned saddles worked fine for an hour or two but were torture on long rides.  

Years ago most bikes were sold with leather saddles.  Over time manufacturers replaced then with lighter weight foam and gel saddles to save weight and cost.  

I recommend that you try a leather saddle with or without suspension (springs on the underside).  Ride it a month or two to break it in.  Then go for a long ride. You may come to the same conclusion that I did; leather is much more comfortable.  And you will not have (saddle-induced) problems with your DrScience baby making apparatus.  

You can find Brooks saddles on the internet at Harris Cyclery (Newton Mass), Bike Nashbar, and Wallingford Bicycle Parts.

Good luck.






Offline wanderingwheel

Saddle Advice
« Reply #2 on: March 30, 2004, 07:53:52 pm »
I too am a fan of Brooks sadles, but I want to say a few things about choosing a saddle.  The reason the big sofa-like saddles can become midevil torture devices is because you eventually sink through all that nice padding and end up sitting on the plastic base of the saddle.  If the base is shaped right for you, then no problems.  Because of this, try to test ride a saddle your thinking of buying for at least 60 miles.  Maybe a friend has one that you can borrow if the bike shop doesn't let you try one for that long.  If you can only try them for a few minutes at the shop, consider buying the firmest saddle that still feels comfortable.

Another thing to consider is how you ride.  Racers tend to be light on their saddles and need a saddle that is not in the way when they are doubled over and pounding away at the pedals.  A slower recreational rider, however, is probably supporting almost all their weight on the saddle and sitting upright.  This leads to a different type of sadle, generally wider in the rear and not as long as a racers.

No matter which saddle you end up with, it can give you problems if it is not set up correctly on your bike.  Make sure the tilt and setback of the saddle are correct.  If you can't find the right position, it's time to try another saddle.  Don't put up with any numbness or pain.

Some saddles that I like include Brooks Swift and Pros, Avocet 02, and Selle Italia Flite.

Sean


Offline driftlessregion

Saddle Advice
« Reply #3 on: April 01, 2004, 01:37:06 am »
It can't be emphasized enough that choosing a saddle is a very personal matter. I ride 2 leather saddles and the clone to the Terry Fly made by Terry's Italian maker. I bought it because I was having numbness but is a somewhat hard saddle. I ride a Brooks B-17 from Rivendell which I loved within the first 5 miles. I also have a 30 year old Brooks Pro that I hated the first year but may be on my bike this summer for a 5 week tour. The Pro starts out hard but all Brooks saddles mold to your anatomy. I have had no numbness with any of these three saddles.


Offline dombrosk

Saddle Advice
« Reply #4 on: April 12, 2004, 04:31:49 pm »
Does anybody have experience, good or bad, with saddles like the Terry Liberator that provide a gap for that delicate bundle of nerves?


Offline JerrySSmith

Saddle Advice
« Reply #5 on: April 13, 2004, 09:16:17 pm »
Good day to all... I might add that the "TERRY" Saddle has beeen a good choice for me, the cut-out works out fine too. Leather is a good choice also.Again in the past five years I have crossed the U.S. twice and rode to Alaska plus all the other short rides and all my TOOLS still work !!

Jerry


Offline OmahaNeb

Saddle Advice
« Reply #6 on: April 29, 2004, 05:47:29 pm »
Are you the real Dr. Science.  If so, aren't you supposed to know everything?  On the topic of saddles, keep in mind your butt will perspire.  You want a saddle material won't trap that moisture between your skin and the saddle.  Leather will breath, plastic will not.  I have ridden the same Brooks pro for over 30 years.  Keep in mind leather does not like to be rained on.  You will need to take extra care to keep the saddle dry when transporting the saddle on your car during rain storms.