Touring Saddles?

[Doug]

What saddles does everyone out there use for touring?

I'm looking for options.

[staehpj1]

I'm not too fussy.  I generally use what came on the bike unless it is really uncomfortable.  I happily used the OEM saddle that came on my Windsor Tourist for 4,244 miles in 73 days on the Trans America this past Summer.  I was fine with it, no problems at all.  I don't put much weight on my saddle though.

If I wanted to spend more on a saddle I would probably buy the Specialized Toupe in 143 width.
http://bicyclesportshop.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=8267

Many will advise the Brooks B17.  It isn't my cup of tea but it has a cult like following that is VERY loyal.  Many of them will tell you it is the only choice.

The Terry Fly and Liberator models are well thought of too.

[driftlessregion]

If you take the time you will find many discussions here about saddles. Yes, we Brooks fans are fanatical about the venerable leather saddles, B-17 and the Pro (which takes longer to break in but lasts twice as long).

[capndick4]

I myself use a Brooks Flyer. It's the sprung model and I think it's the most comfortable saddle I've ever used.

[WesternFlyer]

Does anyone have any experience with the Selle An-Atomica Saddle?  I tested one at the North American Handbuild Bicycle Show in Portland, OR.  It seemed very nice, but three minutes on a trainer is not three weeks on a tour!
www.mcmwin.com.

About the Brooks saddles, I had one in my youth. Back then all saddles were leather, but Brooks was still considered the best.  I think it took two years to really break-in and then it was really comfortable.  I applied every leather dressing and incantation know in the mid-twentieth century to hasten the process.


Western Flyer

I have a hangnail, and my heart is--what?
What's that? What's that you say?
You say today is. . .Saturday?
G'bye, I'm going out to play!
   Shel Silverstein

[bogiesan]

> I'm looking for options.

It's getting boring, yes, sorry: I run a recumbent. My touring saddle is a
huge four inch thick, anatomically cut, multi-layered foam chair with a
full backrest made of breathable mesh that includes lumbar support.

When I finish 100 miles, I'm as tired as everyone else, but there isn't a
muscle group or tissue area on my body that hurts because of my seat
or my riding position.

david boise ID

go, ristretto, FCP/AE
"Read the manual."

[Cycleguy]

Text

Doug...I've tried many saddles, but never could find a comfortable one till I tryed a Brooks B-17, it felt comfortable the first time on it and it continues to get better with every ride.. Good luck with your search, I do believe your body will adjust to any good saddle if you ride it enough, they all need a breaking in period ..  PAUL

[tgpelz]

Easy Seat (google it)


Tom

[DaveB]

Saddles are about the most subjective bike part available.  One person's wonderfully comfortable saddle is another's torture rack.  That's why you get so many conflicting opinions and why there are so many designs available.  

My PERSONAL choice is the Avocet O2 40 Mens model. I have them on 7 different bikes and three more on the shelf in case they stop making them. However, you may hate them.

[paddleboy17]

I just got a Selle An-Atomica saddle (Watershed leather variant).  My criteum bike had a Brook Professional, and my urologist forbid me to ride on it anymore.  I find my Brook B.17 to be the most comfortable saddle I own (I also have a Brooks Conquest, similar to the Flyer only shorter and narrower).  My critereum bike requires a more aggressive position, hence I needed a saddle to allow that, and now you know why I have a Selle An-Atomica saddle.

You don't really break in a Selle An-Atomica.  And you might have to reconsider your shorts as I am more aware of the seams and padding than I am with any other saddle.  But if you need a cut-out, this saddle is your only choice.  I may at some point consider one of their modified B.17s.  And of course I wait for the day when the Brook Imperial goes on sale.

[cara2u]

We put all of our faith in the more experienced and tried a Brooks Saddle (Flyer w/springs). This was a good choice for us. We expedited the break in period by placing wet towels over the back sit-bone area for about 30 minutes then went for a good ride. Once the leather dried we applied Brooks saddle dressing top & bottom and we were good to go.
James

[fr8doug]

I have heard good things about the fizic alliante.
I have used a terryfly that seems to work pretty well.

[dombrosk]

I've been very happy with Serfas RX saddles.  They have an open groove in the middle that does reduce numbness and soreness for me.  I find that I can easily pedal 80 plus miles on mine without discomfort.  They do make different widths... for touring I'd recommend going narrower, some of their saddles seem designed more for Sunday afternoon rides around the park.  (And I also recommend Chamois Butt'r... )