Author Topic: Selle SMP saddle?  (Read 13617 times)

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Offline RandyMac

Selle SMP saddle?
« on: June 01, 2009, 12:26:27 pm »
My Specialized Avatar didn't quite working out on my shakedown ride this weekend... has anyone tried one of the crazy looking Selle SMP saddles?

-- A

Offline paddleboy17

Re: Selle SMP saddle?
« Reply #1 on: June 02, 2009, 12:23:56 pm »
No.

Sure you don't want to try a venerable Brooks B17 saddle?  The Imperial variant has a cutout now.  Apparently its been in development since the early 1900s  :-[

I can't imagine touring on a foam and plastic saddle, even if it comes with carbon fiber rails and cutout.
Danno

Offline staehpj1

Re: Selle SMP saddle?
« Reply #2 on: June 02, 2009, 01:08:33 pm »
Can't help with the Selle SMP as I have not ridden on one.

I will comment that I don't get what all the fuss is over saddles.  I guess this is a minority opinion though.  I have been happy with the saddles that came with my bikes.  I would do a multi-month tour on any of them.  Personally I can't see myself spending $200+ for one of the higher end Selle SMPs or putting up with a B17 that weighs over 19 ounces.  It seems to me that unless the saddle is especially unsuitable, the biggest factors in saddle comfort are:
  • Bike fit and adjustment (when set up as I like it there just isn't that much weight on the saddle)
  • Riding form (most of the weight supported on the legs, hands lightly resting on the bars, bars well below saddle)
  • Conditioning of the bottom to the miles

If you haven't already, I'd say log at least several hundred miles over a few weeks at most before changing saddles.  My experience has usually been that after I have a few hundred miles with it I get acclimated to the saddle whatever the model as long as it is not some big wide, heavily padded thing.

I freely admit that my experience may not be the norm.

Re: Selle SMP saddle?
« Reply #3 on: June 04, 2009, 06:00:24 pm »
The Selle SMP saddle might be a tricky saddle for a touring bike.  It is set up to put you in more of a race fit, as opposed to a more upright position on a touring bike.  I've tried the carbon model on a road bike and it was actually super comfortable. when riding on the hoods and in the drops.  I've heard from a few people that the embroidery on the leather saddles is a bit intense and wears at the shorts, but overall I think it's plenty comfortable and doesn't require a big 'breaking in' period. 

That all being said, I still run a Brooks B17 on my touring bike. 

Offline RandyMac

Re: Selle SMP saddle?
« Reply #4 on: June 11, 2009, 07:21:37 pm »
4 days in on my new Selle SMP Glider - very comfortable, but hard.  I didn't have much time in the saddle (any saddle) prior to leaving, so the jury is still out  on it being a good tour saddle.  It "fits" very well though, I'm impressed - it will definitely live on my road bike when I'm done touring.  My bike is set up a little sportier than most tour bikes, so it works out well in the hoods and pretty well on top of the bar - makes me keep my back straight too!

-- A

http://www.twowheelingwest.com

Offline staehpj1

Re: Selle SMP saddle?
« Reply #5 on: June 12, 2009, 07:01:29 am »
My bike is set up a little sportier than most tour bikes
Good choice.  That makes for a more comfortable ride in my opinion.  I like the same aggressive position I have on my road bike.  I really think that the more upright posture is a handicap on a long tour.  It is less efficient in a headwind and puts more weight on the butt, and stresses the lower back.  To me is just generally less comfortable.