Title: Which bike saddle?
Post by: Serious on May 10, 2006, 18:12:12 PM
Post by: Serious on May 10, 2006, 18:12:12 PM
Guess I might as well put my bike photos here too as two of them show off the present saddle basically its uncomfortable, hard on the bum and thin.
(http://www.antarctic-one.com/images/tek3/bike1.JPG)
(http://www.antarctic-one.com/images/tek3/bike2.JPG)
(http://www.antarctic-one.com/images/tek3/bike3.JPG)
Had it for two years and havent managed to break anything yet dispite it being a cheapie. But then gain I havent done any off road stuff either.
/touches wood
Wire chain cost me Ã,£3 including the padlock. The hooge triangular back reflector was 50p at a poundshop thats closing, it has five flashing leds that light it up quite well, ATM its held on with some string so will have to sort out something more permanent.
(http://www.antarctic-one.com/images/tek3/bike1.JPG)
(http://www.antarctic-one.com/images/tek3/bike2.JPG)
(http://www.antarctic-one.com/images/tek3/bike3.JPG)
Had it for two years and havent managed to break anything yet dispite it being a cheapie. But then gain I havent done any off road stuff either.
/touches wood
Wire chain cost me Ã,£3 including the padlock. The hooge triangular back reflector was 50p at a poundshop thats closing, it has five flashing leds that light it up quite well, ATM its held on with some string so will have to sort out something more permanent.
Title: Which bike saddle?
Post by: maximusotter on May 10, 2006, 18:21:27 PM
Post by: maximusotter on May 10, 2006, 18:21:27 PM
Saddles are very personal, but if you want plushness without too much numbness, WTB Speed-Vs are cheap and fit most butts. Ive noticed that a lot of mid range bikes are starting to spec these instead of the usual miserable house brands.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5947
Ive got one on my utility bike, and its fabulous for shorter trips. Total Cadillac of a ride without being overly squishy. I was going to switch to a Brooks in the parts bin, but it blows the Brooks away.
Its got a bit of a hollow for your bits, which actually works, and the sides have some tough material in case you lean the bike against brick schoolhouses and the like.
15 Queenie points at Chain Reaction.
(http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Full/5947.jpg)
Your handlebars are high enough to rule out my usual faves like Turbos and Rolls--as such perches are great when you put more weight on your hands and legs. I tried my Flite on the city bike, and was amazed that something that was invisible and comfy on a road bike, became miserable when upright.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5947
Ive got one on my utility bike, and its fabulous for shorter trips. Total Cadillac of a ride without being overly squishy. I was going to switch to a Brooks in the parts bin, but it blows the Brooks away.
Its got a bit of a hollow for your bits, which actually works, and the sides have some tough material in case you lean the bike against brick schoolhouses and the like.
15 Queenie points at Chain Reaction.
(http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Full/5947.jpg)
Your handlebars are high enough to rule out my usual faves like Turbos and Rolls--as such perches are great when you put more weight on your hands and legs. I tried my Flite on the city bike, and was amazed that something that was invisible and comfy on a road bike, became miserable when upright.
Title: Re:Which bike saddle?
Post by: Serious on May 10, 2006, 19:08:04 PM
Post by: Serious on May 10, 2006, 19:08:04 PM
Very nice site maxi :)
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Reviews.aspx?ModelID=2293
Only one star out of five, I wonder why? :lol:
Im going to have to lower the saddle at least an inch as its too high for me, which probably means lowering the handlebars too.
Quote*
Anonymous writes... from Unknown 20 October 2004 20:04
This is a really bad saddle if you leave your bike out in the rain.
The water tends to soak into the saddle like a sponge.
Its a shame really, Id give it 5 stars if it came with a hair dryer!
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Reviews.aspx?ModelID=2293
Only one star out of five, I wonder why? :lol:
Quote from: maximusotterYour handlebars are high enough to rule out my usual faves like Turbos and Rolls--as such perches are great when you put more weight on your hands and legs.
Im going to have to lower the saddle at least an inch as its too high for me, which probably means lowering the handlebars too.
Title: Which bike saddle?
Post by: maximusotter on May 10, 2006, 19:18:47 PM
Post by: maximusotter on May 10, 2006, 19:18:47 PM
Most crap saddle reviews for usually well regarded models are due to crap setup. Ive read stuff like "I slide forward too much" :lol: People are such morons. Side forward? Adjust tilt. I use a level and have all my saddles perfectly horizontal. ;)
The V series reviews on mtbreview.com are much more in depth. http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Saddle/product_88940.shtml
I agree with the posters, in that, its not good for technical off roading or distance, as its a bit bulky for such stuff. It is perfect for a tootle across town wearing street clothes. Its also one of those perches we regularly recommend on Usenet for clydesdale riders that need something a bit more supportive.
If you leave your saddle out in the rain, cover it with a shopping sack. Alternately, you can seam seal it with some goop from a camping shop.
The V series reviews on mtbreview.com are much more in depth. http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Saddle/product_88940.shtml
I agree with the posters, in that, its not good for technical off roading or distance, as its a bit bulky for such stuff. It is perfect for a tootle across town wearing street clothes. Its also one of those perches we regularly recommend on Usenet for clydesdale riders that need something a bit more supportive.
If you leave your saddle out in the rain, cover it with a shopping sack. Alternately, you can seam seal it with some goop from a camping shop.
Title: Re:Which bike saddle?
Post by: Serious on May 10, 2006, 19:23:58 PM
Post by: Serious on May 10, 2006, 19:23:58 PM
I generally have several plastic shopping bags in my pack along with a bottle of water for just that purpose :lol: I would expect to spend a couple of hours at least on a ride. The photies were taken tonight in North shields and Tynemouth during an our and a half first outing for this year.
Got a few nice photies too :)
Got a few nice photies too :)
Title: Which bike saddle?
Post by: maximusotter on May 10, 2006, 19:45:00 PM
Post by: maximusotter on May 10, 2006, 19:45:00 PM
Ive done a couple hours on mine in cycling clothes and it wasnt awful, just felt a bit more inner thigh rub compared to my usual racing saddles. Mind, Ive got big thighs from doing a lot of interval training and standing climbs, so most folks should have less of an issue.
There are very few saddles for your particular bar/saddle relationship that are worth recommending. Good ole Brooks B17s can be nice when your hands are 2" above your ass. I got tired of the side skirts on mine, though I may trim it down. (http://www.wallbike.com/content/butchering.html):P
There are very few saddles for your particular bar/saddle relationship that are worth recommending. Good ole Brooks B17s can be nice when your hands are 2" above your ass. I got tired of the side skirts on mine, though I may trim it down. (http://www.wallbike.com/content/butchering.html):P
Title: Re:Which bike saddle?
Post by: soopahfly on May 10, 2006, 20:01:14 PM
Post by: soopahfly on May 10, 2006, 20:01:14 PM
Get a WTB saddle with a raised nose.
Very comfy when you get used to it.
Very comfy when you get used to it.
Title: Which bike saddle?
Post by: Serious on May 10, 2006, 20:22:57 PM
Post by: Serious on May 10, 2006, 20:22:57 PM
Quote from: maximusotterThere are very few saddles for your particular bar/saddle relationship that are worth recommending. Good ole Brooks B17s can be nice when your hands are 2" above your ass. I got tired of the side skirts on mine, though I may trim it down. :P
My old racing/road bike had a Brooks leather saddle from new, it was never replaced - they seem to go on forever if you take care :)
Title: Which bike saddle?
Post by: maximusotter on May 10, 2006, 20:30:07 PM
Post by: maximusotter on May 10, 2006, 20:30:07 PM
They do last, but in all honesty, theyre a spotty fit for most folks, and quite expensive. I got my last Flyer for $50 which was cheap enough to get on an impulse. If I got another one, it would likely be a "chopped" ti b17, and Id keep any leather conditioners away from it. Ive mildly treated my last two Brooks, and they barely make it to two years before they get lateral sag that adjusting the bolt does nothing to fix, and makes them miserable.
Title: Re:Which bike saddle?
Post by: Serious on May 10, 2006, 20:33:09 PM
Post by: Serious on May 10, 2006, 20:33:09 PM
ATM Im looking at the SDG Freestyle Saddle
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=3618
or DMR Dirt Jump Saddle
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=2293
OK theyre jump saddles and not what I would have gone for in the past but Im thinking of my hip joints :)
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=3618
or DMR Dirt Jump Saddle
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=2293
OK theyre jump saddles and not what I would have gone for in the past but Im thinking of my hip joints :)
Title: Which bike saddle?
Post by: Serious on May 10, 2006, 20:35:45 PM
Post by: Serious on May 10, 2006, 20:35:45 PM
Quote from: maximusotterThey do last, but in all honesty, theyre a spotty fit for most folks, and quite expensive. I got my last Flyer for $50 which was cheap enough to get on an impulse. If I got another one, it would likely be a "chopped" ti b17, and Id keep any leather conditioners away from it. Ive mildly treated my last two Brooks, and they barely make it to two years before they get lateral sag that adjusting the bolt does nothing to fix, and makes them miserable.
I wuld never use any conditioner on a brooks leather saddle, your natural oils do the job quite nicely and the movement polishes it properly :D
Title: Re:Which bike saddle?
Post by: soopahfly on May 10, 2006, 20:37:36 PM
Post by: soopahfly on May 10, 2006, 20:37:36 PM
Jump saddles are quite hard, and stubby.
Designed for people who dont tend to sit down and only want something to stop a nut or two dissapearing down the seat tube.
Designed for people who dont tend to sit down and only want something to stop a nut or two dissapearing down the seat tube.
Title: Which bike saddle?
Post by: Beaker on May 10, 2006, 20:43:12 PM
Post by: Beaker on May 10, 2006, 20:43:12 PM
Quote from: maximusotterSaddles are very personal, but if you want plushness without too much numbness, WTB Speed-Vs are cheap and fit most butts. Ive noticed that a lot of mid range bikes are starting to spec these instead of the usual miserable house brands.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5947
Ive got one on my utility bike, and its fabulous for shorter trips. Total Cadillac of a ride without being overly squishy. I was going to switch to a Brooks in the parts bin, but it blows the Brooks away.
Its got a bit of a hollow for your bits, which actually works, and the sides have some tough material in case you lean the bike against brick schoolhouses and the like.
15 Queenie points at Chain Reaction.
(Image removed from quote.)
Your handlebars are high enough to rule out my usual faves like Turbos and Rolls--as such perches are great when you put more weight on your hands and legs. I tried my Flite on the city bike, and was amazed that something that was invisible and comfy on a road bike, became miserable when upright.
My Mongoose came with one of those, not the best saddle ive ever used, but comfortable enough for day-to-day usage.
Title: Which bike saddle?
Post by: maximusotter on May 10, 2006, 20:47:48 PM
Post by: maximusotter on May 10, 2006, 20:47:48 PM
Heres a picture of the WTB and a Flite together so you can see the differences:
(http://static.flickr.com/46/144157053_290b6b603c.jpg)
The WTB is surprisingly light for its bulk, btw, not that weight is that big of an issue.
(http://static.flickr.com/46/144157053_290b6b603c.jpg)
The WTB is surprisingly light for its bulk, btw, not that weight is that big of an issue.
Title: Re:Which bike saddle?
Post by: maximusotter on May 10, 2006, 20:54:08 PM
Post by: maximusotter on May 10, 2006, 20:54:08 PM
Quote from: SeriousATM Im looking at the SDG Freestyle Saddle
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=3618
or DMR Dirt Jump Saddle
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=2293
Might as well keep your current saddle, as those two arent designed for the type of riding you do.
I didnt see much more than the WTB at Chain Reaction as a saddle Id recommend for casual riding. Terrys and Fiziks are also well thought of in the comfort department, but a little more dear in price.
Title: Re:Which bike saddle?
Post by: soopahfly on May 10, 2006, 21:07:44 PM
Post by: soopahfly on May 10, 2006, 21:07:44 PM
Im a big fan of Specialized stuff, their seats tend to be quite nice.
Title: Which bike saddle?
Post by: maximusotter on May 10, 2006, 21:13:51 PM
Post by: maximusotter on May 10, 2006, 21:13:51 PM
Quote from: SeriousI wuld never use any conditioner on a brooks leather saddle, your natural oils do the job quite nicely and the movement polishes it properly :D
I dont have any natural oils productive enough to seep through my bike shorts. :gag:
Brooks recommends treating with Proofide, and I always treat the top with a very small amount of conditioner, never the bottom which is very porous. Reason being, that down here you sweat like crazy in the summer, and an untreated Brooks will disintegrate. All I do after that is use boot wax on it, which only sits on the surface, and it prevents the rivets from rusting out.
My Flyer is fully salvageable, just needs a few turns of the adjustment nut, and a punch and lace job. Itll get done once it gets a bike to live on. ;)
Title: Re:Which bike saddle?
Post by: maximusotter on May 10, 2006, 21:17:34 PM
Post by: maximusotter on May 10, 2006, 21:17:34 PM
Quote from: soopahflyIm a big fan of Specialized stuff, their seats tend to be quite nice.
The Specialized stuff from the early 90s reminds me of heavily padded Turbos. Not a bad thing. They used to give my slight numbness, but theyve moved to a split design that should be pretty good.
A Body Geometry version is well worth checking out:
Personally, I find such a cutout to be a bit obtrusive, but you can always return it after a test sit. Youll want to protect the rails with some thin plastic if you mount it up, otherwise it wont be returnable.
Title: Re:Which bike saddle?
Post by: Serious on May 11, 2006, 00:58:02 AM
Post by: Serious on May 11, 2006, 00:58:02 AM
Quote from: maximusotterQuote from: SeriousATM Im looking at the SDG Freestyle Saddle
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=3618
or DMR Dirt Jump Saddle
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=2293
Might as well keep your current saddle, as those two arent designed for the type of riding you do.
I didnt see much more than the WTB at Chain Reaction as a saddle Id recommend for casual riding. Terrys and Fiziks are also well thought of in the comfort department, but a little more dear in price.
Present saddle isnt either, I can afford a few quid anyway so I think I will follow my instincts and then if it doesnt work Ill follow up with your suggestion :)
Quote from: maximusotterQuote from: SeriousI wuld never use any conditioner on a brooks leather saddle, your natural oils do the job quite nicely and the movement polishes it properly :D
I dont have any natural oils productive enough to seep through my bike shorts. :gag:
You also produce millions of skin flakes...
QuoteAll I do after that is use boot wax on it, which only sits on the surface, and it prevents the rivets from rusting out.
Never needed to, I wasnt the first owner and had it for twenty-five years. Previous owner had it for longer than me.
Title: Re:Which bike saddle?
Post by: Serious on June 17, 2006, 14:21:21 PM
Post by: Serious on June 17, 2006, 14:21:21 PM
Ended up going into Halfrauds and they had some SelleRoyal Royalgel seats discounted to Ã,£9.99, does the job and not uncomfortable like the original.
http://www.selleroyal.it/selleroyal_catalogue.asp?menu_id=8&lan=ENG
Also got me some Profile design aerobars from a shop in Byker so its fitted up rather well now :)
http://www.profile-design.com/2006_product_pages/aerobars/century.html
http://www.selleroyal.it/selleroyal_catalogue.asp?menu_id=8&lan=ENG
Also got me some Profile design aerobars from a shop in Byker so its fitted up rather well now :)
http://www.profile-design.com/2006_product_pages/aerobars/century.html
Title: Re:Which bike saddle?
Post by: Serious on June 29, 2006, 22:24:31 PM
Post by: Serious on June 29, 2006, 22:24:31 PM
Analysis so far, the seat is soft but at least its comfortable, the aerobars are a useful extra although I dont go as far as I used to on it, they really only pay off on long roads where you dont have any braking.
Title: Re:Which bike saddle?
Post by: M3ta7h3ad on June 30, 2006, 18:24:21 PM
Post by: M3ta7h3ad on June 30, 2006, 18:24:21 PM
Aerobars? the stuff in front of you? hmm... Id need to ramp up my saddle a bit more to see a point to them.
The more I look at fancy saddles the more I want one. But the one I have is quite nice, its the stock one but my arse is used to it and it seems to have moulded nicely to it (distinct dents in the foam where my seatbones are) so unsure to change.
Love the look of the less substantial racer saddle designs, and im also loving the look of the brooks leather saddles too :D Really like the look of them :)
The more I look at fancy saddles the more I want one. But the one I have is quite nice, its the stock one but my arse is used to it and it seems to have moulded nicely to it (distinct dents in the foam where my seatbones are) so unsure to change.
Love the look of the less substantial racer saddle designs, and im also loving the look of the brooks leather saddles too :D Really like the look of them :)
Title: Re:Which bike saddle?
Post by: Serious on June 30, 2006, 18:34:20 PM
Post by: Serious on June 30, 2006, 18:34:20 PM
Top of the range Brooks saddles are expensive :(
Title: Which bike saddle?
Post by: maximusotter on June 30, 2006, 18:34:50 PM
Post by: maximusotter on June 30, 2006, 18:34:50 PM
Wiggle.co.uk has the Selle San Marco Rolls on sale for Ã,£24.99. If your bars are lower than your saddle, I cant recommend it enough. Its supportive enough for a big guy, but not in your way either.
Im back to my classic Selle Royal Prestige saddles (got spares) on the roadie. Its a totally smooth leather covered plastic shell with only 2mm of padding, but the shell flexes a bit on the big bumps. Not bad. Id get a Rolls if I found one at a good price.
Im back to my classic Selle Royal Prestige saddles (got spares) on the roadie. Its a totally smooth leather covered plastic shell with only 2mm of padding, but the shell flexes a bit on the big bumps. Not bad. Id get a Rolls if I found one at a good price.