Need new saddle for road bike. Any suggestions?

Question

Just bought my friend's 2007 Specialized Allez triple for $160.

But the stupid Specialized Comp Road saddle it came with really hurts. My roommate has a Bontrager Race Lux saddle that I find so much more comfortable. But as long as I'm in the market for a new saddle, I may as well look around for other stuff.

So, any suggestions to make my riding a little less painful? I'm also new to the road biking scene and am probably only going to use this for some light recreational use and commuting.

I would like something close to the $50 mark.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Saddles are almost as personal as a fingerprint. There are lots of different styles, but they all vary in the thickness of padding, density of padding, contour or shape, width, and the profile.



It may take trying out several saddles before you find one that fits. Saddles are an extremely important piece of equipment because they are supporting most of your weight. You may have to resign yourself to spending more than $50, but it will be worth the expense to obtain maximum comfort.



Two popular flat profile saddles are the Fizik Arione and Selle Italia Flite. Two popular saddles with a scooped profile are the Fizik Aliante and Selle San Marco Concor. The Concor is a very old model and can often be found used for a reasonable price.



Shopping at your local bike shop is a good way to try out a saddle. Often they will let you buy one model and exchange it if it doesn't work out. Alternatively Competitive Cyclist has an online service where you can try 11 different models for a fairly reasonable price.



There is no one model for everyone, but try several models and settle on the one that is the most comfortable. Saddle discomfort can also be caused by other bike fit issues. Make sure that you are properly fit before spending lots of money on a saddle that may not fix the problem.

Answer 2

While there is no single saddle that satisfies everyone, the Selle San Marco Rolls comes real close. This saddle has been around for years and is still used by some pro riders. I picked up a used one on eBay for $51 and it looked like new. I remember when this saddle first came on the market and I couldn't afford one then. Now I can and it is very comfortable. It has won out over a Selle Italia Signo Gel Flow, a Selle Italia SLK Gel Flow and a Specialized Avatar Gel. There are two versions, one with steel rails and one with titanium rails. The steel rail version is cheaper, but heavier.



If you can't get a Rolls, go to a Specialized dealer and see if they have the Sonoma Gel. It's a MTB saddle but pretty comfortable and what I have on my DH racing bike.

Answer 3

Take a look at Terry. For years I have been using a Terry Liberator. I've been able to do century rides without pain. I recently upgraded to the Terry Fly because it was a bit lighter and on sale. It's a bit more than the $50 you have budgeted, but I don't think you will find any high quality and comfortable saddle at that price unless you get lucky with being in the right place at the right time.



HTH

Answer 4

I'm a sucker for older saddles. Sure they might not suit a modern Alu racing frame, but they're damn comfortable.



San Marco 'Rolls' / 'Regal' (My Fav) / 'Concor'



If you'd prefer a modern looking saddle though, you can't really go wrong with Selle Italia's SLR range of saddles in terms of value and performance.

Answer 5

Here is the best saddle & you can use this saddle for your bike. This saddle made with best quality of leather synthetic material. Its very comfortable. I used this saddle for my bike. Here you will get this saddle in cheapest price : - "Agritura.com"

Answer 6

brooks saddle are the most comfortable long distance riding saddle, but they cost moolla. there like butter that shapes to the form of your ***