Favorite Saddle? Worst saddle?

[thanita]

Doing a bit of research on saddles, wondering whether "women spec" are favorites or not - so - what has been your best saddle and what has been the most painful?

One of my favorites is the Juliana saddle, and WTB (both unisex and women's) saddles have done me good. The worst - an "ultra plush" saddle that provided lots of cush but no support (ow) and saddles that tend towards long noses and skinny rears . . .

T

[Divscotty]

Lady Italia, Gel Flow, Split, Leather is a nice seat.

The most uncomfortable for Cross Country was a Sefras RX. It has about an inch of exposed hard plastic on the tip. Which can be bad if the bike reacts in an unexpected manner on a technical descent.

Divscotty

[free spirit]

Last summer I bought a Dragonfly from Terry. I really like it. Had no problems with my first century and the saddle wasn't even properly broke in yet.

I don't like the stock saddles that come with the TREKs. It's the first thing I change.

[Michiganpride]

I've got a fizik vitesse that I like a lot on my road bike, but for some reason I've always preferred boyseats on my mountain bikes. Right now I'm using a (selle italia?) XO on my fsr, and I really like it.

[thanita]

Too bad shops don't let you "test drive" saddles, so it's hit or miss (which can get pricey). Unfortunately, I think this causes many of us to stay with the first saddle that doesn't hurt as opposed to the best saddle for us.

That said - if you were to purchase a new saddle, would you first look at "womens"? What do you look for in a saddle?

T

[Michiganpride]

My girlfriend uses a selle italia trans am women's saddle that she really likes. It's a cut-out saddle, which makes me wary, but she puts in a lot of miles on it and never complains.

She's also got a bontrager women's saddle with a gel-like patch in the middle, and a fairly narrow specialized women's saddle. She likes both of those too. She used to like the narrower terry saddles, but has fallen out of love with them in the past year or so.

When I shop for a saddle, I'm suspicious of those that seem really squishy. I can't help but think that all that squish would be instantly compacted under my normal body weight, so it really wouldn't do much for me comfortwise. I like a saddle that is smooth, with no stitching or anything on top, and that flexes when I push with my thumbs in the middle. The vitesse is like that. I'm also fond of some of the lighter, racier avocet saddles. They have a nice women's saddle, or so I've heard.

[thanita]

You're right to be suspicious of the extra squishies! For the most part, you sink INTO them, as opposed to being supported on top of them (which is good). I guess a good analogy is a mattress - soft mattresses aren't great for your back, but firm mattresses with a pillow top are the right on.

Right now I'm riding a Terry Butterfly Tri Gel on my CrossCheck. It's a great supportive saddle - not super plush, but I'm not needing it because of the shape/support. Gel in the nose. Ahhhh. . . .
T

[polly]

I've just bought a Ti juliana calista race (I think that's it's full name) and it is so comfortable,but skinny enough to be able to get off the back; before that i had a wsd specialised body geometry, and it was ok for a while, but recently had become uncomfortable, i'd had it a couple of years so i wonder if it just wore out.

[thanita]

Have that saddle, love it. It's more streamlined than the regular Juliana saddle, definitely easier to move fore and aft. . .
T

[polly]

so what bike do you ride Thanita?

[thanita]

Well, right now I'm testing a Ellsworth Isis and also have my Surly Cross Check on the road. At home, I've got a Juliana Superlight, Bianchi SISS, an older Schwinn "city bike," a single speeded Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo . . . man, that sounds piggish, eh? Definitely have succumbed to bikelust.
T

[polly]

wow you must have a big shed!

I've just got the one, juliana cushtail - AKA Jooly - and I love her...;) In fact i seem to have started a bit of a trend here in the uk...;) I think SC should have me on commission... :D

[thanita]

The superlight is great bike, Juliana's got lots of standover. I had to change the grips, though, to the larger ones - guess my hands are that "dainty," ha! I'd like to check out a Blur for women or smaller folk .. . hint, hint SC!
T

[polly]

I had to ask for the really small grips, as i my hands are really small... at 5ft 2 though the geometry is really good for me.

I just need to get faster, and braver... I was trying to persuade Jeff to wear my kit and ride my bike down the slab in Dalbeattie on Saturday so i could take a pic and photo shop his beard out and pretend it was me...;)
we've started an unofficial Jooly's owners' club... want to join Thanita?:cool:

[thanita]

What's the club's mission? Are there dues? What aren't you allowed to do?
:p
T

[polly]

you have to have a juliana... you have to like a beer or three... um you're not allowed to be too fast or too technically proficient... oh well that just applies to me actually.... ;0)

[thanita]

I'm in. Can fans of Juliana's join? Moe wants to be a member. How 'bout we just supply hostels to visiting Juliana holders and fans!!@
T
How long have you been riding?

[polly]

Sounds good to me!

I've been riding about 3 years, but I am slow and scaredy.... though I love it - but don't get to do it as much as I'd like.

I am riding around the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit on my bike on Friday, which will make a change.... (it's being opened for the evening to bikers, for charity)

hmmm slicks or grooves...
;)

[polly]

http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/read.php?f=2&i=382343&t=381916#reply_382343

It's not a very big club yet Thanita, but you are welcome to join us...:D

[thanita]

I'll check it out! Don't call it slow and scaredy, call it sedate and dignified!;)
T

[polly]

LOL... that's how I try to look as I fall off... ;)