Question of the Week. . .

Where would you want to park your rear-end for 6 hours at a time? (asking about saddles here)

James Kelly is on a quest for a new saddle, and suggested this topic for the question of the week. OK, perhaps he didn't quite word it this way, but jokes and rude comments aside,it is an important issue. Wide or narrow, leather or gel, firm or soft, with a cut-out or without one. I have my opinions, which will be posted about a week later along with any other responses from you folks.

If you know the make and model, what saddle are you currently using on your bike?

If you don't know the make and model (or even if you do), please describe the type of saddle this is (cut-out or not, leather, gel, etc.).

How satisfied are you with your current saddle?
Very satisfied. If I change bikes, I'd consider keeping this saddle.
OK with it, but wouldn't be picky about keeping it for a new bike.
Not currently happy with it, and would actually prefer a different one.

What advice would you give to James (or anyone else) about selecting a saddle?

Your Name or Email (always optional)

The answer . . .

Thanks to Joe, Don, Rich, Rory, Justin for comments and advice on saddles. My2 cents are also included here. Answers ranged from the clueless, to theconflicting (re: cut-outs), and from a short comment to a longproduct-review. Have a seat (pun intended), and check out what folks haveto say.

Comment from Joe: "Love to give James advice but I would have to say that this is the only part of the bikethat I have no clue..."
Comment from Don: "Few things are more personal than a saddle choice. Purchase it through a reputable dealer who will allow you to test ride it for a week, at least. Be sure to do a long ride (more than 3 hours) to really know how it is treating you. When comparing it to other saddles, always make sure to wear the same cycling shorts for accurate comparison."
Current saddle: Selle Italia Flite,
Satisfaction rating: OK
Comment from Rich: "Try a wider nose, that has got gel. Cutouts are hype only, the anatomy is the anatomy."
Current saddle: Sella vitalia I believe
Description: Leather, narrow, light, old. Time for a new one!
Satisfaction rating: Not satisfied
Comment from Rory: "Advice (only to males): cutaway = good
Current saddle: Terry Liberator Pro
Satisfaction rating: Very satisfied
Comments from Justin: "it is basically a craps shoot in a sense, because you won't find out if the saddle is really good until about 2 weeks into using it for some time. the selle italia flite trans am is fine, not great but a good fall back saddle, has the cutout in the center, although i don't think it really works all that well, more of gimick than anythig else, the padding is sparse but it is a well made saddle and is ok.
the avocet is a good saddle also, probably preferred over the selle italia, a little more compliant, cushinoning is about the same a little less stiff but still a racing saddle, very comfortable for road riding but not that great for a tri bike position, but a very comfortable saddle when in a road position, i would suggest this to anyone that isn't in an aggressive aero position
specialized body geometry comp, not a bad saddle again, a little too much cushioning, and a little wide in the nose area so your thighs hit the sides and it is annoying, the center cut out works.... use it once and you will know what i mean, only thing about it is that after you get used to it you realize the cushioning is way too thick and you are sinking too far into the saddle, maybe the new pro model is better, i don't know , u buy it and tell me how it is...
oh yeah if you buy a saddle and it sucks, well chalk it up to experience and try to sell it to someone else....anyone out here in the market for a new selle italia flite trans am saddle, i have only ridden like 75 miles on the thing, want to get another avocet saddle instead.
Current saddle selli italia flite trans am, avocet o2 40 air
Satisfaction rating: Very satisfied
Comments from Ed: I have a new saddle that's similar to the Flite saddle in terms of the shape which seems to work for me. I've got a Flite on my Trek w/a QR pad over it. I did learn that the saddle rails apparently make a difference in feel and amhappy w/titanium rails. While you can very quickly tell if a saddle's wrong for you, it could take a few rides to break in and settle into a new saddle before it feels truly comfy."
Current saddle: Shark Selle Royal
Satisfaction rating: OK. (still new and getting used to it).