Saddle recommendations for ladies - can you help?

Jane

I'm looking to buy a 2nd saddle and interested to know what works in the real world (away from the jargon of Snake/Bull, anterior tilts, inter-tuberosity distance etc!)

I started on a Specialized Lithia, which has been great for me and I'll keep using it on my winter bike. For summer bike, I expected to buy another saddle from the Specialized range, but neither the Ruby or the Oura works for me (too many reasons to list here), which means it's time to look at other manufacturers

Lee Valley Velodrome bikes have Fizik saddles and I found mine really uncomfortable, although I didn't notice the model and to be fair, it was probably designed for men. I think Trisports is a stockist so I'll see what they have to say, but I definitely won't be buying one without a demo or option to exchange (which is what Kinetic does on Specialized saddles)

Now thinking about ordering several Selle Italia saddles online and returning what doesn't look as if it'll work, but I'd much rather have some demo saddles that I can test properly

What's your favourite saddle? Any tips for the rest of us?

wilburtrump

I've just picked up a saddle made by a company called fabric, they used to make all the saddles for charge bikes. It's really comfy and and has quite a unique design where the base of the saddle flexes. I'm not sure if they do women's saddles but it's well worth a look to see...

geoffg

jane....British Cycling researched this and settled on Selle saddles. They have a wide range and Trisports have various models I think. Good luck.

AlanT

I bought a Selle 'Lady Flow' for a friend who has a 'history' of uncomfortable saddles. She has been very pleased with it.

Toma_M

What others have found comfortable has never really helped me I've found saddle choice to be quite personal. Anyway fwiw some friends of mine where I grew up like the Specialized Oura (gel something) which doesn't work well for you or SQ labs , I think the common theme of both is the vendors try to get an estimate of one's sit bones position before recommending a certain size for a certain model.

Jenny

Jane,
I agree with Toma, I think everyone will find something different comfortable. Quite how BC have managed to 'settle' this I'm not sure?

I recently had a saddle test with Dean Taylor at Fit-me-Up in Hertford. He has a huge range you can try out, and documents everything you try so you can see the difference between each. At £75 its a bit of an investment, but compared to buying endless saddles might be worth it.

JeremyP

Trisports have a device to measure the distance between your sit bones and hence guide saddle choice. They also have a good selection of demo saddles (Fizik and Bontrager) and do exchange if not satisfied. I switched to a narrower saddle based on their advice and ended up buying three of the same for my stable! Personally think the high end Bontrager stuff is difficult to beat on quality and price.

Trisports always seem to have a good selection of women-specific products so recommend and are willing to take time to help customers.

Only thing I wouldn't recommend is carbon rails - too much hassle with slipping on the cradle. You can fix with paste but then you have to put up with creaking.

Andy S

Mrs S found these two articles of some value when faced with a similar dilemma.

We also found that a saddle that felt horrible, suddenly felt amazing when she got her position sorted out properly.

http://totalwomenscycling.com/road-cycling/maintenance/gear-guide-choosing-a-saddle-901/
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/group-tests/the-best-womens-bike-saddles-163399

Jane

Thanks All

No carbon rails for me either and I seem to be happier with flat profiles, both L to R and nose to tail. Interesting review in Total Womens Cycling - just shows how different we all are

I've settled on a Selle Italia. It was good on a short test ride today, but I'll be keeping my fingers crossed. Certainly looks the biz