BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

if you're planning on sitting in the saddle for 100 miles at a time, and you're anything like me (i.e. not going to do those 100 miles in less than 5 hours, for an example), you're not going to like my advice.

if i had it to do all over again, i would spend the extra money on a brooks tensioned leather saddle. after a good fit and fatter, lower-pressure tires, there's nothing that's going to contribute more to the comfort of your (presumably long) ride than a good saddle, and it's a thing i wouldn't skimp on. i'd rather spend less on the frame and wheels.

to summarize: i have no idea what kind of decent touring saddles are available on the cheap (new), and don't have a good answer to your question.

My only issue with Brooks saddles is the care and feeding--I'd rather not deal with carrying around a saddle bonnet for when it rains. That said, they are pretty sweet.

I'm a big fan of NOS Selle Italia Turbos.

Dave's advice above is pretty good, too, especially if you're building a new-to-you bike.

I am really not into the Brooks saddles either, for the same reasons. However, I have ridden a few bikes with them and they are quite nice.

For me the most comfortable cheap saddle I've ever used is the WTB Laser V Comp.

WTBs are nice and cheap. My narrow ass prefers the Shadow V. But you need to be careful about exactly what you're getting (particularly when ordering online) – I think there are about 50 permutations of each model they sell, all with different materials, padding, stitching, hardware, etc. The only consistency is that they can all be found for a good price.

I have two Brooks saddles and I have to say I'm over them. They're comfy, but I feel so freaking fussy having to care so much if my bike gets rained on.

there has to be some sort of synthetic cover for them fancy leather saddles so you can get the best of both worlds! in the meantime i will take your leather saddles in exchange for alleaving you of this day ruining fussyness

I thought this might be an interesting conversation starter in this thread.....

Report on the Use of No-Nose Saddles for Occupational Bicycling

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has released a report that explores the use of no-nose bicycle saddles to reduce groin pressure and improve the reproductive health of occupational bicyclers.

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/wp-solutions/2009-131/pdfs/2009-131.pdf

I didn't notice in the report but I would hope they placed piezoelectric pressure sensors on the test subjects taints/grundles/ABC's with the optional thermosistor. <3 <3 <3

Could you imagine the government scientist prep'ing the area and installing the sensors!?

Yes. (Possibly NSFW.)

I've gone cheap on saddles in the past. After riding long-distance tours, I've realized that it's not worth the savings....

Instead of buying a fancy $80 jersey, buy a better saddle.

"Instead of buying a fancy $80 jersey, buy a better saddle."

I would never buy an $80 jersey.

I looked at a few WTB saddles when I was out in Salt lake. I think thats the route I am going to take.

I curious about the "no nose" saddles NIOSH recommends. I'm guessing that they might affect stability in rough conditions. I'm not sure how comfortable they would be for lang rides, either.

Mick