Saddles...

[mikesnowdon]

I have a Flite Ti on my bike and yesterday did a 20 mile round trip along the Worth way and Forest way.

My arse was killing me by the time I got home!

Is it just because I haven't ridden properly in 5 years or is it because the Flite aint the right saddle for me?

To be honest I think it could be the latter. I had a Flite BiTD because it was the fashionable seat to have and didnt really find it that comfortable back then. I changed to a WTB Rocket V in late 90's which was much better.

I quite like the Charge saddles and the new Ti railed Knife is a lightweight saddle getting good reviews.

Should I go ahead and find a saddle that fits me better or persevere with the Flite and see if I get used to it?

 

[legrandefromage]

you need to ride until your arse is flite shaped.

It gets better the more you ride. People confuse initial discomfort with poor saddle coice hence the huuuge sofas you sometimes see.

I have different saddles on each bike with the Turbo the most uncomfortable thing I've ever sat on, yet after a couple of long rides, it was better.

 

[the_duke]

I think you should persevere with the flite for a few rides (done in a short time scale).

My backside always hurts after a ride if it has been an age since the last one!

Failing that my favourite saddles are (modern) SDG Bel-Air's or Fizik Gobi's.

The first is probably marginally more comfy from the outset while the latter moulds better over time and looks better!

The thing is everyone is different. . .

 

[Lysander]

Aye- initial arsal discomfiture will be due to the long lay off.

AND...........the duke- I likes teh avatar

*wanders off whistling "A-huntin' I will go"*

 

[uno-speedo]

a good chance your 'sit bones' don't suit the flites shape. no matter how good it looks, if it hurts to ride wheres the fun in that? i always buy a used saddle and experiment to see if my butt likes it, then splurge on a new one if necessary. but like others said, give it a few rides and if it still hurts don't ride it anymore. shelve it for photo shoots

a good chamois in cycling specific shorts (and don't skimp on these, good shorts can make a huge difference IMO) helps as does butt cream like the stuff assos makes or similar.

 

[Marmite King]

Rolls !

I`ve found them really comfy once used a few times.

Got an SDG RT on my daily bike and that`s nice and comfy too.

 

[the_duke]

Aye- initial arsal discomfiture will be due to the long lay off.

AND...........the duke- I likes teh avatar

*wanders off whistling "A-huntin' I will go"*

Oh Indeed.

 

[xerxes]

My current favourites, Brooks B17 Imprerial, bit heavy for weight weenies though and the Selle Italia SLR XC Gel Flow.

 

[Steve Kish]

Whilst your arse will need to adapt, I'm currently having great results both on and off road with Charge saddles (Spoon = off-road and hybrid / Knife = road bike).

 

[mikesnowdon]

Cheers for all the advice.

I remember with the WTB I had aches in the back of my arse cheeks but with the Flite I'm getting a sort of friction + dead + numb + pain about an inch either side of my nutsacks. I'll try levelling the saddle out a bit as the nose is slightly up at the mo and could be digging in a bit. Maybe that will help.