
What are your favorite non-brooks saddles?
This is my second brooks saddle. It's been like a billion miles and it still doesn't feel great. I'm ready to move on.
Should I try a WTB? Tern? Maybe just tie a lazy boy to my seat post?
I ride pretty upright, so I need something rather wide.
by yoshiklas
31 Comments
Same experience. Selle Anatomica is the comfiest saddle I’ve tried.
You could try the carved. I’ve heard that helps make it a little cushier
That’s why people should never ask for/take saddle recommendations. That is one bike part that needs to be figured out for yourself as there are just too many anatomical variables when it comes to saddle fits.
I love my Fizik Argo R5.
Sorry, can’t help you. Mine’s so good I stopped wearing chamois. No lie.
Ergon makes some very nice modern saddles.
https://cruzbike.com/products/v20c
I’m a big fan of SQ Lab saddles. I’m running the 611 on my endurance bikes. They make several widths of each model dependent on riding style and sit bone measurements.
Have you measured your sitzs bones? They change as you get old.
I love my B 19 Cambium. I had B17s for ever and started hating it. Measured, went to the 19 and never looked back. Zero break in
It totally depends on your riding position and your sit bone width. If you ride really upright and have wide sit bones, a B-17 might be too narrow for you. Saddles are just like bike frames. You have to buy one with the right geometry for your body.
I had the same experience with Brooks. I’ve settled on a WTB Pure saddle. The nice thing about WTB, you can try(buy) one of their models at the cheapest version for around $30. Yeah, that’s not nothing, but it’s much cheaper than lots of saddles out there. If you find one that fits, you can upgrade to the nicer version and have a spare.
What works for me are the Specialized body geometry saddles. There’s a lot of variations and you can find them new and used just about anywhere (I bought one for 3 bucks at Goodwill). They are kinda ugly, but comfort is king!
Yeah I am nearing the end of my patience with my c15 :/
People online are like ‘oh it’s so comfortable you just have to ride it for 500 miles, treat it with conditioner and never let it get wet’. I have a saddle that is comfortable on mile 0, no maintenance needed and it’s waterproof. Also it’s 1/5 the price. I’m all for traditional style but come on now
I’m not a leather saddle loyalist. They’re not for everyone but your saddle looks brand new… Have you conditioned it yet? Have you backed off the tensioning nut? With most Brooks saddles, you have to pitch them a bit nose up as well.
This is coming from someone who suffered with a Berthoud saddle that felt like a sideways 2×4 for 6 months. 5 years later it’s awesome but getting there was not rad
Get your sit bones measured before you buy anything else if you go that route
Terry liberator is the most comfortable seat in my opinion, probably not the coolest looking but who cares can’t see it when your riding anyways
Wtb
You guys have saddles?
Ergon or Wtb
Riding a brooks made it feel like i had been kicked in the tailbone. Worst saddle I’ve tried, personally
Nah, pain in the arse these saddles.
Only look good on ultraromance’s latest size 69 inch grav dad frame. Gotta lather the fuckers in moisturizer like some infant with chronic dermititis and a spec of rain turns them into a Tesco rump steak that’s spent an overnight stay on a lid down, kettle bell BBQ.
Pile of shite.
Here’s what you do with the Brooks. Get yourself a stone and some tallow based cream. Rub the cream on the stone. Unbolt the Brooks saddle. Then go ahead and bolt the stone onto your seatpost because it will be far more comfortable than the Brooks ever will be. I swear to god people act like those damned saddles are made out of premium french unicorn foreskins. They’re actually terrible.
Is that a Professional? It looks a bit narrower than a B17.
B17s and C19s work for me; YBCMV (your butt comfort may vary).
Maybe consider one of the well-padded center-cutout saddles with plastic covers? What hurts/goes numb for you? Sitbones, crotch, inner thighs?
Hope you find a saddle that works for you.
Wtb are good for me, imo you really can’t beat them for the price. I have a wtb comfort that came on a bike I picked up a while back and it’s given me no issues. Also recently got a volt for less than $25 and it’s fine too, although I prefer the wider comfort to the volt.
Charge spoon.
I would try a wtb, they’ve always worked the best for me
WTB Volt saddle, the wide 155mm version. 50 bucks, steel rail, makes my gooch sing when I hop aboard. I also have wide sit bones so IMO look for anything above 145mm.
I was in the same boat. Was super excited to get a Brooks Cambium. Aaand I hated it. Both the C15 and C17 were super uncomfortable for me.
Currently have a Fabric Scoop on my commuter. Favorite saddle I’ve used. I just wish it had a cutout for longer rides.
B17 short was a no go for me, but got the B67 softened (riding a fairly upright position) and it’s been wonderful!
gilles berthoud forever
I like the selle Italia turbo. Classic, understated, and comfortable.