Choosing a saddle......

[caiss4]

This past weekend I treated myself to a new bike - a Giant XTC composite 29'er.

Clocked up 50kms over the weekend and picked up some PR's on some of regular segments but the one thing that I could not get on with was the stock Giant saddle.

So my question is how do you go about choosing one that suits you? My old bike has a WTB saddle which has been fine but I don't really want to use it on the new bike.

Any recommendations for manufacturers that I should focus my attention on?

My rides are typically 30-60km and 2 the 3 hour duration on trail and single-track.

[2DDav]

Ive had the same issue 2 off my bikes recently. I went into the local bike shop who predominantly supply Fizik saddles (was a bit dubious as one of the saddles that wasnt suitable was a Fizik). The had a stock of test saddles, basically heres one try it for a week if it suites we;ll order you one if not come back and try another. Great way to do it imo, saves spending a fortune on a saddle that may or may not suite.

[caiss4]

I did wonder if a LBS would do that kind of thing. I must go and check with mine because it sounds like the best way forward.

[wetny]

I have recently purchased a Giant road bike. I had a big problem with the saddle. Took a chance and got an ISM Typhoon, much better.

[tjdixon911]

I swapped my Giant Saddle for a Charge Spoon, I have one on both bikes now, quite cheap (around £20) and comfortable.

New bike arrives at the end of the month (I hope), may have to purchase another.

[mrmr96]

caiss4 said:

I did wonder if a LBS would do that kind of thing. I must go and check with mine because it sounds like the best way forward.

See if they can measure your arse too. Uses something like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VRkWqUyO4A
You basically sit on it in the shop and it will enable them to measure the width of your sit bones so you can buy a saddle which is the correct width for you.

[walm]

tjdixon911 said:

I swapped my Giant Saddle for a Charge Spoon, I have one on both bikes now, quite cheap (around £20) and comfortable.

New bike arrives at the end of the month (I hope), may have to purchase another.

This.
I have spoons on 2x MTB, 2x road bikes right now.

[caiss4]

Well an update. I test rode a Cotic a couple of weeks ago and I recalled that the saddle was particularly comfortable so I contacted the dealer and it turns out it was a Prologo X10. It's a bit pricey TBH but the dealer is going to let me test ride the saddle again on my bike. If it's as good second time round then I might just splash out.

[johno_78]

I used to get numb after a couple of hours riding, so recently went for an ID Match fitting for a Selle Italia saddle at a LBS. They let me trial my recommended saddle for a week. It's been a revelation for me. Coupled with some Assos bibshorts, I spent 6 hours on my bike without any soreness or saddle aches.