Getting back into mountain biking

[torres del paine]

I've just bought my first hardtail, NS Eccentric, having had a rigid on one inbred for the last 10 years. I've had lots of bikes but this is my 1st front suspension bike with hydraulic brakes.

A few things, the saddle is awful, it's an octane saddle, light and minimal but it is literally a pita. I've given it a chance but I've decided now that it has to go. What's a good, light, comfortable saddle for xc/trail riding. I have a selle Italia flite titanium on my inbred and I love it, is there anything comparable?

Also the cables are routed externally under the top tube with plastic u-shaped clips that hold them in place over a grooved channel. They're not great, one of them keeps pinging loose - are there better clips out there?

As for psi in the forks, what's a good starting point? I'm about 80kg

The bike has been great otherwise, loving the sram gears, just upgraded to X9 shifters, which are superb and the x fusion forks, which seem to be plush. Looking forward to the summer...

[deadtom]

saddle - what's your budget? charge spoon is really good, and a bargain at only £25 ish

are there better clips out there? - yes, zip ties

As for psi in the forks, what's a good starting point? - you can probably look it up online, but failing that just set the pressure such that you get around 30% sag from the forks when stood up in a neutral stance. From there adjust up or down to your preference

[Herman Toothrot]

torres del paine said:

I have a selle Italia flite titanium on my inbred and I love it,

Swap it on to the new bike, Flite Titanium is a great saddle.

[torres del paine]

Good shout on the Spoon, it looks a like the flite ti and there's a ti version I gather.

Zip ties, hadn't thought of that.

Going back to saddles, do saddles with a cut out centre work? I know they're designed to relieve pressure but i just wonder if the hollow might rub/ aggravate one's bits.