All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

I had a trail 429 prior to my switchblade.

In my opinion the switchblade climbs just as good (if not better) than the trail 429 did and is much more confidence inspiring when descending.

 

Hey guys, looking to finally upgrade to a nicer saddle. Been using the stock specialized one for a long while I think its time for a change. Any recommendations?

 

Gotta find what works for your butt. every butt is different. Mine seems to really like the Ergon saddles.

 

An "upgraded" saddle is pretty subjective. Personally I make my butt get used whatever OEM saddle is on the bike. Is it uncomfortable for you?

 

Agree with above and are you wearing padded shorts?

 

Its pretty bad, not much of any cushion

 

I am

 

Gotcha. My first recommendation would be riding more because most saddles are designed with an "average user" in mind. But if not there are several companies offering custom molded saddles tuned specifically for your butt. Can't really make recommendations because what works for one person may not work for another - expensive or "upgraded" saddles aren't necessarily more comfortable

 

Thank you for your insight, yeah just this saddle that came with the bike isnt cutting the mustard even with padded shorts. Just not comfortable if that makes sense I mean our sport is ripping down mountains the term comfortability is relative. Im gonna give a couple saddles a try and see what i can find. Saw an Ergon gonna give that a quick go

 

Had this struggle with the WTB saddle that came on my bike. Tried padded shorts and chaffing cream but the only thing that fixed it was jumping back to an SDG Bel-Air saddle

 

I really like the WTB that came on my bike.

I went through 3 (counting the stock one) saddles on my CX bike before I found something that works.

It really does depend on your bum.

 

Always about the buns

 

It can depend how often you ride too. I know if I havent ridden in a couple weeks the first ride can be rough.

That being said, I have never had good luck with Specialized saddled. My favorite have been Chromag trailmasters, and lately I have been using Ergon Enduro saddles and they are a touch better than the Spesh saddled in my opinion.

 

we all like buns/bums. especially ones that don't get sore after a long ride. ;P

yeah, the first ride after the winter is always rough for me. but my saddle sore goes away after a few rides. I tried the WTB that came with my bike and although it was okay it wasn't the best. I definitely preferred a different feel. So I switched back to Ergon. I also have an OEM Trek one on my gravel bike and it works okay but I can definitely feel nerve pinching after about 30 miles of riding on it. So, different saddle for me on that bike soon.

 

I have Ergon on one and SQ Lab on the other. Neither of them really blew me away in terms of comfort but they are good. I think the Fabric Scoop is still the most comfortable saddle I've used. https://fabric.cc/products/saddles/

 

The amount of cushion doesn't always matter for comfort. Fit and shape for you personally is most important.

Many shops will have loaner saddles you can try. Don't do this if it is your first ride of the season. Most saddles will be a bit uncomfortable until your muscles and tissues adapt. Get a solid month in and then start the hunt for a saddle.

You can also be measured for a saddle at some shops.

It may take a while and many options. It took me years to find a saddle that worked for me. Now that I've found one, and been riding it for the last decade, something has changed and I am on the hunt for a new saddle again this season.

It's tough for any one of us to recommend you a saddle but I will say that most of my customers have been happier with some sort of cutout or channel. Again.... Not all channels and cutouts are the same. It will require some experimentarion.

I've personally been using a Fizik Antares on most bikes for years but am currently on a Selle Italia SLR Superflow that I'm really liking. These are a little "racier" though.

I use a Selle Italia Flite 1990 on my track bike and mountain bike that I've been using forever and it's been great for those two disciplines.

 

Fabric Scoop saddles work well for me too. WTB feels like sitting on a rock comparatively. I also have had good luck with the Deity saddle @Squeaky Penguin sent me, I even think I prefer it to the Fabric.

That said, this is one of those truly personal fitment things so YMMV.

 

Yeah but you cant beat the drip, I think thats what the kids are calling it these days.

 

I'll second the Scoop. It's a good starting point. I've seen lots of people happy with it and Fabric has a good trial program.

 

Thats fire as the youngins are calling it these days