Well, I went out today using my new Flite and I must say that it is the most comfortable saddle I've ever used. I had a bit of a laugh when it first arrived and I was convinced that I'd return home after my first try out, walking like John Wayne. For me, I think my two year search for a comfortable saddle has ended.
"A saddle library would be a great idea,if everyone contributed 1 saddle." You'll have to prise my Koobi out of my cold, dead hands (assuming that I'd taken it off my bike).
I replaced my Flite - it started out comfy, but I was starting to go numb on longer (3hr+) rides... which is really unpleasant.
As everyone knows, saddles are a purely personal thing, one mans sofa is another mans razor blade. Cost doesn’t realy seem to come into it, my last saddle was a £50 Specialized BG, it was the most uncomfortable saddle I've ever encountered. My latest saddle, an original (no gel) Flite feels so comfy and at £20 is the best saddle I've ever had.
If I were to start the search again, I'd do it differently. I would not pay more than £25 for a saddle I had not tried. Some saddles, the Spec BG in particular seems to be a love or hate thing and for this reason, it would not be high up on my list. The WTB's seem to get fairly neutral reviews, everybody seems to get along with them without them being particularly "raved" about so maybe, I'd start there. The Koobi gets some rave reviews but not enough of them, I'd be reluctant to spend that sort of cash on an un-tried saddle. In my quest for a saddle that I could live with, I did come to one conclusion: If it feels uncomfortable when you first sit on it, it's probably going to stay that way. (for me at least)
The idea of a "saddle library" sounds good but I doubt it would work. I'm suprised that none of the large retailers don't offer a "try before you buy" scheme, where they charge you a nominal fee (£5?) to try a saddle for a couple of weeks. Then after you've tried it, you can exchange it for a another one or if you like it, buy that model, makes sense to me.
BTW: If I'm rambling on incoherently, it's because I'm still drunk
Eion, that's spiffing - but you haven't filled your obligation - you have yet to recommend a RaceFace component and slam everybody by quotes. And don't forget your King James bible.
Anthony, are you *trying* to be irritating? Thought so.
I don't have Race Face saddle, because they're just a rebadged Flite, IIRC. I've already got a Flite Ti, and it makes me numb.
"slam everybody by quotes" If quotes are so annoying, Ant, how come *EVERY OTHER FORUM* that I'm on provides a facility to easily quote other posts (a very useful facility, at that). Quoting allows you to discuss small points of what may be a very large post without other readers having to go back and forth between posts (especially useful when the post you are replying to is the last on a page). Now, stop being a tw@t.
James, if your wanting to know about the Koobi PRS, read on.....had my Ti railed version for 5 months now and I'm very happy with it. It's v comfy but I'm not sure whether this is due to the shock absorbers or the brilliant design. The saddle has minimal padding but it supports my rear end well. It's expensive at £80 but I personally feel it has been money well spent. I think Koobi give you a period of time in which you can return the saddle if it's just not working for you. Hope this helps, Colin.
Which ones feel comfy for you is something you need to decide. If you want to know what I use then it's the yellow (soft) compound. I'm approx. 12 stone.
