Building a bike for...
 

Building a bike for a friend - what saddle?

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Hello

I’m building up a bike for a friend - well, a friend of a friend really. It’s old stuff, spares and donations mostly.  It will be used for fun, maybe commuting, light off-road - it’s a bit like an old school MTB.
I’ve got an old saddle laying about, and I’m sure I could find others, but I have no idea what style this friend would prefer. I seem to recall there is a Fizik that lots of people like.
so, what would be your rec for a good ‘all-rounder, suits everyone’ seat? Not too pricey as they may decide to change it anyhow.


 
Posted : 12/11/2023 3:04 pm
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I've always found the SDG BelAir to be really comfy. Lots of people agree. Some don't. It just depends on the size and shape of your arse.


 
Posted : 12/11/2023 3:19 pm
bubs, zerocool, zerocool and 1 people reacted
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I’ve always found the SDG BelAir to be really comfy. Lots of people agree. Some don’t.

I've got a V3 and don't really get on with it


 
Posted : 12/11/2023 3:34 pm
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I’ve got a V3 and don’t really get on with it

Yeah, the original was fantastic. I have a V2 which is fine, but not as good as the original. I never understood why they changed it.


 
Posted : 12/11/2023 3:40 pm
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Put on whatever you've got that you don't want, and tell them you have other saddles to swap it for if they find that one is uncomfortable?  Charge spoon or similar though, if you're buying one... Or Ribble seem to have some incredibly cheap ones in their clearance section.


 
Posted : 12/11/2023 3:40 pm
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If I'm building a bike for somebody, I always try buy a generic saddle and new cheapy pedals and grips.

Even if cheap, the new owner will appreciate the bike looking like 'new' as a result.

Unless they are into bikes and know what they are getting, when function is more important.


 
Posted : 12/11/2023 3:44 pm
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The Charge Spoon! That was the one I was thinking of. Seems they’ve stopped making them, but there are still a few around.
Is there an equivalent still being made? Something by Fabric?

Thanks everyone


 
Posted : 12/11/2023 4:20 pm
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How close a friend?

https://m.pinkbike.com/photo/25836423/


 
Posted : 12/11/2023 4:26 pm
bikesandboots, zerocool, zerocool and 1 people reacted
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It’s tricky because everyone has a different arse that will suit some saddles but not others.

I think the v1 SDG bel air was a good all rounder, Fabric Scoop Radius is in offensive and the Charge Spoon is often cheap. <br /><br />

But I wouldn’t worry too much - it’s pure chance if you get one that works for them or not.


 
Posted : 12/11/2023 4:37 pm
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Ribble have Prologo Kappa and a women’s Selle both under a tenner. I have the Prologo and it’s comfy, pretty neutral shape.


 
Posted : 12/11/2023 5:01 pm
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WTB Volt seems to be a popular one. I seem to recall there are a few WTB ones that suit a wide range of arses.


 
Posted : 12/11/2023 5:04 pm
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Madison Flux is a Spoon. Fit cheap and pretty.


 
Posted : 12/11/2023 9:26 pm
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Thanks all, I've bought a Charge Spoon at 14.99. That was the model I was thinking of as I've heard it's comfortable for many people, I'd just completely forgotten the name.

Thanks again.


 
Posted : 12/11/2023 11:33 pm
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You may have been thinking of the Fizik Aliante, it's very similar in shape to the Spoon/Scoop radius but much more expensive 


 
Posted : 13/11/2023 11:11 am
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The goto Fizik was the Gobi, wasn't it? That always won the tests back in the 2000's. I bought one and never got on with it.

Came to say Spoon, it's a great allrounder.


 
Posted : 13/11/2023 11:37 am
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As stated above, the general comfort Fizik is the Aliante. Slightly curved (like the old Flite Ti). Most people get on with it. I've had a coupled but prefer the longer and flatter Arione. And of course the Flite Ti on three of my bikes too. Find a used Aliante if you can. I buy most of my saddles used to avoid the initial depreciation due to arse incompatibility issues of others.


 
Posted : 13/11/2023 12:38 pm