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Looking for some saddle recommendations please! My new bike came with a Burgtec Cloud, which is far from cloud like. Previously, the recommendations were Charge Spoon and SDG Bel Air - are these still relevant or is it something else now?
My other bikes have old Flite Gel Flow Trans Ams but don't think they make these any more. Cheers!
The only thing that works for me that I've tried is the fabric scoop radius, 145 on the road bike and 155 on the mountain bike. I've been trying to find the same but with a cutout but so far nothing else works after a few hours riding
I really like Burgtec kit but that Cloud saddle is pretty much the most painful one I've tried. I went from SDG Bel-Airs to Charge Spoons to Ergon. But now I'm a big fan of the SC branded WTB saddles. Not sure what model they are taken from but they are my preferred saddle now especially for long days out.
If I could buy ten Nukeproof Sam Hill saddles I would, but alas
Have a DMR Oi Oi that I'm getting on quite well with, but it's on a fair weather bike - don't know how it would go on in the depths of winter
Tried a Bel Air III a while back and took it straight back off again
@avdave2 have you tried the Brooks Cambium Carved (one with holes)? These are not leather like the ones of old and don't need breaking in.
C15 or C17 might be about the right width for the road.
The saddle top flexes so I found I needed a few mm extra seatpost showing.
Also a fan of the Fabric Scoop Radius. Have one on my gravel bike and it's brilliant. I believe it's based on the Charge Spoon, as is the Madison Flux (had one of these on an older bike too, and again it's a very good perch).
I really the SDG Bel Air v3 too, but I left it on my last bike when I sold it as I'd sold the original saddle. They do a Max and Overland version now with differing sized cut outs, which look like they would be good.
My new bike has a Fizik Terra Ridon X5 145mm which I didn't think I like, but I can happily do 3+ hrs (or as long as my battery lasts) in the saddle with no padded shorts and not even think about what I'm sitting on.
Lots of people love WTB saddles like the Volt and Silverado, but I've never used one.
I like the Fabric Scoop.
When I was building my Druid I bought a perforated leather Charge Spoon on Ebay and it's lovely. They still pop up NOS all the time.
Madison Flux is the newest incarnation of the Spoon 👍
I like my saddles on the narrow side (~135) and flat with a large cut out, the Selle Italia SLS Flow is usually about £20 (also available in non-cut-out and wider versions).
I went from Selle Turbo, Flite, SDG Bell Air’s, to Spoon’s, liked them all, had a couple of Clouds which were ok, but not the best, I had a Specialized Bridge which was ok, but now have a Ergon SM Pro which is very comfortable.
Which current version of the Fabric Scoop is the same as their original model? I like it and it can't last forever!
I like the bel air, hard to beat and seems a relatively universal choice (as much as any will be).
the oioi shown above was awful IMO, no support and uncomfortable.
I’ve tried an SQ labs on the gravel bike which I am quite liking, but has an odd shape so takes some getting used to. Also took a while to break in but now I’m a big fan.
Also have a Specialized something or another on my full bouncer, came as stock and with a cut out, but like it so much I might explore their range next time I’m in the market. I was expecting to replace it but I like giving things a chance on a stock build!
saddles are very subjective though so you will get a lot of answers.
@avdave2 have you tried the Brooks Cambium Carved (one with holes)? These are not leather like the ones of old and don't need breaking in.
C15 or C17 might be about the right width for the road.
The saddle top flexes so I found I needed a few mm extra seatpost showing.
As a previous Bel Air and Spoon fan, I shrugged when my fancy Ti bike came with a C13 Cambium Carved. Took a bit of getting used to the hammock like sensation but now got one on my other road bike and an ebay search set up to get a couple more for the other bikes
@garage-dweller and @MoreCashThanDash I've looked at them but they have always looked very flat front to rear but maybe the fact that they work a little differently means they would work.
Fabric are now Cannondale so a Cannondale dealer should be able to get them - https://www.cannondale.com/en/gear/equipment/saddles/scoop-saddles
I've moved from the Fabric Scoop to the wider & flatter WTB SL8 & prefer it. Unfortunately I'm not sure they're continuing with it as a model.
When they need replacing I'll probably stick with something from WTB.
Another vote for Ergon for me, the SM model I think. The Specialized range is usually good too - the Bridge is good for a more budget option. Their ones with holes in (can’t remember their name) always get amazing reviews but are pricey.
I get along very well with any Spoon variant. Got a Bel Air 3 on my XC bike and that's very comfy too.
Two Spoons, two Selle Italia SLR's and a Fizik (something) - for me a relatively 'flat' saddle works. MrsF has a Charge Ladle on her MTB.
The SLR's are on the best road bike and the CX bike. The spoon's are on my commuter and another vintage road bike.
I used to swear by the Charge Knife - super light, and the same design as the Spoon but Ti rails and a lightweight base, but I snapped two - the base wasn't robust enough. Warrantied.
Banana Industries have a bunch of Selle Italia saddles on offer - the SLR is £150 plus RRP
Brooks b17 for long distance
Chromag trailmaster on MTB
I found the Bel Air 3 too scooped. Have it level and it feels like it's pushing you forward, get the rear feeling right and the nose is pointing up too much
I use a Specialized Bridge on the MTB and Romin Mirrors on road and gravel bikes. That said I wouldn't say the Bridge is especially comfy, it's not bad though.