I got a new bike (Planet X) and it came with a saddle that has no padding. The bike’s still being built so I haven’t tried it out yet but I’m used to my San Marco Azoto triathlgel which is soft but big and does pinch a little from time to time. Do people really like these tiny saddles for triathlon or are they more suited for road cycling with diaper shorts?
In the end I’ll probably just use my Azoto but I wanted to know if people think it’s even worth trying the PX saddle.
I can’t ride those things, but saddle comfort is a highly personal thing. Fizik Arione is what works for me.
Too much variability since we are all so different - I personally don’t like the huge noses/extra padding of the typical tri saddle (esp the Azoto that I initially tried when it came out a couple of years ago). I prefer saddles like the SLR, Specialized Toupe, etc. For IM distance stuff, I just put on a DeSoto seat cover and I’m good.
To each his own…
I use an SLR with all the leather and padding removed. Just the carbon shell is left over. Still comfortable, and VERY light! Probably not what most people would want though!
I like the Toupe, however I’ve had two break in the past year and a half. The tip is plastic and a bit fragile - tradeoff for being light. One of the breaks was on the last lap of a stage RR and made for a tough 17 miles with no seat + 5 miles back to the car (HTFU). Went back to my San Marco actually and will try out the Alias as see how it feels as the tip is much more reinforced.
The ONLY thing I didn’t like about the SLR was that the rear digs into my upper hamstring when I’m in aero. I have an old one that I’m meaning to cut away that part at the front and edges of the rear ‘wing’ area.
I prefer a very narrow/minimalist saddle. I’ve done a couple of IM’s on the selle italia SLR, but did have some numbing issues, so switched to the specialized toupe this year and have been very happy. Anything bulkier and I’m guaranteed saddle sores.
scott
I have to admit to a degree of vanity in wanting to like these saddles such as the standard Selle Italai SLR road saddle. Bjorn Andersson used one if I remember correctly. I tried to use one mostly since I thought it looked cool and was so light but ultimately couldn’t make it work.
For me there has been a correlation between comfort and dorkiness.
The ONLY thing I didn’t like about the SLR was that the rear digs into my upper hamstring when I’m in aero. I have an old one that I’m meaning to cut away that part at the front and edges of the rear ‘wing’ area.
A couple of good wipe outs will wear down the rear part of the saddle so that it’s more comfortable. And coupled with the chewed up bars and levers send a nice message to competitors in crits – “stay away from me as I’m dangerous.”
I’ll send you the saddle. You send it back after you’ve had the requisite number of wipe outs.
I have an Azoto on my tri bike, but on all my road bikes I have a Selle San Marco Aspide. It rocks!
No need. I can walk you through the process. 1. Group ride, don’t pay attention while the rider in front of you slams on his brakes. 2. Crit, take the corner on the outside while someone inside goes down, allowing his momentum to take you and a few others out.
And it only takes two wipe outs, one for each side.
I’m all over it.
Gee! Thanks!
I was looking at this saddle. Do you have the white? Does it stay fairly clean? Thanks.
I ride an SLR and a SLR cabonio flow both at im distance the later saddle has some nice flex that I am growing to like more and more- it may become universal for the quiver.
K
This is mine after about 18 months…
Wow…looks great, especially after 18 months! And nice bike!