My wife rides a Madone 5.1 with the stock saddle. It causes alot of discomfort, so she’s in the market for a different saddle. Any recommendations for a decent-priced woman’s saddle? Thanks.
I’ve been playing the saddle game for some time now, and I think I’ve finally found two saddles that really work well for me: Selle Italia SLR Lady, and Specialized Ruby (not the bike, but the saddle). For me, the cutouts are amazing, and the firmness of the saddles prevents the rubbing that seems to be inherent with cushier choices. These are also quite popular choices if you look around on ladies forums, such as at Team Estrogen. My recommendation: find a bike shop that stocks many saddles and has a rental program, then try out as many as you can. Ride each one for a week or two and see how it goes. Also talk to the fitters at the bike shop - they may be able to make more recommendations, too.
everyone is different. lots of women need/like saddles with cutouts. Best bet is to find a shop that will let you try a variety.
Do not assume that more padding is the answer. Sometimes it is, sometimes less padding is called for.
Cut outs in saddles first made a big impact on the marketplace in saddles especially designed for women.
Cut outs in saddles first made a big impact on the marketplace in saddles especially designed for women.
Our family n=2 testing indicates that they are necessary for women, annoying for men =)
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My wife uses them, and I just switched to one and really like it, although its only a bit better than the non cut out it replaced. Could be that its wider rather than a cut out thing too.
Thank you for all of the responses. I will let her know.
here’s saddles with cut-outs that i have and use:
Selle SMP Strike Evo - on my QR Caliente. this required a lot of tinkering to get the position ‘just right’. that said, i have not had to change anything position wise since i mounted it about four(4) years ago; it’s been good for anything up to 118 miles. the stock QR saddle with squishy nose was not comfortable, and the Signo was not good for the aero position. got an SMP from an LBS closing sale and was quite happy. also tried my original Flite Ti, and a Flite TT, but those were not ideal for this bike either.
Selle San Marco Aspide Arrowhead - on my Cervelo s1. i wanted to try out the Aspide and it turns out it’s better for a ‘normal’ roadie position than the SMP.
Selle Italia Signo Gel Flo - on my Trek 7000 commuter. not brilliant, but acceptable for short rides. the back half is a bit too side for the backs of my thighs. will probably get another Aspide.
all of these will relieve pressure due to the cutout, but i had a second SMP on my S1, but switched it for the Aspide, much better.
i’m not entirely thrilled with the Signo, but everyone’s derriere is different and each bike position can be different.