Saddle Choice For Brevet, Selle Smp Vs Specialized etc

[mfw]

It's time to buy (and bed in) a saddle for the Kiwi Brevet. That is, 1200km mixture of unsealed roads, singletrack, and sealed roads (approx 12 hours * 7 days). Setup is MTB with both upright and crouched (aero bars) riding positions, having trouble choosing a saddle!

Have a budget around US $160, tried local bike shops and saw nothing I liked. So, time to poll the experts! Here's my shortlist:

Favourite:
Selle SMP (Lite 109, Drakon, Dynamic or Glider models)
I like the large cutouts, and dropped nose for steep climbing, also have a great rep.
BUT I can't find one on budget (in New Zealand), even second hand. There are cheaper models (TRK) but they have a poor reputation.

Second choice:
Specialized (Romin or Phenom)
Most ergonomic of the 'regular' manufacturers, not as generous a cutout as SMP, none of the noses look as nice for tip-of-the-seat climbing. And which model? Also, what's the deal with the (cheaper) gel options, should they be avoided?

Other contenders:

Selle Italia SLR Superflow
No relation to Selle SMP company, but share the large cutout design. Flat profile, (prefer the shape of the SMP's).

ISM Adamo etc
Rear 'hook' on all of them may cause issues with seat bag attachment. Shortness may limit riding positions?

Brooks B17 narrow
Classic, surprisingly affordable. Some people seem to get on with them, might not handle wet conditions, may not get used after the 'touring' event.

F:izi:k Arione also seem popular but don't look ergo at all (thinking perenium pressure).

Any comments / advice welcome!

[JRA]

What are you currently riding?  Have you been doing long days in the saddle with it?  Problems???

Saddles are like shoes in the sense that what works well for one, doesn't necessarily work well for everyone else.  Fit is the key, and everyones anatomy is slightly different, so it is impossible to know what will work for you until you've put some miles on it.  Finding the right saddle can be an expensive and frustrating endeavor.  And don't overlook the importance of saddle position.  Slight changes in position can make significant differences in comfort for the long haul.  And like fit, saddle position is a trial and error endeavor as well.  What works best for one is not necessarily going to work best for you.

FYI - Fizik does make a triathlon version of their Arione saddle which has added padding in the nose for riding in an aero bar position.  Some riders really seem to prefer it over the original model.

[mfw]

Currently riding Fi'zi:k gobi wingflex on the MTB, it came with the bike. Until now it was acceptable as only done 2-3 hour rides on it - steep climbing then out of saddle descending. Always uncomfortable though, tried various tilt positions (not for and aft though).

I have done long rides on other bikes (up to 28 hours) and from experience know this saddles not right for me. I think you've got a good point with fine tuning though I better budget some time to experiment - any tips for for/aft tuning, other than just trial and error? I've had pro bike fits before on roadbike and just based MTB setup on that (roughly position for front foot patella over pedal spindle)

[JRA]

I'm no expert on fitting others, but I know from experience how to get my own position right for me.  It's really just been years of doing it and lots of time spent fine tuning when ever I get a new saddle or a new bike.  I'm sure there are lots of ideas/suggestions on youtube and google.

The best advice I could offer would be to start working on it ASAP.  You don't want to still be figuring your position out during the Brevet.

The Kiwi Brevet sounds like a great ride.  Best of luck to you.

[Mini Bear]

If you are even considering Brooks, you might take a look new Cambium. I rode it on the CTR this year after only having it on the bike for a couple rides. It was that comfortable for me. Not like you didn't have enough options to consider already...