What kind of seat did you BP with?

[VERDUG0]

As the seat will ultimately be a pain; I wonder if I need that gel seat + gel seat cover, or just a thin seat.

I don't want to damage my body though, maybe cushionning is not a bad idea (impacts on the spine, and blood vessels).

What would go with?

[mattyp]

almost everyone i know runs a saddle with minimal padding.  More padding will just move out of the way of the pressure points and can actually cause more compression of the perineum.  The key is to find a saddle that puts pressure mostly on your "sit bones" and no where else.
as far as impact on the spine, cycling is probably one of the least impact sports; except for the neck, which in some cycling positions is in a lot of extension that some people do not tolerate well.  If you find that you are having difficulty with impacts you'd be better served with a full suspension or a suspension seatpost than with a more fluffy saddle.  good luck, people spend years finding a saddle they like (sometimes).

[VERDUG0]

Hi mattyp,

I didn't knew about that fact at all.
Thanks for the intel, I'll try to find some lightweight saddle then.

And I finally have my answer to why on BP's pics everyone has a somewhat tiny saddle. It didn't made sense for me as you spend dozens of hours on that saddle...

[Area54]

One saddle that has worked well for me was a Spec. Avatar 143mm. One of them has sagged a bit in the middle. The cover is in good condition, the gel still comfy, so I shoved a bouncy ball between the rails and the saddle to support the centre section to keep the saddle in service. Worked a treat.

[cjdunn]

For me the WTB Speed V is the most comfy.  The good news is that it is cheap the bad news is that it is kind of heavy. Everybody's butt seems to like something different.

[VERDUG0]

Did some researchs...

So I have a "fitness" riding position (60° angle) I'll get a seat according to that.

What would you think of a suspended seat stem on a rigid mtb, used on trails (not bumpy ones)?

[harryonaspot]

I use a sella atomica titanico leather seat. Hands down, the most comfortable seat yet. And I have 25+ years of trying to find a comfy seat.

[JoePavlik]

Selle Italia Super Flow

[iamrockandroll13]

Just finished Trans North Georgia with a Brooks B17 Champion Select...awesome saddle, was great from the get go, and just got better and better.

[VERDUG0]

I now have two choices, maybe UI'll try both to see what works best for me:
- fixed seat stem, 250g + thin seat, 250g
OR
- suspended seat stem, 450g + "fitness comfort" style seat, 450g

[JRA]

Many bike shops now offer saddle demo programs.  Check around where you live and see if you can find one.  Usually you pay a nominal charge and you can try all of the saddles in their line-up.  Some shops will let you deduct the charge from a saddle purchase if you find one you like.  Saddles are different for everyone and finding one that works for you can be challenging and expensive.  Demo programs help with this.  Good luck.

[Dumpster Juice]

Plus one on the Sella Atomica Titanico seat...I have had mine for three years now and it is by far the best seat I have ever used and I have about 21 years of riding under my belt.

[VERDUG0]

JRA: I don't think I can find this sort of offer in my country.

I went with a suspended seat stem, at 450g + a dutch style seat, at 450g.

If I'm not happy (I'm already not with the weight, hope it saves my perineum) I'll go with a light one with no padding.

[c_monkeywrench]

The most important thing to do is demo as many different saddles as you can so that you know what works best for you and to really test it out. A saddle may be great for only ten miles or so but you might find out it is too painful for an all day ride. And spend the time and focus on the adjustments, slightly moving the saddle a few millimeters forward or backwards will make all the difference in the world. Selle Italia's Max line are incredible.

A suspension seat post is ah-mazing for trail riding.

[SlowRide]

WTB Vigo for me, 16,000 miles and still have never had to use chamoix cream.

[HOser]

Getting your saddle selection nailed is key, definitely. The previous advice is solid, proper width is essential and excessive padding does more harm than good. The following works very well for me:

• Specialized Henge saddles. They come in various widths. Go to a Specialized dealer and get measured (they have a device for this called an assometer. Seriously, that's what it's called).
• Replace your saddles periodically. They get more flexible over time and cause more friction.
• Splurge on nice shorts and replace these periodically too.
• Some people seem to not need much, or any, chamois cream, but I'm a heavy user, especially if it's hot. I carry plenty on multi-day trips and re-apply each morning and mid-day.