Which Saddle?

I like the old Bontrager saddle on my beater but would really like something similar with a groove/hole down the middle. Can anyone recommend a cheapo one please?

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Any particular saddle recommendations for doing Flanders?

I'm yet to find 'the one' as it is and presume the cobbles are only going to exaggerate any discomfort.

Already tried a few SM RegalE's, SM Ponza, Selle Flow, Spec toupe, none have really been as comfy as a bog standard San Marco Wilier saddle I once had :(

I am now about a year on Specialized Power and loving it! Very comfortable; mine is always paired with carbon post too.

As I live in Ghent and ride cobbles on a daily basis, the only thing that helps maximize comfort is to ride cobbles on a daily basis. You just have to come to a point where you can't do anything else but to surrender.

And avoid spicy foods.

I'll just have to stock up on a load of MTFU before I go over.
And probably ought to leave my Rib Man hot sauce at home for once.

@amey - Not seen that Spec before. The reviews all seem pretty favourable... might have to check that one out. Cheers!

its very hard to get hands on but specialized do a test ride thing, worth checking. Thats what I did, started with toupe then romin and few widths of power.

I recently fitted an old Specialized Riva that I'm finding pretty comfy on my daily hack. Something a bit like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specialized-Riva-Body-geometry-Mens-Saddle-/281948700800?hash=item41a573c080:g:5ccAAOSwDuJW0y00

I've got a brand new Riva in my box of bits, I think. PM me if you're interested, @Booga :)

If your bike has 27.2 seat post then get the canyon vcls2 post and use whatever saddle you find comfiest.

I have been wondering if the vcls2 really does help in taking the edge off.
Will look around if I can source a cheap used one somewhere.

It helped me out hugely for smoothing things out on a very stiff frame.

There was recently a good comparison review of seat posts that give a bit more cushioning.

Brooks Cambium. Don't muck about

For those who've tried both the Arione and the Antares, what's the main difference in feel ?

I like the Arione, but would appreciate a smidge more padding for the sit bones

There's a comparison somewhere. Google shock-absorbing posts. I think I even started a thread about suspension posts too.

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/269736/#comment12393529

In other news I finally tried an SMP. Not bad, not bad at all. Accidentally seem to have set it nicely first go. Drakon. Will test another model soon.

Antares is slightly wider and slightly shorter, I found it conaiderably more comfortable than an arione. I really rate them.

If you're looking for "more padding" maybe you need to try a little wider?

Thanks, I'll give one a go

I found the Arione comfortable when in an aero position with pelvis rolled but far less so when more upright if taking it easy or climbing. Antares feels comfortable in every position. Think I have reasonably wide sit bones though which will be a factor. I have larger mates who generally have a less aero position who love the Arione though (they wouldn't let me touch their sit bones for comparison though).

How was the padding on Drakon? I've got the Evolution Dynamic which is apparently similar shape but less padding, been thinking of moving it to road bike duties and getting Drakon for the tourer.

I dunno, it hasn't given me any grief so I guess it's good enough. Depends how much cush you want. I think I've got a Dynamic coming to test out - not sure if that has more or less padding.

Ha, I actually meant to write Dynamic (as opposed to Evolution which is different shape). So yeah, might want to try a bit more padding -- interested in hearing how Drakon and Dynamic compare.

agreed on this. antares VS is the best though

Didn't get on with the VS myself, it lives on the beater, I prefer the regular one.

Next up I want to try a cambium out, probably c17, not sure if cut out is worth it. Think it's the perfect touring/adventure saddle.

I lied. I had a Drakon, Dynamik and something else with a number in it and I actually fitted the Dynamic.

So, whatever I said about Drakon, I meant for Dynamic. I think.