How do you actually pick a comfortable saddle?

Sounds like a dumb question, but how do you actually find a saddle that is comfortable?

I have tried about 8 saddles so far, most of them either OTP saddles or carbon racing saddles. All of which feel terrible for regular use (commuting) and long rides over 100 miles.

Shops dont want people to test them, so is there anyway except for buying copious amounts of testing saddles? (You cant exactly measure you arse).

I feel that i want a brooks, but dont want to spend £100+ pounds on something that may be the wrong shape.....

(rant over)

Selle Italia have a 30 day money back guarantee on their saddles.

Go to a shop and ask to use the saddle sizing gadget.

also, you don't have to spend £100 to get a brooks.

However, both of these things are irrelevant.

I think you're probably expecting too much from your saddle. No bicycle saddle is going to be 'comfortable' in the traditional sense of the word.

There is always an element of getting used to any given saddle. They are very rarely, if ever, immediately comfortable. Your bum just gets used to sitting on something a particular shape. Some bums suit some saddles better, but the more you sit on any one saddle, the more you'll become accustomed to it.

Can I get a...
H.T.F.U.

Buy from Wiggle
Return
Repeat

I walk into a shop with my dick out, and use it like a divining rod.
It has meant I now have to do my shopping online, but it worked.

Brooks B17. a lot less than £100, and a lot more comfortable than a Selle Italia.

Get a fucking Regal. Approved by Belgians.

(You cant exactly measure you arse).

.

Au contraire, they have an arse (seatbone to be precise) measuring thing in condor, it's for Specialized Body Geometry saddles but you can apply the measurements to any saddle I guess

Oh yeah, I recently went through a saddle testing mission and found ones with a cutout and gel were consistently the most comfortable. Like someone said though, a lot aren't immediately comfortable, mine isn't for the first 10 minutes, then my bum fat or whatever must settle into place and I sit on it all day long without any real discomfort.

Ride in jeans and forget comfort - whatever the saddle...

Most shops now have one of those Specialised BG sit bone measuring devices. Agree with Wiggle suggestion above.

I pick the lightest and most pleasing to the eye. Then I put on the best shorts I can afford and go and ride on it.
Guess I must be lucky that the SLR type of saddle works for me!

Trial and error.

Buy off ebay until you find The One.
You can sell any you don't like back to the people paying over the odds for shit.

How long have you given each of these 8 saddles in testing?

A comfortable saddle picks you.

commie

Who on here apart from the experienced roadies know about saddle comfort? I bet most poeple on here ride 5-10 miles a day in jeans on a fucking OTP saddle.

Anyway everyone knows the most comfy is:
Selle Italia SLR

Who on here apart from the experienced roadies know about saddle comfort? I bet most poeple ride 5-10 miles a day in jeans on a fucking OTP saddle.

For once.. I wasn't actually thinking that.. but now that you mention it..

I think aserota was doing some longer miles IIRC (which I probably don't).

Anyway everyone knows the most comfy is:
Selle Italia SLR

Repped for having a smart arse.

Who on here apart from the experienced roadies know about saddle comfort? I bet most people ride 5-10 miles a day in jeans on a fucking OTP saddle.

Exactly.

Repped for having a smart arse.

Thanks for the arse compliment. I like yours too.

Xx