Saddle and Stem Co-operative

This is just an idea but what do people think about trying to sort out some sort of saddle and stem sharing co-operative.

The idea is that we get a collection of saddles and different length stems, or preferably a few look ergo stems and people are allowed to borrow them for a week to try them out and see what saddle they like or what length stem they need.

We could get donations from bike shops and saddle manufacturers of saddles. People could pay a deposit or donate to the forum or make a donation so more saddles/stems can be bought in the future.

Getting the wrong saddle can be an expensive business.

Just and idea, what do people think?

It's a good idea, I've got a couple of stems that I'd donate if this gets off the ground.

Cool Maybe Make a list of What you have and we'll see what happens

Saddles - Make - Model - Size
Charge Ladle

Stems - Type - Steerer Size - Clamp Size - Length

Saddle snifing anyone?

I think saddle are a better choice, stem are easier to figure out to be honest, especially when you can return them to the shop and ask for the longer one.

I have shitload of saddle that needed getting rid of.

If I was a bike shop, I'd have a box where I'd host this "saddle exchange".

A bit of a deposit, a bit of I.D, try the saddle for a week and return it. Shop gets people through the door, and awesome forum rep for providing a good community service, and we get good gooch.

Its win-win.

Win-win FTW!

...if I was a shop.

...if I was a shop.

On the wrong side of the world

I think saddle are a better choice, stem are easier to figure out to be honest, especially when you can return them to the shop and ask for the longer one.

I have shitload of saddle that needed getting rid of.

I agree but think forum owned looks could really help some people out

Kinda, it's not exactly hard to figure out what stem length/height you need, especially when you have cyclist friends who can look at your position to see if your stem length might be too long or not.

Most bike shop will able to help you figure out just what stem length you may need, obviously it won't be as specific or in depth like a proper bike fitting service, but it's a step in the right direction.

I think a forum owned LOOKS adjustable stem is a bit too far when you only need some friends/reputable bicycle shop (like Condor) who can help you find your idea length.

The saddle I'm definitely on board with though, trouble is I gave a handful of them away sadly.

Specialized do test saddles from their concept stores, closest here is Ruislip. Wiggle used to do a 30 day return on saddles which gives you some idea of whether it's going to work, any one know if this is still so?

We (Bike Whisperer) are a SMP test saddle centre so for those with serious saddle issues (i.e. you've tried most saddles out there) and those braced for SMP prices, we do a week trial on these perches.

Someone could have a word with LMNH and ask them to host the shared kit maybe?

I have a Nisene Wingflex that I would be happy to leave for testing, as long as no one thieves it.

see http://www.lfgss.com/thread10273.html

I haz Arione for lends

I haz Arione for lends

Nice saddle. Fits me perfect. I have an Arione shaped arse - well not exactly, it just seems to fit Ariones - you know what I mean. It's not long and pointy, with a stripe down the middle.

Then again...