![]() Also it’s worth pointing out that the leverage rate on both frame configurations is optimised for the extra progressivity inherent in air-sprung shocks, so there’s not enough ramp up to run a coil spring. Talking of shocks, the Blackthorn gets a Factory-level Fox DPX2 with its three-position compression adjuster. Most saddles are covered in synthetic leather nowadays, but if you're vegan, or avoid leather for any reason then make sure to check as some older brands still use animal leather.Dave Weagle’s Split Pivot design helps keep the suspension more active under braking Suspension Carbon shells will save you a couple of grams over a plastic shell, but always prioritise comfort over weight in this case.Īll saddles also vary in height as well as width, so make sure to adjust your saddle height accordingly when swapping between models. Is there anything else I need to know?Ĭarbon rails will save you a few grams, but they may not always be compatible with your seatclamp, so make sure to check. While perhaps not an issue for shorter rides, on longer ones it will lead to some discomfort, so steer clear of great thicknesses of gel. Too much padding though and your sit bones will squish into the saddle and mean the surrounding area, not designed to carry your body weight, begins to bear too much load. Some padding is a good thing on a saddle, unless you're just doing a hill climb or riding buttery-smooth roads. If you do struggle with numbness or soreness in the soft tissue contact areas then they might be one to try. a poor saddle fit with a cutout will be less comfy than a good fitting saddle without one. whatever you want to call them, they can provide some benefit to some riders, but they're no silver bullet. Saddle cutouts, relief channels, or any other name for a hole in the middle of the saddle. If you're curious about women's saddles then we have a guide to the best women's road bike saddles too. Some brands offer women's specific saddle shapes, but don't let these put you in a box - some men prefer to ride women's saddles and vice versa - if it's comfy that's the main thing. The shorter, wider nose provides more support without getting in the way in all the wrong places while riding 'on the rivet'. Short nose saddles are becoming increasingly popular nowadays too, especially for those less flexible. ![]() More flexible riders, or those with a very low, racing position tend to favour a waved saddle, as it gives them a feeling of being 'locked in' to their position. Some saddles have a flat top, others a curve from front to back, but which one is right for you? Well, as a rule of thumb flat or flatter saddles are favoured by riders who ride a little more upright and tend to shift fore and aft in the saddle, as it gives a more consistent feeling. Your sit bones should leave two small indents in the card measure from the centre of these to get the width of your sit bones, and then add 25-35mm to give you a good approximation of your ideal saddle width. Simply find a piece of corrugated cardboard, place it on a flat surface, and sit on it. You can either ask a friend or partner extremely nicely if they'd mind getting the measuring tape out, or you can use the cardboard method. As such, to find your ideal saddle width you'll first need an idea of your sit bone width.Ī good bike shop will feature a memory foam pad on which you can sit to get this measurement, but it is more than possible to get a good idea at home too. As such saddles come in a variety of width to accommodate. Your sit bones, the bony protrusions that support carry your weight while sat on a saddle, vary in width from person to person. ![]() Some bike shops too have a 'saddle library' where you can borrow a test model for a short time to see how it feels, drastically reducing any pre-purchase uncertainty. Luckily many retailers have a saddle returns policy, so if it doesn't fit you can take it back. Given the myriad options on the market it's easy to get confused, and choosing something where fit is so important based just on the manufacturer specifications is always tricky. While the Stealth was initially designed with Team Giant Alpecin as a TT perch, we’ve had pretty good luck with it on our mountain bikes. Shimano's answer to the short and wide saddle with a large cutout is the PRO Stealth, ideal for those who are ever searching for a low and aero position on their bike.Īvailable in two widths, aesthetically the Stealth looks quite similar to the Power however, the profile is flatter front to back, with a broader nose and slightly softer padding. Like the Power, not a whole lot of room to move about ![]()
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