Choosing A Road Bike Saddle - Pro Bike Fitters Honest Opinion

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  • Опубліковано 3 лют 2024
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 307

  • @deemey95
    @deemey95 4 місяці тому +208

    I am deeply upset that you no longer call videos with James "Bike Fit Tuesdays." Otherwise, great video, always happy to see James.

    • @ct1361
      @ct1361 4 місяці тому +2

      It's Sunday

    • @deemey95
      @deemey95 4 місяці тому +45

      @@ct1361 Bike fit Tuesday, never actually filmed or posted on Tuesday

    • @Jacob99174
      @Jacob99174 4 місяці тому +11

      I’m regular upset 😢

    • @a1white
      @a1white 4 місяці тому

      Not click baity enough

    • @lojeda
      @lojeda 4 місяці тому

      X2

  • @dgaa1991
    @dgaa1991 4 місяці тому +132

    Nice to see James back on the Channel! I would love to see some bike adventures like in the good old days as well ;)

  • @drgenefish
    @drgenefish 3 місяці тому +35

    i seem to remember James had a video on how horrible short nosed saddles were. now it's his best selling saddle? curious why the change of opinion. would love a video covering that. ty...entertaining and informative video as always.

  • @simon_hollins
    @simon_hollins 4 місяці тому +23

    Pretty much everything worth learning about saddles and riding position, I learned from watching James’ videos. I’ve gone from numb d*** and sore backside to comfortable 100 mile sportive. Thanks James.

  • @edmundhodgson2572
    @edmundhodgson2572 4 місяці тому +6

    Good to see you Francis, all the best. And James of course. x

  • @Fatbutnotflat
    @Fatbutnotflat 4 місяці тому +7

    Always great seeing James. Also, his appearance is my first viewing of your channel.

  • @Supermastinflin
    @Supermastinflin 4 місяці тому +3

    Nice video as always James!! Thank you !!! Btw noticed you got a serious watch collection!!!! Noticed in some videos Omega etc…. ❤❤❤

  • @johnhospod5202
    @johnhospod5202 3 місяці тому +5

    Just switched from a Fabric saddle to the Selle Italia slr boost endurance superflow. It felt incredibly comfortable. My sit bones are now supporting me:)

  • @steviemarco7353
    @steviemarco7353 4 місяці тому +3

    Great info James. My favorite saddles are no longer produced (Astute) which is rather annoying. I also have a Berk saddle which is nice but very delicate, also like the Fabric scoop with the pressure releif channel 👍

  • @someformofhuman
    @someformofhuman 4 місяці тому +4

    Agree about using Selle SMPs. I'm using a Composit and it was finicky to setup. It took me almost a few months to trial and error to get into position but once it's 'correct', woah that thing is really comfortable despite any foam padding.

  • @grahambell9831
    @grahambell9831 4 місяці тому +3

    Sound advice from James again......Great to see him back on the channel 👏

  • @headlessmike
    @headlessmike 4 місяці тому +7

    I'm 2 meters tall (6'7") but have narrow sit bones (measured at 95 mm in a cycling posture). I tried a few different saddles but now use SQLab's 612 in its smallest 12 cm width on my road bike. The best cycling purchase I've ever made. Their design of saddles is quite different from other brands and I'd like to see more channels like this check them out.

    • @RoeliusMaximus
      @RoeliusMaximus 3 місяці тому

      Agree! I was sliding around on my previous saddles ( which were too wide I admit). Now using the SQLab 612R and pretty much fixed in position. Took some time to get used to, but can ride GFs without saddle pain.

  • @RhysHarrod
    @RhysHarrod Місяць тому

    Love a video with James. Also interesting to see home revisit brands and mention that his preferences have changed. Appreciate the honesty!

  • @KoenMiseur
    @KoenMiseur 4 місяці тому +9

    For me the saddle width has been the most important change, I went from a 140mm saddle to a 130mm (they were about the same shape) and it helped a lot!

    • @comedyman112
      @comedyman112 4 місяці тому +1

      What's your sit bone width? I kinda have the same issue

  • @AlexJasperse
    @AlexJasperse 4 місяці тому +1

    Would be great to see the bisaddle system be talked about. I’ve struggled massively with saddles, having taken James’ recos for the SLR boost and pro Griffon in the past to no long term luck, even with proper bike fits. The ability to buy a saddle and adjust it to fit your unique anatomy is game changing and shows major gaps in the market in terms of sizing - especially for tri and tt bikes.

  • @slomo3937
    @slomo3937 4 місяці тому +29

    Each and every video with James is a win.

  • @MortenProm
    @MortenProm 4 місяці тому +1

    Ahh, what a nice confirmation, thanks mate. After trying loads of different saddles, I bought Selle Italia SLR Boost Endurance Superflow S3 for all my bikes :)

  • @johnnydoe66
    @johnnydoe66 4 місяці тому +1

    James named off two of my favorite saddles; Shimano Pro Turnix and the Specialized Toupe. I am currently running a Specialized Romin on my road and it's fantastic. The Turnix is currently on my experimental 26" gravel build.

    • @AquidoSquido
      @AquidoSquido 4 місяці тому

      Pro Turnix is one of the most underrated saddle in the market imo.

  • @dicksonshafthandler5002
    @dicksonshafthandler5002 4 місяці тому +1

    The bike fit I had done two years back was a mixed bag of success and failure but one good thing that came out of it was the realisation that I needed a much narrower saddle than I had thought based on bike shop measurements. Through the fitter I ended up with an Ergon road saddle and after watching one of James’s videos I also bought the Selle Italia SLR Boost on a hunch. The SLR Boost now lives on my road bike and XC mountain bike and the Ergon on my flat bar gravel.

  • @markj.a351
    @markj.a351 4 місяці тому +16

    Issue I've had with available bike fitters is that they all had brand deals so stocked one brand of saddle and ofc always said the last fitter got it wrong and I'll be fine with one of their saddles.
    And if I wasn't willing to buy one, they would just peg any discomfort i had on my none willingness to buy the saddle rather than their terrible fit.
    (I say terrible because my last 3 fits caused me terrible injuries)

    • @bonbonflippers4298
      @bonbonflippers4298 4 місяці тому +1

      That's why as much as I like to get a bike fit, if they fit me wrong I'm screwed.

    • @larryt.atcycleitalia5786
      @larryt.atcycleitalia5786 4 місяці тому

      There's really only ONE way to find the "right" saddle - good ol' trial and error. IMHO any bike shop worth a s__t should let you try some. I'm sure more makers than just my friends at SMP have trial programs? Back-in-the-day when it was just Rolls, Turbo or Regal our shop had test versions of each for clients to try. Once they decided, the "tester" went back in the display case and a brand-new saddle of the make/model they chose was installed.
      Saddles may have changed but rear-ends remain the same...everyone's different!

    • @LordVarkson
      @LordVarkson 4 місяці тому

      Corruption in the cycling industry? Say it aint so!

    • @LordVarkson
      @LordVarkson 4 місяці тому

      @@larryt.atcycleitalia5786 I've never been to a bike shop that does testers. You just buy it and take it back if it doesn't fit. And hope that you don't damage it during the two weeks or so you get with it.

  • @WaechterDerNacht
    @WaechterDerNacht 4 місяці тому

    Nice video! Always interesting videos with James!
    Where are the differences when it comes to bike fit between different disciplines (e.g. road, gravel, XC, enduro etc.)?

  • @johnmcmullan2673
    @johnmcmullan2673 3 місяці тому +1

    Used Toupe for years and years, now SLR Superflow Boost on all bikes. Concave to center, convex as you move further back. Perfect.

  • @emmabird9745
    @emmabird9745 4 місяці тому +7

    Hi James, the first saddle I was aware of with a pressure relief channel was the Liberator (named after the bomber built mainly by women). I tried one but it was not enough. I tried the SMP with the curved down nose (looks don't really matter) and it was a revelation. I can now ride all day without the excruciating pain from every other saddle I've tried. The improvement is that the channel is slightly wider but effectively is open to the front so there is nothing there to give that awful pressure.

    • @swordmonkey6635
      @swordmonkey6635 4 місяці тому

      Yeah. I remember that relief channel saddles were advertised toward women riders in magazines for years when they were just coming out. They were even called "female saddles" for a couple of years and "serious" male riders wouldn't be caught dead with one on their bikes.

    • @emmabird9745
      @emmabird9745 4 місяці тому +1

      @@swordmonkey6635 Good point. A perfect example of looks over function. Never mind the comfort, it has to look good.

    • @truthseeker8483
      @truthseeker8483 4 місяці тому +1

      I love the SMP saddles too as a casual male rider

  • @truthseeker8483
    @truthseeker8483 4 місяці тому

    SMP TRK works for me as a casual rider. Yes it is a bit finicky to get right but is a big step up in comfort from other saddles I have tried.

  • @ilcomendante
    @ilcomendante 2 місяці тому +4

    Pelvically disoriented. You learn something new with James every time 😂

  • @SchmitzJeanNoel
    @SchmitzJeanNoel 3 місяці тому +1

    Just to know : I'm more of an out of shape almost 50 year old MTB lover and tell me if I'm wrong, but I almost don't see any difference between a road saddle that fits my rear bumpers and a MTB saddle !? I've been using an Italia Flite titanium for ages (well, not between 2003 and 2020 to be honest) and I still love it. I'm currently using a Terry Arteria and it's also a joy ! None of them are made on purposed for MTB but they fit me. By the way, this video is by far the most interesting one that I've seen about saddles ! Thank you !

  • @miklm
    @miklm 4 місяці тому

    Interesting. I have been riding a Spec Romin 155 for years due to their measuring in store. My new bike came with a 143 Power and while
    I only have about 70 miles on it, I really like it so far and may swap all my bikes to it if it continues to feel this good on some longer rides. I think the comment about the measurement being taken from the wrong point on the sit bones is spot on in my case - although the Romin has overall been a good saddle for me.

  • @harrie974
    @harrie974 4 місяці тому

    Fizik Vento Argo 140mm is my favourite, but I’m pretty comfortable on most saddles.
    I don’t know if makes sense, but for me there are 2 types: saddles you sit ON and saddles you sit IN (which I prefer).

  • @steadfast_1669
    @steadfast_1669 4 місяці тому +2

    Would like to see an SQLab saddle on the channel. Many of my friends have very good experience with the 612 and I’m a big fan of their a bit more padded 614.

  • @peterharrington8709
    @peterharrington8709 4 місяці тому +1

    Interesting. I only seem to be able to get away with either a MTB saddle.... WTB Volt currently or perhaps surprisingly the very traditional Brooks B17. All day comfort with either.

  • @Jarek.
    @Jarek. 4 місяці тому +1

    Good to see James back!

  • @markburton3306
    @markburton3306 4 місяці тому

    My bike came with one of the curvy saddles which was ok and I did a few long rides with it. However, I decided to try the cheapest version of the SLR. It makes long rides even better. I’m a large (2m) and older rider

  • @Woopigmavs
    @Woopigmavs 3 місяці тому

    Love my selle Italia super flow! First saddle I tried that was less than 140mm wide. It’s almost like now the saddle is out of the way and I can really engage glutes for more power.

  • @carlosflanders518
    @carlosflanders518 4 місяці тому +4

    I've never got on with any pressure relief saddle. Just created extra pressure points and extreme discomfort. Traditional shape and narrow enough not to interfere with the thighs for me.

  • @we1rd92
    @we1rd92 2 місяці тому

    My two most comfortable saddles i own are the Selle SMP Drakon and the Selle Italia SLR Boost.

  • @jimpeyton1459
    @jimpeyton1459 4 місяці тому

    I have the SLR Boost S3 on my road bike based on an older BFJ video. Interestingly I have an SMP on my gravel bike and on an older bike on my trainer. I can attest to the difficulty getting the SMP dialed in. Both the SLR and SMP good for multi hour rides...did 125 km Zwift endurance ride today on the SMP ... my only pain was from sh*tty socks in my shoes causing a tender spot on top of one my toes. (Note to BFJ i do have the 2620 inserts...gamechanger)

  • @LOZUPONEJ
    @LOZUPONEJ 4 місяці тому +2

    I love my fabric scoop with the cut out. My favorite saddle ever

    • @84imreplica
      @84imreplica 4 місяці тому

      I have a couple of Fabric saddles (no cut-out) and would like to purchase one with cut-outs, but I'm finding it hard to find anyone that sells Fabric saddles. Any links?

    • @brankosabol
      @brankosabol 4 місяці тому +1

      @@84imreplica As far as I know they don't make saddles any more, they were bought by Cannondale. They are now sold as Cannondale scoop saddles. Unfortunately, model with the cutout, that was called fabric line and is my favorite saddle, seems to be discontinued.

  • @pj9375
    @pj9375 3 місяці тому

    Best saddle I've ever had is the Cadex Amp. Not cheap but comfy oh and so light! 129g 😮

  • @ru71
    @ru71 4 місяці тому

    After this vid I thought I should try out the SLR Boost. I found a second hand one and rode out to get it and installed it for the ride back. I've never felt so comfortable on a bike, f me! And I had always thought my old Fizik Antares saddle was perfect for me. Now I'm getting one for the Gravel bike pronto

  • @srenhornum5004
    @srenhornum5004 3 місяці тому +1

    Would be nice to see James opinion on the new 3D printed saddle from various brands, and how they compare to regular saddle paddings. I am currently looking at the Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive R1 (gasping for air) Hoping it will provide a little more cushioning than the Selle Italia SLR Boost that I currently have. Have a little discomfort on the left side, so thinking the pressure relief channel might have something to do with it?

  • @shaneolivier1650
    @shaneolivier1650 Місяць тому

    Thanks for this video,you gave me the answer I needed year's ago,this saddle drives me really NUTS !! 😅

  • @Mr_Au_K
    @Mr_Au_K 4 місяці тому +4

    I am curious to know your opinon on the Saddle from the German brand SQLab. Many say it is a revolution and very comfortable. Great video as always 👍

    • @rsam346
      @rsam346 4 місяці тому +1

      I ride one of these at the moment. I'm mostly convinced, but they need dialling in very precisely!

  • @rogerleather8872
    @rogerleather8872 4 місяці тому

    Recently gone from 143cm Prologo Dimensions to 150mn Fizik Vento Argo, which appear to fit my sit bones better. Im 77 kg so not massive, so maybe shows width isnt necessarily purely related to size/weight. Also took a punt on a Vento R3 Adaptive, which I don't like as much as the non- 3D variants

  • @garybrown5769
    @garybrown5769 4 місяці тому

    Best thing I’ve ever done, took his advice on the sl-r

  • @DanRoch
    @DanRoch 4 місяці тому +1

    My Selle SMP Drakon is amazing! I've ridden the specialized power saddle and Selle Italia SLR boost. Speaking to another fitter they said Selle SMP are not friendly to stock because of the cost. Maybe that's swaying his POV

    • @luukrutten1295
      @luukrutten1295 4 місяці тому +1

      I ride dynamics and forma saddles exclusively. And once you know how they should be set up. It is just super stable.

  • @CCW230
    @CCW230 4 місяці тому

    Love the Pro Turnix for XC mountainbiking.
    Though the current performance version with the pointy carbon 'wing' on the rear really scares me as a mountainbiker. Would definitely not like to crash into that. The chromo version looks way nicer to crash into by accident 😅

  • @MrEL28
    @MrEL28 2 місяці тому

    Selle Italia SLR is my favorite saddle too!

  • @thedownunderverse
    @thedownunderverse 4 місяці тому +1

    Bontrager Aeolus saddle is if the Selle SMP and Ergon had a baby. Seriously they are amazing saddles!

  • @matskelton9589
    @matskelton9589 4 місяці тому +4

    More James pls 👌

  • @ButaneBear
    @ButaneBear 18 днів тому

    Love the way he thinks and talks. Great video.

  • @paulawright6868
    @paulawright6868 4 місяці тому +4

    Welcome back Francis and James. X

  • @andrewreed1329
    @andrewreed1329 2 місяці тому

    sold all 3 slr boosts, look out for groin issues, it took a year to develop, they seem to have a sharp edge in the groin area that points up, back to romin evo that doesnt have that sharp edge. im also trying the pro stealth performance, no groin issues but sitbone pain, so experimenting with tilt, ive tried the recommended 1 degree, but just not comfy, but pain is nowhere as bad as the groin pain from slr

  • @JulianAndresKlode
    @JulianAndresKlode 4 місяці тому +1

    I wonder if James ever tried SQLab (they use a raised tail where you sit on, your perineum hovers over the front). Their active version has an elastomer in it so it can move with your hip (?) as you are pedaling.
    I'm on a Selle SMP VT30c at the moment, saddle pressure mapping showed pressure being almost at the edge, I think I sit fairly wide, but then my legs seem to rub the nose - it's its shiny now

  • @xceedinsanity
    @xceedinsanity 3 місяці тому

    06:24 is spot on for my Specialized Power sadddle.

  • @thisandthatandotherthings
    @thisandthatandotherthings 4 місяці тому +1

    Great update to your previous videos on the topic but IMHO not a fair assessment/opinion of Specialized when you do not discuss the Power Arc version especially when it can be argued that the Arc is the superior successor model variant.

  • @ActualLivingHuman
    @ActualLivingHuman 3 місяці тому +1

    I love James. He’s got a good spirit and I’m thereby inclined to believe whatever he says

  • @jezb8310
    @jezb8310 4 місяці тому

    I have a Pro stealth after a bike fit for a triathlon fit. It has felt a lot better than a traditional one for me.

  • @fpgamemearray
    @fpgamemearray 4 місяці тому +2

    I would be interested in James's thoughts on ISM-type saddles (bifurcated saddle noses). They are usually found on tt/triathlon bikes but they might help riders with natural anterior pelvic rotation to get into racing positions on the road.

    • @KennyVeltre
      @KennyVeltre 4 місяці тому +1

      In the older bike fit Tuesdays videos James has said that they have no place on a road bike but are fine for TT use. With that said I have own saddles on my road bikes and I like them 😂

  • @Everything_Bagel
    @Everything_Bagel 4 місяці тому

    Very helpful, thank you.

  • @denouden92
    @denouden92 4 місяці тому +2

    no 3D printed saddle opinion?! would love to hear what James' opinion on the 3D printed saddles as i ride the Fizik Antares Vs EVO R3 and love it

  • @stuartdryer1352
    @stuartdryer1352 4 місяці тому

    I'm glad said that James confirmed sit bone width can result in a saddle that is too wide. It did for me.

  • @kevinlyon9501
    @kevinlyon9501 4 місяці тому +1

    James has got me on the boost SLR saddle just got to give him te feedback now I've done a few rides on it.

    • @comedyman112
      @comedyman112 4 місяці тому

      Does it feel ok? What's your sit bone width and is the saddle the 130mm version? S3?

    • @kevinlyon9501
      @kevinlyon9501 4 місяці тому +1

      @@comedyman112 it is the S3 during my fit changing from the old saddle to this one was a noticeable difference in comfort. Only done four rides so far, it does appear to be helping with my issues, but I still have work to do on getting the position on the bike dialled due to the other changes we've made which I'll be seeing James about.

  • @playandteach
    @playandteach 4 місяці тому

    I love my fabric scoop saddles. I'm also fairly upright. Is that another reason, because I'm absolutely not twisted on the saddle, as you say some ex-rowers are.

  • @Saladh_Olivier
    @Saladh_Olivier 4 місяці тому +19

    Despite an SLR Boost saddle was recommended to me during a session at James's studio, I eventually ditched that saddle. It's a good saddle, and worked for me quite well but for relatively short rides - after fourth hour of riding I inevitably started feeling discomfort in my groin. Of course, I tried lower the saddle hight and other suggestions. In the end, my culprit is edges of the cut out, that are too sharp in my case. Also, despite a wide stance my thighs were polishing saddle rails and there're distinctive marks from the rails on all my cycling shorts. My point is even if that saddle is sold very successfully doesn't mean that it will fit an individual. Long term testing of a saddle, if a position is dialled in correctly, is the only way to find the saddle fits to an individual. Please don't bind it "blindly".
    One more moment, seen multiple saddle with manganese rails failed in rear bonding socket, leading to collapsing of a saddle to one side. Mine was replaced by warranty. I'd recommend buying a version with Ti rails.

    • @bradford_shaun_murray
      @bradford_shaun_murray 4 місяці тому +3

      2:41 So after the SLR Boost with its 2 shortcomings (sharp edges of cut out and saddle rail rub), what have you found works for longer rides?

    • @DR_1_1
      @DR_1_1 4 місяці тому +3

      Selle Italia has important networks to "boost" their sales!

    • @Saladh_Olivier
      @Saladh_Olivier 4 місяці тому

      @@bradford_shaun_murray I’ve been riding on sqlab 612 12cm (narrower than my SLR Boost), both indoors and outdoors, for several month already and so far it fits me. I feel, like, I sit on seat bones more distinctively. Again, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for someone else.

    • @Saladh_Olivier
      @Saladh_Olivier 4 місяці тому

      ​@@bradford_shaun_murray I've been riding on sqlab 612 12cm, both indoors and outdoors, for several months already. I found it fits me well either in low aero position or a bit more upright. I have no issue with thighs rubbing saddle rails.
      Also, I have noticed that I sit on seat bones distinctively, and even after 4 hours indoors I don't feel any discomfort.
      Again, it doesn't necessarily mean that 612 will fit to someone else. YMMV.

    • @comedyman112
      @comedyman112 4 місяці тому

      What is your sit bone width? Did you use the S3 130mm?
      How wide is your current saddle now? What model is it?

  • @johannesk9074
    @johannesk9074 3 місяці тому

    Very nice video :) i would have loved to hear about the impact, the „gel“ cover on the saddle makes. There are very soft saddles and saddles with nothing than carbon. I would like to hear a professionals opinion about that :)

  • @osobnyw2231
    @osobnyw2231 Місяць тому

    Seat bones pressure with cut-out saddles; have found out that proper saddle tilt (level in my case with slr boost kit carbonio) is really critical. Just a little too much nose down, in my case we are talking about ~half degree difference, and boost slr kit carbonio starts irritating my sit bones just after ~70/80kms ride... A little nose down gives that nice seat bones contact feeling at the beginning of the ride, but after those two/three hours results with extensive pressure on sit bones. So saddle TILT seems to be really important, also for seat bones comfort, apparently :)

  • @antoberg
    @antoberg Місяць тому

    Really interesting video ! :)
    I've got a question : how do you set the saddle tilt, particularly for SLR Boost S3 ? Levelling ? From where ?
    Feel in line with your argument at 6:20, I've been recommended a Power Arc saddle 155mm width to put pressure on my seatbones, but i'm actually sliding toward the nose of the... noseless saddle because my thighs are not allowing me to get to the actual 155mm width zone...
    I was considering to switch to SLR boost and your video is very timely ;)

  • @jonpoon3896
    @jonpoon3896 4 місяці тому

    What’s James’s opinion on “all road/off road/gravel” saddles? Saddles with versions that have softer padding.
    Some ultra distance riders are using them. But some are saying the softer padding means less support

  • @gregtitus2467
    @gregtitus2467 4 місяці тому +1

    Well done. Nice discussion of both pros & cons of each type of saddle with a clear statement of your biases. That honesty really helps a viewer evaluate the advice. Re: the SMP Dynamic saddle...I use it, and find that it helps tilt my pelvis more forward than a flat saddle, and that forward tilt helps to keep the lumbar spine even more neutral than a comparable flat saddles, giving more relief for LBP. Kudos on this video!

  • @daveholmes1944
    @daveholmes1944 4 місяці тому +5

    I’ve got 2 Sella Italia saddles (one slr boost) and they both squeak / clunk. The rails aren’t fully bonded to the saddle body. I believe this is to help them flex for comfort or suspension. No, this is not as a result of the BB or anything else. The clunks can be triggered by manipulating the saddles themselves by hand. In fact after a couple of months riding some of the blue plastic at the nose where the rails fix came away. The saddles function as intended, but this is insanely annoying, particularly considering price.

    • @husseinj
      @husseinj 4 місяці тому +4

      Came here to complain about this same exact problem with my SLR Boost (which I bought from bicycle in Richmond). Mine hasn’t fallen apart, but it is really annoying!
      I’ll also add that if you have a pressure relief cutout in your saddle it is even more important to have mudguards when riding in the rain 🚿

    • @Saladh_Olivier
      @Saladh_Olivier 4 місяці тому +2

      Totally agree with that. I went though the same experience with SLR Boot TM saddle, but haven't had that issue with a version with Ti rails. Feels to me like a QC issue. Mine was replaced via a warranty claim without any question.

    • @igssilva
      @igssilva 4 місяці тому

      I use this model and had the same problem at first. I put some shimano premium grease where the rails connect to the saddle and the noise disappeared completely. I hope it helps.

    • @JamesBriano
      @JamesBriano 4 місяці тому

      It's never the BB.

    • @daveholmes1944
      @daveholmes1944 4 місяці тому

      @@JamesBriano 😂

  • @benibf
    @benibf 4 місяці тому

    I know James recently criticised Brooks leather saddles in one of the videos, but I'd love to hear what he thinks about the Cambium line. A lot of publications focused on bikepacking/ultraendurance hold the Cambium in really high regard.

  • @danblekeberg2470
    @danblekeberg2470 16 днів тому +1

    Sella Italia Boost SMP saddle. I believe Cade said he sells them like hot cakes. I bought one, like riding on a board. Sold it. Went to Ali Express bought a 3M saddle for $28.00. Super comfortable and a fraction of the cost.

  • @rainercuval4677
    @rainercuval4677 3 місяці тому

    I like Fabric "LINE-S ELITE FLAT" or "LINE-S RACE FLAT" short Nose Saddle. Btw. i realy like James.

  • @owensnicholas
    @owensnicholas 4 місяці тому +1

    I love these videos, and I can’t get enough of them.
    Does James have any experience with SQ Labs saddles? They’re very different.
    Also, I wish he’d weigh in on Brooks. Every time I see one on a bike that isn’t a retro cruiser, I wonder why somebody is using it. And people buy them used. Gross.

  • @rcames05
    @rcames05 4 місяці тому

    Hey there James, great content from you all as always. This is a little off topic, but I just realized that I have some toe overlap on my new bike, I’m a shorter rider. It’s less noticeable with 30mm road tires vs 38mm gravel tires. What are your thoughts? Is this a major issue or should I just live with it? Thanks again for any help you can provide.

  • @benjamindent4806
    @benjamindent4806 Місяць тому

    It is super important to add that cut outs in some people can put too much pressure on the peudendal nerve. This can in term cause inflammation making it hard to pee or a long time to pee, like for me. It takes 10-15 minutes off the saddle to be relaxed enought to pee. It is quite unfortunate, Never found a saddle to help me. And Ive tried a lot. I am going to explore non-cut out saddles with impressions similar to cut outs to see if that helps. Alao, I found the sepcialized mirror to be even more uncomfortable than the normal foam saddle... Too squishy making for lots of irritation.

  • @J8OPP
    @J8OPP 4 місяці тому

    Great advice as always ..👌👌👌

  • @lisashiela9137
    @lisashiela9137 Місяць тому +1

    The variety of bicycle saddles, and opinions, are absolutely mind-boggling. Researching saddles is so confusing and opinionated, I always give up. My decade old Toupe saddle finally gave up, and I was forced to replace it. I was able to try the Fizik Arione and absolutely love the ability to move around effortlessly.

  • @durianriders
    @durianriders 4 місяці тому +2

    SLR Boost saddle is my fav saddle of all time. Can get them online from the far east for about 25USD. IYKYK.

  • @shatnersbassoon7155
    @shatnersbassoon7155 4 місяці тому

    Finding the right saddle is a journey, and one I am still on!
    Had a saddle with no cutout (Fizik Antares), this gave me no end of trouble, then went for a Selle SMP, which despite it's aesthetics, worked well for short rides but anything over 2 hours would be fairly unbearable. After a bike fit, I am on the Pro Griffon, which has the same problem as the SMP.
    Ultimately the problem with having a saddle fitted during a bike fit is that it can perform well in the short time you are in the session, but you need to sit on the thing for 1 hour plus before you tend to notice the niggles. It comes down to trial and error. A better solution is to try a demo saddle from an LBS or manufacturer (if they offer that sort of thing) and test them for an extended period of time. I'm not sure what saddle I will try next, maybe the boost will be the answer to my prayers!

    • @AquidoSquido
      @AquidoSquido 4 місяці тому +1

      It's really a long journey, it gets really annoying when what used to work best several years ago no longer fits well. Best way is as you mentioned try for longer rides and see if they fit, many saddles offer 30-day exchange services. (Bontrager, Pro Saddle etc...)

    • @larryt.atcycleitalia5786
      @larryt.atcycleitalia5786 4 місяці тому +1

      SMP has test centers for this reason. Their website will show you the closest one to you. I'm friends with the people there...but it all started after a saddle trial-and-error period led me to them rather than shilling for something my friends make because of the friendship :-)

  • @Ultegra10SPD
    @Ultegra10SPD 4 місяці тому +1

    ISM on TT bikes? Enjoyed my time there. Thx Andy. -U10

  • @shepshape2585
    @shepshape2585 4 місяці тому

    The type of saddle I use isn't really represented here. I use an ISM saddle, which are more for triathletes, but I have one on my road bike and find them really comfortable. Split, short nosed, and really good quality. Plus, if you call ISM saddles in Tampa FL, odds are you're going to speak to the owner of the company who designed/invented all of the saddles they sell and he'll gladly speak to you about them.

  • @GMICHAELG62
    @GMICHAELG62 4 місяці тому

    I just bought a new saddle yesterday, 😮 waiting for it to come in….
    Where were you James!?…
    You could’ve posted this sooner Francis 😅

  • @hanswurst8317
    @hanswurst8317 4 місяці тому +4

    Are there differences when considering a saddle for long distance gravelling and touring?

  • @yairseeman
    @yairseeman 4 місяці тому

    Tuesday already?! Could've sworn it was Saturday when I went to bed yesterday!

  • @tonyjmcd
    @tonyjmcd 4 місяці тому

    I've missed James on the channel, any chance of a epic roadtrip this summer?

  • @5amba
    @5amba 4 місяці тому

    My bike fitter hates the SLR Boost, since it recently lacks of quality. The rails comes non-symmetric from the factory.
    Not sure if this is really a bigger thing or just a temporary problem (or even true...).
    Also other fitters like Neill Stanbury measure your bones sitting and prefer SQ Lab or SMP.
    Unfortunately there is no common sense in bike bitting world :/ (except of getting a bike fit lol)

  • @qwertyazerty2137
    @qwertyazerty2137 4 місяці тому

    Selle Italia saddles never suited me. I've the SLK and SLR, but the most uncomfortable saddle of all that I used was the X1 - I could not stand more than an hour on it until the crotch pain became unbearable. I also had specialized power, but it felt too short. With trial and error I found that specialized toupe, and most recently, a saddle inspired by prologo nago r4 with a bigger hole is the most suitable.

  • @1mrudolf
    @1mrudolf 4 місяці тому

    James, I do have the Selle Italia SLR Boost Superflow and I do wonder for measurement purposes - where should ideally be the main contact point on the saddle ( I guess about 13.5cm back from the nose) and in terms of tilt - what would be considered overall flat or better said neutral with this specific saddle (I thought -4deg overall since it is sloping up at the back and it would make it 0 deg in the middle)? Thanks for your help

  • @htdtr
    @htdtr 4 місяці тому +1

    Would have liked to have seen him talk about ism style saddles, I've seen a few riders use them on their road bikes recently

    • @kenblahetka2398
      @kenblahetka2398 3 місяці тому

      in a video some time back he said they were for tt bikes and didn't offer enough support for road bikes. He had one of the ps saddles in that video and for that model i agree. I ride the pl model and have tried a friends pn model. These can be great of a road bike if set up correctly which most people don't. Your ism will be slammed or pretty close to slammed back on a road bike. Search for ism commercial on youtube and you can catch a glimpse of one mounted under the rider and it's all the way back. You don't sit on one the same as you do a conventional saddle. ISM has instructions and a setup guide, follow those.

  • @Pratalax
    @Pratalax 4 місяці тому +2

    The "mimic" saddle is so named because the particular foam they use in the middle bit is meant to "mimic" yer ladybits. Thanks specialized.
    PS i really like that nowt daft t shirt, i want one.

  • @andrepetrov1778
    @andrepetrov1778 4 місяці тому

    Question: What do you think of measuring your sitbone width whilst in riding Position (ie. Put aluminium foil over your saddle , get two imprints and measure that way) ?

  • @markusseppala6547
    @markusseppala6547 4 місяці тому +1

    Anyone switched from Selle Italia Flite to SLR or other way around? I've been pleased with my Flite boost superflow but maybe I should try the SLR too if it's even better. Also what do you think of the endurance / gravel models with more padding?

  • @Kirrrstennnn
    @Kirrrstennnn 4 місяці тому +14

    Happy to see James again, sad that the women specific saddle part is 20seconds with just one option.

    • @e.con0210
      @e.con0210 3 місяці тому +1

      🤔”No idea why” … he must know … at least that Specialized claims that by filling in the gap with a supportive soft foam, it prevents swelling of the labia that can happen on long rides in absence of support (caused by the gap). No gap- go numb. Open gap: protrusion and swelling. 🤷🏻‍♂️

  • @DarrenMansell
    @DarrenMansell 4 місяці тому

    And now I've watched the whole video, my saddle pick is the Giant Approach saddle which is available for very little money taken off people's new bikes on eBay so can be easily tried

    • @jdmcdorce876
      @jdmcdorce876 4 місяці тому +1

      My key takeaway is from about 13 minutes into the video, which is consistent with previous videos James was featured in, is that "saddle issues" are likely symptomatic of something else. I have a Giant Approach on one of my bikes and don't have any issues that I can attribute to the saddle. On a different bike I went from a Prologo Nago RS to a Fizik Antares R3 Open at the same time I shortened the stem and changed to a zero offset seat post - in all honesty I'm pretty sure the ride improvement was due to addressing a fit issue with that bike and not the saddle...

    • @DarrenMansell
      @DarrenMansell 4 місяці тому

      @@jdmcdorce876 yeah I think as per the video, you pretty much have to have a pressure relief channel now except for the specific issues mentioned. Other than that, fitting properly on the bike will likely see you ok on most saddles.

  • @user-mq9vg4tv2u
    @user-mq9vg4tv2u 3 місяці тому

    Thanks for the great information and discussion! About the Ergon saddles - do you find that the manufacturer's width recommendations based on sit bone measurements is a good guideline? The M/L seems quite wide with 152mm for the womens' version. Anyone who have experience with these models?

  • @AquidoSquido
    @AquidoSquido 4 місяці тому +1

    It's always fun to rewatch James' Fitting opinions, but sometimes he is too biased against certain products, which can be a life saviour for some riders.

  • @MooreMatt
    @MooreMatt 4 місяці тому

    I got to test the power comp once. That’s all it took run my legs raw.

  • @selladore
    @selladore 4 місяці тому

    Am I crazy or was this dude against short nose saddles up until this video? Now it's the way to go... Just shows you that the best way is to try a few saddles on your own, cause the experts change their opinions and preferred (or sponsored) brands all the time.

  • @davidh7414
    @davidh7414 4 місяці тому +1

    The old swallow-tail fizik aliante used to come in a pressure relief model called the aliante VS and VSX. That was a great option for saddle traditionalists. It had the curved shell and padding, V-shape with low sides. Sadly its not made anymore and the current aliante is a very flat saddle.