What seat options and why?

[Emmett]

Hi folks,

I have a '08 XTC 1 and it without a doubt has the worst seat EVER made.

I am looking for a suitable replacement which I can use for XC.

Ideally I'm chasing something that is comfortable over long distance and easy to slide off the back of.

Lightweight would be nice of course, but is of secondary importance to the two criteria above.

Thanks for your help.

[krizbike]

For my cross country bike I bought a WTB Rocket seat last year. The current version is here:
http://www.wtb.com/products/saddles/racing/rocketv/
Mine is around 230g, and really comfortable (just did the Coffs 60km and didn't have any problems). Sliding off when needed is easy and staying on is easy too - thanks to its shape.

Chris

[bazza]

wtb silverado isn't to bad. if its for getting off the back on and riding technical tracks than i wouldn't recommend the fizik gobi which i love and swear by. but if your always getting over the back it smashes the shit out of the inside of your thighs because of its width. fizik nizine (spelling!) may be a better option?

[DaGonz]

I'm currently on a Ritchey Marathon WCS. at about 220g it's not too bad on the light weight stakes and as for comfort...

...well it didn't ever come across as a concern at the recent Sydney 12hr or world solo 24 champs ;)

Nah it's pretty comfy! I've been running them for about a year now and been immensly happy. They are pretty much the same saddle up and down the price range too (just lighter or better construction)

Previously I had a sella San Marco Era K which I thought was comfy but now know better.

HTH

Cheers
Gonz

[leftieant]

What saddle on the XTC? Is the WTB Devo? I love that seat, so much in fact that I've just bought the carbon version for my new bike.

Seats are a personal choice, find one you like and stick with it!

[akashra]

I've been absolutely happy with a Selle Italia SLR on my XTC, and Selle Italia SLR XP on my Anthem.

But then everyone is different, and the shape might not suit you.

[bikerboy85]

Specialized Phenom TI, 195g's, i find it is more comfortable than the SLR. Plus there's no discomfort on the important parts

[SteppenW]

I'm really happy with either the WTB Rocket 5 or Stella SLR. Suits my arse anyway. The WTB comes with creaking seat rails at no extra cost, but I'd have to say it's just a little more comfortable (I use a leather-covered Ti railed version).

[Nerf Herder]

Surprisingly comfy for a spartan saddle ... 195g, Ti rails ... can't remember if it is carbon wrapped in leather ... I've even ridden it with just boardies, and my goolies are still attached and functioning.

For the weight vs $$ vs comfort 4.5 thumbs

Problem, haven't been able to find another one ... was an ebay purchase.

[workmx]

The WTB Devo is a great saddle (I have the leather Ti version - 203g).
Suits me well... and no discomfort (unlike other saddles I have used, like San Marco and SDG).

I have two mates who swear by the E3 leather ti saddle (188g claimed).
www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=20853

There are stores on eBay selling them for about half of the price from Performance.

The gel verions with cro-moly rails is cheaper and heavier (247g claimed).
www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=20854&srccode=2047&cm_mmc=Froogle-_-Datafeed-_-null-_-null

[Plow King]

SDG Ibeam psot and Ifly seat - Seat weighs about 140grams and the post is light to! Lots of adjustability and comfort.

That'd be my pick anyway.

[alchemist]

Not light weight, but I run these (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/real-man.html)on all my bikes

[RED_RACER]

I'm currently on a Ritchey Marathon WCS. at about 220g it's not too bad on the light weight stakes and as for comfort...




I was thinking about getting a wcs marathon for my road bike cause they are so comfy. I have the wcs marathon on my duallies and single speed and will be getting one on my hard tail. I love them :)

[k3n!f]

I can't believe no one has mentioned the Fizik Gobi. I had terrible troubles trying to find a seat that I really liked until several of the endurance riders right here on farkin pointed me in the direction of the Gobi. Two years later and I still love it.

The new Gobi XM is slightly lighter than the last and weighs in at 229g which is pretty tidy for a seat so comfy. The only problem is that they don't come very cheap, but you can't put a price on a happy arse....

http://www.fizik.it/images/catalog/mtb_xc_saddles/gobi_XM_black-black_cordura_lat2.jpg

[leftieant]

Not light weight, but I run these (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/real-man.html)on all my bikes

Gold Jerry, gold. Devolution at it's finest.

[Pile]

No real use talking to us about it, talk to your butt. It will have an opinion, and it will in all likelihood be different to mine. I chatted to mine at length, and though he was pretty ambivalent about saddles per sewe came to an agreement.

My view is that you avoid online shopping unless you know exactly what you want. Take your favourite and your worst saddle to the LBS and see how what they stock feels. It don't matter how sexy she looks if after 4 hrs of lapping it makes you feel like a one-legged man at the end of a butt-kicking competition.

[Emmett]

Not light weight, but I run these (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/real-man.html)on all my bikes

Awsome... How dearly Sheldon is missed.

As for everyone else thanks for your replies. Very helpful indeed.

I went to my LBS and tried a few different things out. I ended up buying the WTB Rocket (which I had previously owned and found very comfortable). Sometimes I guess it's best to just stick with what you know.

It's a shame it looks so bad and will creak in the future though:p

[Trevor_S]

i wouldn't recommend the fizik gobi which i love and swear by.

Ahhhhh.. worst seat I have ever had, I have one on my GT..

I swear by the WTB Devo ! Best seat I have ever had

but everyones butt is different, one person great seat is anothers disappointment !

[John U]

Specialized Body Geometry Avatar on all my bikes. Works well for me.

Don't know if their still made but steer clear of the Fizik Nisene unless your not fussed about making Fathers Day

[bazza]

Ahhhhh.. worst seat I have ever had, I have one on my GT..

I swear by the WTB Devo ! Best seat I have ever had

but everyones butt is different, one person great seat is anothers disappointment !

have got a brand new devo sitting my parts box if anyone wants to buy it from me? offers?

saw your new bike today! looks very nice! hope you enjoy it.