How I found my perfect road bike saddle | My process and experience

The main priority to enjoy road cycling is to be comfortable and the saddle is maybe the single most important component responsible for this aspect.
I went through some different models and here I share my consideration on various saddle types I tried to find out what was best for me.
I really recommend watching ‪@Cade_Media‬ bike fit Tuesday series with Bikefit James, these videos are extremely useful and they were very beneficial for me as well. If your saddle hurts first you need to check if your position is correct.
The jersey has been kindly sent by Souke Sports, check out their range here www.souke-sports.com
The one I am wearing is the CL 1201 size XL
On this subject also check my saddle height video here • Finding the perfect sa...
And my bike adjustments video here • Self Bike Fit, how I a...
Thank you again for watching,
Federico
#bike #bicycle #saddle #bikesaddle #bikefit #saddlesores

[@stuarthazell2024]

Good effort………… breathing in for the whole video in that new top. 😅

[@fede1275]

😂😂, I had a pizza after the video...

[@batuempedu2050]

At about 5:30 on your clip my wife and I nearly pissed the bed laughing. Your funny hand gestures and delicate choice of words gave us such a belly laugh we instantly fell in love with you. Def you are superb at explaining problems with seat design. Better than any actual bike fitter on youtube at explaining things. Well done!

[@fede1275]

Thank you! It's because I try to really understand the issue and explain it to myself first. Once I believe I have understood it correctly then I feel the urge to tell everyone 😄

[@edwardmordas4575]

Found your channel by accident a few weeks ago and really like your content, style of presentation and humour. Like you (and probably many others) I have tried a few different types of saddle but it’s not an easy process. As stated, we are all different so what works for one person could be terrible for someone else. Keep up the great work and I look forward to your next video.

[@fede1275]

Thank you Edward, I appreciate your comments! You are right, it's not easy and even more confusing as sometimes different manufacturers recommended saddles with very opposite criteria to the same riding style.

[@fiLthy_Rx]

Federico, I really appreciate your content and sense of humor, you've honestly become one of my favorite cycling related channels. Please keep putting out videos, I hope you get all the subs you deserve!

[@fede1275]

Thank you so much for your message and for watching my videos!!!

[@armahthetrainer]

Great topic. Most cycling channels wont even touch the specifics of seat comfort, but you did a fantastic job. Thanks. I'll be considering these options for my next saddle.

[@fede1275]

Thank you, I had to understand the issue as I noticed very contradicting advice coming from saddle manufacturers as well.

[@casuallycycling9339]

The Spherical Elements. Lmao! 🤣🤣🤣😂😂

[@fede1275]

😄😄

[@brokenbywhispers]

This has been bugging me for a while to the point I started wearing a bib liner with its own chamois underneath the regular bibs in order to double the padding. Ridiculous, I know. I need to seek out a saddle with narrower perineal gap and open ended tip, STAT. On an unrelated note, your videos are now like ASMR to me. When I get fed up with the barrage of stimulus-laden cycling videos from the most popular channels, I switch to yours, I get rid of all the mental clutter and calm down :)

[@fede1275]

Glad to hear I'm helpful!! Definitely not easy to find a saddle that works, as there might be so many reasons, even not the saddle itself.

[@MrPrax28]

You are a excellent explainer and in this video you just confirmed my suspicions. I have a similar problem to you, as you don't like wide saddles at front, I don't like it narrow, it just come unbearable when the pelvis rotate to front. For now, Bontrager Aeolus is the best I could find. Recently I tried a Prologo Dimension Space for 3 ride outs, different angles, it's no used, pain and sores were inevitable...back to my good old Aeolus😅... good video, mate, keep it up! Thanks 🙏

[@fede1275]

Thank you!! Hopefully you will be comfortable with the Aeolus. I was also going to try the Pro Stealth before I settled on the old Selle Italia Novus Boost.

[@soukesports8412]

You look fantastic in the orange jersey. :D

[@fede1275]

Thank you ☺️

[@Terrierized]

Do you have distributors in Australia?

[@MauriSky2437]

My body adjusted to the Fizik Tempo Argo R3 saddle after several rides. Now I am addicted to the saddle, which I put on my main bike. Time on a saddle matters!

[@fede1275]

Yes, that is also true. The Argo seems a very nice design.

[@dsonyay]

Federico I ride one of the Specialized Power models and I find it to be comfortable. I got it at the urging of my bike fitter who thought it would work out well for the type of riding I do, so I bought it. It was also discounted quite a bit so I think I paid under $100 for it which was a pretty good deal considering it was about $150 saddle. I have used many saddles over the years, and I find that my body is not particular about any specific type of saddle, but as long as the width is correct, everything seems to work out OK. There is a saddle maker in Germany that many people say designs an excellent saddle. SQ Lab, particularly from their 612 line.

[@fede1275]

Credit to Specialized, they started the whole short saddle movement and they have been extremely successful!

[@2321brendan]

Now the drivers might see you as they glance up from the phone! nice Jersey

[@fede1275]

Only in spring or summer though 😂. Will still need to adjust winter attire...

[@paulmcknight4137]

Do what ya gotta do....but, First thing all the books said back in '80, was, put a level tool on top of the saddle and level it. As you demonstrated, angling the nose down sets up sliding forward. Balance fore-aft on the saddle is essential to comfort. It's also the only way to keep the arms and hands supple. You should be able to take your hands off the handlebars and not be falling forward. Handlebar drop would be 2-4 inches. Leaning forward would put 40% of upper body weight on the hoods and 60% on the saddle. Placing weight on the sit bones and bending the waist, as you so masterfully demonstrate, is what ya gotta aim for. The first 2 or 3 years, I came home from long rides, hurting. It took a few years to learn, ever so slightly bending at the waist just enough to take most of the weight off the perineum is very comfortable. It isn't like running, so easy to forget!

[@fede1275]

Great integration regarding the position on the saddle, thank you. I should have been more specific, but the video came up long already. For the saddle tilt it's seems different for the new models that have a kickback. I would only check that the seating area is level, not the whole saddle as that measurement might give a false reading.

[@allannadobson4424]

Incredible how important contact point positions are eh 🚲 rockin that jersey 🤘🏼 bet you’d look great in pink 😁🤩 ride on

[@fede1275]

Thank you Allanna 😄😄

[@stuartfreedman6854]

Dang you look good in that jersey!

[@fede1275]

And it helped with my apnea preparation! Aaaand breathe....😂

[@ernestonuevo9074]

Fine video. Yep, is the story of all of us. As referred, it is a trial and error process. Keep on with interesting videos. Ciao!

[@fede1275]

Ciao Ernesto, thank you so much!

[@zedddddful]

Very helpful video I've ordered a selle Italia SLR superflow hopefully that relieves the pressure i get on the old gooch area 👍

[@fede1275]

It's also beneficial to play with the height as I noticed even a couple of mm can lower the pressure on your saddle and hover over it rather than being pushed with the full weight.

[@zedddddful]

@@fede1275 yeah I'm sure my position is off quite a bit because the pressure gets quite painful after anything over 2 hours in the saddle.

[@rowerazzzzzeee]

I was struggling with many saddles. Now my solution is great bibs. I have carbon saddle Selle Italia which have very small padding but weight only 110g. After I have those bibs (italian padding inside) I can ride 100+ km without any discomfort even without chamois cream. I can send you link for you to test them. They also have pockets very discrete and cool . Quality is top

[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

And may I ask what's the name of those magical bibs?

[@fede1275]

I am glad they work for you, but in my mind the saddle should not hurt even if you are not wearing padding. I never tried chamois cream either. What is the brand?

[@rowerazzzzzeee]

@@fede1275 on rides sub 60km probably any bibs will do. Chamois cream is especially good on hot days and long rides

[@jjmoto65]

@@fede1275 Frederico, after watching a KZbin video by former professional cyclist and Giro Winner Chris Horner. I took his recommendation and tried Noxzema and have been a fan and using it ever since. For one it is very inexpensive and can be purchased in local markets and pharmacies. Noxzema is a cleansing cream and also has real eucalyptus extract in it which is very cool, refreshing and invigorating LOL and smells good. It actually makes a hugh difference in comfort and is also beneficial for the chamois in your bib. By keeping it moist it prolongs the life of the chamois from sweat/body salt drying it out. Give it a try it less expensive than chamois creams.

[@fede1275]

@@jjmoto65 thanks for the tip, I'll have a look!

[@romanpramuka2703]

Really interesting explanation. My story is pretty similar. Three years ago I switch from MTB to road and I bought Merida scultura alu disc, original saddle survived less then month on bike, it was uncomfortable. I found that curvy saddle with cut out works better for me, I stick with Selle san Marco Aspide. Last winter I built my second bike Canyon CF SL disc, and saddle choice again Selle san Marco, but now shorter and wider Shortfit CFX narrow, even more comfy for rides over two hours.

[@fede1275]

Very close choices indeed 😄👍

[@jamessalter5330]

I have a Selle Italia Flite Boost superflow (the Boost means it is shorter) in carbon on my Cannondale and a replica Selle San Marco Aspide Superleggera on my Trek Domane. I have also been on a long journey like you. A few years ago I switched to ISM saddles after getting repeated weird things like hydrocels and epidydimitis in testicles. I was OK with them because my testicles didn't touch the saddles at all. However this summer I had to abandon a bikepacking trip after only two days having developed bursitis or a massive lump next to one sit bone. Now pretty much OK. The Aspide is more curved and surprisingly comfortable with a good chamois.

[@fede1275]

Yes, while my friend is happy with his ISM, I also noticed the increased pressure on the sit bone (maybe this caused your problem) and also the testicles bumping for me.

[@vbml]

Hi Federico, great video. Thanks for the information it was very useful as it highlighted what I need from a saddle. I have had a bike fit, got good bibs and use chamois but still have small issue. Just ordered a Selle Italia one! Hopefully it helps and they send your commission 😂. Great jersey by the way, made me laugh when you said you haven’t eaten anything in two days 😅. Keep up the good work and safe commuting. Thanks again

[@fede1275]

😄😄, thank you!! Hopefully the new saddle works for you!

[@richardseverin8707]

Good advice Fed !!!! I tried a few saddles and settled on the Specialized power saddle which I have on 3 out the 4 bikes that I own . Sometimes it really is trial & error getting the right saddle but it’s so worth it just to be comfortable. Love the orange jersey btw . Rapha do a similar colon I believe!!! Keep up the good work Fed

[@fede1275]

Thank you Richie! Definitely Specialized were the first innovators coming up with that new concept. I ended up on something very similar.

[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

Federico is too polite to tell you but the appropriate nickname for Federico in Italian and Spanish is FEDE. Fed is short for the US Federal Reserve, the Central Bank of the US government.

[@fede1275]

@@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker Haha, I don't mind really. All my English speaking friends seem to go with Fed, in Italian (you are correct) the short version is Fede. In Rome, as we are lazy, it becomes just Fe!!

[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

@@fede1275 I know, I know but I can't help it. Sorry. Some sub called Paul even called you FRED. I think he would find it weird if somebody called him Paolo. English is the current universal language in the world but proper names are proper names. One of my sons is called Alessandro and I burn inside when I hear someone call him Alexander. I know, a little bit extreme but I can't help it.

[@fede1275]

@@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker Not to mention the abuse I received when I was young because of my surname...

[@scottclarke8522]

Souke is good value for the money IMO.

[@fede1275]

It seems so, the quality is nice indeed!

[@Terrierized]

I noticed that stunning jersey b4 you even mentioned it 👀

[@fede1275]

😄😄

[@tinniswood2577]

Have ridden on the same Selle Italia Flite ti saddle for nearly 20 years now, once you find a saddle which is comfortable your rear stops complaining.

[@fede1275]

Yes, that is why I have stocked up now, got 2 spare 😄

[@helluminati]

Beautiful strava colors well you're the segment king. I'd rather ride around with my junk completely numb than one of those ism saddles.

[@fede1275]

I can see there is a bit of resistance towards ism and smp as well 😄

[@victorgarciablancozz]

Great video! I have been looking to the powerboost myself. Gravel version. Also the Cambium c13 from brooks is one that I need to try but want to like. Somehow I knew that you were going for selle Italia. ;)

[@fede1275]

It happened to be Italian 😄

[@paulmcquillan8308]

Another great informative video Fred am going through the motions of choosing another saddle but this time going for a bike fit first, to help try and get it right, apparently all us cyclists should have occasional bike fits as we become a little less subtle with age 😕

[@fede1275]

Yes, very true, we all change with time as ligaments and joints lose mobility and range of motion sadly.

[@patrickparisienne1917]

Very informative as always Fed!

[@fede1275]

Thanks again!

[@daloliveira5209]

I've been suffering to ind the right saddle.. I've tried about 5 different models.... maybe a saddle with that bigger cut out like this Selle Italia might help... great work... Greetings from Brazil!!!

[@fede1275]

It's definitely tricky. It's important to dial the position first, otherwise you would not know if it's really the saddle's fault.

[@daloliveira5209]

@@fede1275 I eve did a bike fit but It helped my posture but the numbness continues...

[@fede1275]

@@daloliveira5209 I know, it's frustrating. Definitely worth trying a different saddle. Some shops offer a return programme.

[@chriscleverley6473]

Thanks, good I want to try a new one. I think my saddle is too far back. After buying new handle bars I think that I need to move my saddle down and forward a bit. My new bars curve forward and I now sit really closer to my balls on the saddle. A question, why are you bouncing? Have you ever tried riding on rollers. Three rollers and no stand to keep your bike in place. If you ride 120 rpm or higher, people generally start to bounce. Rollers magnify the bounce effect and make it easier to fix. The fix is with your pedals at 10 and 5 o clock. That is right from your other video... That is where you need to not jam your legs down and up but horizontally. Correct from your other video.

[@fede1275]

Good point, I didn't explain it properly. I was thinking of the bouncing when you ride over potholes or cracked tarmac, not coming off your riding technique. I am always looking for a steady pelvis and smooth pedalling even when I am pushing hard. I try not to bounce, but road surface sometimes does not comply. What I noticed however that I slide forward on hardest efforts.

[@chriscleverley6473]

@@fede1275 I needed a new saddle , thanks for the test. You should watch Alberto Contardor in a TT. He slid forward, forward, push back, forward, forward forward, back,.... it looked very inefficient... The fix would be to point the saddle more upwards, but that is banned for race bikes by the UCI. Also, professional cyclists often need to go for surgery because after years of cycling their prostate?? collapses??? due to their saddles. Some bodily tube down there closes shut and has to be surgically reopened. The fix is a saddle with a hole down the middle. Triatheletes more often ride that type of saddle. But, it is always better for the tube thing in your body to point your saddle downwards. Thus you slide forwards. After so much rain, my saddle does not move and the seat pin will not move. Mine slopes upwards, I do not have that issue.

[@jamesbenning9665]

Hi, thanks for your unbiased insights on this much debate topic. I'm writing because I too bought an Antares at considerable expense and now after recently renting a bike with a cheaper Selle X3, realised just how uncomfortable my saddle has been. One question if I may, do you find the shortness of a boost saddle a constraint or frustration with regards adjusting your position on the bike?

[@fede1275]

Hi, my Novus Boost (old model) seems to be a good balanced short saddle, as it is not too wide at the back and not too thin in the front. No issues for me, but I heard of some not liking other short saddles. To me a saddle should have a channel, I would not ride one without. I can see some pros still use Antares or Arione, I believe only because it's what they started with and they all ride very much forward on that, almost sitting on the tip.

[@evilstars]

Fantastic video Federico! Love all the knowledge you put in there. Did you keep an eye on the materials? Because the weather or maybe comfort? Or just focus 100% in the riding experience.

[@fede1275]

Thank you! When I was looking I was mainly focusing on the shape I thought it could work for me. In hindsight I should have considered the materials as well: when I bought the Novus TM I went for the cheaper option as the one with Titanium rails was marginally lighter but more expensive. Now I know that there is a big difference in materials and construction.

[@evilstars]

@@fede1275 Since riding in Belgium, weather its my obession. Waterprof and mostly durability since humidity can be very degrading for materials. Thank you Federico. Always great to watch your videos.

[@fede1275]

@@evilstars understandable, you are a true cyclist from the land of cycling!

[@tomcolls9264]

I've had a lot of good fortune with the SLR Boost Superflow after also suffering with the Stealth, Power and Aeolus. I've always had issues with my bollocks being squished so i've given up with traditional length saddles. I do have a Flite Boost coming to try out though. Anterior pelvic tilt and cycling is a bitch of an issue.

[@fede1275]

I was going to try the SLR next, but I settled on the Novus first. You are right, most of saddles seem designed for cyclists that can keep a neutral or posterior rotated pelvis.

[@Terrierized]

So many seats to choose from, I imagine it must be difficult to find the right one without roadtesting them all..

[@fede1275]

Exactly, I wanted to share my experience so maybe someone can shortlist some. Definitely it's worth road testing on long rides to check.

[@edwardmargot3288]

Nice video. Going through a similar process

[@fede1275]

Good luck with the search!

[@17cream]

I have a San Marco which is crippling me, will look at your suggestions ! Great Video 👌

[@fede1275]

Thank you! I believe San Marco are the same company as Selle Italia, might be similar then!

[@17cream]

@@fede1275 it’s an older saddle, so I need to change !

[@17cream]

Just bought one ! 😎

[@fede1275]

@@17cream sorry, did not read properly! Try to understand exactly what hurts as there might be different solutions.

[@17cream]

@@fede1275 bruising on my seat bone and inflammation on soft tissue area. My San Marco is quite a different design and hurt more when using it on indoor trainer !

[@christerohlsson9034]

I have the Antares 00 and after so many saddles that’s the best one for me and I sitting straight back pelvic rotated with no problem all these saddles with cutouts just give you a bunch of other discomfort

[@fede1275]

I'm glad the Antares worked for you, I could not get along with it. Definitely saddle choice is very personal, within reason

[@liamc9425]

Question: do you own more saddles than helmets?

[@fede1275]

Oh wait... It's a tie! 5 each 😖

[@xelseartheonlyone1267]

That exact saddle the Novus Boost is what makes me want to abandon cycling. Saddles really are personal after all. I now try an ISM saddle. I hope it helps. Road bikes are beautiful but the discomfort and pain you endure and the money you spend till you achieve the comfort you need to cycle as much as you like! Is almost unbearable. I really hope this improves someday...

[@fede1275]

I really hope you find the right one for you. Have you tried to tilt it at all? I positioned mine with the forward half level or slightly pointing down, as the rear part flares up. Does it hurt the perineum or the bum? Did you try different ones? I also considered the Pro Stealth, it was going to be my next one if the Novus did not work.

[@xelseartheonlyone1267]

@@fede1275 Yes i tried. My dual spherical man things were boiling! It was scary! The ISM feels much better. But not perfect. Also i don't know if i picked the right one. The one i picked is 110 width while my Novus was 148. Maybe i need to switch it for a wider one like pr 2.0 or 3.0? I don't know... I ride endurance all road bike, and wanna do long distances like 200km+ and hopefully more. Thank you.

[@fede1275]

@@xelseartheonlyone1267 good luck with the search, it looks like you need to try more.

[@richardcastle6169]

I have an smp well m1.it is a comfortable seat.I tried quite a few when having my bike fit.I still get uncomfortable but i am 6’1 and 114kg.I am not sure whether I can get round it.going to keep riding and hope my soft tissue adapts

[@fede1275]

The smp design seems really well conceived, hopefully it will work for you on the long run.

[@BS-jb9wv]

Federico, how do you like your Canyon Ultimate SL? I'm thinking of getting one as well

[@fede1275]

I adore it!! It's an incredible machine, for me the best cost vs performance ratio available. Being rim brake it's light and responsive, reasonably aggressive position, stiff and stable yet manoeuvrable. With a small investment you can get top end performance. I onestly thought of getting a spare one while I can!

[@Funk11147]

I have been using the slr boost tm superflow but I've got big issues like on the inner groin a rubbing. And is red and sore prob like 20 min into a ride. This is both sides any idea why. I don't get perinium issues or any other issue but this will stop me being able to get out on the bike.

[@fede1275]

I can understand how really annoying it can be. My first check would be to see if the nose it's not pointing up. They say saddle should be level, but only the area where you sit on. If you measure the whole saddle angle, the rear portion of the saddle could give you a false reading and maybe let you position the saddle with an upward tilt. See it from the side, might be making more sense.

[@andrenogueira2190]

Hello Frederico, just noticed the carbon version of this saddle is at 80£ at wiggle, do you think it's worth it? Thank you

[@fede1275]

I actually bought it when it was on sale at Merlin, but somehow the rails did not fit my clamp. Not because they are oval, but they seemed closer together than a standard saddle. I was afraid of forcing it and I returned it. Maybe it was an odd one. Now I have the titanium version.

[@andrenogueira2190]

@@fede1275 thank you, interesting, I actually have a canyon ultimate too, the cf cl 8 with the post Canyon S13 VCLS CF, the one that has the setback, is it the same that you have?

[@fede1275]

@@andrenogueira2190 no, I have the CF SL 7, not sure if the clamp it's the same. It might be worth trying, if it fits it's a great saddle.

[@billsomerset238]

After 12 saddles, the selle smp extra seems the best right now. Heavy? Yes, but if its not comfortable , whats the sense.

[@fede1275]

Yes, you are right. From the outside the SMP design seems to be really well conceived. I am glad it works for you.

[@milovacc1195]

i also broke 2 saddles, at the nose. they both lasted a year each. i must resist the urge to buy specialized products. every thing i buy fails, 4 turbo tires, wireless computer and shorts that became more transparent with each wash. che porkay ree yah ski fose

[@fede1275]

Ouch, not good. Modern products don't seem built to last anyway 😖

[@neilplatt1111]

Top looks fab. I use selle italia, favourite is SLR Boost top of the line - brilliant for long rides. Winter bike selle italia flite titanium. worth popping your insta in your feed below

[@fede1275]

Yes, pity they discontinued the Novus in that shape. My insta is in the about section, I should post more there. @fede1275