Why You Should Consider A Cut Out Saddle On Your Road Bike | GCN's Guide To Cycling Saddle Comfort

If you're one of the many cyclists who suffer from saddle discomfort, pain, or numbness whilst you're riding your road bike, there are a number of solutions you should consider. One thing to look at would be a saddle with a cut out section that can help to relieve perineal pressure. In this video, Ollie, with the help of Selle San Marco, explains the main reasons why you might want to consider a cut out saddle.
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Leave us a comment below!

[@emilytoo4838]

Great to see a saddle video, Could we get this same video idea but with a focus on women? It’s really hard to find a good saddle as a woman and I’d love to hear the gcn women really get into it.

[@ForeverLumoz]

This!!! 👍🏻💪🏻👌🏻👆🏻

[@rainbowlable]

yes, please!! liked the antares while riding on the hoods but it doesn't work for me with the aero bars. i recently ordered manon's fizik saddle with the cutout but still have to test it

[@joetaylor486]

You ladies are obviously rather different to us blerks in that area, and I really do feel that you should have more choices and options re saddle. Can I also just say, don't wear panties under your cycling shorts. I am aware some do, particularly as neophytes. Recipe for discomfort and chafing.

[@QueenShanine]

YES!!!! Thank you! My poor lady parts were aching until I found a decent saddle and its still not perfect but I do agree that cutouts seem to work better.

[@QueenShanine]

@@joetaylor486 Thanks for the understanding ;) I think the panties come in to play for the women who may be menstruating (which is the only situation I can understand) and the newbies. But it does seem that companies are starting to consider us more and more.

[@ArashFallah]

Another thing about saddle comfort is that many don't ride long hours consistently and then do a 6+ hour ride on a weekend. You get sore and then don't ride till the next weekend, but if you ride everyday or every other day for one to two hours, then your body get used to the position on saddle.

[@shellypalumbo5297]

No slight intended Ollie, however, I would like to see Manon do a similar vid on women’s saddles. I’m seriously considering consigning my current saddle collection to the junk bin. Lol

[@paulim8703]

Yep, disappointingly only an afterthought on women's saddles.

[@996driver1]

Agree, there is NOT enough information out there for the ladies. My wife is a 100-125 mile a week rider and still in search of that perfect saddle. We keep trying. Thank goodness for Amazon Prime. I always tape the rails so they can be returned in perfect condition.

[@elenaaigle]

Oh yes, I would also love a woman specific saddle video, maybe breaking down the bibshort/saddle interface too. I recently road cross country with what I can only assume was maybe not the most appropriate equipment, and would really appreciate some guidance especially for those long rides (4h+)

[@lovenottheworld5723]

Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow 160mm wide angled slightly down. Works for more than half from what I can gather. You don't need a narrower saddle for crouching, just a cut out. The sit bones still take most of the weight because of less bone and flesh in the undercarriage.

[@Biohazed]

J Cobb makes women specific saddles. You should check them out first before considering others. I've been pleased with the two that I've purchased.

[@alexpopplewell1436]

Don’t have saddle discomfort but still watch the video just to see Ollie talk about anything

[@niallyshere]

forget saddles, where can I get my hair done like yours?

[@swato547]

it looks all silky huh

[@ITsupportian]

From watching Anime.. spend a full season on anime, and your hair will turn like that

[@AlecZier]

That's the corona special. You just grab a pair of clippers at home and go to town.

[@PerfectlyFreedom]

That bang is as curly as a wave

[@kellymckenzie4865]

Ollie's chat up line "I've got a really agreeable undercarriage 😘"

[@fijiarc2090]

So do I....

[@johnhanley9946]

Lol

[@bensmith411]

Upgraded to a saddle with a cutout from the stock one the bike came with and it was an absolute game changer 🙌

[@guaparra2]

What was your problem?I'm strongly considering getting one. Ever since day one of getting my road bike my balls hurt pretty bad I'm talking about 15 or 20 minutes ride and i rode an older women's road bike before for like a year rode it for like a 25 30 miles ride no problem although the saddle was pretty wide and cushion.

[@bensmith411]

Yeah just too much ball pressure tbh mate. Takes a while to get used to a cut-out saddle and you may need to alter your saddle position until you find your optimum, but definitely worth it

[@TheDoosh79]

Another tip is have patience, it can take ages to suss out what is right for you. I struggled for years and eventually tried a cut out saddle and thought it made a big difference, then I started getting the same problem reoccur so I paid more attention to fine tuning my bike fit and made a massive improvement, to the point where saddle design became less crucial and I was fine on a solid saddle again.

[@palicar]

I found it easy to settle on a saddle once the pain in my wallet exceeded the pain in my shorts.

[@totofx]

😂😂😂

[@declanfaughey8471]

I use a saddle with a cut out and it was the best upgrade I made to my bicycle as now I don't suffer from numb Nuts.

[@jordyd8916]

Don't test on a trainer! Only outdoors. My behind always hurts after 1 hour of trainer. It never hurts outdoors, not even +5 hours. Switching to a cut out might require more then just switching saddle. I've been riding for over 10 years now on the same saddle. One spring, with aging, "things" started to go numb. Nothing different with to saddle or the bike. Just me getting older/stiffer. After switching to a cut out saddle, OW BOY, never had more pain then after that first 2 hour ride. I now found new comfort with that new saddle but it took: - over 1.000km for my seating bones to get used to the extra pressure - adjusted saddleposition (moving forward like 2 centimeter) - adjusted saddle tilt - and a new pair of pants, more cushoning on the correct place - time for the body to adjust

[@daveyoung6680]

Very good advice

[@bunnymagic7704]

It’s always a good idea to try out on a trainer, if you have zero problem on a trainer then you’ll be 100% fine on the road.

[@neilrock7386]

As someone new to road riding, I was surprised how painful the tweenie soreness was even with proper shorts/shammy. Great timing GCN!

[@edwatom]

The ISM saddles have been a revelation for me, as the cutout saddles I tried previously still caused problems. I'm not very flexible so tilted my pelvis more than the average, I think. The PN 3.0 was an absolute game changer. Shame it wasn't mentioned. There's also the Infinity saddle, which cradles your sit bones instead.

[@chriskotting]

Right with you on the ISM saddle. I see no reason to bother with exploring other saddles. The PR 3.0 works for me. They just came out with a PR 4.0.

[@randomescu]

I ordered SelleRoyal Respiro Soft Unisex, for commuting in town and recreation, do you think it offers enough comfort? It does look like a sofa !

[@domsquaaa4323]

e

[@pedronalesso1464]

Brooks B17 the ultimate touring saddle, yes it is a beast! Super comfy

[@larisonjohnson]

I’ve had a cutout saddle for years, love it! When trying saddles, there are a number of cheaper options available to find the correct shape for you, after you have a shape that works, you can buy better. I picked up a Nashbar CF1 for $20 to try a cutout saddle. 5 years later, still using it. 😂😂😂

[@19redmiata94]

You know it will be a good video when the opening words are "Gooch soreness." The worst thing I did with a saddle was on an old mtb I had. I decided to go on a long ride so I went and bought the biggest cushiest saddle I could find...a cruiser saddle. This was before I knew anything really about bikes. It was painful to say the least, and after that I went and bought a good bike.

[@996driver1]

I recently switched to a Fizik Argo R5 150 mm with cut outs and OMG I wish I had found this years ago. For me. Cut outs forever!. Another great video.

[@monty2078]

Saddles are personal.i got one of these and it is the most uncomfortable saddle I have ever ridden

[@MsEmilyDreamer]

When I first bought my gravel bike, I switched from the saddle it came with to a saddle with a cut out and I’ve never gone back!!! It really keeps the pressure off the sensitive area greatly.

[@Femdelacrem]

which brand/model? i'm looking for a good saddle as well!

[@neilowen9468]

I ride with a Selle Italia SLR. Looks horrific, but it’s really comfortable! The cut out works for me!

[@kriskrof10]

Bought an ISM saddle, changed my life!

[@willemb]

Same!

[@wazzup105]

I bought an ism look-a-like from aliexpress jus to test it out and it has been very agreeable. One of these days I really would like to try a real ISM saddle.

[@MrJPAA18]

ISM. LOVE IT

[@chriskotting]

@@jochenweidler8645 Funky looking for sure, but I'm not looking at it while I'm riding!

[@HenryAshman]

One thing to bear in mind with cut out saddles is your mudguard game needs to be on point, otherwise you can end up with water/mud coming through the hole and no-one likes that. Though you can get saddles with a cutout in the padding, but not the base that do the job.

[@neilrock7386]

Didn’t think of that... could look embarrassing! 👀😂

[@vakantieman3270]

still love my 20 year old Brookes racing saddle. its great :)

[@Pratalax]

very glad that you mentioned how fitting other points on the bike as an important part of saddle comfort rather than just the usual saddle marketing spiel. i can say from experience that fiddling around with the various contact points on the bike has certainly resulted in noticable changes upon the ol' you know what (i'm talking about my arse, taint and balls)

[@gcn]

For sure the other contact points on your bike are really important too

[@claudiawright4053]

Would love a more comprehensive video for women and women’s issues!! Soft tissue pain is.. different.. for us and can be really hard to fix!

[@gcn]

Nice idea, Claudia. That's definitely something we could look into in more depth.

[@grasshopper1254]

The San Marco Rolls was THE comfiest saddle for me but when I stopped riding everyday for a couple of years to get back on it was like sitting on a rolling pin. Bruised agony. So as well as getting a good saddle there is a need for gradually toughening up.

[@arthurmcneal6421]

Found my perfect saddle 3 years ago and it has a cutout that is exactly right for my body.As someone who's been riding for 40 years this was the one thing that I never got 100%right in choosing.Finally in 2018 I discovered a local company here in Brooklyn NYC that sells the perfect saddle for my body and I have reached that goal of 100% comfort on the bike.

[@AstroLaVista]

The gooch graphic was truly amazing

[@mikebarre1224]

USED TO have a Brooks Pro Leather. Once broken in it was the most comfortable saddle. Unfortunately this bike Argon 18 was stolen and am breaking in a new Brooks. Its a battle between me and my bum. LOTS OF CREAm both saddle and bum.

[@kyleessex6301]

best opening line ever

[@drberolgiant6894]

Saddle angle is very important too. For many a 2 degree downslope works well and avoids perineal discomfort when on the drops

[@timoflynn8224]

Great and informative vid as always Ollie. Tried dozens of saddles over the years - the keeper is a Brooks. You won't find those in the modern peleton but Merckx and Coppi used them!

[@secretagent86]

i used to have a Brooks. all leather. quite comfy

[@markjohnson2754]

Went through many, many saddles until a friend recommended the Cobb Randee. That one worked for me. I now use the Cobb on all my bikes. Everyone is different, of course, so YMMV.

[@carlstatham594]

The Aspide narrow, cut-away is the best saddle I have ridden for my under-carriage. I get on with most saddles, except the Arione...... but then Si and others I know love it. Best place I know for a fit is Bicycle Richmond

[@scottsell4182]

Been off the bike for 15 months due to pudendal neuralgia. Indoor trainer is similar to riding locked in for an hour. Daily Numbness turned into burning pain due to nerve damage. I was on my third saddle. Don’t ignore numbness either men or women! Also consider using a rocker plate for indoor trainer. I had a pro fit for bike but wish I also had a saddle pressure fit as well. If you get PN or Cycling Syndrome and you’re male, likely to be mid-diagnosed with prostatitis, especially if you’re older. This means months of antibiotics that don’t help. There are several specialists Physical Therapists specializing in treating this condition. Sarton Clinic in CA helped me the most. Told this injury can affect 10% of Cyclists but have met only one other person. She works for Specialized. Would like to meet others and hear if or how they have returned to Cycling? Good Luck!

[@nicholassmith831]

I have a Selle SanMarco Shortfit with cut-out and its been, by far, the comfiest of all the saddles I've tried

[@davidrenninger8521]

I have struggled with saddles and found the infinity seat created by a doctor in Cali. A lot different than your average saddle but well worth the try I can’t ride anything else anymore!!

[@greggsenne1268]

My best saddle in years is a Forza Cirrus I found online for $18 marked down from $120. No cutout, fairly flat. Gave up on the cutout that came with the bike. A real crotch grinder. Also, the style of chamois in your shorts has a BIG effect. I like shorts with no patterns embossed in the chamois. Flat and smooth is best.

[@BooklessT]

Bought a Selle Italia - don't know the model - a good few years ago. When it gets to the end of its life I think I'll try and have it re-covered cos its been brilliant.

[@donnahicks3672]

Great video and does a lot to explain why there are just so many saddles available! Agree with the earlier comments about the need for more information on female specific challenges and what to consider when purchasing a saddle.

[@grandad1982]

On my 3rd saddle and finally happy. First saddle was ok but a bit to wide, second had a cutout and that really was a pain. Nw got a WTB Silverado and its great for me.

[@alexmites]

You guys read minds now? Went for a long ride yesterday and the first thing in my mind as i got back home was "I need a new saddle, lets check them cut out ones" . 24 hours later, this shows up

[@botchok5]

Perfect timing! I struggle to complete a 1hr workout on Zwift, not because I'm tired, but because my pee pee feels like I have pins and needles.

[@afdhalsyah]

Dear GCN.. I Like your videos and information in it. But one thing that i really love... your bike suit.

[@jopsjosef9414]

Lovin' the new studio Ollie! Did you redecorate or moved into another room?

[@SetigoAndram]

Don't tell anyone, but I am using one lady saddle with big hole, that was at discount sale by about 1/3 of original high price. Its fantastic more confortable and does not heat may genitals the way other saddles did, I do aprecciante the fresh feel.

[@afterburn2600]

I've been riding cut out saddles for years (decades? I think? Like maybe late 90s early 2000s). Love them and wouldn't go back without a really good reason.

[@martinbarnett4210]

Iv'e always struggled to find a comfy saddle . Being a guy I thought the more you spend the comfier the saddle. WRONG.!! I tried a Brand-X Womens Cut Out Saddle and finally a saddle that is comfy for me. £10.99 from CRC and I couldn't be happier.

[@pierrefitter]

Ollie gets right into it, doesn't he... No warm up necessary. 😂

[@darekpiegat1]

The issue of the sitting comfort when riding road bike does not end with a saddle and pressure distribution. Another topic is related to skin sensations in this area after long rides. Though it is even more delicate topic any comments? The keyword for GCN next video could be "chamois cremes": for men and women.

[@gcn]

Nice idea, Dariusz. That's definitely something we can look into.

[@willzillmann5755]

Hey Ollie, love your videos mate and a great help. I will definitely try the cut-out saddle when I can afford one. Though the standard saddle on my 2017 Scott Foil 20 is OK, I still have the odd issue with numbness when I adopt a more aggressive riding style. Can I say, though, the proof is NOT in the pudding...the phrase is, "the proof of the pudding is in the eating" ;)

[@stevegarside5026]

Great video. I used to get terrible pain in the gooch area such as numbness and shooting pains down towards my feet. Horrid. I spoke to my doctor, who was a keen cyclist and he put me on to selle smp. I had a bike fit and tested out loads of saddles and finally went with the selle smp stratos. Now this was not cheap but it was so worth it! Now when riding I get no pain and don’t really ever need to shuffle about either. Perfect. I also say that is it best have the same saddle on all of your bikes (yes I use one on a mountain bike too: Cotic Soul... best bike ever) as this helps massively. Remember that the saddle is the most important part of your bike because if you aren’t comfortable then you’re not riding to the your own full potential. Also it’s more fun riding without a sore bum and plums 😆

[@bymylights]

Steve Garside lmao I love that your doctor prescribed you a bike seat 😂 how convenient haha

[@gruberra]

I love my Selle Italia Flite Gel saddles from the 90th. Bought all good ones on ebay for a fortune.

[@dh7314]

Ordered a new bike yesterday and went for a stubby saddle. A proper fitted bike makes a big difference.

[@DAlexKablack]

I love the cutout, like a hammock for the nethers, I had to go back to a solid one after mine wore out and those century rides just haven't been the same.

[@carljansevanrensburg2440]

Upgraded to a cutout saddle about a year ago. Should have done it way sooner.

[@seattlegrrlie]

Took me a long time to figure out that a 42mm width is what I needed. I use the Terry FLX which does have a cutout. No more saddle sores, no more hot spots, no more discomfort. I mean, after a long ride I might be a little sore, but not ouch

[@samuelmundula2216]

Nice to see my favorite saddle brand featured! I bought an Mantra and it hurt so much but when I swapped to a Aspide, 👌👌 perfection. Recently completed an 8 hour ride & zero rear pain. I know everyone's individual, but the Aspide is perfect for me 👍

[@jdssurf]

What model

[@samuelmundula2216]

@@jdssurf the mid grade one without carbon rails but with the fancy metal rails

[@cyclingeveryday7346]

I have used a few different saddles and I finally found one with a cut out of course but its not what you would expect. Its one of the cheapest saddles I have owned 16 bucks on Amazon cheapy lol. But I must say I prefer the cut out and this saddle over my Selle I had previously on my bike. But hay to each their own.

[@emotioneering]

I agree that a bike fit is absolutely essential as the place to start with bike comfort in general. They will likely recommend a saddle based on their observations and measurements

[@danielmoorhouse6506]

Saddles can feel very different depending on their tilt. Start with a flat position and from there if not comfortable then nose down a fraction at a time. For wavey shaped saddles like the fizik aliante there are instructional videos on the starting point, as what is flat is not always obvious. Might save you buying a new saddle.

[@matthiaskettner6686]

Hey Ollie, I heard shutdown was over and you can go have a haircut 😘😬

[@AustinMcsherry]

I had a recurrent problem from a cracked coccyx. Cutout was a life saver. Specialized Avatar. Got it half price too. 👌

[@NewDoughs]

Been waiting for this video for a long time. Me and my three legs need to know how to ride more comfortably

[@johnsewell9332]

I think finding the perfect saddle is some type of witchcraft. I had spent years searching for a comfortable saddle. lots of watching, reading and experimenting. Nothing worked, had resigned myself to never be truly comfortable on my bike. Then completely by chance. I was given a saddle that they said was horrible but what did I have to loose by giving it a try? it turned out to be a perfect fit for me and has totally transformed my cycling.

[@eltribun]

It took me years trying out after recommendation A B C .... I guess it is a just question of a lot of testing regardless of science and stuff, now I ride Selle SLR flow with cut, for four years

[@alinapopescu872]

I have a cut out saddle and, as a woman, it makes a world of difference.

[@ronbyers9912]

I have been lucky. I had a bike fit and discovered that the saddle that came with my Specialized Roubaix worked just fine. Probably that is because I am a pretty average sized man and manufacturers aim directly at me. That said if I did have a problem I wouldn't hesitate to try something different. The fitter had me sit on a pattern and was able to judge my shape. The only problem I have had with a seat was having one tilted forward. I like mine to be level.

[@jasonsuter13]

New to cycling, and have gone through 4 saddles in space of 2 month's ,suffered with numbness and severe discomfort at around 25 mile mark, I'm now on a cut out and the numbness has gone but still hurts, suppose that part is something you get used to👍

[@fritzb.3978]

I noticed a big help when I got a proper bike fit. All the saddle changes couldn’t help when I was over reaching for the bars and squashing my... undercarriage.

[@gcn]

Bike fit is definitely an important part of saddle comfort!

[@hughchapman5319]

I was in the same year as Gooch Soreness at school. Willy Numbness was in the year above

[@petrvcelak2634]

As a new cyclist with relatively good fitting bike (reach, saddle height etc.) I was surprised after first longer ride of few hours to arrive home going to the bathroom and feel a great burning sensation while peeing. Quite disturbed by this fact I used the power of the internet to find out the reason - irritated urethra. It seems that differently shaped saddle, cutout or wider/narrower saddle is a must in case of my bike.

[@Hesoyam31]

For now I'm still a student. But i hope i get to buy my very first road bike even the ones you consider cheapbikes is good for me. to be honest that is all I can dream to afford (and still expensive for me 😂) but as long as I get to ride it doesn't matter. thank you for the tips. I will put that to mind in the future. More power! more subs! to you guys. 💯💪

[@geoffreysouthworth5933]

Leather ones shape to you and move on bumps good for sweat as well 😍

[@francisvanzeli2069]

AMAZING and AFFORDABLE!!!

[@david.leikam]

I love my Brooks B72.

[@sminleong]

I went for a saddle fitting service, found a saddle that suits me after 45 minutes. For ladies, it is definitely worth going for a saddle fitting. Before that, I thought I could maybe get used to the saddle that came with the bike, but after 2 weeks, I started having problem with going to the toilet. And it was painful.

[@pointbreak2811]

I like my San Marco Concor light

[@JoeBleasdaleReal]

The first six seconds are true meme potential

[@jorgea.garzav4650]

with cutout saddle and mud you'll have a muddy, funny stripe over there, a hard to wash if you were in the road

[@grimp53]

Stick a cut-off ass saver underneath!

[@AussieInJapan]

My bike came with a standard saddle and in a width not for me. Best bike upgrade I made was adding the new 155mm width Bontrager Aeolus Comp Bike Saddle, very similar to a Specialized Power type saddle. Don’t notice it’s there anymore and numbness is gone making bike more enjoyable to ride.

[@lighting_fast]

That is what make it hard in finding the right saddle. The bike shop says because of the difference bum shape and sit bones there are so many types.

[@rascal1234]

Oh, I have replicated that same pain on an indoor trainer, with a 2.5 hr race on a dead, flat course. I was in so much pain, that I will never do that again.

[@sebasforest963]

I always thought the traditional fit was to have a perfectly leveled saddle. That was the UCI rule after all. I struggled with comfort until I tried tilting my saddle slightly forward. Problem solved!

[@popeontop]

Shoutout for the Pavé seatpost!

[@od1koneod171]

Great Video Ollie. The lighting in this however confirms... you would look great in a mullet!

[@joewakelin198]

New gcn set is awesome

[@danielcarrillo6939]

Thanks for listining GCN 👍

[@ianbing]

cut out all the saddle issues and get a brooks leather saddle, the tiny bit of extra weight on a long ride is nothing and the comfort is so good that it actually makes you ride faster for longer

[@sitoudien9816]

This saddle issue leads to the age old argument: bikes vs recumbents. The undisputed winner for comfort is recumbents. Every tech, gadget, accessory for bikes is to relieve pain, discomfort, and soreness. While recumbents are purpose built for comfort. And we know GCN won't talk about it because it's bad for business.

[@rohanmccoy5424]

The trial and error process has left me with a few spare saddles. Finally figured that the cut-out was not for me as it aggravates my hip with the torn labrum. Really should ebay those "spare" saddles

[@wazzup105]

I have different saddles and different bibs, and I find that some bibs go better with one saddle then the other (and vice versa).

[@dafiltafish]

I'm on step one of getting a new saddle, I'm more in the trial and error phase right now, the first one I've tried seems a lot better than the Selle Italia rando seat that came on the bike... still can't believe BMC and Bianchi think it's a good stock seat.

[@larsmunch4536]

For me, using different bib shorts with different chamois makes a big difference, even with the same saddle.

[@anjao2526]

I had major problems with wrong saddle on my hybrid bike. Really not good for women! I wasn't able to sit on a bike for a month! Then I bought the cutout saddle and suddenly my problems were solved. Truth be told, they're utterly uncomfortable which makes you stand up and correct your posture every 10 minutes which by the way lets more blood flow into your veins and hence doing what it should! Im sticking to them for now!

[@1958vintage]

I'm nearly 62 (2 weeks to go!) and started TT racing again 5 years ago (after a 40 year hiatus). I frequently train on a turbo in the garage, usually 2-3 hours a session. I did try a cutout saddle for a time but the edges of the cutout dug into my sensitive region quite badly. What really changed things for me, however, was my first Adamo (ISM) "noseless" saddle. I have one each now on my turbo bike and TT bike. I've tried a few different designs over the last 5 years but nothing even comes close to matching the comfort (relatively speaking) of the Adamo saddle. I do tend to sit near the front of the saddle btw, and I can hold quite an aggressive position on that type of saddle. On my road bike, however, I ride somewhat more upright and use a saddle with a groove rather than a complete cutout (Fizik Antares Versus). As Olly pointed out, the more upright position is more forgiving.

[@jdssurf]

Doesn’t that one still have a cut out, just without a long nose? Looks like it would spread your legs out, doesn’t that cut out bug you too

[@harrie974]

I’ve never had saddle sores. I usually have flat saddles, but bought a second hand bike once that had an SMP on it. I was surprised how comfortable it is, although the shape and width is completely on the other end of what a bikefitter would recommend. Problem with cutout saddles I’ve experienced is that they bend more and loose their rigidity over time.

[@DavidslvPT]

Very good! Thanks both!

[@Digiphex]

It gives prostate gland relief for those over 50!

[@jowen85]

I bought a cut out Terry one, years ago, at the time it was supposed to be one of the best and it was certainly expensive enough to be! ... OMG, uncomfortable... your bits fall in the hole and your other bits rub on the sides or get pinched ... it went to a charity shop. Now, I use either a Selle Italia Lady Gel WITHOUT a hole (hard to find now), or a Brooks, which are brilliant once broken in. That said, I wonder if another make would be ok, but it's too high a price to pay for another give-away

[@jeffpedals]

Currently going thru discomfort this year. Strange because I was fine all last season on the same saddle. Beginning to think that my issues might be because of the cutout.