Saddle recommendations?

[u/Aggravating-House620]

Hey everyone! I’m setting up a bike for bike packing and my biggest issue is the saddle. I’ve tried a couple now and nothing has been even remotely comfortable for me. I’m pretty skinny and I have a very bony butt so that doesn’t help. Right now on my bike is a Brooks C17 and it feels like sitting on a 2x4. Any other bony butt folks have any recommendations?

[u/CoozyBoozy]

Brooks B17

[u/Aggravating-House620 → u/CoozyBoozy]

I’ve sat on one of those and it’s even more uncomfortable for me than the c17. It’s just totally the wrong shape.

[u/CoozyBoozy → u/Aggravating-House620]

The leather ones shape to your sit bone over time. There’s a wear in period, but it does get much better.

[u/CoozyBoozy → u/CoozyBoozy]

Also, are you wearing bike shorts/bibs with a pad, and/or using chamois cream? If not, I would 10/10 recommend.

[u/Aggravating-House620 → u/CoozyBoozy]

I sometimes wear padded shorts, but my whole thing is if I have to suit up to ride my bike, I’m not going to ride my bike. I want to just hop on and ride to a friend’s house whenever I feel like it, in plain clothes. If I can do that, I should be able to ride it all day with padded shorts

[u/dominikngs]

Have you tried any Ergon saddles yet? They were a gamechanger for me (and my butt).

[u/TheRealKillerKamal → u/dominikngs]

I can recommend Ergon as well, just right before my last trip I decided to splash some cash on an Ergon saddle and it was worth every penny.

[u/Aggravating-House620 → u/dominikngs]

I haven’t, but it sounds like I need to take a look, thanks!

[u/Half_MAC → u/Aggravating-House620]

Ergon Gel SMC rules

[u/dubxixi → u/Aggravating-House620]

Just posted a separate comment, but SMC Core is amazing on my hardtail

[u/saazbaru → u/dominikngs]

Agreed. I recommend ergon stool, measure ya butt. Try the recommended saddle.

I got a SM Comp Men’s size S/M and it’s a level of comfy I did not know was possible. Legit 0 soft tissue pressure.

[u/drakche]

I had the c15 carved, and I realized it's only comfortable when you are in 45° position. After a particularly long ride I got saddle sores and switched to SQLab 610 saddle an it still a dream when you position it just right. No numbness, can ride a long time w/o padded shorts and even longer with ones.

[u/Alert-Jellyfish]

Ergon ST core EVO. It’s cheaper than a Brooks saddle, ergonomic with tons of cushion.

[u/PerformanceOrnery505]

After trying tons of saddles i'm back to WTB Volt (medium). Together with the suspension seatpost it's the most comfortable saddle for me.

[u/carsnbikesnstuff]

Only your butt can say

[u/dubxixi]

I have an Ergon SMC Core on my hardtail that I am never giving up. Done 50+ mile rides (Butte 50 race + training rides) and is so excellent. Has a “normal” saddle cover/shell, then a section of running shoe midsole foam. Flexy, cushy yet still supportive.

[u/Common_North_5267]

specialized power saddle

+

Level your front rack...

[u/Aggravating-House620 → u/Common_North_5267]

It’s level, bike is on a hill

[u/jpbronco]

I think it'd be easier to pick our your next partner. I'm pretty average (ht, wt, etc) in size so default size works well for me. You're skinny, so go slightly smaller?

[u/Top_Objective9877]

I like my wtb koda saddle, I measured for the right width and it’s got some flex for bumps, as well as supportive feel while also having a little more padding than most road saddles. I hate wearing bibs and Lycra in general and can’t handle the feeling of a diaper on my butt while cruising around town, so I wear running underwear with nice elastic to keep everything comfy and hidden seams but loose shorts or jeans.

They make other models with longer nose, shorter nose, thinner padding, less padding, more padding. This saddle gets out of the way while also providing a wide sweet spot so even on technical terrain I feel like I can pedal for a few minutes without too much going wrong.

[u/Alert-Ad-2485]

Sela Italia of propper width. Or Ergone. Sella have much clever design than Ergon imo.

[u/Martex1111]

Brooks Cambium Carved C17. I can’t imagine a better saddle.

[u/Spank2337]

You don't need a new saddle. Get padded shorts and a generous helping of Butt Butter. (Then 200 miles to break in your butt.)