Im considering changing my c17 now for something a tad more giving on the spine and sit bones. Has anyone got the newer version bel airs and if so are they as good as the older version. Also iv been looking at some of the specialized saddles are they worth a punt if anyone uses one ta

Have you looked at the EE-silk suspension post? It’s very light and provides 20mm if travel. Might not sound a lot but it makes a big difference. Pricey though.

A Charge spoon might be worth a punt, cheap as chips and very comfortable.

Having tried a few saddles (including a B17) I'm now standardising on 143mm Specialized saddles for both MTB (Phenom) and road (Toupe).

FWIW I also like Charge Spoons but I find they don't last very long. Over the course of a few months, the foam seems to "pack down", losing comfort for longer rides. The 143mm Specializeds are almost identical in dimension but last much longer (given they are also more expensive in the first place).

The Spoons are also available as the Madison Flux and the Gusset R-Series.

Mike, to be forgiving on the spine... Isnt it better thinking more about the whole kaboodle (who on earth invented that word!). I used to have spine problems way back when and I slowly experimented with various framesets etc.

Have you got an alu frame with a large diameter seatpost. Them 2 places would be a good place to start. Sorry as you probably already know this and more

Actually, thinner seatposts are more comfy. 27.2 in Ti would be a good option. Fit a shim if necessary.

Alu frames are, typically, the most unforgiving too (though much can be done with design and manufacture to help overcome this).

ScotRoutes wrote: ↑Wed Apr 08, 2020 9:59 pm Actually, thinner seatposts are more comfy. 27.2 in Ti would be a good option. Fit a shim if necessary.

Alu frames are, typically, the most unforgiving too (though much can be done with design and manufacture to help overcome this).

Yup... thats what I was meaning Colin sorry.. was asking him if maybe his seatpost was too thick and the alu was substandard

LOL - I was reading it in reverse

Try looking at touring saddles.
I bought a used Fargo that came with a WTB Pure saddle.
Compared to modern thin blades that pass for saddles everything about it looked wrong. It was wide and thick and was probably the most comfortable saddle I ever owned.

ScotRoutes wrote: ↑Wed Apr 08, 2020 10:12 pm LOL - I was reading it in reverse

Undiagnosed dyslexia?? Thats exactly what I'd do

ScotRoutes wrote: ↑Wed Apr 08, 2020 10:12 pm LOL - I was reading it in reverse

Mike - I have Bel Airs on all my MTBs. Newest one is less than 6 months old I think. Can't tell any difference between that and the older ones tbh.

I feel your pain on the C17 - mine is now permanently on the gradventourer. The older I get the more sensitive my arse is to a prolonged battering.

Specialized will do a money back guarantee on their saddles, buy it, use it and if you don’t like it, you either get shop credit or a refund (can’t remember which).

Bontrager do the same but you definitely get your money back Strangely, bontrager feel fine on my road bike but not on my mountain bike (different saddles though)

Best one I've used.

mike, i had a period of swapping saddles almost every ride. then i got a heads up off a bloke who had prostate cancer.
he told me to try a ISM adamo saddle.
i now have them on my 3 bikes, and they are a revelation.

https://ismseat.com/

i use the PR 3 model.

Seriously Stu?...........


There’s no way I’d put anything that colour on my bike

Stu, interesting find. Whats the little thing sticking up for pal

Hi mike. Ive a couple of bel air 2.0 seats. Not as good as the original. Firmer, lighter too if that matters.

Ive one not in use if you want to try it. Also have a wtb you could try out.

I also use a fabric scoop, the medium flatness one. Thats pretty good.

Theyre all personal i suppose. I didnt get on with the specialized phenom.

Stu, interesting find. Whats the little thing sticking up for pal

I think it's just extra padding where you most need it.

Keeps you fixed in one position eh Stu? Not sure it will comply with many people's 'exit only' strategy. : )

Greetz

S.

Have you tried a Brooks Cambium carved?
Do the new Bel Aire squeek any less I wonder? I'm on Ergon saddles now for the MTB, having been a Bel air devotee.

Have you thought of a suspension seatpost?

https://bikepacking.com/index/suspension-seatposts/