Bike Saddle Question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

123c · #1 08-17-2008, 10:26 PM

My mom just gave me a Gel saddle that she had on her bike, she picked it up in a used parts bin at a bike shop in Seattle. She has no idea if it's a mens or womans saddle. My question is what is the big difference between the two, and if it is a womans, would it look funny for me to be using it. My search is sort of making it look like it's a womens saddle, but it could be a mans as well

Kuan · #2 08-17-2008, 10:43 PM

Whatever's comfortable.

123c · #3 08-17-2008, 10:54 PM

I will try it in the morning, it wasn't that comfortable for my mom, so that is why she gave it to me.

I think I might have broke my tail bone about 10 years ago, when I fell down a flight of stairs, but I never went in for medical treatment, so I don't really know, but my rear hurt really bad for a few months. Because of this, my rear end is asking for a more comfortable saddle, I think I might work up to a Brooks saddle sometime in the near future, once I get a new bike.

On a side note, bike shopping is a pain. I was looking for a single speed, but after testing a few, my knee was telling me I need to wait until I get my leg strength back up to what it was when I was in college, and I rode a lot. I found that I like the Kona Dew Deluxe, and came close to purchasing one, but I need to test out a few others before I end up buying something. I've noticed a lot of bike shops are stuck up, and not that much help. I found one in Seattle where one of the sales men spent a few hours over a 2 day period helping me, and he wasn't on commission either, which was nice because he wanted to make sure I got something that I would ride, and not sit in the garage collectiing dust.

jcyuhn · #4 08-18-2008, 10:46 AM

There is really no difference between a saddle for men or women. In general a "womens" saddle is a bit wider because women usually have wider pelvic sit bones. What you need is a saddle that fits your particular geometry, be it narrow hipped or the other way 'round. I have found over the years that a saddle which is very flat from nose to tail is more comfortable. It permits you to slide forward and back, which moves the pressure points around. In contrast, a saddle with a "bucket" in the middle always forces you into the same position - not so good for long rides.

- JimY

123c · #5 08-18-2008, 12:15 PM

I just tried the seat, my rear likes it a lot, however it rubs on my package a little funny, but it's not as bad as the old saddle. My verdict is that I will live with it for a while, since my rear end likes it, my package will get used to it after a while...

SwampYankee · #6 08-18-2008, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 123c

I just tried the seat, my rear likes it a lot, however it rubs on my package a little funny, but it's not as bad as the old saddle. My verdict is that I will live with it for a while, since my rear end likes it, my package will get used to it after a while...

That's been my issue with the narrower seats, way too much discomfort there. I went with an old man/woman's seat last year and it's a lot more comfortable.

123c · #7 08-18-2008, 01:22 PM

The discomfort of my old saddle was bad, this gel saddle I think I will get over shortly, I think I am still feeling some discomfort from the old saddle, so that I why it was bothers me on this new saddle...

aklim · #8 08-18-2008, 01:24 PM

Try it and see. If you start acting funny, wonder what it would be like to try on women's underwear, be with other men, you might conclude it is a female saddle.