We're taking a look here at the saddle round-up we brought you in Issue 30. While saddles aren't always the most exciting piece of equipment to look at, they have a very definite impact on your riding enjoyment and are key to your comfort. See some of the latest saddles here and maybe you'll find your next seat.
by The CXM Test Crew
Saddles, like helmets, have gone through a number of technology and construction changes recently. Even if you think you found the right shape for you a long time ago and have been loyal ever since, it’s worth a look and test ride of the latest generation of saddles to see if there’s a more comfortable ride.
Until recently, shopping for saddles has been mostly about finding the right shape, and then perhaps deciding how much padding you wanted. Maybe you also decided whether you wanted to save some grams through tubular rails or exotic materials. More recently, cyclists and cyclocrossers could opt for a cut-out for potential pressure relief or water cooling during a wet race.
Now, construction techniques, shock absorbing materials, width options and even new rail designs are all being touted as the secret to a more comfortable ride, especially when the terrain is not smooth asphalt. And for those of you with new bike lust, but a new chain budget, a new saddle, paired with some cushy new bar take, can be the ultimate trick to feeling like you got a new ride.
We put seven of the latest saddle designs to the test in Issue 30 to see which ones are deserving of your upgrade dollars. Saddle up!
Brooks Cambium
Brooks Cambium saddle. © Cyclocross Magazine
Brooks is famous for its unpadded leather saddles with a “hammock” design that contours to your body and flexes with bumps. While not often found on modern race bikes, Brooks saddles have an avid, loyal following that moves their beloved saddles from bike to bike over the years. The Brooks Cambium strays from the classic leather mold for its own synthetic design, using vulcanized rubber and organic cotton to deliver a unique saddle and riding experience. Pick it up at your local shop, and you’ll notice two things: It feels ultra stiff and it weighs a lot. Only one of these initial observations is true. The other is inaccurate simply because your body weight will flex the saddle more than your fingers. It’s not a flex that you’ll feel when you roll over road imperfections, but when you hit big bumps, you’ll feel it give a bit, but it doesn’t flex as much as the Ritchey or even the wider C17 model. The top surface has great grip compared to leather, for secure remounts, but it will also wear your fine threads a bit quicker. It also retains a bit of water. You’ll feel the extra grams picking up your bike, but on a gravel ride, your bum will thank you.
Price: $175 USD
Weight: 419 grams
Options: 4 colors, wider C17 & C17S shapes
More info: brooksengland.com
