Triathlon seat? worthit or just marketing ploy.

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2009-08-08 7:42 PM


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Subject: Triathlon seat? worthit or just marketing ploy.

I have a specialized allez and have been riding long distances and find the seat pretty darn uncomfortable. I compared it to my santa cruz mountain and I was thinking of switching saddles for now.

after looking online i found a Selle San Marco Triathlon Aspide saddle. does anyone know if this is a good saddle or heard anything about it. It's like 80$ used on GearTrade msrp is 260$?

'Triathlon' is that just marketing and brand differentiation or is there an actual ergonomic difference for the specialization of triathlon training?

Thank you!

2009-08-08 8:09 PM
in reply to: #2336259

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Subject: RE: Triathlon seat? worthit or just marketing ploy.
You really should feel the saddle before making a decision. I wouldn't quote me on this, but I have a tri-specific saddle, and they essentially designed it with the rider being in aero position for longer periods of time, so the "nose" is different. Other than that, idk what else would be different.
2009-08-08 8:20 PM
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Subject: RE: Triathlon seat? worthit or just marketing ploy.
they are diff styles of saddles, but whether you will ilke a tri saddle or road is up in the air.

i tried the tri ones, and have happily been riding the specalized toupe road saddle for 3 years now. i ride the very tip of the nose on the hard carbon part.
2009-08-09 1:30 AM
in reply to: #2336259

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Subject: RE: Triathlon seat? worthit or just marketing ploy.
Do you ride with aero bars? If so, the extra padding in the nose, and longer saddle would benefit you. If not, there's no telling if it would be any more comfortable than your current saddle.
2009-08-09 12:30 PM
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Subject: RE: Triathlon seat? worthit or just marketing ploy.
Everyone's bum is different and what person likes another hates. Best way to try new saddles is at a shop that has a loaner or nice return policy. Otherwise it can be an expensive adventure.

I've gone through lots of saddles..more I ride the harder and smaller I like them. I now ride Sella SMP Glider saddle. It has a huge cut out that makes riding more comfortable and then I actually sit on my sitz bones not soft tissue. It is wicked expensive at $270..but riding and having a happy bum after wards is worth it.
2009-08-09 1:07 PM
in reply to: #2336298

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Subject: RE: Triathlon seat? worthit or just marketing ploy.
newbz - 2009-08-08 9:20 PM they are diff styles of saddles, but whether you will ilke a tri saddle or road is up in the air. i tried the tri ones, and have happily been riding the specalized toupe road saddle for 3 years now. i ride the very tip of the nose on the hard carbon part.


I've got Toupe saddle too.  Keep checking that nose pit regularly.  My 1st Toupe broke there while I was riding  & gouged my upper inner thigh.  BTW- LBS & Spec were evry cool & replaced it no problem.

Besides the Toupe, I've also had good luck with Selle Italia SLR Gel Flow & Fizik Alliante.  For tri I'm now riding a (relatively) cheap Selle Royale Viper which is not a "tri saddle" but has a broader more padded nose than most.

In general- saddles are a very personal choice.  Labeling means nothing so long as it works for you.

2009-08-09 2:51 PM
in reply to: #2336259


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Subject: RE: Triathlon seat? worthit or just marketing ploy.
wow thanks for all the input; I didn't expect so much knowledge. I'm putting things on hold and going to try and get a loaner before-hand like what KathyG referred to. Crazy to here 'wicked' takes me back to college in Boston. Anyways the message i'm getting is I need to find the right one for my 'bum'.

I don't use aerobars YET. Some of the guys I train with use them are well decorated triathletes lol i dont feel hardcore enough yet haha

Thanks again,
Justin
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