Saddles.

This is a subject almost best left out. It is such a subjective issue. But there is an interesting story to tell. If you read the history tab you will be aware that World Randonneurs arose from the custom bike building scene in Sydney in the 1970s and early 80s. In those days there were no gel saddles. In fact there was not much choice at all. However Brooks leather saddles were available. The Brooks models then were pretty much the same as what is available from Brooks now. Needless to say, when it was a choice between a Brooks Team Professional or a quilted vinyl saddle, those that could afford it chose the Brooks. Enter the Brooks legend.

Over the years and decades, Noel, our chief designer, used a Brooks saddle. He occasionally ditched one after it was wrecked by being ridden in the rain. But they generally lasted well and, over time, did become supple.

Meanwhile, on the modern World Randonneurs that Noel testrode, he did not feel right about using a different component to what was on the production bikes. However he still used a Brooks saddle up until 2010.

In late May 2010 he was delivered a brand new World Randonneur to test. The bike came the night before departure for an overseas tour and could not even be checked and tested. He had no time to fit his leather saddle and took off for the 1,500km trip with the new bike bike still in the carton from the factory. He was to experience, with his Brooks prejudice still in his head, what the saddle on the standard production bikes was really like, at least for him.

Noel had always got a sore bum with Brooks leather saddles, regardless of the model, or it being new or being “worn in”. He carried the recommended dubbin and used it, but still got a bit sore. He managed the tender spots with calendula cream. He also rode fast to keep his weight off the seat. That annoyed his ride buddies.  Meanwhile, no information was coming in to the effect that there was any problem with the WTB gel saddles on the production bikes. No one ever criticised or complained about the WTB Speed V-Gel and Progel saddles. Long distance tourers who were asked about them at every opportunity always responded that there was no problem.

Perhaps you have guessed what happened on that trip. For the first time in a decade, Noel did not get a sore bum at all.  Not once! Sure, it is just one person’s experience. But ever since it has been acknowledged at Vivente that WTB gel saddles are very good. If Brooks saddles were the same price as the WTBs currently on the World Randonneurs, we would still use the WTB.  

An issue not to be overlooked in getting comfortable is the actual saddle adjustment. The saddle should be level. Perhaps very slightly up at the front. You need to have your weight spread over your sit bones, your crotch, your hands and your legs. Once you do have the height right, mark the seatpost with a texta or a bit of tape so you can return it to that same position if you have had the seatpost out.

Another tip that may not need to be passed on is to use good shorts. The padding these days is really great. Have two pairs. As soon as you arrive get out of them and wash well. Wash the shorts daily. If they don't dry overnight pin the them on the back of the bike turned inside out for UV sterilization. Collect and carry creams including antibruising (arnica) and antibiotic.

The final word on the saddle subject though is that it is a subjective issue. New riders have to wear themselves in. The bike is not a sofa.  Once you have toughened up down there yourself, after the first week of a tour, if you are riding every day for 5-6 hours and are not comfortable, you ought to try a different saddle. Saddles can be bought along the way. One woman on a World Randonneur (who was trying out a Brooks at the time) bought a USD4.00 saddle in a shop in the Kurdistan in Iran. She still loves her $4 saddle.