Trying saddles in Syd?

[SheikYerbouti]

Does anyone have pointers as to where I can try a couple of different saddle brands in one place?

I've had a bike fit and need a wider saddle (up from 138mm to 148mm) but it was a Trek Precision Fit so of course they recommend the Bontrager model they carry.

If I'm going to drop 3 figures on a new saddle i want to make sure I am getting the most comfy option there is for my bum, not the most comfy option that one shop happens to carry.

Any Sydney (north shore - city - olympic park) places where I can try Selle Italia, Prologo, and Fizik saddles in one place, or do all shops just specialise in one brand?

[trailgumby]

The Specialized shop at Chatswood allows you to try for a few weeks. You need to drop a deposit for the value of the saddle, but it is refundable if you don't find something to suit.

A tip: I ended up upgrading to a carbon-railed version of the last one I tried, not realising it had less padding. The dhb knicks I reviewed last year came to the rescue.

I'd like to do the same for for my mtbs but their saddles are generally too wide for me. Not from a ride comfort perspective, they're great. It's when I need to slide my butt off the back descending techy stuff, the extra 5-8mm means I end up banging around the inside of my thighs and cop a bunch of bruises every time I go out. Not good for the long term. But that's just me, and probably not an issue for others.

I assume this is for your roadie? You should be fine and I reckon you'll find something to suit. I ride Cannondales so have no brand affiliation with Spesh.

Bike Bug at North Sydney might be worth enquiring with regarding Selle SMP.

[SheikYerbouti]

OK thanks... Cyclery Northside is close, but again I am not too keen to only be able to choose from the one brand they stock.
I might see if Bikebug are willing to put saddles on a frame so I can at least sit on them but otherwise how do you try them out?
It'd just be weird to have a Bontrager or Spesh saddle on my Bianchi!

[trailgumby]

I used to have the same concern with Spesh saddles and shoes. I suppose you could blacken the logos with felt tip pen?

Sorry if I wasn;t clear - Specialized have a formal try-before-you-buy program and Bike Bug may offer a trial saddle or an exchange program if you are unhappy. Worht asking.

Otherwise, yeah, it's a lottery. I tried a WTB Silverado Carbon saddle on the back of recommendations from weight weenies as being comfortable. And it is... if I wear three layers. Supposedly it breaks in with use, but it's gonna be awhile methinks, with the trails being continually saturated at this time.

[AndrewCowley]

The bike shop near Gordon station has Fizik and Selle SMP saddles to test.

[snortin]

OK thanks... Cyclery Northside is close, but again I am not too keen to only be able to choose from the one brand they stock.
I might see if Bikebug are willing to put saddles on a frame so I can at least sit on them but otherwise how do you try them out?
It'd just be weird to have a Bontrager or Spesh saddle on my Bianchi!

Confession - I have a spesh toupe on my Bianchi XR2 - but being all black it manages to "fit" my frame and more importantly fits my rear....
PS please ignore spacers they were to make sure the old back could bend enough (prior to making the big call of cutting the steerer)

I would recommend dropping in to Cyclery northside to see if something "fits" your bike as well as your rear - can't hurt, and the test program is very good.