How does the bontrager race basic saddle compare to others?

Question

I bought a trek 2.3 earlier this spring and I was thinking of upgrading the seat on it. The stock seat is the bontrage race basic. It hasn't given me to much trouble but I just think there has to be something a little more comfortable than it. Do you have any thoughts or considerations on what might be a good replacement seat. I don't have a specific price range set because I don't know exactly what I can get for what price. Please let me know what the race basic costs and then maybe prices of saddles a couple notches up from there.

Thanks!

Answer 1

You don't describe what you find uncomfortable about your saddle.  

Lots of shopping will prove lots of options out there.  Here are a few...

Specialized Toupe Gel

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProdu...

Very nice seat, very comfortable, but a bit pricey.

Specialized Indie XC Sport:

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProdu...

Comfortable, not heavy, certainly not as sporty as the previous, but quite affordable

Specialized Indie XC:

Very similar to the Sport, but a bit heavier yet...and most affordable.

Answer 2

Bike seats are personal. You may find one comfortable and someone else won't. See the 1st link for an article you may find helpful.

I don't think much of Bontrager seats and don't think the race model will be better than the basic model.

See the 2nd link for a listing of seats at a store I use here in Canada. There is a wide range and I choose by geometry that I know works for me, and then on the basis of brand/finish/weight.

Personally I've had good luck with Terry and Fi'xi:k seats ... but that's me.

Recognizing the problems some manufacturuers (and many stores) allow you to try a seat for a few days / couple of weeks and exchange (assuming it isn't damaged/marked up) it if it doesn't feel comfortable.  I suggest you frequent a store that has that policy and experiment.