Which SMP saddle?

[eddief]

In the olden days I rode Brooks 17. They fit me fine but were heavy and I felt like rain would kill them. At that time folks suggested WTB Pure V would be a good replacement...and for many years it has been my go-to on all my bikes.

A bunch o folks I ride with are swearing by their SMP saddles. Wondering if you could recommend which model for a non-racer, upright rider like me. Way more concerned about my comfort than weight.

[fourflys]

Eddie,

I have a Lite 209 and a Pro if you'd like to try either one or both.. I'm not sure SMPs are for me..

[Geemalar]

SMP user here…….I have the Forma (no padding), Dynamic (thin padding) and Glider (thick padding). Dynamic gets my vote out of the 3, perfect combination of comfort and feel.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by eddief

In the olden days I rode Brooks 17. They fit me fine but were heavy and I felt like rain would kill them. At that time folks suggested WTB Pure V would be a good replacement...and for many years it has been my go-to on all my bikes.

A bunch o folks I ride with are swearing by their SMP saddles. Wondering if you could recommend which model for a non-racer, upright rider like me. Way more concerned about my comfort than weight.

I use a Glider but is there a SMP test ride shop around you?

https://www.google.com/search?client...UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

[Wunder]

My road bike has a Glider as well and I personally wouldn’t call the padding exactly thick, more good enough. Steve Hogg has a detailed write up comparing the models from years back. He recommends the glider for people that may have a more upright position or are larger (but it still works well for fast road riding).

[eddief]

there is a shop here that looks as if they are a test center.

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

I use a Glider but is there a SMP test ride shop around you?

https://www.google.com/search?client...UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

[AngryScientist]

A test center is a good idea to try some out, but understanding the basics is also helpful.

SMP follows a design philosophy and basically has three models of saddle in various widths.

little padding
padding
more padding

For example, in the ~140mm version, there is the forma, the dynamic and the drakon

So it really all starts with how wide your sit bones are, selecting a width appropriate for that and then narrowing in on a desired padding level.

[buddybikes]

Brooks Cambium C17 is now on all my bikes.

[Dave]

SMP suggests starting with waist size. With my 30 inch waist and 135 pound weight, I use a Stratos that's in the narrow column on the SMP list of many models. If your waist has grown over the years, think back to younger days.


https://www.sellesmp.com/en/saddleapp

[Elefantino]

I used a Glider for a few years but switched to the Blaster because it's a little bit narrower. Have your sit bones measured and go from there.

[Alistair]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

A test center is a good idea to try some out, but understanding the basics is also helpful.

SMP follows a design philosophy and basically has three models of saddle in various widths.

little padding
padding
more padding

For example, in the ~140mm version, there is the forma, the dynamic and the drakon

So it really all starts with how wide your sit bones are, selecting a width appropriate for that and then narrowing in on a desired padding level.

How do the VT and F models fit into that? When I run the saddle finder, it recommends... Evo, VT20C, VT20, Evolution, Blaster, F20, and F20C.

The VT and F models don't have the "classic" SMP shape (the prominent ridge on the rear).

[ridethecliche]

I find that the curved part in the back really helps to push against when riding hard especially in a lower position. Not directly related to your question about fit about the other saddles, but something to think about re use case.

[Alistair]

Originally Posted by ridethecliche

I find that the curved part in the back really helps to push against when riding hard especially in a lower position. Not directly related to your question about fit about the other saddles, but something to think about re use case.

Yeah, that seems to be one of the main benefits of the SMP - that ridge locks you into a position and provides leverage. The saddles I mention above don't have it and look like standard saddles.

[edgerat]

find a place that has several to test Only way to know for sure!

[Jeff N.]

Lite 209 on ALL my bikes.