3D saddle - marketing or improvement?

[floxy1]

It’s been a while since I’ve been in the market for a saddle. I think $400 for a saddle is straight ridiculous but curious how much improvement, if any, the new 3D variants represent?

Specialized power arc / mimic are what I’m using today on road/gravel and mtb.

[glepore]

Not $400. I'd pick up one of the $50 Ali saddles, which by multiple reports are 90% of the benefit for less that 50% of the cost. It'll at least give you a good idea.
I have one, and its nice...not game changing but nice.

[jemoryl]

Aren't all saddles 3-D?

[deluz]

I have been using MELD saddles for a few years and nothing works as well for me. They send you a chunk of foam to get in impression of your butt and then make the saddle to that shape. They are reasonably light weight and less expensive than some of the 3D saddles. I have a specialized Phenom on one bike but every time I ride I wish I was on the MELD saddle instead.

[Likes2ridefar]

I’ve now wasted over $1000 on 3d printed saddles and said enough is enough.

I think they are all terrible. They stick to the shorts and aren’t comfortable for long rides for me.

[corkycalvin]

My biggest issue is will they fall apart in a few years? I’m pretty sure the UV and environment will start attacking the foam and plastic.

[vertr]

Originally Posted by Likes2ridefar

I’ve now wasted over $1000 on 3d printed saddles and said enough is enough.

I think they are all terrible. They stick to the shorts and aren’t comfortable for long rides for me.

Which ones were in your 'test' ?

[Likes2ridefar]

Originally Posted by vertr

Which ones were in your 'test' ?

Fizik Antares, Argo and specialized power.

Antares 00 is my go to saddle and I have used it since it first came out. It simply disappears and no matter the ride length is never uncomfortable. But it’s expensive and not durable and we shall see how long it lasts as I transition completely to riding on trails with a full suspension bike.

[pdonk]

Having really enjoyed the fizik anatares vs I have ridden, I sprung for the 00 adaptive version, in the same width. I am not liking it at all, I think it is likely due to the carbon shell being tooo still and not flexing.

The 3d padding seems OK, but if I were to do it again, which I likely will, I'll go regular saddle with just carbon rails.

[Andy340]

Specialized have a 30 day return if not satisfied - I returned a power mirror previouly as we didn’t get along (too short) and no issues with return. Now have the Romin evo mirror and closer to what I’m used to in length, and feels good.

[timto]

Originally Posted by deluz

I have been using MELD saddles for a few years and nothing works as well for me. They send you a chunk of foam to get in impression of your butt and then make the saddle to that shape. They are reasonably light weight and less expensive than some of the 3D saddles. I have a specialized Phenom on one bike but every time I ride I wish I was on the MELD saddle instead.

thanks for this! The elastic range of seat looks really interesting.

[deluz]

Originally Posted by timto

thanks for this! The elastic range of seat looks really interesting.

I tested the elastic version and did not like it as much. It was the first version and they offered it at a discount and now they have a new version.
It was also quite heavy.
I use the Alps version. YMMV

[mstateglfr]

Originally Posted by glepore

Not $400. I'd pick up one of the $50 Ali saddles, which by multiple reports are 90% of the benefit for less that 50% of the cost. It'll at least give you a good idea.
I have one, and its nice...not game changing but nice.

Ali link?

[glepore]

Originally Posted by mstateglfr

Ali link?

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568...yAdapt=glo2usa

There are a couple variations of this-one that mimics the Power and this guy that I have that uses the Pro Stealth saddle shape. Arrived in like 10 days...

There a quite a few youtube vids on these. Mostly praise. The primary complaint is that the material is somewhat higher friction than pleather, but that's true of the major brands as well. For stubby saddles, less of an issue as you slide around less.

[mstateglfr]

Originally Posted by glepore

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568...yAdapt=glo2usa

There are a couple variations of this-one that mimics the Power and this guy that I have that uses the Pro Stealth saddle shape. Arrived in like 10 days...

There a quite a few youtube vids on these. Mostly praise. The primary complaint is that the material is somewhat higher friction than pleather, but that's true of the major brands as well. For stubby saddles, less of an issue as you slide around less.

Thanks. I almost exclusively use Brooks C17...have em on 5 of 6 drop bar bikes, but always curious about a deal and a style of product I havent tried.

The C17 is 164mm wide, so pretty wide, but the shell is curved and that measurement is along the curve.
So I will add your link as well as a couple others from that brand into the mix to consider. Looks like 150mm wide is the widest I've seen for these 3d saddles.
Some other 3d saddles by 'Racework' are also opened in browser tabs.