I’ve speculated that I needed a new saddle for a while. I’ve tried various kinds, but always went back to the old standby — the Vello saddle that came with a bike I’d bought 16 years ago. But even that one was wearing out now.
I’d had my eye on the Brooks Cambium for a while now. It was about $110 on Amazon, and I put it on my wishlist — which is usually where things go to die. But a friend had one, and he knew I was interested, so when it showed up on Black Friday for $79, I jumped on it and bought the cutout version (where the center is cut out for additional comfort)..
I put it on the bike last night, pretty much in the same position as the old saddle — which doesn’t always work because different saddles have different profiles. My padded Vello looked to be about a centimeter higher from the rails. But when I took it for a ride today, I was shocked. From the start, I could feel a difference on the sit bones, but the rest of the saddle seemed to disappear. I couldn’t feel a thing to tell you the truth. No pressure. No discomfort. It was the most comfortable saddle I’d ridden.
To be honest, after the 40 miles I did today, I do feel a little soreness — again, right on the sit bones. But overall, knowing that I’ve got to break it in and get used to it through the next few rides (not to mention that it’s pretty cold right now, so nothing’s gonna be very supple and comfortable), I’m very encouraged. Hopefully, the Brooks Cambium will be my saddle of choice for quite some time.
