Replacement for Tern GSD saddle

[martinlj]

I was out of town for a few weeks in December, and when I returned I found that my saddle had separated. I assume it's better to replace it than reglue it, but I wasn't sure if I should get this from the Tern site, or look for a replacement from another manufacturer. Any recommendations?

 

[ret3]

My HSD saddle is showing some signs of wear, and since I really like the Brooks Cambium C17 I have on my Brompton, I've been eyeing the much wider C67 as a replacement when the stuffing (or whatever) starts to show through.

 

[eashton]

I second the Brooks recommendation. My touring bike, which I've ridden for 30 years, has a Brooks that is as comfortable as an old shoe where the older it gets, the better it becomes. I bought a new Brooks for my QH and it will probably live longer than I will. It's an acquired taste, I know, but they really last forever if you're not wed to padded saddles.

 

[martinlj]

Thanks for this advice. Is the Brooks saddle really worth $140? I don't have covered bike parking at my house, so a saddle that's weather resistant is certainly appealing.

 

[eashton]

Thanks for this advice. Is the Brooks saddle really worth $140? I don't have covered bike parking at my house, so a saddle that's weather resistant is certainly appealing.

Well, the worth of something is certainly an individual choice, but in 1990, I whinged about the padded seat on my new touring bike which made my undercarriage incredibly sore. Sheldon Brown suggested I try the B17s (the 'lady' version then) which was even then ~$100 and a bit spendy for the likes of my grad student means, but I decided to try it given he was a legend with reputable advice. 35 years later, that saddle looks less aged than I do and will certainly outlive me. ;p I try to remember to oil/condition my Brooks saddles once per season, maybe twice in the winter when the humidity is very low, but that's it.

As for unsheltered parking, saddle covers are super cheap and I always keep one on the bike in case of inclement weather. Given that you have a GSD, you might also consider getting a 'bike parka' or something similar to cover your bike and protect your investment since keeping it dry will reduce wear and maintenance on all the parts of the bike, not just the saddle. One other thing to consider is the aesthetic of the Brooks as, maybe I'm just an old-fashioned geezer, but they are simply beautiful.

That said, if you're still interested in a Brooks saddle, I highly recommend you try riding a bike equipped with one just so you get a feel for it before buying one as they don't work for everyone, but they do last forever if you keep them dry and condition them occasionally.

Sheldon's website still lives and this is his wisdom on Brooks saddles - https://www.sheldonbrown.com/leather.html

 

[ret3]

Thanks for this advice. Is the Brooks saddle really worth $140? I don't have covered bike parking at my house, so a saddle that's weather resistant is certainly appealing.

The weatherproofing issue is why I favor the Brooks Cambium line, made with latex instead of leather, for utility cycling. I've owned and enjoyed their leather saddles, too, but prefer a lower maintenance product for some applications.

 

[rik]

I use Selle Royal Ondina saddles on my bikes. Everything else has been over budget or hasn’t held up to year-round use on my bikes that live outdoors here on Cape Cod.

They retail for $35 US but I often find them cheaper on eBay. Oddly, only the brown color is available in the US.

For more casual use the Drifter model is similar, but the one I had failed when the gel insert froze, the cover cracked, and it leaked sticky goo out all over the place (it was gross).

I really wanted to try an Urban Arrow saddle at one point (the one with the built-in handle) but I don’t have a UA dealer anywhere near me and couldn’t find them for sale online.