Saddle recommendations?

[spec47]

Looking for a padded lightweight saddle for an XC/trail build... any advice?

This seems to be highly recommended, but they won't ship to Canada. Found it elsewhere, but shipping is literally over $2,000.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/MTB-road-bike-Comfort-MTB-Wide-Bicycle-Seat-Carbon-Fiber-Bike-Saddle-Bicycle-Saddle-Bike-Seat/32766321631.html

[carbonazza]

I use the GUB 1156 model on all my bike, which is a kind or SMP.
However their price is very volatile, and can go from $30 to $50+

I ordered and received this one as well: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/EC90-2018-Bicycle-Carbon-Saddle-Road-Bike-Seats-Ultralight-Carbon-Fiber-Leather-Cycling-Saddles/32904569727.html
It looks great, more like a power saddle, but I didn't try it yet.

[gohloum]

Like carbonazza, I two fit well on an SMP design.  However, as he stated, they are hard to find now.  On a whim I tried one of the full carbon San Marco copies from AliExpress.  They run in the low 20's.  Unlike other carbon rail saddles, this one has UD rails that are much taller and stronger.  Since I ride a hardtail, my saddle gets the brunt of abuse.  I've had to avoid carbon and go with titanium rails.  This is the first saddle with carbon rails I have had that has made it past 300 miles.   I hope it holds out.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Racing-Bicycle-saddle-full-Carbon-Selle-San-Marco-Saddle-Wave-Road-Bike-Saddle-for-men-Aspide/32953598085.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.3.fe3562173s4GTL&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_4_10065_10130_10068_10890_10547_319_10546_317_10548_10545_10696_453_10084_454_10083_10618_10307_537_536_10902_10059_10884_10887_321_322_10103,searchweb201603_70,ppcSwitch_0&algo_expid=bb2bea73-515a-4e47-a529-ae97a622bbc1-0&algo_pvid=bb2bea73-515a-4e47-a529-ae97a622bbc1

[carbonazza]

...Since I ride a hardtail, my saddle gets the brunt of abuse.  I've had to avoid carbon and go with titanium rails...

It wasn't on a GUB saddle, but I broke a carbon rail once after a hard hit.
Honestly, I prefer breaking a carbon rail than a bone around there

[Gilders]

I save so much time with this electric log splitters and use the GUB 1156 model on all my bike, which is a kind or SMP.
However their price is very volatile, and can go from $30 to $50+

I ordered and received this one as well: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/EC90-2018-Bicycle-Carbon-Saddle-Road-Bike-Seats-Ultralight-Carbon-Fiber-Leather-Cycling-Saddles/32904569727.html
It looks great, more like a power saddle, but I didn't try it yet.

Do you feel like the GUB saddle would have been able to take that hit and not break?

[carbonazza]

Sorry for the very late reply... I didn't see it...
I did hit the GUB various time on my MTB and it didn't break.
Again... like a helmet if the hit is that strong, I prefer that something else breaks than a bone.

[sissypants]

Just checked my Strava and calculated that my GUB saddle has about 2200 miles on it. It's days are numbered though.  I wore through the cover a few rides ago and it's starting to unravel. No structural issues though, and I've had some hard butt bonks and crashes with the saddle.

I have an AliExpress saddle similar to the Specialized Power saddle on the way. I've had some issues with rubbing on my GUB saddle, so I hope this shape will fit me better.

[carbonazza]

I have an AliExpress saddle similar to the Specialized Power saddle on the way.

Could you share the link ?