Spa cycles Nidd Saddle

[Jay]

I bought this saddle recently and have been on one ride so far.  I didn't notice it mentioned here, so I thought I would create a thread for those who may have used one, or are thinking of getting one.  I'll post some photos later as well as my ongoing experience with it.

I'll start by saying why I looked into this saddle in the first place.  I was looking for an alternative to Brooks, as I've had mixed experience with B17's in the last year.  I had one on my Roadini and one on my Salsa Fargo (10 months).  The one on the Fargo is still firm, with just minor depressions where my sit bones rest.  It was very comfortable from the first ride and still is, and I've ridden it only a little less than the one on the Roadini.  I like a firm saddle where you don't notice the hammock effect, it just works.  The one on the Roadini has progressively gotten softer, more sag, and I've tightened it a bit at a time to try and improve it, but I don't think there is any hope for it.  It's never gotten wet, I think it's just poor quality.  It's now 1-2cm longer than the other one, and when I press on the top it depresses a lot.  I wouldn't have cared except for a very important factor - I don't feel supported on the saddle, which I believe is impacting my comfort on the bike.

The Nidd was $132Cdn delivered and I paid $20 tax/duty.  Let's get the one negative out of the way (so far, and hopefully the only one) - it is more swoopy front to back (nose up) than the B17.  I've always positioned the part of the saddle where I sit so it's relatively flat, and with the Nidd, this had the nose of the saddle rising quite dramatically.  I was worried this would squash my privates.  I went around the block with a couple of hex wrenches, making adjustments until it was comfortable (no sliding forward or back, can lift my hands off the bars, correct height and fore/aft).  After making these adjustments I looked at the saddle from the side and the part I sit on was now pointing down slightly, making the nose less upwards (but still pretty crazy, at least in how it looks).  I went on a 30km ride the next morning and the tilt was really good, no pressure on the privates.  This saddle is extremely firm, like a 2x4, but I like that.  I know it's flexing slightly under my 160 pounds, but more importantly, I feel completely supported.  My upper body was very relaxed.  It's a bit narrower than the B17, and the skirt is tied underneath, and I think this also changed how I pedal, where I sit on the saddle and my pelvis is positioned, whatever is happening, it feels good.  One ride only though, but the first ride is more positive than when I first looked at the unmounted saddle and thought, there is more $$$ down the drain.

[Ryan Fleming]

Sounds like a good saddle. Has a good review from CyclingPlus on its site:https://www.spacycles.co.uk/smsimg/uploads/cyclingplussaddlereview.pdf...and though heavier, the leather(Australian cowhide) is thicker and more durable. I've noticed in recent years, quality of Brooks leather is somewhat inconsistent ...as you say yourself...and the primo Brooks Select with pricetag to match is no longer available. Another thing is it uses an allen key rather than Brooks' spanner, and it has laces on the skirt. 

I'll be interested to hear your long term experience

[Jay]

I've done a couple long rides.  This is the one with the synthetic backing (underside of the saddle).  Unfortunately this isn't going to work out for me.  Since getting B17's last year (coming from C17), I was wearing long compression boxer briefs (no seams) with bib shorts overtop (no chamois), this was good most of the time.  I've always used a bit of chamois creme.  With this extremely firm Spa Cycles saddle, it didn't go well (for me).  Had I used bibs with chamois, or perhaps if I had the got the saddle without the backing, it may have worked.  One day, when I save up my pennies, I may try the one without the synthetic backing, as I feel I just need a bit of 'give' in the saddle to perhaps reduce the friction/chafing I was feeling.  It was a good price though, so I still think it was worth the experiment.  And the quality, quick shipping, etc., left no complaints.  I also like the slightly narrower with than B17 and lacing on the skirt, this made for very 'free' pedaling vs. the B17 (didn't notice it until I used this saddle).  The B17 I had taken off the Roadini isn't going back on right away, as I'm going to try and punch holes and lace it, to give it a bit more firmness but also it may improve my pedaling.

[Joe Putnam]

Thanks for the experience, Jay. Looks like a nice saddle, and maybe one I'll try when the need arises. Another one I have been looking at that might be of interest to you is Velo Orange's leather saddle selection. Next time you're looking to conduct an experiment, you may want to have a gander at these.