MTB saddle for sub zero temps?

[mtbboy1993]

I live in Norway, temps range from around 5c to -10C and even 15 at rare accusations, and even -20C even rarer January and February. So I need a saddle that stays comfortable in these temps, or a specific saddle for winter use.
Saddles I've tried that are too harsh in these conditions: Fabric Schoop Shallow Race, Ergon SM Enduro Pro
I was told WTB Rocket is good for that.

 

[skizzian]

you want a saddle with thick cushioning - to keep off the cold?
I like my Ergon SM E-Mountain Core Prime Saddle - it is very comfortable and helps keep hip pain at bay
(which is worse in the cold)

 

[mtbboy1993]

you want a saddle with thick cushioning - to keep off the cold?
I like my Ergon SM E-Mountain Core Prime Saddle - it is very comfortable and helps keep hip pain at bay
(which is worse in the cold)

I need something that won't feel like I'm sitting on the rails. I suspect most regular saddles will feel horrible. So the theory is the foam likely shrinks and firms up, so I feel the rail slots I suspect, I feel something it feels harsh, hard.
My saddles are comfy in doors and in the summer, but are torture in the winter.
I can feel it by hand too, saddle gets more rigid, less flex. Feels firmer.
So I'm hoping for feedback from people who has ridden in the same conditions.
I've edited my post to clarify the conditions I ride in. So far I've not tried -15 and -20C, as I always felt horrible in my butt on those days, so couldn't try even if I wanted. But so far -10C is the coldest I rode in with the Ergon.
And -11C with the Fabric years ago. I only have one comfy fabric saddle remaining, it's comfy in the heat but not in sub zero temps.

 

[skizzian]

Gotcha, well the Ergon is still the one I'd recommend
it has a very thick (large bubble) foam double layer before you get to the rails
I expect the rolling (good for your hips) movement will be restricted at those temps
I've only cycled at around zero here in the UK
but the seat is very well separated from the rails

 

[mtbboy1993]

Gotcha, well the Ergon is still the one I'd recommend
it has a very thick (large bubble) foam double layer before you get to the rails
I expect the rolling (good for your hips) movement will be restricted at those temps
I've only cycled at around zero here in the UK
but the seat is very well separated from the rails

View attachment 154390

Nice, get issues even at -1C, I forgot to mention that. So if this works well in -1C, I should try it.
This saddle was already on my radar. Along with Sqlabs, but I see those might be problematic, Not sure about the BIkeyoke saddles. Maybe Ergon SM E-Mountain Core Prime Saddle is a good option for me. What's the difference between the E version?
Looks like a Norwegian retailer got it in stock recently.

 

[mtbboy1993]

Gotcha, well the Ergon is still the one I'd recommend
it has a very thick (large bubble) foam double layer before you get to the rails
I expect the rolling (good for your hips) movement will be restricted at those temps
I've only cycled at around zero here in the UK
but the seat is very well separated from the rails

View attachment 154390

Which size did you get, I just did the wet trouser sit on paper measure test, my sit bones are 12 cm according to my measurement. The Ergon SM Enduro I got is in M/L Which matches the Fabric saddle in width. but is shorter, The fabric had unnecessarily long nose. I think I will order the M/L. As I think the S/M is pushing it on the narrow side, if I don't sit perfectly even initially. Sadly the M/L is out of stock. But possibly comes in 20 days. but by that date the winter will be ended.
Does this saddle mean you need to lower the seat post? I guess I will see if I try it.

 

[steve_sordy]

I have never ridden below -5degC and that taught me a lesson.
I would avoid all those saddles with a ventilation slot down the middle!

 

[mtbboy1993]

I have never ridden below -5degC and that taught me a lesson.
I would avoid all those saddles with a ventilation slot down the middle!

Why? Cus it makes it cooler? I use Marino wool base layer and Endura MT500 II trousers, I stay warm in -10C. My butt never gets cold. So the ventilation slot isn't a concern. my only concern is comfort during sub zero temps.
The key to staying warm is layers, keeping warm air in, and not having the outer layer touch the skin, so you keep warm air. I've not even needed the MT500 Freezing Point kit yet.
But I think I should grab it if I see a good deal and in stock. Which I can't now. Not sure if but might need it for -20C, not sure, but I have plenty of jerseys, so can layer up anyway. and the Mt500 trousers are so baggy I can fit even an extra base layer. So I don't think I need it.

 

[mtbboy1993]

I have no idea what the e version might be - I got the M/L size (I normally get 143 wide in specialized (I think))
I have the SQ Labs 612 on my commute bike
it has hardly any foam / padding in comparison - it relies on the rubber stoppers for the hip protection roll
I don't think it would help much insulating against the cold effect
just looking at what happens to the BASF foam at very cold temperatures
'Dynamic mechanical analysis has shown that, even at extremely low temperatures of -20°C (-4°F), Infinergy ® still has a low dynamic modulus, is very soft and stretchy and thus does not go stiff.'

Infinergy® (E-TPU)

Infinergy® is the world's first expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU). This closed-cell particle foam can be used anywhere, where a combination of low weight, excellent mechanical properties and good long-term durability is required.

plastics-rubber.basf.com

I'm not sure what you mean by ''I don't think it would help much insulating against the cold effect''
Insulating again the cold isn't what I'm looking for I use base layer and mt500 trousers for that.
My main goal is comfort in sub zero temps.
So does it stay comfy in -1C? how does it compare to the
I was referring to the Ergon SM E-Mountain Core Prime Saddle

This is the E bike saddle.
But I see there's a saddle that looks very similar, it's called SMC Core Men
I don't know what SMC refers to. But it doesn't have the lip at the rear.

 

[skizzian]

Which size did you get, I just did the wet trouser sit on paper measure test, my sit bones are 12 cm according to my measurement. The Ergon SM Enduro I got is in M/L Which matches the Fabric saddle in width. but is shorter, The fabric had unnecessarily long nose. I think I will order the M/L. As I think the S/M is pushing it on the narrow side, if I don't sit perfectly even initially. Sadly the M/L is out of stock. But possibly comes in 20 days. but by that date the winter will be ended.
Does this saddle mean you need to lower the seat post? I guess I will see if I try it.

I have no idea what the e version might be - I got the M/L size (I normally get 143 wide in specialized (I think))
I have the SQ Labs 612 on my commute bike
it has hardly any foam / padding in comparison - it relies on the rubber stoppers for the hip protection roll
I don't think it would help much insulating against the cold effect
just looking at what happens to the BASF foam at very cold temperatures
'Dynamic mechanical analysis has shown that, even at extremely low temperatures of -20°C (-4°F), Infinergy ® still has a low dynamic modulus, is very soft and stretchy and thus does not go stiff.'
Infinergy® (E-TPU) (under properties)

 

[skizzian]

I'm not sure what you mean by ''I don't think it would help much insulating against the cold effect''
Insulating again the cold isn't what I'm looking for I use base layer and mt500 trousers for that.
My main goal is comfort in sub zero temps.
So does it stay comfy in -1C? how does it compare to the
I was referring to the Ergon SM E-Mountain Core Prime Saddle

​

This is the E bike saddle.
But I see there's a saddle that looks very similar, it's called SMC Core Men
I don't know what SMC refers to. But it doesn't have the lip at the rear.

the C stands for Core - which is the very thick E-TPU foam (Expanded thermoplastic polyurethane)
this is an additional layer sandwiched between the saddle body and the rails
according to BASF (link above) it stays flexible at -20°C (-4°F) so it should stay comfortable and not harden like other foams at low temp's

edit: I have the standard version with less of a lip at the back - the E- version lets you sit down up-hill (hence the larger lip)