Re: [CR] Now: Avocet Touring II saddles

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Ideale)

Date: Fri, 16 May 2008 08:45:18 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jerome & Elizabeth Moos <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [CR] Now: Avocet Touring II saddles
To: gpvb1@comcast.net, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
In-Reply-To: <051620081408.16843.482D95770001B381000041CB2216551406CE0D909F09@comcast.net>


I agree, my wife was riding the Avocet women's model in the early 80's, and like your wife, this is still the only saddle she will ride. This saddle was Italian-made by the manufacturer of the Turbo saddles (Selle Italia?) and in fact my wife does have a couple of women's Turbos which appear (and feel to her) to be identical to the women's Avocet, except for the markings.

Actually, although I prefer all-leather saddles, if I have to ride a plastic saddle, the men's Turbo is the one I like best. However, the men's Turbo, unlike the women's, does not seem to me to be identical to the men's Avocet. I would assume that Avocet sourced their men's and women's models from the same Italian manufacturer, but I don't know that for sure. It is possible they got a better deal elsewhere on the men's model, but could only find one adequate women's model. Or perhaps Avocet had some design input to Selle Italia for the men's model, but had the good sense not to change the design of the women's Turbo.

Regards,

Jerry Moos

gpvb1@comcast.net wrote: Date: Thu, 15 May 2008 22:56:10 -0700 From: "Markku Klubb" To: Subject: [CR] Re: shotput shoes and saddles too? Well after 30+ years of commuting, touring, etc. I find the balls of my feet are numb. After a few years of numbness the Dr. said the feeling would come back if I didn't ride for a month or so. That was true, but as soon as I rode again the numbness returned. Now it won't leave at all. I wear Specialized Sonoma shoes and use Phil FLAT PLATFORM CHP pedals. They are the best combination! The Phil pedals allow any footwear to be worn without discomfort or pain. I also use Specialized track pedals on another bike and find the Sonoma shoes are necessary for comfort.

I use clips consistently, and find a "boost of power" when intentionally pedaling in a powered circular motion, definitely using the clips to advantage.

Most important to me is a firm yet resilient saddle. I have an Ideale 90 that fits like a glove, but only on my fair weather bike. The rain in the Seattle winter and sweat in the summer on long trips softens and stretches leather saddles. My solution is the Avocet Touring II (off topic). Minimal padding (5mm) and just enough resilience for comfort on LOONNGGG tours.

Markku Klubb Seattle, Wa USA

I don't think the Avocet Touring II saddles are off-topic.... They are very classic, and within the timeline. That is the only saddle (the Women's version) that my wife will ride. I just replaced the original one on her 27-year-old Guerciotti recently (with an NOS one that I had found). 80,000 miles of use for a plastic saddle isn't too bad, I guess!

Greg Parker
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA