Hello. This is Ishikawa from Circles Tokyo.
Honestly, I’ve reached my limit.
With my sofa at home.
I’ve used it for a long time and really liked it, but...
Since I spend so much time sitting on the sofa when I’m at home, I really want to avoid falling into the "saddle swamp"—that trap where you keep buying things only to find they don't fit and having to replace them. The tricky part is that you never really know if a saddle suits you until you've sat on it for a long time after buying it.
I feel like I’ve had this exact same conversation with customers at the shop.
Yes. The "saddle swamp" talk. Deja vu~~
This time, I’d like to introduce a carefully selected list of recommended saddle brands available here at Circles Tokyo.
If you still haven’t found your perfect saddle, please use this as a reference.
STEVE POTTS
STEVE POTTS is one of the legendary builders representing the USA.
He was right in the middle of the mountain bike movement that emerged in the late 70s and early 80s.
His ideas and frame-building skills were well-known from the very beginning, and he is a legend among legends who developed key products during the formative years of mountain biking.
We recently had Steve Potts titanium parts arrive at Circles (Nagoya), and I’d like to introduce a saddle from that same brand that has 100% of that "authentic/classic" vibe.
STEVE POTTS BICYCLES Chinook Saddle
Price : 7,480 JPY (tax included)
The flat seating area provides solid support for your sit bones, and the thick, firm padding is ideal for long rides.
And the material is pure leather—a commitment to quality you rarely see in this type of saddle.
This is my number one recommendation for a commuter bike right now.
Stock is very limited, and we only have the brown version in the shop. If you’re interested, act fast.
BROOKS
BROOKS is a British brand with over 150 years of tradition. I imagine many of you think of this brand whenever you hear "leather saddle."
Nowadays, leather saddles are often seen on commuter bikes, but they aren't just about stylish looks. In the past, they were the absolute go-to choice for cyclists who enjoyed long-distance rides on what were known as randonneur bikes.
The reason is that leather is the best material for keeping the point of contact with your bicycle comfortable and secure.
Leather with the right amount of suppleness moves and conforms to the rider’s body, breaking in over time to fit perfectly.
This is true for both BROOKS and SELLE ANATOMICA, which I’ll introduce next.
First, let’s look at some BROOKS recommendations.
BROOKS B17 Standard
Price : 23,650 JPY (tax included)
The B17 is a classic BROOKS staple that has been in production for over 100 years. Its black steel frame and small rivets evoke a long history. It’s the definition of a standard model.
I have it on my own SURLY STRAGGLER as well. It has a fairly wide seating area, which makes long rides less stressful, and it breaks in quickly.
You really grow attached to it.
It’s a great match for touring, commuter, and mountain bikes. It’s the "when in doubt, go with this" classic saddle.
BROOKS Swift
Price : 27,500 JPY (tax included)
The Swift is a model characterized by a slim profile with cut-away sides for a clean look.
Compared to the standard B17, the leather quality is a bit firmer.
It can take a relatively long time to break in and soften up.
Honestly, it’s stiff at first, but the more you ride, the softer it becomes, molding perfectly to your body.
I recommend this for those who want to take their time and truly "grow" their saddle over the years.
It works well with bikes that lean forward a bit for speed.
Because of its classic design, it’s a perfect fit for chromoly frames.
BROOKS Cambium C17
Price : 19,800 JPY (tax included)
The CAMBIUM C17 ALL WEATHER is an all-weather model.
It retains the excellent ride quality provided by the hammock effect of the vulcanized natural rubber base, while using a waterproof, highly durable nylon top cover.
You can use it with peace of mind in any environment, from winter rain and snow to the summer sun.
The seating area is somewhat wide, making it a good match for touring, commuter, and mountain bikes.
If you aren't keen on leather maintenance or deterioration, the CAMBIUM is the way to go.
SELLE ANATOMICA
SELLE ANATOMICA is the only manufacturer of handmade leather saddles in the USA.
The tension and stiffness of the leather are held in the top layer, known as the top grain.
To maintain the rigidity of the saddle top, SELLE ANATOMICA doubles the top grain—instead of the usual single layer—effectively doubling the stiffness.
The combination of the natural stiffness provided by these two layers, along with heat-molding and drying processes, has resulted in a saddle top that requires no break-in period. It becomes flexible almost immediately, quickly conforming to the rider's shape.
Through this process, the leather becomes capable of withstanding impacts and lasting for years. Thanks to this, you can enjoy long-distance and long-duration rides, and the more you ride, the better it fits your body.
The stiffness of the leather can be adjusted by the thickness of the leather. SELLE ANATOMICA uses leather optimized for the rider's weight in each model.
Additionally, they feature "THE SLOT" (a center cutout)—a unique design that only SELLE ANATOMICA makes—which allows both sides of the saddle to move freely under the sit bones, relieving the stress on the seating surface.
SELLE ANATOMICA X2 Leather Saddle
Price : 31,680 JPY (tax included)
The X2 features a cast aluminum main frame and stainless steel rails, achieving a 95-gram weight reduction compared to the X1, which had a steel frame and chromoly rails.
The X2 can be completely disassembled and reassembled with an Allen key.
SELLE ANATOMICA views leather as a consumable and originally provided a leather replacement service; however, the leather, which needs replacing every 5 to 7 years, can also be replaced by the owner.
The luxurious texture of the leather and the way it drastically changes the look of a bike are also key attractions.
SELLE ANATOMICA H2 Leather Saddle
Price : 31,680 JPY (tax included)
The H2 is the sturdiest saddle in the SELLE ANATOMICA lineup.
As a guide, it is designed for cyclists weighing 86–113 kg. It is also an ideal saddle for touring, long-distance riders, and cyclists who prefer a firmer ride platform.
The cast aluminum frame used is lightweight, stronger, and more convenient to use.
Like the X2, it can be completely disassembled and reassembled with an Allen key.
SELLE ANATOMICA R2 Rubber Saddle
Price : 29,480 JPY (tax included)
Features a weather-resistant rubber material and a structure that allows for easy removal of the seating surface from the frame.
While somewhat firmer than leather, its excellent waterproofing means you don't have to worry about care after getting caught in the rain.
A perfect saddle for riding in all weather conditions.
SELLA ITALIA
SELLA ITALIA is a long-standing Italian saddle brand with over 100 years of history.
This is a brand that has rewritten the history of saddles with innovative ideas.
Things that are commonplace now, such as gel-filled saddles, saddles with center cutouts, and carbon saddles, were all pioneered by Selle Italia.
Among their offerings, I’d like to introduce a model that remains popular today as a reissue of a lightweight saddle once loved by many top riders.
SELLA ITALIA Flite 1990
Price : 19,030 JPY (tax included)
A reissue of the first Flite model, which is often called a masterpiece.
The rails use titanium tubing.
The atmosphere that made it popular for its slim nose, light weight, and comfort remains just as it was back then.
I have it on my RITCHEY as well, and what I feel while riding is the lack of stress during pedaling. By cutting the tip slim, they reduce the friction caused every time you pedal.
It has a beautiful silhouette and goes well with steel road bikes, cyclocross, and fixies. I also recommend it for racing bikes.
I’ve rambled on for quite a while, but the saddle is the part of the bicycle that you are most in contact with when riding.
When riding for a long time, having a saddle that doesn't fit is incredibly stressful. To ensure you choose the right saddle for your purpose, find one that is comfortable, and enjoy it for a long time, please come by the shop and consult with us.
Also, if anyone knows of a shop that sells good sofas, please let me know. I love furniture from the mid-century period.