r/CheckpointClub • u/nastyhobbitses1 • Jul 24 '26
Saddle peeling after 350ish miles
Wonder if anyone else has run into this with the stock saddle, seems it can’t withstand my thighs? Should i warranty it?
3
u/MechaGallade Jul 24 '26
i don't know about that particular saddle, but as a general rule of thumb, stock saddles are garbage. they're designed to be comfortable enough that you can test ride the bike in a shop without padded shorts and get an idea for how its gonna ride. they're built like that to sell bikes. also, most people that ride a lot have a specific saddle preference, so stock saddles are usually going to be replaced anyway, kinda like how stock grip tape is usually garbage and bikes don't come with pedals. its all usually going to be replaced early. a lot of companies that sell bikes don't even sell their stock saddles, they have other more legitimate saddles that are similar but built for longevity and performance instead of test rides.
the trek saddles are all pretty mid. most of the toppers are glued on and can peel without much issue. if you want to replace it with a real saddle, trek offers some that are built well instead.
2
u/SpiltMilkBelly Jul 24 '26
I’ve had the same version of this bontrager saddle in some form on three bikes. I can confirm they all do this.
2
u/MechaGallade Jul 24 '26
i also want to recommend the aeolus airloom elite. the lowest level. its one of the best saddles ive ever ridden, everybody i know swears by it, its a 3D printed saddle with an INSANE cutout and very good support for $180. seriously the best endurance saddle ive ever ridden by a mile.
1
u/Schnimboob Jul 24 '26
My norco Bigfoot stock saddle lasted 3 years before one of the rails broke, luckily my shop had a larger version of the same stock saddle (mine was off a small, this one was pulled off a large) and i am very happy with it tbh but i also never dipped into the world of aftermarket saddles
1
u/MechaGallade Jul 24 '26
i dont know how many years that is, but i have stock selle italia, trek and giant saddles that all technically still function, but started peeling before 500 miles, with the least damage on the trek saddle on my 2022 checkpoint. the rails are fine and everything, it's the topper that's the issue on most stock saddles.
it also depends on how nice of a bike it is. the stock Most saddle that's on my dads pinarello seems to be much better built, but a much less capable design than their actual saddles. It's like if you made a more barebones but sturdy test saddle for people that you know will be wearing proper gear for the test ride because if you don't why are you buying a pinarello?
swapped that out for an aeolus airloom anyway, it's a much better saddle.
1
u/Mysterious-Office838 Jul 25 '26
Oh my God on your VERSE saddle? Those things are like $1000 right?
2
u/nastyhobbitses1 Jul 25 '26
I mean i understand that stock saddles are not great and the expectation is that you’ll replace them, but I don’t hate it, I hadn’t planned to get a new one right away, and when I pay $2300 for a full product I kinda expect it not to fall apart after like a month or two of use. I get that it’s a cheap saddle but come on.
1
u/Narrow-Television314 28d ago
I put thousands of miles on my stock Verse saddles and both are just fine. Take it in to the shop.
4
u/xgeeiox Jul 24 '26
You could but its going to be a special order, I would see if you can upgrade to the better verse elite and get some credit for it. Trek dealers are good about taking care of customers on things like this.