Those are by no means the only saddles available. It’s possible to find cheaper that fits.
Often the expense is the materials, not the quality. (Carbon fiber rather than steel, leather rather than fabric, etc.)
If you haven’t already got it covered, clipless pedals and good cycling shoes will be the best upgrade you can make for riding long miles.
I did clipless on my last bike with CrankBros Mallets and Eggbeaters. I found I never really liked them so I put Race Face Chesters on this one and just wear trail running shoes. I have found that I like being able to adjust my feet on the pedal when I feel like it.
I’ve read a lot of review/commentary on the debate, and it really seems it could go either way. If I find that with longer miles I feel the need to clip in I’ll try again…
Yep. It can all be swapped at any time. Best of luck and keep the thread updated on your progress.
Not sure what I was thinking when I posted the elevation as 2k+. I knew that couldn’t be right when I typed it. It’s 5500+ over ~52 miles.
I drove the first 20 or so and thought it would probably kill me on a bike.
Doesn’t matter, because it’s coronacancelled anyway.
Whew! I was reading this thread thinking “WHY would you do this? This will HURT…”
And now you can keep riding for fun! That’s what I’ve been doing since the pandemic hit, and it’s such a great way to distance and get in shape.