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Submitted by
Joseph
a Cross Country Rider
from NE Ohio
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$24.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Good looks, pretty light for a MTB saddle. I found it to be very comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | The plastic nose piece creaks against the rails at times. | | Similar Products Used: | Aireon Pro, Koobi Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Fetish Cycles D&S Model with XT/Avid/SRAM gear. | | Bottom Line: | First, I realize saddles are very personal things, so what works for my 5'11" 220# frame, may not work for you.
That said, other than my $20 Aireon, this is the best saddle I've used as far as comfort goes. Even more so than the $90 Koobi on my road bike.
I'd recommend it, especially at a sub $50 price. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ANDREW
a Weekend Warrior
from BATON ROUGE, LA. USA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | LOOKS, DURABILITY, COMFORT, SHAPE | | Weaknesses: | BAD PRESS | | Similar Products Used: | BONTRAGER | | Bike Setup: | STOCK SEAT ON 2005 IRON HORSE HOLLOWPOINT EXPERT | | Bottom Line: | MAYBE IT'S JUST BECAUSE I HAVE A PLUSH DUAL SUS, OR MAYBE ALL THE COMPLAINERS DON'T KNOW HOW TO ADJUST THE SEAT. I THINK THE SADDLE IS GREAT FOR MY 245LB ASS. THE TOP IS DURABLE LOOKING LEATHER. THE SHELL IS CONTOURED TO MAKE MOVING BEHIND THE SADDLE EASY. THE SHAPE IS PERFECT FOR TRANSITIONS WITHOUT CATCHING YOUR SHORTS. MY SADDLE IS NOT EVEN BROKEN IN YET. I CAN REMEMBER READING SOMETHING ABOUT ERGONOMICS WITH REGARDS TO INITIAL COMFORT VS LONG TERM COMFORT THROUGH PROPER SUPPORT. WELL, I CAN RIDE FOREVER ON THIS SADDLE WITHOUT A SORE GROIN OR LOWER BACK PAIN. SEATS ARE VERY PERSONAL, SO IF IT FEELS BAD, CHUNK IT. BUT BEFORE YOU DO, ADJUST IT PROPERLY WITH THE HELP OF YOUR LBS. POST HEIGHT, HANDLEBAR REACH, AND SEAT TILT ARE ALL INTERELATED AND IMPORTANT FOR COMFORT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Litor Puruit
a Racer
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | all sports | | Strengths: | High quality construction, nice looks , nice leather , firm,light weght | | Weaknesses: | This seat takes a while to break in, a little too firm , | | Similar Products Used: | selle wing , serfas monaco RS,spg foam | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale hard tail | | Bottom Line: | I got this seat for a good deal new , I got the cro-moly seat. This seat took awhile to break in and even still it is kind of firm , I was going to get rid of it and try and buy something better more comfortable but I read one review sayin to tilt the seat down a bit because I always put my seats level and it seems to have worked. Most people that ride my bike say the seat is like concrete but maybe the seat has formed to me I don't know..I would like to try the Fizik plateau because I read it is more soft than this firm seat.. Bottom line this is the best I have tried so far | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a Downhiller
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Strengths: | looks sexy. relatively light weight. generally comfortable for a light saddle. | | Weaknesses: | It broke. | | Bike Setup: | Balfa minuteman. SC shiver. Cro-mo cranks. | | Bottom Line: | I broke the damn plastic shell on it after about 2 years. There's a 3 inch crack all the way around the rear-left rail entry point. I liked it up until then. And good luck to me on the warranty ) ; | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zowie Newton
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntly
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | With Bike | | Strengths: | I find this saddle so comfortable, I can ride 6 hours straight and have no soreness or tenderness. I am 190lb+ on a steel hardtail and this saddle has not made a sound despite plenty of abuse. I find it easy to get off the back and back on no snags or bruises. Really you just need to say comfort ....comfort ....comfort. Leather finish is in great condition dispite 100+ hours of use and plenty of abuse. | | Weaknesses: | It doesn't come with a refrigerated cup-holder | | Similar Products Used: | Vetta TRI, Velo OM | | Bike Setup: | KHS TEAM, Grimeca System 8, XTR Drivetrain, Truvative Stylo Crankset, SunRingle wheels | | Bottom Line: | Sooo Comfortable and Ridable. If you spend time in the saddle grinding up hills and also plenty of it off the back, you do not need to look past this Italian Gem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Bow cycle | | Strengths: | Good shape | | Weaknesses: | In a word OWW! The padding is too soft for 200lbs plus riders. I feel like I am riding directly on the shell. The cover is way too grippy. Makes it hard to move around which just makes the comfort issues worse. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialzed BG, Velo, Fizik Vitesse, Titec Berzerker KXC, Selle Italia Optalink and Flite | | Bike Setup: | 02 Enduro | | Bottom Line: | I wanted to like this seat and got what I thought was a good price. The more I ride it though the more uncomfortable it becomes. It feels good initially because the shape lets you pedal efficiently. After a while though the sit bones start to complain. I am now at the point where I am so sore that even sitting at my desk hurts. The cover also is way to grippy. The Boys have gotten squished a couple of times when trying to move around on the saddle, because my shorts hung up. It might be a good choice of saddle for a light weight rider who doesn't move around much but otherwise I think this thing is much to painful to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Racer
from Oslo, Norway
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Strengths: | Strong, well made, good materials | | Weaknesses: | I have read that this saddle is prone to creaking, but this has not been a problem for me. | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia | | Bike Setup: | C'dale hardtail | | Bottom Line: | The thing about saddles is that no matter how they look, you never know how they will treat you until you've ridden them for a while. This one was no exception, but with a twist. I finally learned to adjust it with the nose a quarter-inch down. It was like day and night for my poor a** - the punishment was over! In relation to similar saddles, I think this one offers good value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Mountains of TN
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$15.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Comfortable, easy on/off the back, nose is perfect for sitting right on it for the steep sections | | Weaknesses: | little long of a break-in, but then again, good things come to those who wait | | Similar Products Used: | WTB Speed V and SST.X, plus demoed countless others | | Bike Setup: | Airborne Corsair, XT/LX mix, RS Duke SL | | Bottom Line: | This seat is just about the best seat I have come across. While it took a bit of time for me to break it in to conform to the contours of my rear, once I did, it has been well worth it. I have the plain chromo railed, Black nytex (?) top with leather glide area, and while the nytex has faded to a nice worn in looking tannish color, the rest of the saddle has held up well to all sorts of abuse. I love the fact that the rear end of the saddle is broad enough to give support, but not so broad that you can't get off the back in adverse situations. Plus the saddle narrows out nicely towards the front so that you don't have the shoulders of the addle rubbing uncomfortably on your inner thighs, and the nose is padded nicely so that sitting on the nose for those extra steep climbs is no real issue. It may be a saddle that requires a certain rider style/body type, but all I know is it works for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Splijin
a Weekend Warrior
from VA
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light, comfy, and durable. | | Weaknesses: | Retail price can be a bit high, but there are usually some good deals if you look around. Found mine new on eBay for $15! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Expert | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F400 | | Bottom Line: | Great quality saddle thats firm and supportive - can ride for hours and hours without any discomfort. Didn't take more than one or two rides to get accustomed to it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoffrey
a Cross Country Rider
from Westport, Ct, USA
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | All of Them | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light, durable, extremely comfortable | | Weaknesses: | none I can think of | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 202 Schwinn Homegrown Comp w/ a mantou mars fork | | Bottom Line: | This is an extremely comfortable saddle, well it is for me at least. I agree that it takes a little while to get used to, but after it breaks in it is like no other, it is so comfortable, by far the most comfortable saddle ever. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John W.
a Cross Country Rider
from Missoula, MT
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | can't pick just one | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Open Road | | Strengths: | flat profile, relatively light, comfy, soft nose is good for climbing. | | Weaknesses: | could be a tad lighter | | Similar Products Used: | Serfas Dual Density Pro, Specialized BG Comp, Terry Liberator, Selle Italia Tri Matic, Selle Italia Max Flite Trans Am, SDG Grand Prix, SDG Bel Aire, WTB Speed V, WTB Laser V Stealth, Brooks Swift (road), Coda Competition, Vetta TTT. | | Bike Setup: | C-dale Scalpel 1000 w/XT drivetrain and eggbeater Ti pedals. | | Bottom Line: | So far the best saddle I've tried, and I've tried a lot. I've had a long time problem with numbness that no saddle has been able to completely alliviate, but this one comes the closest. I have the standard CrMo railed Nisense that came stock on my Scalpel, but I have just ordered the Ti railed Nisense CP. The Nisene has a very flat profile which works best for me. If you prefer a saddle with a pronounced dip (flite, WTB, Terry Liberator) then this probably won't be the saddle for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Racer
from Littleton, New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Coronary Bypass | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | Mailorder | | Strengths: | I set my seats back pretty far, being a tall guy. I have been impressed with its strength and comfort. | | Weaknesses: | Something had to give. It just happened to be the Titanium rails. Also, the scuff guards broke off after one year. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Hardtail. | | Bottom Line: | Four years with one seat on a hardtail, riding and racing on the best XC trails in the country. Pretty good, I must say. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtn chick
a Cross Country Rider
from connecticut
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | came with bike | | Strengths: | comfy. | | Weaknesses: | a bit of getting used to, but now that i am, i heart this seat. | | Similar Products Used: | wtb. | | Bike Setup: | jamis dragon | | Bottom Line: | being a girl, the first time i sat on the saddle i was pretty bummed that i was going to have to buy a new seat. but after 30 minutes, my bum was happy and never looked back. i honestly wouldn't give this saddle up for anything now. and the key thing is that i don't know it's there, after 15 minutes, or 3 hours. and really, isn't that key? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Glentrool | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Armstrongs of Belfast | | Strengths: | Well made,goodlooking, individual. | | Weaknesses: | none really that I can think of | | Similar Products Used: | selle ,Flite,avocet | | Bike Setup: | Hardtail(steel) | | Bottom Line: | I¬ve just read some of the other reviews and I¬m wondering if I`m reviewing the same saddle.Mine is as comfortable as hell and its probably the best saddle I`ve owned.
Maybe its an arse thing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Griffith
a Cross Country Rider
from Longmont, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar | | Strengths: | looks. | | Weaknesses: | leaves me wondering if I'll ever be able to reproduce. | | Similar Products Used: | CODA; Terry | | Bike Setup: | Klein Mantra full suspension | | Bottom Line: | I've given this seat 3 months "break-in" time. I'm still numb after anything over a 1 hour ride, and I'm only 155 lbs. Saddles are definitely an individual thing, but after sitting on a new Terry Liberator, I don't know why I tortured myself for 3 months with this saddle. Do your boys a favor, and avoid this saddle! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Batavia, IL
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR classifieds | | Strengths: | Light, Good lookin' and well made | | Weaknesses: | Firm! Doesn't describe this saddle well enough, granted I'm a big 'un but this thing hurts more than riding with no saddle at all! I read about this from earlier post but my bike rides seem to be more pain than gain. | | Similar Products Used: | Max Flite Trans Am, Schwinn kevlar Stingray and the Flight Fluid | | Bike Setup: | '98 Schwinn S-20 Full XTR, RaceFace, Easton, Time, Thompson, AD12, Marz Marathon, Rolf Urracos and Flite Fluid | | Bottom Line: | Great saddle for a more matching sized human seat... this is not a review of the base Nisene model | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Barton Creek Greenbelt | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$17.00 | | Purchased At: | nashbar | | Strengths: | Sweet looks, leather cover, firm padding, very lightweight | | Weaknesses: | squeaks, fixed with silicon lube spray | | Similar Products Used: | generic seats from walmart bikes, Specialized Hardrock, Selle Strato Gen 2000. | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Raleigh M60 w/ 02' Rockshox Judy SL | | Bottom Line: | The seat that came on my bike was too soft and very uncomfortable. I started looking for a cheap seat, but only found similar soft seats. One day I found this one on nashbar and was interested in it for its leather cover. I read other reviews and found that this seat is very firm which I like. I also like buying expensive things for really cheap, so $17 for a $70 seat also felt good, but not as good as this seat on my butt. I have the basic Nisene with foam padding and cro mo rails. Saddles are very subjective for comfort. I happen to like them firm and this is just that. Even if it softens up after breaking in, it should still be fine. If you can pick one up for cheap, go for it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J Wag
a Racer
from San Clemente, Ca
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Fizik Website | | Strengths: | Very Comfortable. Light weight. Great looking | | Weaknesses: | Price | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Flight, Selle San Marco | | Bike Setup: | 1) Schwinn Homegrown Hardtail
2) Kestrel Rubicon COmp
3) Vail Cycle Works singlespeed | | Bottom Line: | This is by far the best saddle I have ever owned. I have never experienced any pain or discomfort since switching over from my Flite. I use the titanium gel version and have since purchased them for all my bikes. Another big plus is that you can custom order via the Fizik website to match your bike and preference for saddle style. TWO BIG THUMBS UP! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike O
a Racer
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere my tires will roll | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop (now bankrupt) | | Strengths: | Light, kind of comfy, gives you good mobility on your bike. | | Weaknesses: | Creeky! Noisy! | | Similar Products Used: | Selle San Marco Race day | | Bike Setup: | Aluminum hardtail, with lots of parts. | | Bottom Line: | (First of all I have the Nisene with the Gel) This seat has been my favorite so far. It took quite a few rides to break it in, but afterwards it has been good. It is kind of comfortable, but if I ride over 35 rough miles my ass will be sore the next day. Beware of the black dye! Yes, that is right it will leave black marks on your shorts if the saddle gets wet or your butt sweats. After 4000 miles, my seat is calling it quits. The right rail has, well broken (??) where it fits into the bumper, causing it to sag to the right. After all of the ass-on-seat jump landings, I am really suprised how well this seat has held up. It did have a period of squeeking that was very annoying, but a little Tri-flow in the area where the rails meet the bumpers took care of it. BOTTOM LINE: This seat is durable (I weigh 180lbs) and about as comfortable as I could expect a seat to be. If you have a chance, try out a friend's first - though it has a nice shape, this seat won't fit everyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FakePurseNinjas
a Cross Country Rider
from ELLENSBURG WA USA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | sorry, don't want to let everyone know | | Strengths: | Absolutley a gorgeous saddle. Chrome highlights on the back, soft gray cover with black leather trim... on the technical side the gel layer is perfect for those accustomed to a solid seat. | | Weaknesses: | the only weakness is that I only have 1... | | Similar Products Used: | team roost, sellia italia octavia (too darn soft) | | Bike Setup: | Raleigh M-80, STX-RC crank and hubs. LX/STX derailluers. 97 Judy XC forks. Easton EA50 Aluminum Stem. Wellgo clipless. Onza stoggies bar ends. Ringle Riser bars. | | Bottom Line: | This is the perfect mix of a solid and a gel seat. It is probably the best saddle on the market for a full-suspension - although I ride hardtail and still think it is wonderful,. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J-BAY
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz/CA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | West Cliff drive | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | Came with bike | | Strengths: | If you like this saddle I know where to get one. I saw a whole box load of take off's on sale at Another Bike Shop. | | Weaknesses: | The padding end's to quickly on the edge. Rock hard, and no flex in shell. Make's you not ride your bike. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz | | Bottom Line: | My other bike has the Wtb.98 seat good stuff. Santa Cruz spec's the nisene and the easton carbon post both of which are going to be replaced. I weigh 200 pounds and this seat does not work for me. You could put this seat on a 6 inch travel bike and it would still feel like a cheap plastic bmx seat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al G
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston Island
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Flat Creek Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun&Ski | | Strengths: | Italian quality, Ti Rails, light, design | | Weaknesses: | no kevlar protection, pricey, creaky after awhile | | Similar Products Used: | WTB, SDG, Selle, Gel seats | | Bike Setup: | Sugar 3, Marzzochi Z2, King,Titec, XT upgrades yada yada yada... | | Bottom Line: | I just purchased another one of these pups for $30 frogskins at my LBS (they had another one up on the display shelves for $99, go figure!) The cool thing about the Ti-rail design is that it actually acts as 1/4-1/2" of suspension. This added to my Sugars 2.5" adds up to one sweet ride. The way to get rid of the creaks is to spray some silicone loob around the elastomer inserts and plastic shell area where it hits the rails. NO MORE CREAKS! The one complaint I had with my previous version was that it left black dye on everything that sat upon it. Not so with the new one. There is a period of "break-in" but its well worth the wait. Getting the seat angle right is critical to getting the pressure of the nads and onto your seat bones. Try tilting the seat nose up just a hair (rather than level) and you too will find nirvana. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike CHen
a Weekend Warrior
from ALor Setar,Kedah,Malaysia
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Well made,beautiful,Made in Italy!Comfortable(My is the Twin Tech version! | | Weaknesses: | Long break in period!Heavy(CrMO rails,adds 100g over my Vetta SL | | Similar Products Used: | Vetta SL,Bontrager,Ritchey,... | | Bike Setup: | Mongoose Carbon/Al frame,21 speed LX RF,XTR V-brake(front w/adapter,RS Judy Race(2001),Truvativ Firex SL SPlined crankset,SL BB,747 pedals,USE XCR shokpost,Oury grips,Profile bar ends,Zoom stem,bar,WTB headset,Araya RM-17/MAvic X221 rims,Tioga FActories,.. | | Bottom Line: | TO those who thought that the saddle is uncomfortable,pls.give it a longer break in period!My took more than 1 month!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank Berkhout
a Racer
from Meppel
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | havelte | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | Light
durable
soft (at least I think so!)
high on the rails
great seatpost clearance
TI rails | | Weaknesses: | It started to crackle after a year, but I cut out some bits of plastic. So now that problem is solved | | Similar Products Used: | Selle royal look in
WTB SST X | | Bike Setup: | Zaskar, RS judy race, cross ride, kozmik lite's, LX XT setup, onza, titec, [RooX]. | | Bottom Line: | Nice and soft saddle, I rode a WTB saddle first, god theire thin!!!! after that a selle look in, damn theire soft! And then the nise came into my life. I LOVE THAT SADDLE! Ithink it's a racers saddle, although free riders should love the cromo version | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Curtis
a Cross Country Rider
from Philly
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | wild Betty | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | suspension, seat post clearance | | Weaknesses: | hard | | Similar Products Used: | vetta tt | | Bike Setup: | zaskar le w/ strong heavy stuff | | Bottom Line: | 1st yr: okay.
2nd yr: ouch. What little foam exists must have changed chemical composition to concrete. Too narrow. Gel center is supposed to address a man's concerns, but unless you are hung like a pimple...
Flip side: it's suspension characteristics are great. I had problems w/other seats bottoming out on the seat post clamp (ooof!), but this one is free and clear (you actually have to lower the seat post about an inch or two). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Mapston
a
from Bath, England
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Good looks, well made. | | Weaknesses: | The plastic scuff gauards sit very close to the surface of the saddle right at the point where your seat bones bear. After several hours in the saddle the padding sags and your bum sits directly on the plastic. - Not comfortable at all. | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Ti Flite trans-am. - OK. but hole gets your butt wet when its raining / puddles if I have removed my rear mudguard. | | Bike Setup: | Litespeed Ti Tanasi, Rolf Propel wheelset, XTR. Easton carbon risers and seat post. | | Bottom Line: | Unless your very light or into pain, save your money and try something else. I'm still looking for light and comfy, maybe this is a contridiction in terms. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ed
a Cross Country Rider
from MI
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint.com | | Strengths: | Light
great looks | | Weaknesses: | hard padding
can you say: "adios cojones"? | | Similar Products Used: | SGD ventura comp
SDG Belair
Selle Italia Flite
Selle Italia Flite trans am
Titec Bezerker
Bontrager c-30 | | Bike Setup: | Cuda Comp
all XT
Arch Supremes
Judy SL
yadda yadda yadda | | Bottom Line: | I can't understand why so many people love this saddle. I know its a personal thing, but damn, this seat is a gonad destroyer. I have tirelessly searched for a comfortable off-road saddle. Let me say, this one is near the bottom. I got this saddle at pricepont for a great price ($40). My purchase was mostly motivated by these reviews. Big mistake. First off, this saddle is extremely hard. No, I did not give it break-in time, but the thing was so uncomfortable off the bat that I doubt it could ever get much better. I will say that its shape is pretty good and its looks are phenominal. But when it comes to comfort, I just don't feel it. You should know that I am a clydesdale at 220, so maybe a teenie-ass 140 pounder would like this. But I don't think so. I have ridden on the Flite which is nearly as narrow and that doesn't bother me, although I only use that saddle on my road bike. But I did spend a Season on the c-30, which I'm sure cut my sperm count in half. THe Nisene was even more uncomfortable that the c-30! I would definitely rate the Ventura comp and the Belair well above this saddle in comfort, plus, you can get those in TI rails and they are as light or lighter. But the King of comfort (as far as a race-weight saddle) is the Flite Trans am. It supports the sit bones just enough and the cut out totally eliminates numbness. After ten minutes riding the Nisene I was numb. No saddle has ever done that to me so quickly. 5 chilis for looks, 0 for comfort. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Warren
a Cross Country Rider
from Darlington AU
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Darlington | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Shape
Durability
Finish
Deep Ti rails
Tech looks
Light weight
On & On & On | | Weaknesses: | You make me laugh!!!(If "MATRIX" was here he'd laugh too). | | Similar Products Used: | WTB,SDG,Tioga,Azonic,Specialized,Coda,Velo & beyond | | Bike Setup: | USE Carbon post on Cannondale hardtail. | | Bottom Line: | From the moment I sat on this saddle I knew my "LONG and PAINFULL" journey was finally over.At last a saddle that actually works | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from milwaukee wi
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | wheel & sprocket | | Strengths: | comfy, tall rails, LOOKED cool | | Weaknesses: | color blistered and fell off. rail popped out. | | Similar Products Used: | sdg, specialized, flight. | | Bike Setup: | 98 stump. sidsl, hayes | | Bottom Line: | love the saddle, got the ugliest one i could find(lime green) unfortunatly during a 24 hour race in a thunderstorm the mud actually tore the green coating off of the leather in places. and after a later crash the rail popped out. giro said they would replace it but by the time i got that e mail u had fixed it myself. i fixed the rail witha bit of muscle(ti flexes) and sanded the rest of the green off then died the saddle brown. now it look really cool, like and old baseball glove. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bart Cannon
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Goat Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Looks great; tacky texture in all weather; firm; , beasy-on/easy-off; rounded nose for steep seating; PRODUCT BACKUP! | | Weaknesses: | Rail popped out of plug. | | Similar Products Used: | Coda, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | XT Litespeed Obed, Atom Bomb, Race Face cranks | | Bottom Line: | I have loved this saddle for all the abovementioned reasons. However, when the rail popped out, I was concerned.
Giro's new distributor sent me a new seat!
Grand Performance bike shop in St. Paul went to bat for me.
Happy ending. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BRENDAN
a Cross Country Rider
from EAST MEADOW
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | THE FRURT LOOP | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | IT CAME ON MY BIKE | | Strengths: | COMFORT,EASE OF MOBILITY OF BODY POSITION OVER SADDLE | | Weaknesses: | NOT A BIG DEAL,BUT I TOO GOT BLACK ASS,BUT MTB RIDING IS NOT ABOUT STAYING CLEAN. | | Similar Products Used: | ADOCET O2 AIR 40R,BONTRAGER 10,VETTA AT | | Bike Setup: | 98 SCHWINN FACTORY HOMEGROWN FS XTR | | Bottom Line: | I LOVE THIS SADDLE I CAN RIDE FOR HOURS AND STILL FEEL GREAT.AFTER 1 YEAR THE LEATER WAS TURNING GRAY(FOR BLACK) DON'T TELL MY WIFE BUT I USED HER POCKETBOOK LEATHER CONDISTIONOR(3 OR 4 TREATMENTS OVER 2DAYS)IT FULLY RESTORED IT BACK TO NEARLY NEW.I WILL SURELY REPLACE THIS SADDLE WITH THE SAME ONE WHEN ITS TIME IS DONE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bart
a
from St. Paul
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The Strand | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Store | | Strengths: | Looks great, solid and firm padding, cut away to allow easy off and on.
| | Weaknesses: | Rail popped out of back socket! | | Similar Products Used: | Coda, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | XT Obed w/Atom Bomb, ATAC's and 217's. | | Bottom Line: | We'll see.
This was a great saddle for me all summer--worth every penny. However, last night as I rode through a slightly rocky drop, the ti-rail popped out of the socket in back. My local shop, Grand Performance (which is alway very helpful) told me this happens occasionally but is not fixable. If so, I guess I can't justify buying it again.
They are contacting Giro NEW distributor to see what might be done. I'll post again with the final result.
Please post if you have any insights into this problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jean-Luc
a Cross Country Rider
from France
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Strengths: | -ergonomic
-light
-affordable | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Flite
Bontrager | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Cannondale F900 SL | | Bottom Line: | I love this saddle! I immidiately changed the crappy CODA saddle for the Nisene and I won't regret it.
It is way more comfortable than the Flite. I think this is due to its shape, which is plain.
Be careful with your choice which Nisene to buy. I bought the CroMoly version since it is much cheapier and - believe it or not - it is even 15 grams LIGHTER than the Titanium version. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jochen
a Cross Country Rider
from vienna
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | durable, comfort, design | | Weaknesses: | little heavier than others | | Similar Products Used: | flite, vetta | | Bottom Line: | i prefer that saddle to the flite, althought the flite is a great seat, too.
cause of the high rails the saddle has some more comfort than the others around | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremiah Hueske
a Downhiller
from Westminster, CO
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Local open spaces | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Lightweight. | | Weaknesses: | Too lightweight, great for non technical XC and thats about it. Not a good design, very weak. | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager, selle italia, specialized | | Bike Setup: | Azonic DS-1 | | Bottom Line: | This is a saddle for XC. Could really use some kevlar on the sides. Makes horrible creaking noise after a couple of bails. Wouldn't reccomend for anyone, except gram freaks who give up durability for low weight. Why? In the end, very hard and painful, creaks, not durable and would not reccomend it to anyone sane. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dominator
a Racer
from Dieppe,NB,Canada
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | fundy trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | really light
awesome colour changing | | Weaknesses: | hard on the buttox | | Similar Products Used: | selle italia flite | | Bike Setup: | gary fisher lx.xtr manitou sx-r. hayes hydro disk | | Bottom Line: | This seat is worth having if youre looking to shave weight off your bike. I would personnaly not buy it if I wouldnt race but since i do I really recommend it. The seat is a bit expensive but comes on some bikes.
Bottom line is its a good seat | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stan
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Cedro Peak | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | reasonably light, very durable, comfortable | | Weaknesses: | none noted | | Similar Products Used: | WTB SST 98 | | Bike Setup: | Specialized FSR | | Bottom Line: | I guess the nicest thing about this saddle is that it is unobtrusive: I don't even notice it until about three hours into a ride, and I've been way miserable long before that on other saddles. Also, I haven't been bothered with the dye bleeding as others have reported here. And you can move around on it at will. Best, however, is the durability----unlike the WTB, have not had a problem with the rails seperating from the seat, even in fairly hard crashes.
I believe the only folks who wouldn't like this saddle are those who like foamy cushy plumpsters, and even those folks might like it if they gave it a chance.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al G.
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston,Tx
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Cambodia | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Ti Rails, Great seat area, light, looks sharp | | Weaknesses: | Black Dye will come off, should have better side protection like WTB | | Similar Products Used: | WTB Comfort Zone, Bontrager, Selle, goofy gel seats | | Bike Setup: | Voodoo/Bomber Z-2/ Avids/ XT | | Bottom Line: | This seat feels good and looks good. It took about 3 weeks to break it in. After that it felt like I added 1/2" of suspension to my hardtail. Have "biffed" a few times and luckily no real damage to it yet.The one serious flaw that I've come across is that the black dye comes off in spades every time your ass gets sweaty. I've tried mink oil, Sno-seal (wax-based) and after a year the f*****g thing STILL stains anything other than spandex shorts BLACK!! Great saddle, but it'll give you a serious case of BLACK ASS every time you ride. Four flaming trail bombs... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Very comfy for long rides | | Weaknesses: | The leather split on the rear pointy bits after 6 months | | Bottom Line: | Way expensive, and quite comfy too. Leather splitting after 6 months is a major disappointment. Have now bought a cheaper one.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Alexandria, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | none yet | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | looks, Giro quality | | Weaknesses: | price (for others) | | Similar Products Used: | stock seats | | Bike Setup: | Mongoose Nx 7.1 | | Bottom Line: | I got it for 50 percent off of 90$....a great deal indeed....at first it was a little hard but after a few weeks, it broke in, now I love it...if anyone knows where and how much I can get diff. color scuff guards for, email me....mine is black with red guards but it is sort of hideous on my light shiny blue bike.....yah know... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gold Barbz
a Weekend Warrior
from Shoreline, WA
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | The best looking saddle. Very comfortable, great shock absorption. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager, Max Flite. | | Bike Setup: | Trek OCLV, XTR to LX. | | Bottom Line: | I have the newest Twin Tech gel version of the Nisene, it's a little more comfortable than the normal version but cost $10 extra. I love the look of it, and gels made my bottom much better than that freaking hard Max Flite! A little expensive, but what can you say about it, it's simply the best. I don't have to say much about it, because there isn't anything I can say, except that it feels like it's not even there! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Superchunk
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in the GWNF | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Light, narrow, and strong | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Italia Flite, Performance Piece of Junk, and a few others | | Bike Setup: | DBR Carbon frame, RockShox SID XC, King Headset, Sun/Ringle RPM wheelset, and a smattering of XT and XTR parts. | | Bottom Line: | This saddle is the best I've ever owned. I'm a big guy and the Ti rails have lasted over six months so I know it's strong. The narrow design of the saddle make is easy to get your weight over the rear wheel. I'm going to go out and buy a Fizik Pave for my road bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
speed
a Racer
from Alabama
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all rides | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | light
good feel
colors | | Weaknesses: | ink bled
a little hard at first | | Similar Products Used: | avocet o2 air kevlar | | Bike Setup: | pro-flex | | Bottom Line: | I got this seat from cambria for $45 so I can't really complain. The ink bled on some khaki shorts and giro said I could sen dit back to acmbri to get a replacement(of differnet color), but I didn't want to fool with it so I make sure to wear riding shorts any time I'm on the bike. But, it does feel good for long periods. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
michael da kota
a Cross Country Rider
from haarlem,nh,netherlands
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Darkbrown Leather with jungle patterns (wayyyy cool!)
Descent weight, very stiff and does a good job on the ass-area. | | Weaknesses: | Leather is susceptible to scratching (metal objects, I bike with jeans a lot...-riscy-, and it prolly wont survive a good slide on asphalt or rock ) | | Similar Products Used: | Coda 900 | | Bike Setup: | killer-V800, mostly xt & lx , | | Bottom Line: | This is a pretty rare version of the nisene saddle, cost me a some more than the normal ones (Available in a zillion designs, that is..including the cow-style..), but well worth it. The finishing touch for my dark blue Killer-V800 98'.
Deserves 5 Burnin' Burillas! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick Vandervelpen
a Cross Country Rider
from Tessenderlo, Belgium
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all trails that are good | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | solid construction, lite and nice look | | Weaknesses: | non | | Similar Products Used: | Flite | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale 700SL | | Bottom Line: | Until now I like this saddle very much, it sits good and has a nice finishing touch. I've allready driven a marathon with it and my ass didn't hurt. This is the first saddle I can ride for more than 5 hours. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joel
a Cross-Country Rider
from netherlands
Date Reviewed: November 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
brione in italy | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
the nisene is a very good sadlle and it looks good and it sits very well bud in the beginning it has to be ridden in .
the looks of the sadlle is also very nice and the durability of it is good bud it is very expensive. | | Bottom Line: | ill think it's a good competeter of the flite | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
serge
a Cross-Country Rider
from louisiana
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
relatively comfy, good looks, firm.. Can now see the beautiful seatpost head/hardware | | Weaknesses: |
price, color bled, now gray instead of blue | | Similar Products Used: |
specialized (yuk), avocet 02, few bontragesr, WTB sstx, selle turbo (an old fav) | | Bike Setup: |
'96 M2, xtr/xt/lx/avid/bontrager bastard mix w/ Stax seatpost, FS-ti. | | Bottom Line: | Overall a great saddle, firm not too hard, although there's some soreness on epic rides, but that's always a problem, no matter which saddle I've tried. Elastomers seem to soak up some road vibes, can't tell any diff offroad. Bided my time and bought one off internet for good price, can't bring myself to pay as much as this costs retail.
I was aware of the bleed problem before I got it (didn't wear light color shorts), once it bled, i put some mink oil on it... problem solved- also solved problem of it soakin up water. The hide is soft, and not water resistant. It didn't retain it's blue color, turned grey after a month.
These are minor problems which don't detract from its overall great looks and comfy-ness. This is a good break from my ongoing search to find the perfect saddle. Keep up the good work Giro. Detract 1 flamer for probs with color bleeding. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Holland
Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Schoorl (Holland) | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Looks,
Titanium brigde,
Strenght. | | Weaknesses: |
Sand comes between the side and the leather and you hardly can get it out | | Similar Products Used: |
Selle itali Royal Duo | | Bike Setup: |
Giant ATX | | Bottom Line: | Good saddle, colors are adjustable to your bike.
It's a bit hard, but better than a sadle that disapears in your ....
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew
a Racer
from OH
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
comfortable
looks
giro name....the best | | Weaknesses: |
bit hefty | | Similar Products Used: |
specialized evolution
SDG Bel Air
Selle Flite | | Bike Setup: |
Schwinn Homegrown Factory, XTR, Rolf Propel wheels, Time, Kore, Titec | | Bottom Line: | The only way to make this saddle better is to cut the weight down but then agian i don't think it would be my favorite if it were lighter....the flite is light but hard as h*** made my a** very sore. i am very plaesed with the seat. F*** the weight i'd rather have a heavy comfortable seat than a light hard seat that makes your nuts numb. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Racer
from Arizona
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
National | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Comfortable
Looks Cool ( when its new ) | | Weaknesses: |
All the cow hair feel off | | Similar Products Used: |
Serfas, flite | | Bike Setup: |
RM Vertex TO, Full XTR, Race Face, Chris King. Marazocchi Z-2 | | Bottom Line: | fits well, strong, well made. Just don't buy the cow one 'cause all the fur falls off in about a month and half. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross-Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Berryman | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Cool Looks, color
Comfy, well constructed | | Weaknesses: |
A little stiff at first, but you get used to it fast | | Similar Products Used: |
Flite Ti, Bontrager | | Bike Setup: |
Klein, White Bros SC90 | | Bottom Line: | Looked for a while to find one at a decent price. Was hard, but was looking for a derailler at my local LBS's and saw a really cool brown one hanging on a rack. Looked lonely, so checked its price, picked it up for 59 bucks, which was cheaper than mailorder - really good deal, great saddle!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross-Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Berryman | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Great Construction
Cool Looks
Durable | | Weaknesses: |
Hard to find one at a decent price | | Similar Products Used: |
Bontrager Plus 10
Selle Flite Ti | | Bike Setup: |
Klein, White SC90, Full XTR, Magura Raceline 'D'
Mustang Rims | | Bottom Line: | Very comfortable, firm but forgiving. Seems incredibly durable, scuff guards and noseguard. Could'nt find one at a decent price...at first tried mailorder, not in stock only the ugly and questionable cow style Saw a brown one hanging at the back of the rack at my LBS, looked different, and was shocked at the price which beat mailorder. Got lucky!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross-Country Rider
from Tallahassee, FL
Date Reviewed: May 4, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
red bug | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Firm - not hard
lots of stylish colors
Fits my arse
like the narrow nose | | Weaknesses: |
A bit uncomfortable on long rides | | Similar Products Used: |
WTB sstx thing | | Bike Setup: |
Fisher, Judy xc | | Bottom Line: | I really like the saddle. I almost returned it to try some others out, but I just can't bring myself to do it. It fits just right and doesn't rub your thighs on pedal strokes. I'm going to try a ti seatpost to take the edge off. Since I can't give it a 4 1/2....... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BEN
a Racer
from VAIL CO
Date Reviewed: April 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
WEIGHT, STYLE, COLOR, IT MATCHES MY BIKE | | Weaknesses: |
PRICE | | Similar Products Used: |
WTB, SELLE ITALIA, AND TIOGA | | Bike Setup: |
TURNER BURNER, Z1 | | Bottom Line: | I LIKED IT QUITE A BIT, IT IS DEFINITELY A SADDLE THAT EVERYONE SHOULD OWN | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Knightrider
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Pete, Fl.
Date Reviewed: April 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Morris Bridge | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
comfort, lite | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
Sella Italia Trimatic
Serfas Comp
Serfas Lola
Spec. Body Geom. Comp | | Bike Setup: |
Garry Fisher Z2 | | Bottom Line: | Saddles are so personal you must try several. There is a shop in town, Chainwheel Drive in Clearwater Fl. that will let you buy and return for full exchange any sadle, as long as you don't hurt it. So I tried all the good ones they had. See (similar products) above. The price is a little steep but I have learned that you get what you pay for in quality things from good companies. As I tried them, this one was not the last one I tried, but I liked it right off. After the others I came back to it and rode it some more. After about 3 months it has gotten even more comfortable, it breaks in. I have gotten it wet and it has not blead its color, which is silver on top. There have been reports of them bleeding color, particulary black. Here in Fl we may not have the mountains, but we have a lot of sand and other soft stuff. Best way to ride it is weight back on the saddle, after a usuall 2 to 3 hour ride off road my buns are still smilling.It is the best thing I have put my butt on yet. | | Overall Rating: |
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