The goal of ultra lightweight construction is fully achieved in the SLR. Just 160 grams with nothing sacrificed in terms of technical specifications. Thanks to a combination of features including carbon shell, padding fashioned from EVA (closed-cell foam weighing only 5 grams), and a featherweight tubular Titanium rail that weighs just 45 grams.The 165-gram SLR XP model will feature a rail made of Tubular Vanox and extra padding.
Submitted by
astrat
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, On., Canada Date Reviewed: September 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anything that flows.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
a shop
Strengths:
Very light, and very comfortably.
Weaknesses:
Only lasts half a season.
Similar Products Used:
Selle Italia Flite, Prologo Ti Choice, WTB Rocket V
Bike Setup:
Klein Adept Pro w/ XT
Kona Major One - cyclocross bike
Bottom Line:
I work at a shop and get clear-out pricing when it comes to the ugly colour SLR's, if it weren't for the price point, I wouldn't buy them. They are my favourite saddle, but they only last half a season - the leather cover rips almost immediately.
But in terms of comfort and weight, nothing beats an SLR 135g saddle.
Many people ask: how is a saddle like that comfortable? Well, there are two ways to make a comfortable saddle. 1) with a lot of padding and 2) with great flex. The original leather saddles (ie Brooks) relied on flex to be comfortable, and these are revered as the most comfortable saddles on the market. The SLR also relies on flex to be comfortable - the carbon fiber base and Ti rails offer fantastic flex. I f'ing love this saddle.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
thomasjc97
a Cross Country Rider
from College Station, TX, USA Date Reviewed: May 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Rio Pinto (La Cumbre, Argentina
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Strengths:
comfortable, light, short break in time, US-made Ti rails
Weaknesses:
a little pricey, leather cover tears easily
Similar Products Used:
San Marco, WTB
Bike Setup:
KHS Alite 3000, Noir 3.3 crank, SRAM XO/X9, Mavix Crossmax ST, Fox F-Series, Thomson seatpost/X4 stem, CrankBros Eggbeater SL, Schwalbe Racing Ralph (offroad)/Conti Grand Prix (road), Easton EC70 bar
Bottom Line:
The saddle is awesome! It may be bit a misleading... most people ask if the saddle hurts and if it gets stuck in places that saddles shouldn't be. But really, it fits perfectly [for me]; I'm 5'11", 170 lbs, medium build, and my sit-bones line up perfectly with the minimal padding (the Ti rails really help absorb a lot of shock).
I was skeptical at first, but was looking for the perfect blend of comfort, light weight, and affordability. The saddle has worked very well whether I'm on my daily 18 mile commute or in a recent 75km race (all off road).
The only draw back that I have is the leather ripped pretty easily during a crash on the pavement that I had. Hey, it was my fault and indestructibility was not one of the features that I was looking for. A little glue sealed it up nicely and the saddle still performs.
The SLR is an outstanding saddle and I recommend at least giving it a test drive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
funrunner99
a Cross Country Rider
from Folsom, CA USA Date Reviewed: April 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Granite Bay
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$71.00
Purchased At:
EBay
Strengths:
Very comfortable
Light weight
Weaknesses:
TI rail broke
Similar Products Used:
Selle Italia Ti Flite Gel
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Caffeine 29er MTB, SRAM grip shifters & derailers, XTR cranks, Eggbeater pedals, Stan's NoTubes, lots of light parts, 23 lbs.
Merlin Titanium road bike, Dura Ace 9 speed grupo, Spinergy wheels, Selle Italia Ti Flite Gel saddle, Continental tires, lots of light stuff, sub 19 lbs.
Bottom Line:
Have this on my MTB bike, ride mostly cross country, weigh 200 lbs, really liked this saddle. Selle makes the best saddles out there, been riding on them for almost 20 years. Used to be a 200+ mile a week road racer, now just keeping in shape and racing my MTB a little. Extremely comfortable saddle but 9 or 10 months in one of the rails broke at the back of the clamp. Slid it forward a 1/4" and rode it for another 3-4 months but it's falling apart now. I am usually pretty easy on equipment and get a lot of use out of stuff so I can see understand this complaint popping up a lot. Anyhow just bought a Selle Italia SLR XC Vanox rail one, sounds like the rails are supposed to hold up better and they are meant for MTB so I will give it a try. If your lighter or on a road bike I would recommend it for sure. Gave it 3 on the value rating since they are a little pricey and it broke but still have to give it a 5 on the overall cause it was the best, most comfortable saddle I have ever had until it broke.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zachariah
a Cross Country Rider
from Palm Desert, California USA Date Reviewed: February 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Hurkey Creek Park(24 Hours Adrenalin Course)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$46.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Light, comfortable, looks sleek, high resale value.
Weaknesses:
None...and I am a huge weight weenie!
Similar Products Used:
Fizik Gobi XM; Specialized Phenom SL; Selle San Marco ASPide; WTB Rocket V; AX Lightness; M2 Racer; Tune Speedneedle(the UGLIEST, most uncomfortable saddle on earth); Token Carbon
I have tried ALL high-end saddles, and has concluded the SLR is the BEST minimalist saddle around. However, this saddle is intended for ROAD USE ONLY. One crash and this saddle gets shredded easily. Don't expect Selle Italia to cover you, if ridden off-road. The key is try not to crash...which is almost impossible, in MTB.
My advice...get this saddle USED. Paying full retail is like buying a new car at a dealership- it drops in value by 30% the moment it leaves the lot. You won't find another lighytweight, comfy saddle around!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
armrod
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Lauderdale,Fl., USA Date Reviewed: July 7, 2008
One of the rails broke in half after 7 months of riding.... in Florida of all places! Either I need to lose weight (well I do sort of) or these rails need to be made stronger for the price you pay. Definitely not worth the price!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ex
a Cross Country Rider
from california Date Reviewed: June 17, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
nothing because it breaks and you cant use it.
Weaknesses:
Extremely weak. The carbon piece that holds the nose of the titanium rails breaks. I only weigh 150 lbs. Warranty is useless, person who works there does not care about anything. Sounds like he used to be in sales and wants you to buy another one. Useless.
Similar Products Used:
wtb, tioga, specialized
Bike Setup:
light bike.
Bottom Line:
I was going uphill! and the pressure from me pushing on the saddle caused the front carbon piece that holds the front of the rails to snap! I cant believe it broke. They said that I had put too much pressure on it when I called them after mailing it to their warranty department. They wouldnt help me. I wont ever buy another selle product with a warranty department like this, there's too many other good companies out there making saddles.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vlad
a Cross Country Rider
from Romania Date Reviewed: February 4, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, comfortable, flexible
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Ritchey, Velo
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Taurine Team
Bottom Line:
I am a cross country racer and this is the best saddle I've ever had. It's light, comfortable and I like it a lot ... If you are searching for these 2 components for a saddle you must have one.
I had use it for road training and also for off road training.
Another thing to notice: please use a cycling bib for it. For the city use is kinda crappy (with jeans or other pants)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Caley Fretz
a Racer
from Fort Collins, CO Date Reviewed: December 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Pines
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
weight, good flex, no slip leather cover.
Weaknesses:
soft cover is not too durable, but what do you expect from a seat designed for road use? Just don't crash too much.
Similar Products Used:
Fizik nisene, aliante and arione SLR xc
Bike Setup:
Orbea alma, x.0, sid, etc
Bottom Line:
If it fits your butt, its one of the most comfortable saddles out there. If you can try before you buy, go for it. Saddles are very personal. Seems that those with skinny hips fit this saddle best, based on teammates/friends who ride it and like it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kenny Knockaert
a Cross Country Rider
from Belgium Date Reviewed: November 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
fashion4cycling
Strengths:
Light (97gr)
Weaknesses:
Some would find it hard (I don't)
Similar Products Used:
multiple selle italia and san marco models
Bike Setup:
Endorfin speed-r with Rohloff speedhub and German-a front suspention
Bottom Line:
Best saddle ever. It is light, strong and I find it confty aswell. It made a cracking sound for a while but ive salved that with a little grease in the rail assembly pionts. Never came back
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Atom Eyes
a Cross Country Rider
from Wilmington DE US Date Reviewed: November 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$85.00
Strengths:
SLR XP light, sleek - easy on and off the back, stiff, comfortable.
Weaknesses:
none I can find
Similar Products Used:
different wtb saddles, first racing saddle
Bike Setup:
haro mary ss
Bottom Line:
many xc miles, many wrecks, still looks and performs like new. A comfy saddle that improved my control of the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marek
a Cross Country Rider
from Tuchola, Poland Date Reviewed: November 18, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$115.00
Purchased At:
Centrumrowerowe.pl
Strengths:
This is for SLR XC gel flow Very light, very comfortable, it looks like new after 2000km
Weaknesses:
This is for SLR XC gel flow Price is high but on the other hand it's worth it!
Similar Products Used:
Kbix ultra pro race (very bad saddle), author asd mega tt
This is for SLR XC gel flow Very good saddle. It looks aggresive but it's amazingly comfortable. Once you try it and you will not like any other saddle! It's perfect saddle for xc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Iwan Kemp
a Racer
from Cape Town, South Africa Date Reviewed: November 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Eden / Delvera Blk Route
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Factory Store
Strengths:
This is for the SLR XC Kevlar: Comfortable, very light, tough
Weaknesses:
None for me
Similar Products Used:
Fi;zi'k's, Other Selle Italia's
Bike Setup:
Titus Moto Lite II
Bottom Line:
For me this is the most comfortable saddle I have ever tried. Prefer it over the Gobi as it has a more pronounced "seated section". Easier to get off the back and especially back on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martijn
a Cross Country Rider
from Arnhem (Netherlands) Date Reviewed: June 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Veluwezoom Rheden
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came on with the bike
Strengths:
Light (165 gr), fits well
Weaknesses:
Strength: the rail broke
Similar Products Used:
WTB (lasts for already 6 years) on my previous bike
Bike Setup:
Idworx Special Marathon 2005 (Magura Ronin fork , SRAM X0 gearing, Truvativ GXP team crank, Magura FIRM tech HS33, Crossmax SL, Schwalbe Racing Ralph / Nobby Nic, Thomson seat post / steer)
Bottom Line:
An absolute weight weenie product! Bought the bike second hand and most (extreme) light weight parts are falling a part (tune bar ends / Bottom bracket / SLR saddle).
My weight: 75 kgs / usage: XC
I will replace the saddle with a heavier (250 gr) and hopefully more robust saddle (Fizik Gobi).
Value: a lot of money if you have to replace it within 2 years Overall: Really light and comfortable but you might pay the price as lightness introduces less strength
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, Texas Date Reviewed: May 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
bikeworld-alamo heights
Strengths:
quality craftmanship, durable
Weaknesses:
not for someone who doesn't ride a lot
Similar Products Used:
flite, c2
Bike Setup:
custom litespeed, full xtr, king hubs and headset, thompson seatpost and stem, 959 pedals
Bottom Line:
excellent freaking saddle after you get your sit bones in shape
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross Country Rider
from Medford, Oregon, USA Date Reviewed: April 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
catwalk
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Blue Sky
Strengths:
Light, Comfortable
Weaknesses:
weak
Similar Products Used:
FSA carbon
Bike Setup:
06 Kona Kikapu custom build (mostly FSA)
Bottom Line:
It broke
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad
a Cross Country Rider
from Beijing Date Reviewed: January 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Xiangshan
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Flying Ball
Strengths:
SLR XC Gel Flow: This is a nice saddle however..... Weight is good, however ...
Weaknesses:
Vanox rail craked.
Similar Products Used:
SDG, Coda
Bike Setup:
Blur - top of the line parts
Bottom Line:
I've had this saddle less then a year. Ride some pretty technical single track here in Beijing but I would expect that a top of the line saddle to have quality construction and to have been properly product tested. I hear from the bike shop in Hong Kong where I purchased the saddle that cracked rails are a common problem. No warrenty.
I am off to the Cape Epic in March and am somewhat glad to have cracked the saddle during training. Would not want have started a 130 k leg of the race and break the rail. My buddy has one too but will replace it before the race. No confidence in the product.
I am 200lbs. 6'1" and a beast of a man. I ride fast with my fixed gear buddies on their road bikes. They all use Fizik Arione, Selle Flites, etc. I ride the SLR on a mountain bike singlespeed and after 2 weeks of riding it, my butt acclimated to the seat and I wish not to use any other seat than the Selle Italia SLR. You have seen many seats on the market copy the SLR design - the original is the best. The leather and construction is obviously Italian and Selle Italia's finest seat to date. You can find the SLR XP version (165g vs 135g) on ebay for $80, the original goes for a bit more. I have both the XP and original and the XP has slightly more padding on the seat and different graphics... the rails are made of "vanox" not "titanium" like the 135g version.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeff free
a Cross Country Rider
from harrisburg,pa usa Date Reviewed: September 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
iron cross in michaux st forest
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
holmes cyclry
Strengths:
verrryy light
Weaknesses:
I haven't found any except for price.
Similar Products Used:
flight, specialized body geometry, air o2
Bike Setup:
Lightspeed blue ridge touring
Bottom Line:
The very day after I bought and installed this saddle i pedaled to the trexlertown velodrome 85 miles from home and it performed extremely well: very comfortable and painless. The construction of this SLR works as designed. It has rough road/berm forgivness and keeps you supported well and in comfort at least with chamoi'd shorts that is. It works like my favorite saddle in 35 years of riding - the Flite original. I would have replaced it exactly but it was out of stock so I thought I'd stick with the same manufacturer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a
from Pittsburgh Date Reviewed: June 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$95.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Great shape, comfortable on long rides with a chamois. Looks great and weighs nothing.
Weaknesses:
None
Bottom Line:
I got this saddle new from overstockwarehouse on ebay. Got it at a great price considering the list price. Made the mistake of taking a ride without cycling shorts one time and it was a little uncomfortable. With a chamois though, my backside has never felt better. The cutout is just right, and the gelflow definitely helps. The Kevlar on the rear is also a plus. I have gond down a couple times and it hasn't even scratched. Plus it looks really cool.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: May 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
MBC
Strengths:
Light
Weaknesses:
Breaks
Similar Products Used:
Seats that don't break
Bottom Line:
After a few months riding light XC the seats starts creaking then a rail snaps, other rail not far off it either... waste of time, you can't head out for a ride with confidence that your seat will last..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Racer
from VA Date Reviewed: May 13, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Weight Shape Comfort
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
Normal SLR, Various SDG Saddles
Bike Setup:
Various bikes, this review is for the SLR XC!
Bottom Line:
I've had a few normal SLR's on a few bikes and it has quickly become my favorite saddle. There are durability issues with a normal SLR though. So I thought I'd try the SLR XC. I honestly have not been so impressed with a new bike part ever. My first test on the saddle was a 12hour Race on a suspension-less Klein Fixed gear. And the only butt pain during the whole race was in the Porto-Jon. The only problem is I want this 140.00 saddle on all of my bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ozelise
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney AU Date Reviewed: May 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Gt North Rd, Wisemans Ferry
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Review for SLC XC gelflow:Light, perfect shape for my butt, easy to setup, easy on my ischium. Looks great and well crafted
Weaknesses:
Price, but I got a reasonable deal from my LBS who sold an Anthem LE (SLR OEM) to a customer with his own seat.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Rocket V, SDG Bel Air
Bike Setup:
NRS Composite, Raceface next bars/post, Deus Cranks, XT/XTR
Bottom Line:
Not for everyone, but perfect for me (88kgs XC rider). Comfortable all day long in the saddle, gelflow padding adds comfort to your important bits and cutout in the right place. Well crafted quality product. Shaved 130 gms off my old seat (WTB)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J
a Racer
from Birmingham, AL Date Reviewed: April 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
awesome shape, some flex to the shell, of course weight, oh and it looks great
Weaknesses:
little padding; maybe price, but great quality
Similar Products Used:
flite, Terry fly(bad), fizik plateau(good saddle), others
Bike Setup:
scalpel, xtr, lefty, yada yada
Bottom Line:
fits my hiney perfectly, the shell flexes enough to help with the ride, i've tried many saddles over the years and i always thought more padding=more comfort, maybe not so. it's the shape that's the most important and this one is great. there's a good reason so many people like it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Loufek
a Weekend Warrior
from Costa Mesa, CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
light and fairly comfortable.
Weaknesses:
Broke the rear rail bracket after less than 2 months of use. I am a cross-country rider and not doing any real radical stuff. Selle said the SLR is NOT for a mountain bike, so no warranty. Good-bye $$
Similar Products Used:
Selle Italia Ti Flite, Specialized Alias
Bottom Line:
Way to weak to be used on a mountain bike. Would have been nice to know before wasting $$.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from PA Date Reviewed: March 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$72.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Light
Weaknesses:
breaks easily, breaks easily, breaks easily
Similar Products Used:
san marco, fizik...
Bike Setup:
Voodoo Bizango turned single speed
Bottom Line:
If you are a roadie, or sponsored pro who doesn't have to pay for parts this saddle is for you. As other complaints have shown, the SLR doesn't have a long life span for xc riders.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christoph
a Cross Country Rider
from Stuttgart Date Reviewed: March 7, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Strengths:
Very light and still quite comfortable (depending on rider's weight)
Weaknesses:
very sensitive to chrashes, maybe a bit expensive
Similar Products Used:
Selle Italia Flite
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Element Race
Bottom Line:
Depending on your weight (mine is 160 pounds) and experience in the saddle, this item is still excellent after over 3 years of usage. Even crossing the Alpes in Europe with backpack, it still didn't feel uncomfortable! In my opinion, it's more comfortable than the Flite
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Racer
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: February 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Suntop
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
All over the place
Strengths:
Extremely light, very strong and damn comfy
Weaknesses:
Delicate leather! Don't crash! Also probably not the best for 4+ hours training rides
Similar Products Used:
OEM saddles with similar shape, Flites, Fizik Arione, Gobe
Bike Setup:
Pro set up cyclocross and xc hardtail mtb. Everthing light, fast and top of the line!
Bottom Line:
I've been racing on this saddle for about 5 years (multiple saddles of course). They don't seem to hold up for much more than 1 or 2 race seasons. Especially for cyclocross, (re-mounts and mud shaffing) The leather wears through or tears easily. I race pro, so I don't pay for them, but I would in a heartbeat! I tried a fizik arione for road training, but I hate it. The stiching in the center makes for a taint grinder. The SLR has a nice flat top and slim profile which seem to be the optimum race shape. I highly recommend!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave lynch
a Cross Country Rider
from blue mts australia Date Reviewed: February 1, 2006
Favorite Trail:
oaks fire trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
e bay
Strengths:
very light strong
Weaknesses:
not good after about 6 hour
Bottom Line:
great seat i wieght 90 kg [200lbs] and have use it for 3 years and has been great.after about 5 to 6 hours its not good but what eat is ? would buy again if some thing happen to this one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Burns
a Racer
from CV Date Reviewed: November 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Magic Carpet
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Eden Bicycles
Strengths:
Comfy, light
Weaknesses:
Not for everyone
Similar Products Used:
WTB speed v,
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper all xc rac
Bottom Line:
Comfy enough for my skinny ass
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington, DC Date Reviewed: November 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
This review is of the SLR Gel Flow XC. The saddle is very lightweight and has good give to it. My bum's happy all day on this puppy. Vanox rails are strong enough for me @ 200lbs. The saddle looks great too. It's held up well so far.
Weaknesses:
Expensive - would be a better value in $70 range. Might be too skinny for some.
Similar Products Used:
Stock 05 Stumpjumper FSR seat - my bum would hurt about an hour into a ride with that thing.
Bike Setup:
05 Stumpy Expert Disc 100 with mass upgrades.
Bottom Line:
The minimalist seats feel alright - I have no complaints thus far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil
a Racer
from London, UK Date Reviewed: September 22, 2005
creaks if you don't keep tightening your seat clamp.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized BG Pro, Cannondale VOLVO Team.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale CAAD3 MartynAshton LE, XTR/Ultegra, Mavic X618s on Hope, HS33s, Thomson & Easton EA70 controls, rolling on Specialized All Conditions Pro 26x1.0
Bottom Line:
This saddle is amazing - i got the SLR TransAm version, it's the same sheet of carbon, but padded and leathered with a save-your-sex-life cut-out. As said by others, that leather is so thin. but then so's the leather on those kinky black gloves your wife wears, and don't you love it when she strokes you 'down there'?
i weigh 140 lbs, so 18 miles a day across potholed London tarmac is just bearable on this saddle, i've yet to cover more than 40 miles at a time on it. just remember that you must always wear some quality (Pearl Izumi, Assos) shorts. you also need to keep an ear out for creaking if you aren't always on smooth roads, my Thomson Elite never creaked with my last saddle. it's just stunnig though, i have never had so many people admire my saddle and ask me about it... worth every penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: August 28, 2005
I thought it would be comfy due to all the good reviews I had read, but it is not comfy at all. My ass still hurts after a 1/2 hour ride around the block this morning & I just weight 130 lbs! I've tried adjusting it from all angles, no difference. They say it takes a while till this saddles seddles down to your anatomy.. don't know about that..don't think so. The geometry is very good for racing since it provides you full control with the bike. But the comfort
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a
from Davos, Switzerland Date Reviewed: July 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Monstein - Jennisberg
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
120
Strengths:
light
Weaknesses:
bloody painful after 4 hours
Similar Products Used:
kei ahnig
Bike Setup:
Price hardtail, DT swiss ceramics/hug 240
Bottom Line:
Very cool looking saddle, just hurts like hell the first few minutes when you get back on it. Fine for up to 4 hours riding (65kg, 3 or more rides a week, mostly pretty good single trail :-P) Does get trashed if you wipe out, or even put the bike upside down to sort out something. Even gets destroyed by denim. Currently thinking about looking for an alternative method of contraception.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: May 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Light
Weaknesses:
Ouch ouch ouch!
Similar Products Used:
Terry flite, zero, Specialized body geometry
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude XV
Bottom Line:
This was the carbon version - no leather. The one key thing about this saddle is.... oh my God, OUCH! I'm not fat (6'1" 165lbs) and am in 2-rides-a-week shape, so I thought I could handle it, but ow! No way. I put the Terry Zero back on and it felt like a Barcalounger. I rate it three combusting turd-tarts because I suppose this saddle would work for someone for some other application. Bottom line: Ow.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Racer
from rough and ready, ca, usa Date Reviewed: April 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
miners trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
sooo guchi light....really comfortable. yes. that carbon really flexes
Weaknesses:
the sides of the saddle crack and rip with every crash...so don't crash
Similar Products Used:
sele italia flite saddle
Bike Setup:
kelly delux,sid carbon, 22lbs
Bottom Line:
bottom line, if your racing or reeeeallylight this saddle is great, it's minamilist and just a wonderful thing. gram counters love this saddle. if your not into racing or ride a full suspension bike u need not buy this saddle.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Smithsonian
a Racer
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: March 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
cambriacycle.com
Strengths:
Strong enough
Weaknesses:
Paper thin leather
Bottom Line:
Sexy she is, it's a beautifully crafter work or art. This is where they would say, "Size doesn't matter." It truly makes the viewer feel as if their ass is to split in 1/2, but not true, not true! Of course, it is very comfy. But if your behind is like the size of a... well, if your not a racer, your behind is gonna be big. This saddle is geometrically designed for racers. The price is right, no doubt. When the lettering begins pealing off, and the leather beginning to fade, that's where you begin to grin...was the saddle worth it? But hey, nothing is forever! After two yrs of use, you'll get the newer version, right?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Racer
from San Antonio Date Reviewed: January 5, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
-light weight -sturdy -good looking.
Weaknesses:
-pricy.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Specialized epic mtb specialized Allez
Bottom Line:
If your looking for comfort seek life elsewhere! This seat is designed for racing. When set up properly it's not too bad. I don't recomend this seat for long rides. This seat is designed for time trails, races, etc.... I have used it on my road bike and my mtb for races. For long road rides (40+) I switch to a seat with padding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Hewitt, NJ Date Reviewed: December 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Blue Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
borrowed
Strengths:
Very Lite
Weaknesses:
Very wimpy
Similar Products Used:
Titec Ithys.Many others.
Bike Setup:
Cruz Superlight, Rock Shox SID Race Tit., Mavic Crossmax tubeless, XT shifters and levers, Avid mech.,
Bottom Line:
Borrowed from a buddy while my bike (same) is having a cracked frame replaced.
This seat is very hard and not suited for any long fire road type rides. Fortunately most of my riding is single track with a lot time out of the saddle. Ir creaks like an arthritic knee. Very flimsy for off road. Worst of all one of the rails popped out of the rear slot and not from a crash. Just try getting that back in.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Bagg
a Cross Country Rider
from Yucaipa, CA, USA Date Reviewed: December 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Pisgah Peak
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Jenson's
Strengths:
Very light weight.
Weaknesses:
Soft leather tears easily.
Bottom Line:
This is a great seat if you are a weight weenie. It gives me strange lumps and soars in my nether-region every time is use it for two or more hours. Also, the leather is soft and tears easily. I was removing my crankset and the seat rubbed up against my toolbox and tore--bummer, now I can't sell it for much. I certainly would not buy another one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven
a Racer
from Jay, ME Date Reviewed: September 10, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$69.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Selle Italia quality, design and comfort.
Weaknesses:
Leather is a little thin and therefore not as durable as some saddles. Can be a bit expensive if you pay retail.
Similar Products Used:
Selle Italia Flite, Vetta Trans Alp Anatomic(comfortable, but a bit heavy), Serfas (painful), Azonic Lounge seat (great dh/FR saddle)
Bike Setup:
Which one?
Bottom Line:
I originally bought this saddle to use on my road bike. Although, I was a little concerned over how such a minimalist saddle design would fare in the comfort department. It turns out my fears were ungrounded, I liked it so much I bought another one for my xc hardtail racer. I've always liked and used Flite saddles, almost exclusively, in the past. The quality has always been top notch. I took a tumble on the road and tore the cover about 3/4" at one corner. I was surprised by how thin the leather cover actually is on this saddle and I doubt the cover would have torn if a Flite saddle had still been on the bike. Luckily the cover has not ripped any further in the time since. Overall I really like the SLR. It is a very comfortable perch (at least for me).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
danK
a Cross Country Rider
from USA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Lightweight, comfortable (like shoes, this depends on your body)
Weaknesses:
I wouldn't pay retail for it.
Similar Products Used:
I've been a Flite ti (not the crappy gel) fan for about 15 years
Bike Setup:
there is a seatpost, too
Bottom Line:
Wow, how can this thing be so comfortable? Like I said above, it depends on your body, but my 165 pound azz loves this thing. I was a diehard Flite ti fan but this skinny thing is actually more comfortable FOR ME. I'm sure it's not as durable, and I really didn't get it for the weight (okay, the looks is what got me), but I'm shocked how long I can sit on it without having my shnutz go numb. Oh, thank goodness for ebay. And yeah, it's supposedly 85 grams lighter than my Flite ti, but let's keep things in perspective: how much does an energy bar weigh? Take a piss if you have to, and ride your bike more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Leiter
a Cross Country Rider
from Mission Viejo, CA United States Date Reviewed: August 11, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Looks cool, light weight
Weaknesses:
The thin leather is vulnerable to tearing alon the edges When the bicycle is dropped, or crashed
Similar Products Used:
Specialized body geometry, Coda,
Bike Setup:
1998 C'dale Super V 2000, caad 4 swingarm, Carbon TI ELO front fork, Fox float R with dampening upgrade done by PUSH industries, XTR Crank, Front Deraileur, Rear cassette, Sram XO Rear derariluer, SRAM Attack shifters, Avid Mechanical disc Breaks w/Avid Brake levers, Monkey lite carbon bars, Thompson Elite seatpost, Chris King rear hub/Mavic rims
Bottom Line:
Much like most high-end components, the SLR is a piece of equipment where the rider must develop their own skills and ability in order to use it to its fullest potential. In other words if you don't want this saddle to crush your taint, destroy your ability to procreate, and take your will to live, you better have a lot of miles under your arse, know your proper riding position, and use good fitting shorts with a quality chamois.
Fit is the name of the game. This in not a saddle for Clydesdales, or riders with wide arses.
I have over 3,000 miles on this saddle. The carbon shell soaks up vibration, and flexes for comfort without affecting power output to the rear wheel.
All in all I think it is a great saddle. It’s super light, and looks cool. The thing that makes it great to me is that once it is properly fitted on the bike, and broken in, I never have think about it again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lody Archuleta
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO Date Reviewed: May 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Hermosa Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
Light weight. Looks great on the bike. Works well once it/you are broken in.
Weaknesses:
Thin cover. Cover appears to be pressed and glued; not stitched. This is best used as a race saddle. Not durable enough for hardcore trail riding.
Really bummed. The cover peeled off of the nose. Was good while it lasted. I wrote to check on the warranty. Got a real nice email back from ProNet, the North American agent for Selle Italia. They asked me to mail the saddle in for warranty evaluation. Decided to tack the cover down with electrical tape and keep on riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ricky deLeyos
a Cross Country Rider
from College Park, MD Date Reviewed: April 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Gambrill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Light
Weaknesses:
Uncomfortable
Similar Products Used:
Flite
Bike Setup:
Matt Chester Utilitiman, w/ a Flite
Bottom Line:
I got this saddle because I am a curious fellow. I thought it would be neat to try. When I got it, I was used to riding the Selle Italia Flite saddle, which I'd previously used since the early 90s.
Well, after a few uses, I was not sold. I didn't like the minimal padding. It didn't mesh well with my butt when I used it for a few months. I finally gave up.
It's typical Selle Italia quality, i.e., well-made. However, the bike tipped over once, and the corner gashed wide open. I think because the padding is non-existent in that section that the plastic ripped right through it.
If you like minimalist to no padding, and can deal with the shape, then this is a great lightweight saddle for you. However, it's relatively expensive, so I'd suggest buying it from a place that has a satisfaction guarantee and will be willing to accept it back if it doesn't match your butt.
My taint hated it, so it sits on a shelf right now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steph Pianigiani
a Weekend Warrior
from Milan, Italy Date Reviewed: February 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
singletrack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
light, strong, beutiful, comfortable
Weaknesses:
leather wears through. Expensive like all top end products.
This saddle is very comfortable and easy to move around on. It needs a little breaking into, like most leather Selle Italiait seems. The leather seems to become harder and more resistant once broken into. Mine hasn't torn so far although it has taken a few crashes. The sides have a worn a bit but I have been riding in a lot of thick mud which no doubt doesn't help. I have an impression that if you ride dry tracks and don't crash until until it is broken into properly it will be much more resistant. I rode in a lot of mud before on my first rides and it seemed to be wearing through like butter. I didn't crash too bad though. Now that it is broken into properly it doesn't seem to wear so much and it has taken a share of crashes without tearing. I take one flaming chili away from value only because it would be an insult to give 5 to any top end expensive product as such. I didn't take one away in overall rating because it isn't designed to be indestructible and if you want such a light product you can't have it all. Besides, I think it looks even better whern worn, although I hope it won't tear on me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Knut
a Cross Country Rider
from DENMARK Date Reviewed: January 14, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Any singletrack XC trail...
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Mailorder
Strengths:
Quite light and very comfy.
Weaknesses:
Not a true 135 grams, more like 140 grams. Leather on sides of saddle gets worn very quick. In 9 months I've worn all the way through on both sides.
Similar Products Used:
Tune Speedneedle
Bike Setup:
Custom 2003 Ghost HTX Scandium 17,5", SLR Basic saddle, '02 XTR front/rear derailleur, 2003 Ti EggBeaters on Race Face Next LP cranks w/ TA rings, '03 XTR discbrakes w/ dual control, Easton EC70 post and EC90 bar on Ritchey WCS stem, Manitou 2003 Skareb Super...
Bottom Line:
If you can live with the fact that this is a one season saddle you'll not be disappointed - I've used it for all day rides, marathon events and XC races with no problems - but it will wear out fast.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven Ragan
a Cross Country Rider
from Oklahoma City OK USA Date Reviewed: October 24, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Oklahoma City
Strengths:
LIGHT!!!
Weaknesses:
Too light can sometimes be too much of a good thing. I used this saddle on my cross bike and it cracked in the middle of my first race!! Cross requires you to hop off and on the bike and if your thinking about this lightweight saddle for your cross bike and you weigh over 160, you may want to get a more bomb-proof saddle. Luckily the cover kept the thing together and I was able to finish the race, but the saddle is a total loss.
Bike Setup:
Cyclocross
Bottom Line:
The saddle is light and looks great on any bike. But for a cross bike or a hardtail mtn bike, I would not suggest this saddle. A road bike or a full suspension mtn bike may fare better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DaFireMedic
a Cross Country Rider
from Upland, Ca Date Reviewed: September 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
East Fence Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Light weight, dropped almost .4 pounds from my bike.
Weaknesses:
None yet....
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Body Geometry
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic, Triple Ti eggbeaters, Manitou Skareb fork
Bottom Line:
I wanted to give a first impression of this saddle. I've had it for about a week and a half. It seems to be a good, lightweight XC racing saddle. I took it on a 20 mile ride, lasting approx 1.5 hrs today over mixed terrain. It was surprisingly comfortable most of the way, but I was feeling it toward the end. I was concerned that there might be excessive pressure on the pubic area, what with all the concern about saddles causing disfunction and all that, but I didn't feel any. It seems to have good geometry. I'll probably switch it out for long rides, but use it when I race. We'll see how well it holds up. I was also relatively inexpensive, at least at JensonUSA, so I rate it an excellent value. Overall, I'm happy with it so far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tommy Lofer
a Racer
from Kiren, CO Date Reviewed: August 31, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Very comfy light
Weaknesses:
nein
Bottom Line:
This saddle is very comfortable despite the lack of thick padding. Why? Because in the thick padding saddles, you tend to push your groin into the padding. On this, you cant do that, so your groing is just sitting there, eliminating alot of stress.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Essick
a Racer
from Kindsbach, Germany Date Reviewed: August 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
To many to list
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
LBS, Pro Sport Bikes, Germany
Strengths:
Light weight, initial comfort similar to Flite Gel Ti
Weaknesses:
One season saddle, not durable.
Similar Products Used:
Flite Gel, SDG
Bike Setup:
Dean Duke, XC set up
Bottom Line:
I bought this saddle for some weight reduction (not sure why, I'm 175 pounds). The saddle has a similar shape to the Flite Gel, just a lot thinner and less padding. Initally the saddle was great, but after about 7 months of trail pounding and racing, started noticing major discomfort! After examining the saddle, the padding near my "sit bones" was gone and the saddle had taken on a more triangular shape. The saddle edges were actually sagging, so it did not have that flat look most people notice. I've since ditched the saddle and went back to Flite Gel Ti's. If I ever start to "eat like a bird" and lose 10 pounds, I'll go back to this saddle! Bottom line: if you are a "lightweight", then by all means, the SLR is a great saddle. If you're a little heavier and want durability, then get something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trevor
a Cross Country Rider
from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light weight at 140g. Great Looking - very sleek Italian Quality
Similar Products Used:
WTB Saddles
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS soon to be Ellsworth Truth!
Bottom Line:
This saddle is more comfortable than it looks. I happen to think that it is more comfortable than say my Rocket V.
The saddle itself is constructed with a Carbon shell with 5g of padding and then a leather cover, finished with Ti rails. The beauty of the carbon body is that it will flex when the ground becomes bumpy making it really comfortable - and making riding more enjoyable. It isn't as curved or defined as much as some saddles to it may feel a little funny at first but when you do get comfortable you will love this great looking and feeling saddle.
It has to be said that this saddle is not suited to larger riders. And probably not suited for very very long rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mountain Biker
a Weekend Warrior
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: May 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
I am getting angry and I am writing this email to complain about very poor quality SLR saddle.Here is my problem.I bought a brand new SLR saddle yesterday and immediately fix on my bike for testing the feeling.Do you know what had happened after I went home?This sadlle only use for not more than 2 hours and I found both side left & right nearly 20% all the skin of the leather peel off and now I can see my saddle in 2 colours red & after peel off colour light pink.Is that Selle Italia using cheap low quality leather for the SLR?or is this a rejected product?I have been using Selle Italia saddles for all my bikes in the past years and this is the very first time happened to me this problem and I don't have confident to buy Selle Italia saddle anymore in future.If anyone want to see the picture,please email me I will send it to you to have a look!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tattoo Guy
a Downhiller
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: May 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
DH
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
No good
Weaknesses:
leather peef off after 2 hours ride
Similar Products Used:
Flite
Bottom Line:
Dont buy this SLR not worth it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rico
a Cross Country Rider
from Riverside, CA 909IE Date Reviewed: May 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Lightweight - pretty comfortable
Weaknesses:
Altough not uncomfortable, will take toll on your body after a long ride.
Similar Products Used:
Crossbow, Vetta, Coda, Ritchey saddles
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown XTR Sun Ringle RPM Lites, thomsons, eggs
Bottom Line:
This saddle is deceivingly comfortable for 135g. When I bought it about 18 months ago I was expecting some significant pain. I have never felt any noticeable difference between the SLR and more padded 300g saddles during a ride. However, after a ride, I have experienced lower back pain and once my left nut went numb for about 30 mins. Other than that, I have considered the SLR purchase a wise decision and have not had any problems with durability.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
King Weel
a Racer
from Leiden, The Netherlands Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Bike2build.com
Strengths:
Lightweight, small (I'm not that fat - 135 lbs. - so I don't like large, wide saddles; they can cause irritation to the inner parts of your upperleg when wet and they make you slowly move forwards onto your saddles, which will cause serious pain to the nuts), comfy (after a ride, you can feel that the gelpad is adjusted to the shapes of your butt), great looks (I have the Python, stunning!!)
Weaknesses:
Many reviews points to durability, I have to figure this out, so far, no problems.
Similar Products Used:
Selle Italia Oktavia, good as well, heavier and less sexy (does it matter afterall for a saddle?!)
Bike Setup:
S-W M5, SID Races Carbon, lightweight goodies; 9.2 kg
Bottom Line:
Great saddle. Get it at Bike2build.com, they are the best for your bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Spencer Coates
a Cross Country Rider
from Winston Salem Date Reviewed: March 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Hobby Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Super light, comfortable, can take a beating
Weaknesses:
not really any at all, but flexes a bit under pressure
its a good saddle if youre a weight junkie xc racer. i race xc and it holds up to all of the crap i throw at it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thom
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, Ga. USA Date Reviewed: March 18, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$79.00
Purchased At:
Atlanta Cycling
Strengths:
Light weight Flexible
Weaknesses:
Label on the saddle comes off easily
Bike Setup:
03' Trek 6700: Stock with some replacement -EC70 Carbon straight handlebar, avid 7 brakes, Hutchinson Python Air light, XT rear and front derailer.
Bottom Line:
I'm currently modifying my Trek and one of the components I wanted to get rid of was the saddle. The stock saddle did it's job, but I was having a hard time sliding back of the stock saddle (Nutz would ride all the way to the back of the saddle, and then a suicide drop). I did some review and I saw the Selle Italia SRL. Looked great on the internet, but once I saw it in real life at my LBS, I was in Shock. Basically, it look like a prison saddle...getting A** Fu**ed all day riding that thing. To tell you the truth, it may look flimsy and uncomfortable, it wasn't. as a matter of fact, It felt real comfortable. It does have a lot of flex, but that's the beauty of it. I rode two days in a row with about 6+ mile ride each day. 1st day was great, second day, a little tender, but that went away real quick. All in all I think it's one of the best saddle I've ever ridden. Slide off and back on in no time. Only gripe (Very little grip) was the decal/label on the saddle. Looks more like it was ironed on, peels off very easy. One ride and the SRL label is almost gone. No big deal for me, it's just a decal. All in all, I give it 5 chili's.
P.S. If you don't have a seasoned ass, don't get this. If you have a Mod season ass, get some padded shorts. It'll help ya.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Racer
from Colorado Date Reviewed: February 15, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
Excel
Strengths:
light
Weaknesses:
weak
Bike Setup:
soft-tail Ti cross country
Bottom Line:
In my second year of use the saddle shell broke in half in the middle of a race. Only has 12 month warranty. Worked great the first year but durability is obviously an issue. Would not recommend for mountain bike riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Liam
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: February 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Craters of the Moon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Jensons
Strengths:
Super light weight and easy to move around on. Looks like art. Very comfortable when off road riding - see note below.
Weaknesses:
If I stay seated for long periods (20 minutes) with out moving on the saddle (ie doing a long road section) my butt aches. To relieve discomfort just need to raise off the seat for a few seconds. Never gets uncomfortable riding off road as I tend to move around a bit more
Similar Products Used:
WTB saddle that came on the bike
Bike Setup:
Marin Rift Zone, Hutchinson Pythons, Aluminium seat post, Egg beater peddales. Easton EC70 handle bars and home made tubless conversion.
Bottom Line:
Suprisingly comfortable. Slightly more comfortable than original WTB saddle and much easier to move off the rear of the saddle when going down steep descents, etc. Wouldn't swap it for anything else and when I wear it out I will probably buy another. Great XC saddle.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
martyn nash
a Cross Country Rider
from wales uk Date Reviewed: February 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
llanddowror
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
wiggle.co.uk
Strengths:
weight, looks, comfort,
Weaknesses:
possible long term durability if your in a lot of mud
Similar Products Used:
specialized body geometry Pro and comp both 2001 Selle italia flite titanium pantani on a road bike
Bike Setup:
s-works M5 hardtail 15.5" Full XT Thomson stem and seat post mavic 517 X lite QR seat post clamp
Bottom Line:
only one ride needed to confirm this is the best saddle I have ever sat on, looking at it I thought I'd be in trouble because I bought it for its weight but after a 3 1/2 session today there is no problems with pain I am well impressed. Of course i do wear shorts with padding, Pearl izumi ones, and that obviously adds to the comfort. One thing is I hope they last at least one year. I have also a Thompson seat post and no problems with the height of the seat shell.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Stanislaus
a Racer
from Mundelein, IL,60060 Date Reviewed: January 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Kettle
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Wheel and Sprocket
Strengths:
Light, sexy, comfortable, rides really nice in general
Weaknesses:
wears a little quick
Similar Products Used:
Flight Genuine Gell
Bike Setup:
Trek 9.8, Fork:Sid World Cup Drivetraine:sram 9.0 Cranks:coda 2X9 Tires:Kenda quick 1.7" Handle bars: Titec Saddle:SLR Pedels:Time Atacks Grips: Road bike quork tape Brakes:Sram Levers; Shimano XT
Bottom Line:
This Saddle is in general a really nice ride. At sometimes when the trail gets really rough, it is a little uncomfortable, but nothing to bad.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn
a Racer
from Philadelphia, PA, USA Date Reviewed: January 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Michaux State Forest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
comfortable, racy-looking, lightweight, easy to move around on
Weaknesses:
leather is thin and tears easily at the saddle edges
Similar Products Used:
flite
Bike Setup:
Merlin hardtail
Bottom Line:
I am a 175 lb. cross-country rider/racer and have put a few thousand mostly off-road miles on this saddle over the last year-and-a-half. It is very comfortable, thanks to just the right amount of shell flex. The long nose is helpful when you have to slide forward on steep climbs, and getting off the back and back on again without snagging your shorts is EXTREMELY EASY on this seat. It has withstood countless cyclocross-style remounts and miles of rocky trails.
I AM WRITING THIS REVIEW MAINLY TO ADDRESS TWO SPECIFIC POINTS ABOUT THE SLR WHICH WILL HOPEFULLY HELP OTHERS:
1. BECAUSE THE RAILS ARE POSITIONED RELATIVELY CLOSE TO THE FLEXIBLE SHELL, THE SHELL CAN BOTTOM OUT ONTO THE TOP OF THE SEATPOST CLAMP. I AM RUNNING A THOMSON POST, AND I DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT LIP ON THE TOP CLAMP WAS CUTTING AWAY AT THE SADDLE SHELL UNDERSIDE. I REMEDIED THIS EASILY BY FILING 1/8" OR SO OFF OF THE LIP. THE FUNCTION OF THIS LIP IS TO KEEP THE FRONT CLAMP BOLT FROM DOING THE SAME SORT OF DAMAGE, SO I JUST ADDED SOME H2O CAGE WASHERS UNDER THE BOLT HEAD TO EFFECTIVELY SHORTEN IT AND I WAS GOOD TO GO. I HOPE THIS TIP HELPS SOMEONE AVOID RUINING THEIR SLR.
2. MY SLR HAS WITHSTOOD SOME GOOD CRASHES, AND PLENTY OF SLOPPY RIDING ON A DAILY BASIS! AS OTHERS HAVE NOTED, YOU WILL TEAR THE LEATHER ON THE EDGES SOONER OR LATER, AND THESE TEARS ARE PRONE TO LENGTHEN, ESPECIALLY IN WET WEATHER. I'VE FOUND AN EASY FIX FOR THIS, WHICH IS THE ONLY REASON I'VE BEEN ABLE TO KEEP RIDING THE SAME SLR FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. WHEN YOU GET AN EDGE TEAR, SPREAD SOME SUPER GLUE GEL OVER THE AREA AND LET IT HARDEN. SMOOTH IT LIGHTLY WITH SOME SAND PAPER BEFORE THE NEXT RIDE. IF NOT FOR THIS 5-MINUTE FIX, I MIGHT HAVE GIVEN UP ON THIS SADDLE. IT'S ALL SUPER-GLUE ON THE EDGES NOW, BUT IT LOOKS OKAY AND STILL RIDES GREAT!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stian Benko
a Racer
from Oslo, Norway Date Reviewed: December 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Stovnerskauen
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Extrem bike, Tourrmoulinos
Strengths:
Lightweight, comfy, ideal for racing.
Weaknesses:
Expensive, wears fast, especially in muddy conditions.
Similar Products Used:
WTB, Bontrager, Flite
Bike Setup:
Trek STP 200, with thompson, complete XT except rear-derailleur that's XTR. Manitou Mars Elite fork and Hügi/517/Revolution wheels.
Bottom Line:
Great saddle for Racing and roadies. I love the feel of it, but after a couple of monts it consist of more tape than leader. Buy it if you want too save weight, or if you live in an area without rain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
skateyboy
a Weekend Warrior
from scotland Date Reviewed: November 2, 2002
was a bit worries about comfort after tune speedneedle but this saddle looks great and feels great even on 5>7 hr rides-how you position it is important but is easy to feel when you have it adjusted right! definately a good buy for someone wanting good looking and lightweight saddle!
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Submitted by
Chun Hung
a
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
racer's Carbon style, super light weight, custom fit comfort, professional strong support.
Weaknesses:
well...if I have to pick one......THE PRICE??
Similar Products Used:
All other SLR model
Bike Setup:
Softride superwing 700
Bottom Line:
It take a little time to get use to this non padding Carbon Evolution SLR, but once you get it, you know it is the best saddle for the fast street bike, not for the mountain bike and for sure... not for the new rider's bud.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ti
a Cross Country Rider
from Fremont, CA Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Laguna Hills
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Great Looks, Great weight, Great Comfort, About every other aspect is great
Weaknesses:
WEAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not good for rides over 4 hours, Dont use it for epics
Similar Products Used:
Crap, No namers, flite, SDG Comp, Pacific, Trans Am
Bike Setup:
Jamis Hard Tail
Bottom Line:
This is a totally killer saddle. It looks very hard and uncomfy but actually it is the opposite. this is probably the most comfy saddle ive used. U can see the flex if u push down on it with your thumb. Just like an inch of suspension under youe ass.
But there is one problem. The sides rip real easy. There goes your cash. Other wise it is strong.i am thinking about getting the no padding Carbon one because the padding also makes about a margianl difference. But if uve got the dough then get it NOW!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DIMHADL
a Cross Country Rider
from Phila Date Reviewed: August 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$105.00
Strengths:
THIS IS FOR THE TRANS AM SLR: Lightweight, comfortable, flexy, more padding than the regular SLR.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
SLR, Flight Trans AM
Bike Setup:
Ibis SIlk Ti, XTR...
Bottom Line:
I tried the regular SLR and liked it, but wasn't comfortable for me. I tried the Trans AM version of the SLR and I love it. Went for a long almost 8 hour epic ride through single track, fire roads, nasty climbs... and this seat rocks.
When I first put the seat on I thought my rear shock was sagging too much or I had a flat. This saddle is very flexy. I am on a soft tail; however for the hard tail riders out there this would give anywhere from 1/4 inch to 1 inch of (perceived?) travel.
I am sure that the saddle won't hold up too well to crashes and abuse, but what can you expect from something that weighs so little and is so comfortable.
Bottom line...
Looks like an ass hatchet, but flexes enough to be really really really comfortable (FOR ME)!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lisa
a Racer
from Woodstock, GA Date Reviewed: July 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Cheaha State Park, AL
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Stock with Bike
Strengths:
Light, decently comfortable for such a lightweight saddle.
Weaknesses:
Leather on the sides wears through from use rather quickly. Once this happens, the sharp edges are quite painful. Rail snapped under my 105 lb body weight.
Similar Products Used:
SDG Bel-Air Comp, San Marco Aspide
Bike Setup:
2002 IF Ti Deluxe
Bottom Line:
This is a decent saddle for racing if you are really concerned about weight, but I did not find it as comfortable as one would like for those longer rides. There was sufficient padding, but the edges of the saddle tended to dig into the backs of my legs which was quite painful. This got even worse once I wore through the leather, which did not take very long, ~20 or so rides. My biggest complaint is that I managed to snap the rail on mine. I was in a race and it decided to snap while I was riding through a relatively flat section. This should definitely not happen, as I only weigh 105 lbs! Still waiting to see about warranty replacment...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jim tomassoni
a Racer
from pontiac mi Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
highland
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
jension
Strengths:
light,fits great, very comfortable
Weaknesses:
first ride, crashed and tore seat cover.
Similar Products Used:
flight max-good seat...nisene-horable
Bike Setup:
santa cruz superlight xt
Bottom Line:
i love the seat,to bad it tears easily. i woult rate it higher if not for the very thin seat cover.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Flying Pig
a Racer
from Phoenix, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$70.00
Strengths:
Superlight and looks good.
Weaknesses:
Leather tears easily.
Similar Products Used:
Many other saddles.
Bike Setup:
Full rigid SS.
Bottom Line:
This saddle is much more comfortable than it looks. It feels nice, although it is somewhat hard so it may not be the best choice for a 6 hour ride. Anything less, and I'm comfortable on it.
It is very light, and that is always a good thing. The leather WILL tear at the usual edges in a crash, so be careful.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Monte Laviolette
a Cross Country Rider
from Belleville, On., Canada Date Reviewed: May 24, 2002
Lightweight, comfortable. A bit pricy, but so far it seems to be worth the extra money paid
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Simpson
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine, CA Date Reviewed: April 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
still looking
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Lightweight....of course Comfortable!!
Weaknesses:
None as of yet!
Similar Products Used:
Selle Ti gel
Bike Setup:
TREK
Bottom Line:
I bought this saddle looking to drop some weight from my bike but wasnt sure how comfortable the saddle would be. I was very surprised, it has been one of the most comfortable saddles I have every been on !! Would recommend this to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a
from Canada Date Reviewed: April 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light, 135 grams. Comfortable for such a light and scantily padded saddle. Does not interfere with pedaling. Speed-oriented. This saddle kicks serious ass any day.
Weaknesses:
I hope I never crasg this thing. Clydesdales beware, this is not for heavy people or for freeriding.
Similar Products Used:
Flite Ti gel, Vetta Tri-Shock, Coda, Bontrager, WTB, San Marco, you name it.
Bike Setup:
Fisher Paragon with light parts.
Bottom Line:
Buy it if you want light weight and speed. Do not buy it if you want to huck drops or you are a big guy. Don't kid yourself, this saddle has hollow tie rails and a carbon shell. A big guy will break it in no time. I weigh 130 libs, so it's fine for me. Do not buy if you are not used to "pro", i.e. fairly hard saddles.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rickard
a Cross Country Rider
from Malmö Date Reviewed: April 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$90.00
Strengths:
***Very Very Light weight! I have the leather version with no extra padding, 135 g!! Saves a lot of weight on your bike!
** Very comfterble compared to the extremly low weight it has .
***Very easy riding. This saddle is smar desigN! Its very easy to get of an on the saddle and to slide against it!
** It looks great with the lether on,awsome with carbone seatpost, it's like having a rockshox under your saddle !!!
**Smells good when new (maybe not the most important thing, but so what?)-
Weaknesses:
I have not found any (!) yet!!
Similar Products Used:
Some Selle Italias models
Bike Setup:
I have a superlight carbonseatpost (alien) on my bike.Magnesium allloy frame with XT components.
Bottom Line:
First of all´: those that complane that this saddle is hard and uncomftable! This saddle is for COMPETITION, not for joyriding ore just fun bicykling, and is not intending to be a sofa ore like a bed, you are not suppose to be "massaged" by your saddle!!
Second, the SLR model is designed for persons apr. (ore below) 150 lbs ( 75 kg )and not for heavy persons. If the saddle gets bend ore crasks, it's becorse the person is very heavy and/ore sits during jumping and hard bicykling over curves and objects . When doing tricks , you are not suppose to land on your saddle, that can crash ANY saddle on the market!!
3rd, you must adjust the saddle exactly right(this is extra important with the SLR becorse of the special profile),if not, it will be uncomftable and it will be hard to get a good position on it!
5th.This is a special saddle, that has a moore straight profile than most saddles and it therefore takes a lot time to get just to it,after a cople of days to a week it will almost in every case, will feeel moore comftable!
This saddle is rather expensive, but after using it, Im very pleased with it, and would have paid eaven moore for it..
This could be one of thos "legendary" mtb hall of fame products, really... It has good function, looks beautiful, is comfteble and very light, to a price that is cheaper then most other saddle's that comes close to it in quality. This is art, not only a saddle I would say!
Selle Italia is the leading and oldest producing saddle-company in the world, and that position is not becorse of luck ore something like that, it becorse of many yaears of experience of riding and testing, and with new materials (hightech)they have done it again!
The Selle Italia SLR Sadle is lighter than most racing-saddles in the market today, dispite that fact, its one of the most functional and comftable saddles ever produced (at least the model with no extra padding). I fully RECOMMEND this product to all that can afford it, its the buy you will never regret, it's moore likely that you will regret not to buying it.
PS! SLR has extremly high flexing capacity and that is the big secret behind the low weight-good comfort -ratio.
PS2! The revolutionary design is the secret behind the breathtaking functions with this saddle, that makes it so easy to handle and you will never have that "oh Im sliding towards the back/front again -feeling"!!
I've used the SLR for 1 year and its just feels better and better. And for thos that is afraid that the thin lethercoat on the SLR will crack-get a grip! This is a racing saddle. You're not suppose to mount it on a bike that is used to park in the city against a wall etc, this is intended for racing in the country and in the forest etc for pure comeptition /MTB riding, not as a citybike! If you use it like a such bike, it will get destroyed quickly, but that's not "Selles" fault, that's your own, remember that!!
SLR ROCKS!**************************************** I give it five bambinos !!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtbiker
a Cross Country Rider
from Asia Date Reviewed: January 31, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Light Weight.
Weaknesses:
See Below.
Similar Products Used:
TT, SDG's, Koobi's.
Bike Setup:
19.8lb Hardtail
Bottom Line:
This saddle is truly light, but I feel that it is only useful for raceday (and you better not wipe out too much). I am a self confessed weight weenie, but I think that this saddle is just too impractical for mtb riding. Simple crash and the leather is gone. Anything slightly harder and the shell has cracked. Feels comfy to me. But too bad it's just not possible to do aggressive riding with these egg shells. Use it for races, or if you're mega rich.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bill jakobeit
a Cross Country Rider
from bristol ct. Date Reviewed: January 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
blue trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
outlaw bicycles
Strengths:
light weight, the most comfortable seat ive ever ridden
Weaknesses:
paper thin leather, ripped up pretty bad just by minor scrapping , shell cracked, havent wiped out hard enough so where all this damage came from i dont know
Similar Products Used:
selle italia flite, gel, specialized s works
Bike Setup:
stumpjumper pro full suspension
Bottom Line:
if you ride hard plan on replacing your half way through the season could get expensive
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Racer
from NC Date Reviewed: December 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Friends shop
Strengths:
Weight! A easy way to drop a few tenths. Looks! The minimilasts dream, looks awesome combined with Easton CT2 post. Suprisingly comfortabe, even on three hours rides.
Weaknesses:
None. A little steep on the price. But well worth it.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Ti/Carbon seats, Flite Ti, and Fiziks.
Bike Setup:
'01 Trek Elite 9.8, Hugi 240 hubs/517 rims(radial Ti spoke front), SID Race Carbon, XTR derailuers, XT shifters, Cane Creek Direct-Curve B-levers, Easton seat post and Bar, Ritchey WCS stem, Race Race BB and Next carbon crank(double), XTR 9sp cassette, Chris King headset, specialized team tires, Egg-beater pedals,SLR seat, Control tech skewers, Zipp carbon spacers, Zipp carbon bar-end caps.(20.7lbs). Not totally built yet, theres still some minor upgrading from old stuff to do.
Bottom Line:
A really great product, worth the cash. Comfortable because of the flex in the shell. Extremely easy to get behind, on those steep down hills since it is so narrow. It might take a ride or two to get used to. A perfect product for a serious racer, or a recreational 'weight weanie'.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
M Clarke
a Cross Country Rider
from Merseyside Date Reviewed: December 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
North Wales
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Thatto Cycles
Strengths:
Very compliant. Strong & light. Allows a remarkable amount of body movement.
Weaknesses:
None at the moment.
Similar Products Used:
Flite Kevlar Ti, almost all other available saddles.
Bike Setup:
Rock Lobster Reynolds 853, Marzocchi Z2, XTR,Sram,USE,Mavic Crossride Ceramics,Bontrager,Panaracer Trailblasters.
Bottom Line:
I use Selle Italia Flite Kevlar Titanium saddles on all my bikes. They are, in my experience, simply the best. By stint of reputation, I was willing to try this new saddle & I have not been disappointed. It is usually necessary to allow some time for "bedding in" of a new saddle ( Flite-type ) but from the start this unusual & minimalist saddle feels comfortable. It allows me amazing movement. Most saddles rise towards the back, so as you try to slide off of the back The fact that it is really light is simply of the saddle you first lift then fall making the movement more difficult & harder to get back on . Because the SLR is flat, sliding off of the back, in a controled way, is really easy. The saddle is excellent. As with most things there is a genius in simplicity & Selle Italia have done it again. Highly recommendable. The fact that it is really light is simply a bonus. For me the manouverability & comfort are the key factors. I think we are going to see a lot more of this saddle in the future.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Evans
a Racer
from Cranleigh, Surrey , England Date Reviewed: December 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Mountain Bikes
Strengths:
amazing weight, strength and oddly, comfort!
Weaknesses:
DO NOT LAND ON THIS FOLLOWING A HARD LANDING!
Similar Products Used:
good ol' Flite Ti, WTB comfort zone, Flite XO
Bike Setup:
2001 Trek OCLV, SID SL, Mavic Crossmax UST, full XTR, Chris King headset, Flite SLR, Easton CT2 bars, Titec 100 barends, Thompson seatpost and stem
Bottom Line:
if you are a weight freak (im afraid i seem to be going this way) and are after a saddle that despite looking like a plank of wood is alarmingly comfortable, buy this. A real head turner purched high atop any mountain bike seatpost
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rei nic
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: November 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tai Hang
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$71.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Surgery
Strengths:
Comfort, light, looks
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
SLR Basic, Cane Creek, etc.
Bike Setup:
Porsche
Bottom Line:
This is for the uncovered "SLR Evolution" 125gr. I've already got the leather covered 135gr.version and find it very comfortable. I got the Evo by chance since the saddle I ordered was no longer available. The weight difference between my two versions isn't much although there is a new "SLR Carbon" that weighs just 99gr. Now I've found a saddle shape that's comfortable, Leather and padding are not necessary. BTW - the saddle does not need side protectors - there are no sides! On a black Thomson post, nothing looks better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon Black
a Cross Country Rider
from Thornton, Scotland Date Reviewed: November 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Inmnerlithen
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$135.00
Purchased At:
Sandy Wallace Cycles
Strengths:
Unltimate lightwieght saddle, my saddle is the 125 gram model with no padding. NO PADDING. Yip, and because the rail and carbon shell flex it is surprisingly comfortable. It gets some funny looks perched as it is on my mountain bike and looking so patently like a roadie saddle. I GIVE NOT A JOT.
Weaknesses:
Very expensive. Easily marked. Get some Pace carbon patches and place them arounf the periphery for some scuff protection.
Similar Products Used:
Good old Flite, WTB and totally s**t San Marco
Bike Setup:
PRST1, FULL XTR, HOPE BRAKES, RACE FACE AND EASTON
Bottom Line:
An extreme product. Hi end saddle for the idiots working too much overtime. It's a love or hate thing. I love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MTB
a Racer
from Asia Date Reviewed: November 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Strengths:
Light and slim. Provides good feed back from the track.
Weaknesses:
Missing side protection
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Yeti Ti, XTR drive train, Raceface LP Next crank, x' max UST disk, XT disk brakes, Thomson seatpost and stem, CT2 bar, time carbon pedals. Total weight including pedals 23.5lbs.
Bottom Line:
Excellent product. It does not feel harsh at all. In fact, it feels much more compliant and comfortable than Fisik Nisene and SI Flight. Certainly two fives.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sore arss
a Racer
from studio city, ca Date Reviewed: November 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
i love them all
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
very lightweight
Weaknesses:
it puts a heavyweight beating on your arse.
Similar Products Used:
wtb laser v
Bike Setup:
gt zaskar/ mars c carbon forks/ easton carbon bars and seatpost/xtr-mavic 517 and a host of other conponents.
Bottom Line:
i read the other reviews and couldn't believe what i was reading. this saddle should be banned from bikes and burned. not even when my parents would spank me or when i got paddled in school did my butt hurt as bad as the this saddle. i withstood the agony of this saddle four unpleasant rides and returned the saddle with a sore butt and a smile. save weight somewhere else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MantraMan
a Weekend Warrior
from Reno, NV. USA Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Keystone Canyon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA.com
Strengths:
Light. Looks good.
Weaknesses:
Narrow rear flare makes it a little too easy to slide off the rear.
Similar Products Used:
SDG Satellite
Bike Setup:
Klein Mantra Comp, mostly stock, but getting lighter.
Bottom Line:
The SLR saved almost 200 grams over my SDG. Even though there's very little padding, my butt doesn't get sore (my rides average 1-1/2 to 2 hours). Its dearth of padding and narrowness took some getting used to, but once acclimated, I began to love my SLR. It has held up well through my fairly frequent crashes. It's extremely easy to get off the back of the SLR, and then to get back onto it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marco righetti
a Weekend Warrior
from bellshill,lanarkshire,scotland UK Date Reviewed: November 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
red route,glentress forest peebles scotland
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
mail order
Strengths:
lightweight,seems to fit my butt perfectly and i'm 220 lbs!
Weaknesses:
the 165 grm version has extra padding which seems to be mainly located at the centre which makes it uncomfortable compared to the 135 grm version (strange!)
Similar Products Used:
viscount,x-lite pps,wtbsst-98,flyte ti/gel.
Bike Setup:
trek fuel 80 enough to nearly bankrupt me! from 29 lbs to 23 lbs!
Bottom Line:
the bottom line is that it can save considerable weight in one foul swoop and strangely enough it really does fit my butt! and because it is quite narrow it makes steep descents much easier as you slide back off the saddle.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Manuel
a Cross Country Rider
from Austria, Europe Date Reviewed: November 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Strengths:
it's lightweight, and it looks great
Weaknesses:
some riders may find this saddle uncomfortable
Similar Products Used:
Vetta
Bike Setup:
'97 Manitou HT, '01 White Bros. XC-4, Sram, XT, Answer, Chris King,...
Bottom Line:
I bought this saddle for its lightweight. And yes, it also looks cool. But besides that, it also is pretty comfortable, at least for me (I weigh about 140 lbs). So, if you're thinking of buying the SLR, better have a try before you buy this saddle, it costs a lot!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rei nic
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: October 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tai Hang
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle World, Wanchai
Strengths:
Very light, well made and looks good
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Cane Creek, Vetta, San Marco
Bike Setup:
Porsche
Bottom Line:
I've been using the SLR for two months and it's becoming more comfortable with every ride. I think most people who change from a saddle with more padding (probably every covered saddle has more than the SLR) will find it takes some getting used to. Positioning of the rails is important because there's only one place you can sit on it correctly. The SLR won't let you shift your weight very much fore and aft. The easiest way to shave at least a quarter of a pound in weight off your bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay Auxier
a Racer
from Muncie,In Date Reviewed: October 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
B&B/Kirks
Strengths:
Light , strong
Weaknesses:
looks
Similar Products Used:
other makes
Bike Setup:
CDale team
Bottom Line:
This saddle worked out great. I gave it a chance and glad I did
$ 120.00
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