Submitted by
92gli
a Weekend Warrior
from west chester, pa Date Reviewed: August 3, 2009
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Came on '05 stumpjum
Bottom Line:
I'm 165 lbs. and use the 130mm wide version. This seat is too heavy for you weight weenies but the best thing about this seat is that you don't notice it. It distributes your weight very well with no hot spots. I'm able to use 2 very comfortable positions on mine, centered and way back. Its been very durable. I also have one on my road bike.
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Submitted by
ctbarron
a Weekend Warrior
from Annandale, VA Date Reviewed: April 4, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$64.00
Strengths:
Comfortable, good shape, held up well thus far.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Avatar, a few Serfas
Bike Setup:
2009 GF Cobia
Bottom Line:
This saddle works for me. It is comfortable, well shaped, has a good cutout. It took a couple of weeks to break-in but is now great. I ride on it for a few hours with no problems. It seems durable so far - no rails problems, tears, etc.
One weird item. The rails seem to be at some non-standard angle. It takes me forever to level the seat, and I've had it on a few seatposts.
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Submitted by
clj766
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte NC. usa Date Reviewed: March 25, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$66.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
looks, comfort, material
Weaknesses:
not broke in yet, I guess the rails mine is fine
Similar Products Used:
stock cannondale
Bottom Line:
good seat mines just not broke in yet
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Submitted by
beeglemania
a Cross Country Rider
from the south Date Reviewed: March 18, 2009
Strengths:
Comfortable, strong rails, tough cover
Weaknesses:
none, maybe heavy?
Similar Products Used:
WTB, Rival SL (Ti rails)
Bike Setup:
Niner SS
Bottom Line:
I've had this saddle for 5 years, thousands of miles and many crashes. The sides aren't torn the rails aren't bent and it's still pretty comfy. I've even bent a post while using this saddle! I've tried WTB before and always tore the covers in crashes. This saddle has held up great.
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Submitted by
vmed_cha_gr
a Cross Country Rider
from Kefalonia Greece Date Reviewed: July 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
local trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Very well constructed, looks like it will last forever.
Weaknesses:
Takes some time to break in , nothing else.
Similar Products Used:
selle italia, fizik
Bike Setup:
marin nail trail, deore xt, rithey wcs, saint hydraulics, maxxis larsen tt tirea, dt wheels.
Bottom Line:
This saddle turns out to be one of my best buys. I would suggest it since it is very well made compared with other brand named crap.
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Submitted by
mtbnachos
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: June 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Noble Canyon, CA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Price, durable, attractive design, comfy!
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
WTB
Bike Setup:
Soma Juice
Bottom Line:
This is by far the best saddle I have ridden on. The best saddle for the money IMHO. It's very comfy and the stitching has stayed intact since I bought new. I have used it for endurances, weekend rides for 6 months straight! At 280 grams it's a bit heavy but the performance has made it an afterthought. They are hard to come by so buy one when you see it. BG rocks!
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Submitted by
James Austin
a Cross Country Rider
from AZ Date Reviewed: May 11, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
forgot where
Strengths:
comfortable, very durable, i have beat this thing so hard and it looks virtually like new.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
i have the older version of this saddle that i purchased in 2003. i liked the comfort so i decided to get the newer version. the current version is much improved as far as durability.
Bike Setup:
Soma Juice 29er 1x9.
Bottom Line:
i have had much more blingy saddles and the Rival is far superior. i am not a big fan of the manufacturer and yet i still highly endorse this saddle.
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Submitted by
Dave Roskell
a Cross Country Rider
from North Vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: March 31, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Neds, Seymour Mtn., North Shore
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Once I found the correct width it was the most comfortable, long lasting saddle I've owned.
Weaknesses:
Last weekend I broke one rail and bent the other. I'm 190lbs and ride mostly XC and I think the saddle should stand up to the riding I do (never broken one before). I checked out my old smaller Rival saddle and it was bent too.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper Pro
Bottom Line:
Great saddle but the rails are weak.
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Submitted by
Justin
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa, FL Date Reviewed: February 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Alifia, Santos, Boyette
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Strengths:
- Lightweight for CroMo - Extremely comfortable - Good looking saddle
Weaknesses:
- Rails could be stronger
Similar Products Used:
Bontronger, WTB, Selle Italia, Selle San Marco, you name it
Bike Setup:
2006
Bottom Line:
Best mounain bike saddle I have ever owned. Extreme value and comfort for the money. Rails could be a bit stronger, I bent one after a year of abuse. but will be buying another Rival saddle to replace it.
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Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Chelmsford, Ma, USA Date Reviewed: November 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Harold Parker SP
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Loft
Strengths:
The most comfortable saddle I have ever used! Excellent fit, great for long rides, holds up well.
Weaknesses:
None at all.
Similar Products Used:
Tried many over the years.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Nomad (awesome ride!)
Bottom Line:
I'm a 6 ft, 215 lb rider and my prayers have been answered!
I've spent boat-loads trying ever saddle I could find over the years. None worked and most were quite painful - especially on long rides. This is so comfortable that it becomes invisible and I can focus on enjoying the ride instead of the pain.
Thanks Specialized and please don't replace this with a "new and improved" version. I've seen this happen time and time again with generally poor results.
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Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO, US Date Reviewed: July 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
W. Magnolia trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike shop
Strengths:
Looks to be very strong and durable. Most comfortable mtn. saddle I've tried.
Weaknesses:
None seen.
Similar Products Used:
Fizik, WTB, Selle Italia
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign1, 07 XL frame
Bottom Line:
I weigh, with gear, about 240lbs. Of the saddles I've tried, the Rival seems to distribute the weight far better. I don't get any hot spots and the seams sewn into the bike shorts don't bother me at all. Longest ride so far has been six hours and I didn't have any problems.
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Submitted by
Chris C
a Downhiller
from denver Date Reviewed: July 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
sol-vista dh-1
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
bike source
Strengths:
comfortable, light saddle with the same shape as the alias 143
Weaknesses:
titanium rails bend very easily
Similar Products Used:
alias 143, the comfiest saddle i have ever ridden. stock seats
Bike Setup:
this seat is shared between my fr, dj, and road bikes
Bottom Line:
this was a replacement for the alias 143 that i got with my bike. The alias was by far the best saddle i have ever used; light and very comfortable, unfortunately it snapped in half after a few months and i got this as a replacement.
this is the same design/shape as the alias, but supposedly stronger. although the alias snapped across the rails, the rails themselves were very weak. the same is true with this, after every ride, the rails are bent, so i have to unbend them by clamping my post on the bend.
the seat would be excellent if they would just use some normal crmo rails instead of the weak titanium
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a
from North Bend, WA, USA Date Reviewed: June 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Tolt McDonald
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Comfortable going downhill.
Weaknesses:
not so comfortable going uphill
Similar Products Used:
Pro-links, WTB, Rolls
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic, Fox RLC, XTR
Bottom Line:
This saddle did not work for me. Although, may be great for you. Saddles are such a personal decision. My main complaint was that, I found the nose of the saddle to be too wide and not taper enough from the top of the saddle down. I found this only to bother me while spinning uphill. I switched back to my good old WTB SST 98.
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Submitted by
Hanu
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: June 2, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Velomania
Strengths:
Ability to have different widths for best comfort
Weaknesses:
The white "S" on the front of the saddle is not going to last long at all. Don
Similar Products Used:
Selle Italia Trans Am Titanium
Bike Setup:
Trek 8000 with SRAM x9 drivetrain/Bontrager Race Lite crankset/Marzocchi Z2 fork
Bottom Line:
This seat is much, much more comfortable than my Selle Italia. The Specialized retailer was able to measure me and give me the proper width, and it shows! I'm finally comfortable on my bike! I run with 100psi in my tires, and this seat, along with my USE XCR seatpost makes the 30 mile rides on gravel backroads much, much more comfortable than the Selle Italia! It feels like I'm finally getting use of my XCR suspension seatpost. Maybe the othe wasn't placed properly on the seatpost to make use of it, but the difference in incredible! 100psi on gravel roads has never felt this comfortable. Highly recommended!
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Submitted by
johnbod
a
from US,CA Date Reviewed: February 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Santa Monica National Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Alpha BIkes -Munich
Strengths:
Great prouct,well designed,quality item
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
wtb,selle,titec
Bike Setup:
I have several mountain bikes and the all have the same saddle fitted ,think that about says it all
Bottom Line:
I am a bit of and adventure cyclist and will try anything if the mood is there hence the collection of bikes no matter what ride discipline I have tried this saddle has never felt out of place.
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Submitted by
Gordon
a Weekend Warrior
from Honolulu, HI Date Reviewed: November 17, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Best thing about it...you won't notice its there. You sit and ride with no complaints
Weaknesses:
a bit pricey as a standalone product 9loses a chili for value)
Similar Products Used:
WTB Laser and Specialized Telluride Comp saddles
Bike Setup:
Stock Specialized Epic
Bottom Line:
Came stock on my '07 Epic Comp. Very comfortable seat. Best of all you don't notice its there. You just ride and ride with no complaints or problems. No numbness or pain. Easy to finesse bike on the trail with this saddle. I want to replace the WTB saddle on my road bike and my Specialized Telluride saddle with the Rival. The stock seat seems to fit my a$$ perfectly. Best saddle I have ever used.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dominic
a Cross Country Rider
from gainesville fl usa Date Reviewed: October 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
santos
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction
Strengths:
Comfort, comfort, comfort, construction, price and even looks
Weaknesses:
none whatsoever. - I suppose one could find a lighter saddle, but really?! I ride steel!
Similar Products Used:
stock WTB silver saddle- horrible. Specialized alias on my road bike
Bike Setup:
05 Bianchi SASS -pretty stock except Kona jacksh@#t pedals
Bottom Line:
I used the stock saddle for a few weeks and absolutely hated it. I went to the shop I bought my bike from and they had me try Specialized's sit-bone-ometer to measure my sit bone width. Apparently this is key to getting the right size, and it has nothing necessarily to do with your height and so on. I'm 5'11 195 and I take a 143. Long story short, I love this saddle, every time I get on it I feel good. I have ridden hours off road, without padded shorts, and never had any problems. I also commute with my bike, so I get plenty of curbs and so on. I have ridden in Florida mud, rain and sand and haven't had any durability problems either. I have nothing but love for this seat, I would recommend it to anyone. give it a shot
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Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA Date Reviewed: September 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This review is for the 2005 version (the one with an actual cutaway that you can see though). The saddle is firm but comfortable - especially after your but firms up a bit with training. Supports you where you need it without interfering with vital blood flow. Flat sides let you grip the saddle with your thighs comfortably on decents.
Weaknesses:
Weak cloth cover on the rear section tears easily. Lots of other people who have riden my bike say it's too hard (but really they're just too soft!)
Similar Products Used:
WTB speed V, Fizik Arione, some cheapie stock trek seat, some cheapie stock cannondale seat, Spec Avatar, Spec Arione, Spec Toupe
Bike Setup:
Badaass SJ FSR Expert 120
Bottom Line:
This is one my two favorite seats (the other being the Spec Avatar - which is very similar). It's a shame they don't make it anymore! No chaffing or numbness. Combine with some good bike shorts and I can even ride it comfortably when me and my mudflaps are out of shape. Even though it is a little firm, it actually does give nicely. I find that other more squishy seats lead to excess friction - espically uncomfortable on looooong rides.
It's almost the perfect saddle, but I'm gonna have to deduct a chili for value since the cover on mine tore AND I'm bitter because Specialized doesn't make this exact model anymore.
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Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: July 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Oaks, Anderson, Royal National Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
I've got an 05 Specialized Stumpy expert that came with a Rival saddle (previous model) which was too hard and not quite right IMHO. Saw this (new) model and swapped it and haven't looked back since. The 143mm fits my butt just nice and can ride all day!
Similar Products Used:
Also use a Specialized Telluride saddle on my hardtail which is also sweet!
Bottom Line:
Excellent saddle, worth the money so check it out. Remember that saddles these days can't really be 'broken in' - it is what is, until it wears out. They don't get more comfortable - you just adapt.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Hermann
a Weekend Warrior
from MG, NRW, Germany Date Reviewed: May 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
CC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
local dealer
Strengths:
Comfy, light, good fit, bg
Weaknesses:
middle part is a bit hard, needs time for adjustmant
Similar Products Used:
Terry
Bottom Line:
Great saddle! Its comfy and you can litterarely feel the blood flow. I used the 143mm sized one and it just fitted my a*** though i felt the edges already. I gave him only a 4 because at little jumps, riding down curbs, etc. it felt a bit hard at the middle part. Moreover I think i'am used to oversized sattles so i need a little movement space on it. Testing the Terry Max series know and boy i tell you, up to know its the most comfy sattle i've tested so far. Think the Fly Max GTC will be it. Will write a revirew after some weeks. BTW This is a great review-forum, but as u can see by the answers differing: Theres no a*** like another and you wont find THE SADDLE by reading! So do yourself a favour and support your local dealer. Make sure he gives u a test period and just try a couple of seats. It's less of a hassle then getting seats from mail order. happy riding steve
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Jensen
a Cross Country Rider
from Jamestown, ND USA Date Reviewed: May 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Pipestem Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Nicollet Bike Shop
Strengths:
Light weight, quality of craftsmanship, materials used, most of all COMFORTABLE!!!, looks, styling, available in two widths.
Weaknesses:
How do you assess the right width, 130 or 143?
Similar Products Used:
Giant Iguana stock seat. Lasted just under 15 minutes before I put my old Specialized on.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic Comp Disc 2006, bar ends, WTB Mutano Raptor 2.24 tires (GREAT), Cateye micro wireless and of course my pepper spray for my dog friends.
Bottom Line:
A couple years ago my riding partner tried my bike and ever since then he's ridden on Specialized Body Geometry seats. I first took delivery of my bike with the 130cm seat on it. I put on 250 miles with it and felt comfortable. The dealer (Nicollet Bikes -- GREAT place) offered me to try the 143. I switched and I think it's slightly more comfortable. Here's my take on the size selection: I weigh 195 @ 5"11" and I thing the 143 is right. I'd say anyone below 175# with a narrow frame would like the 130. People often ask how you can ride on these types of seats? The answer is simple, Specialized Body Geometry!!! The most I've ridden on trails in one day was 45 miles and this interface with the bike was not a problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T. Yallop
a Cross Country Rider
from Tillsonburg Ont. Canada Date Reviewed: March 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Strengths:
good support,comfy,not too soft
Weaknesses:
a bit heavy if anything
Similar Products Used:
Selle Italia
Bike Setup:
KHS xc 904r, full frame up build,all XT, PG 990 hollow chain, Thomson post and stem, Marzochi fork, FSA head set,DMR peddals Mavic wheels.....
Bottom Line:
Great saddle! I am about 220 lb. and 6 feet tall. I need a little foam In my seat! I removed a Selle Italia trans-am from my bike cause It was sooo hard I just could not get comfortable, My back would start cramping up and I didnt want to ride any more. As soon as I changed to the Rival seat I imediately knew there was a difference, this seat is great. I just plant my ass down and go!! No more shifting around to try to get comfortable! Well worth the money! The seat I bought is the 143 mm wide and it seems good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Julian
a Weekend Warrior
from Budapest, Hungary Date Reviewed: March 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$56.00
Purchased At:
www.speedmetal.hu
Strengths:
Comfortable, BG grove works (its deep enough), kevlar weave rear end, looks good, price.
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Vector Groove
Bottom Line:
The saddle felt immediately more comfortable and 'stable' than the Ritchey Vector Groove. (The Ritchey Vector Groove should be called Ritchey Vector Dimple!) There seems to be a slight sweet spot where the seating position is just right & you can just feel a firmer back edge of the saddle (i.e.: I can feel where I am on the saddle, whereas the with Ritchey I could never tell exactly). The rear end didn't seem to wide for me (as some reviews had commented), although the front left edge of the saddle shoulder does hurt my leg - possibly its just me or the way I sit. I have adjusted the saddle ever so slightly tilted forward to play with this problem (it does help) & it doesn't seem like you are sliding forward (I can imagine helped by the feeling of the 'sweet spot'). Overall, I feel its a great saddle & well worth the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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