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Submitted by
Russ
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Georgetown Hogg to Russell Loop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Strengths: | Feels slightly more cushy than the Selle Italia Flite. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap plastic supports inside broke in less than one month of riding. Blood flow improvement not as good as one would expect from the design. | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia Flite (5 years) | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Intense Tracer, XT Build, Mavic rims, Hope brakes & hubs. | | Bottom Line: | I rode on the original Selle Italia Flite for almost five years and countless crashes including one that sprung my frame. That seat had no issues. In two crashes, I trashed this new gel seat. It has cheap plastic reinforcements between the gel and the posts that can't stand up to reasonable demands on the trail. Unless you just race, look for something else. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clay Spradlin
a Weekend Warrior
from Wooster, AR...USA
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Cadron Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | ??????????? | | Strengths: | looks good | | Weaknesses: | too hard, shouls say ACME Brick Co. on the side | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Leader 526, Fox F100RLC Fork, XTR Shifters and Brakes, XT Drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | I used to think the reason my toes were going numb was beacuse of my cheap (Sette) riding shoes. So I got a good pair and guess what, still going numb after 30 - 40 min in the saddle. Talked to my LBS, we decided it was the concrete disaster that I was sitting on was putting pressure on my Siatic Nerve/s causing the numbness. I order a Brooks B17, it will be here on Monday, cant wait to try it out. Break-In cant be worse than this thing. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Garner
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Strengths: | Design and light weight. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB, SDG, Specialized | | Bottom Line: | This is a great saddle for the money. It provides enough "cush" to take the edge of riding. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, BC
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything fun | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light, nice shape, nice look | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | lots | | Bike Setup: | TST Ti hardtail, Marzocci MX Comp ETA, FSA Orbit XLII, Thompson hardware, Shimano drive, Crankbrother Candys, Chris King Hubs, Mavic 717 rims, Selle Italia Flite Gel | | Bottom Line: | I'm a 210lb cross country rider.
I started using this seat and loved it immediately. I've read other complaints about how much it hurts and am wondering if this seat comes with and without a centre cutout. The one I have has one.
This isn't your mama's gel seat. This is a stiff racing seat that gives a bit of gel and flex for cushioning. If your strong on your legs and don't sit hard on your saddle, you should have no problems liking this seat. It's long for multi-positions and is a great addition to any bike looking to go light and fast. Best saddle I've used for sport/racing. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Newark, DE
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Better than riding on just a seatpost. | | Weaknesses: | Hard as hell, numbs your privates | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Santa Cruz Blur XC | | Bottom Line: | Don't let the "Genuine Gel" fool you, this is saddle is a bonifide a$$ hatchet. After my first few rides on this thing, it left my taint so numb I wondered if I'd ever make it to fatherhood. The length and width of the saddle aren't a problem, it's the fact that Selle Italia actually raises the part under your sensitive area with padding. That's exactly where you don't want it - thus Terry's opening and WTB's love channel. Saddles are personal and everyone likes something different - I just can't believe some people can actually be comfortable on this thing. I think I'd prefer a piece of slate on my seatpost. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don Wong
a
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Cambria | | Strengths: | Very comfortable, has cutout, reduced numbness, looks good. | | Weaknesses: | Not cheap (not the most expensive either though), feels very firm at first. | | Similar Products Used: | Fizik Plateau | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F1000. | | Bottom Line: | Replaced my stock Fizik saddle which came on my Cannondale with the Flite GelFlow with the middle cutout. Felt too firm at first, but very comfortable once I got used to it. If your saddle is causing you numbness, you should certainly give this a try. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ken
a Cross Country Rider
from columbia, sc usa
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Fairly light, stiff, not too wide, aesthetically pleasing. | | Weaknesses: | If you don't ride a lot, this seat can feel like granite or if you ain't rockin' a chamois. | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager, Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | IRO Highlander singlespeed with a Manitou fork on front for some extra squish. | | Bottom Line: | This a good saddle for tons of riding but will definitely hurt newbies. I don't know if you'll need Viagra after riding this saddle, but if you have any worries about your nether-regions, stay away from this saddle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NoNeedForAName
a Cross Country Rider
from Yup, Western, USA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar | | Strengths: | Looks nice, Didn't break
| | Weaknesses: | You will have to use Viagra after riding this saddle too long.
| | Similar Products Used: | SDG, Terry, WTB, other Selle Italia | | Bike Setup: | Yea, it's fast | | Bottom Line: | Oh my GOD this thing hurts! I think they should rename it "Selle Italia Non-Surgical Vasectomy" May work for someone else, but my a$$ did not like it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Middletown, CT
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | private sale | | Strengths: | comfy, light. | | Weaknesses: | Gaudy looking, but it is Italian. | | Similar Products Used: | SA Flite, Vetta Lite | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale road bike | | Bottom Line: | A very comfy saddle. I bought it used for twenty bucks, like new condition. I did my first ride yesterday, a seventy-five mile road ride and it proved very comfortable. A post-ride pee was accomplished with no pain whatsoever- the true test of a saddle. I'd been using an old Vetta Lite for 13 years and I wish I'd changed sooner. I also had a regular Flite on another bike and it was very comfortable too, but the Gel Flite is more so. Saddles are a matter of individual preference and anatomy, but this one works for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris G
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything around golden | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | light, looks good, titanium is always a plus. Good saddle for avid riders | | Weaknesses: | this saddle will punish you. It will punish you for not riding for a while. A person can catch clothing on the raised gel inserts | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager, WTB, San Marco | | Bottom Line: | If you ride a ton = alright
If you ride every now and again = not good.
Even for a person who rides as much as I do its not the best. The WTB's are my current favorite.
3 for performance because is so hard and the gel inserts catch
3 for price because this is just gaudy and thats why I bought it (dumb, i know) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ignaz
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Strengths: | Firm, has some give. Light. Looks sleek | | Weaknesses: | The threads starting to fray. The leather starting to peel off under the seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized and Velo seats. | | Bike Setup: | Giant NRS, Seven Cycles hardtail, Cannondale softail, GT rigid, Intense DH. | | Bottom Line: | Good saddle. The first one that allows me to shift my weight about easily when on technicals sections. The more shifting I do on long rides, less soreness and numbness I experience on the ride. This means it's not a padded seat. When I loose my footing on the pedals and have one or two legs hanging loose over the bumps, the family jewels suffer the most. Use it for road or XC, is a nice saddle. Without gear, I weight between 78 to 80kgs so I think it will work for fast cyclists. The soreness experienced is normally by friends who use my Flite Gel and ride it like they're sitting in a sofa. Racers always shift their weight or bounce in the seat, so this seat does a fine job for them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rep Reldnas
a Racer
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Nice looks, light weight | | Weaknesses: | The leather wears down (am I riding to much?) | | Bike Setup: | Pegoretti, Campagnolo | | Bottom Line: | Took me about three months to get used to it, after that perfect. Rides my racer every day during 8 months/year that makes about 4000 k's/year. Will buy another one for my XC. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hector
a Cross Country Rider
from Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Ras al Satan | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclestore UK | | Strengths: | Very confortable, looks awesome, light | | Weaknesses: | Stiching desintegrates in high friction areas. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized body geometry, bontrager, fizik, san marco... | | Bike Setup: | 2004 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Pro, 2001 Specialized S-Works hard tail. | | Bottom Line: | I had this seat on my old bike, it suvived countles epic outings, went with me to Nepal, India and all over the Sinai and took everything the trails could dish out along with some nasty falls, others have written here that your body needs to get used to the saddle, I think it's true, the more you ridde it the more confortable it becomes, great leather craftsmanship. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | looks cool | | Weaknesses: | the **gel** on this saddle is lame. | | Similar Products Used: | bontrager, regular flite, terry, titec, san marco... | | Bike Setup: | titus | | Bottom Line: | this is a torture device. avoid. the regular flite
is much more comfortable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andrew eckett
a Downhiller
from sydney australia
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | lizard rock oxford falls sydney | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | bike addiction | | Strengths: | its sleek and slight which keeps it out of the way. looks awesome. lasts for ever. weight. very comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | stitching wears evenually | | Similar Products Used: | selle itlia tran, cannondale ti, sdg | | Bike Setup: | de rosa roadie, santa cruz bullit, foes fly | | Bottom Line: | there are two things i swear by and thats thomson posts and flite saddles. i ride over 300 km per wk off road and on road never having a sore ass. i ride it without pads sometime and still have no problem. people always say that u can break it in but u don't break it in it breaks u in. i do think its designed for slimmer riders i.e racing level riders. if this saddle is hurting u, u need to ride more. it is extremely comfortable. But as it seems not for everybodies asses. so if u are heavier or are just a casual rider don't buy the flite but don't steer away from selle italia. they produce high quality saddle with that ferrari flavour | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G.K.
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Natinoal - South Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Classic good looks, comfortable, and very durable. | | Weaknesses: | I bought the red one, and it tends to make my light colored shorts red in the butt (stick with black shorts if you want a colored one). Not exactly flattering. | | Bike Setup: | Marin XC FRS, Manitou Minute 3, X0 shifters, X9 rear and XT front der, Mavic Crosslands.... | | Bottom Line: | I bought muy first one in '93, and loved it until the bike got stolen (son-of-a...sorry) and loved it enough to get another and have had absolutely no regrets. I have had a couple of tumbles and it is still in one piece. My first one was all leather and started to come loose in the back but this one fixed my only complaint (aside from the whole dying-the-back-of-my-shorts, thing). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JaimeQ
a Cross Country Rider
from Escazu, Costa Rica
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | 5 Puentes | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle & Fitness - Miami | | Strengths: | Looks nice, comfortable | | Weaknesses: | Creaks. Expensive | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager ??, Serfas Vado | | Bike Setup: | Trek Fuel 95 stock | | Bottom Line: | Overall, this is a good looking saddle and it's also a comfy one. I've ridden up to 6 hours in it and still could feel the goodies. One problem I had with it was a loud creaking sound that would start after riding an hour or so. Tried wd40, oil, and it would go away but only for a while. Finally, the whole thing blew up after hitting a rock (with me landing near by) and had to rig it with some wire in order to get back. It was nice looking though... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Rockport Maine
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Maine Sport | | Strengths: | Moderately light, Ti Rails, Very comfortable, fairly durable. I have had it for about a year and a half now and raced on it for two seasons. comfortable | | Weaknesses: | on the heavier side (250 grams) | | Similar Products Used: | san marco ERA mg, Bontrager saddle, stock on trek 8000
| | Bike Setup: | Custom Salsa Caballero @ 24.9 lbs | | Bottom Line: | I would reccomend this saddle to anyone, It is durable, strong, fairly light, and very comfortable. Mine is showing signs of wear, but it is to be expected after two racing seasons and riding the rest of the year. I managed to bend the rails in crashes on both my other seats, this one has stayed with me and is one of the oldest parts on my bike. When it finally weas out, it will be replaced by another or the slr version. If you are weight concious, go for the slr version, all others, this saddle is excellent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert t
a Cross Country Rider
from Leicestershire
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Cannock chase or die | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$62.00 | | Purchased At: | www.parker-international.co.uk | | Strengths: | Classic Flite design, the No.1 pro's choice.
Quality Materials such as leather, kevlar and titanium.
Comfy and good looks... mines the white one. | | Weaknesses: | cost? and will stand the test of time? | | Similar Products Used: | cheaper, synthetic selle italias with chromo rails that rusted and lost shape, ripped cover. | | Bike Setup: | Easton Aluminium Frame
Deore / Deore lx drive
Mavic x517 with michelin tyers
Profile bars, seatpost, bar-ends and stem
FSA orbit
...and this saddle | | Bottom Line: | Not had it long enough to test durability but the ride is good, it seems to absorb shock better than the cheaper chromo railed ones i was used to.
I love the long nose and and cut looks, as well as reading that its the best saddle ever. Not dissapointed so far ats its comfy. Not for elephants I guess...the 'gel' version which i have is said to be not as durable for heavier people. Im 150lbs so im expecting it to last 3-5 years from twice weekly use. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christian Uy
a Cross Country Rider
from Phillippines
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Velo City | | Strengths: | Very good design, strong kevlar shell and the titanium railings absorb bumps very well | | Weaknesses: | After a year the gel just evaporate. Now i have to put tape on it to save the other gel remaining. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | GT avalanche
easton cockpit
Truvativ stylo
Lx frnt & rear hub
Velocity rim
Chris King | | Bottom Line: | Its a good product but I guess you have to take care of the gel. I dont know if its because of the weather here but mine looks awful know.. If your planning to buy selle italia look for a model that hasnt have a gel on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shappy
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Strengths: | Very comfortable. I bought the "Flow" version which feels great. No more numb nuts. Light and looks good | | Weaknesses: | durability- see bottom line | | Similar Products Used: | other selle italia saddles | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Mountain Instinct | | Bottom Line: | This saddle was worn right out in 5 months. I only ride 3-4 times per week. The leather wore through on a couple of spots on one side, and the other side all the stitching and glue is letting loose. I sent the saddle back to ProNet and they said it was just worn out, buy a new one. My last flite saddle lasted for years, with 10X the miles on it, without a problem. I am guessing the problem is with the "Flow" version, but I can't affort to by a new saddle every 6 months either. Time to try a new manufacturer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa, FL
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Nashbar | | Strengths: | Light, supportive, durable, YELLOW | | Weaknesses: | maybe TOO supportive :)) | | Similar Products Used: | various stock house brand saddles, some huge ass gel padded saddle | | Bike Setup: | GT XCR 5000, Judy XC fork, TIME pedals, LX/XT drive train | | Bottom Line: | GREAT saddle. I spent hours in the saddle without discomfort (wear decent shorts, people!!) Head over heels better than the saddle that was one the bike when I bought it. Fits me great (saddle fit IS a VERY personal choice, and I LIKE this one) Especially for the price, it cant be beat! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Juan
a Cross Country Rider
from OC, California
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fullerton Loop, Chino Hills, El Moro Cayon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$59.00 | | Purchased At: | Jax Bicylce | | Strengths: | Stiffness, Gel pads help a little. Not much, but they do. Ti rails, length and width of the seat. | | Weaknesses: | None yet | | Similar Products Used: | Serfas Dual Density full Gel saddle | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Mongoose Pro Sommet, XT drive Train / shifters, Truvativ Stylo Team cranks, FSA Platinum Pro TI BB, Mavic X3.1 Tubeless, Panaracer Fire XC Pro Tubeless tires, Thomson Stem/seatpost, Manitou Skareb Super, Avid Disc, Avid Mag levers, Answer Carbon Taperpro bar, Crank Bros eggbeaters, Cane Creek AD-5 Rear Shock | | Bottom Line: | After 1 year of riding, I upgraded my bike and the saddle was one due for upgrade, I purchased the Serfas Gel saddle since I wasn't used to riding and well, comfort is what it's all about in the begining, but now, I needed something better, the serfas was too wide for me to move easily, and I had gotten used to riding for long times. Before my first ride I was anxious to see what it would be like to ride a hard saddle, but when I rode I didn't even notice it. I think it is due to me riding so much and getting used to it. This saddle is definetely for someone who has been riding for a while, and is used to riding, comfort will not be an issue with long time riders, it is easy to move around in, and the gel helps a bit, and I like the way it looks on my bike. So if you are still getting used to riding, or just like soft comfy seats, buy a full gel seat like the serfas, but if you like performance and have been riding for a while, get this one.
Jax priced matched Supergo, since supergo was out of them, at $59 you can't loose! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Krzysztof Bernady
a Cross Country Rider
from Warsaw, Poland
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$69.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo.com | | Strengths: | comfort, Ti rails (*cool*) | | Weaknesses: | if something, then weight | | Similar Products Used: | Giant | | Bike Setup: | Refitted Giant Boulder | | Bottom Line: | This saddle was bought as a replecament of standard OEM Giant saddle and as it is, it works - now I can nearly forget about saddle, because it's very comfortable, what means I can ride all day without any pains after.
I suspect GelFlow insert does not add much comfort, but only price to the saddle. My next saddle will be without gelflow version (and it will be lighter and cheaper too) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Aspen, CO
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Government Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | e-bay | | Strengths: | Very well made, flat seat, nice slope from top into sides of seat, good seat angle in relation to bars | | Weaknesses: | gel pads are pretty thin, firm but hey, it's a racing seat. | | Similar Products Used: | El Cheapo, WTB, Aviner, Titec | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Gary Fisher 2+ | | Bottom Line: | Love this seat! It's a firm, flat seat, not a cushion, but that makes it easy to quickly adjust my position on it. The gel pads are sooo thin its hard to believe they aren't just a sales gimmic, but still it has just enough give to be relatively comfortable. Maybe it just fits my butt right. The seat geometry is such that it naturally slopes down in front and with just a little adjusting I was able to remove the peritneal preasure without feeling like I was sliding forward on the seat. I've ridden it hard in a short few weeks and the more I ride it the better I like it. If you want cushy touring comfort, this is not the one, but it's quick and easy to crawl around on in tough technical terrain. I give it a four overall. If the gel pads were real it would rate a five. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Downhiller
from Thousand
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | hmm... light? | | Weaknesses: | doesnt work, rails break | | Bottom Line: | This seat sucks, its not worth the cash. The gel is just some bullsht for marketing, it doesnt do a damn thing. I was fooled into thinking a 50 dollar seat with "gel" would be better then the piece of plastic that I had been riding. It took 4 monthes before my ars finally hardened up and no longer got sore from this thing. 2 monthes later one of the rails broke and the other was severly cracked. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod C.
a Racer
from Locust Valley
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | #11 at Killington | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$59.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | Nice colors and shape | | Weaknesses: | Stiching on saddle is situated perfectly to ensure maximum irratation and likelihood of saddle sores. Ouch! | | Similar Products Used: | Fizik Allante | | Bike Setup: | Giant NRS1, Crossmax, kenda tires.... | | Bottom Line: | Sufferd with two of these saddles. One on my mt bike and the other on my road bike.
Always getting saddle sores even with top of the line lycra shorts and Chamis Butt Cream.
Bought two Fizik Allante's (carbon for road and titanium for Mt bike)and the sores are now a thing of the past. Worth the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Collins, CO USA
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | SuperGo | | Strengths: | light | | Weaknesses: | very uncomfortable - you'll walk around bowlegged for the day after the ride | | Similar Products Used: | San Marco Era, WTB | | Bike Setup: | Ventanna Marble Peaks | | Bottom Line: | I'm a physician and think the "gel" thing is nothing more than a marketing ploy. The "gel" rises up on the saddle and puts MORE pressure on the perineal area. I've struggled with this saddle for a year, trying to dial it in, but have finally given up. Don't buy this saddle if you
a)ride trails longer than 15 minutes OR
b)ever plan on having children | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad Wallace
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX USA
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anthills - I moved there! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint | | Strengths: | size for wieght, lots af shiftability | | Weaknesses: | gel is counterproductive, stitching will eat shorts | | Similar Products Used: | Coda 900, Coda expert, SI Prolink | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Killer-V 500, Manitou X-Vert Air, Avid Single Digit, IRC Mythos, ..... | | Bottom Line: | OK Saddle, but not for anyone with a male member that actually works. Sit bones - no problem - fine here. Tried the gel hoping to help with numbness, but it actually creates a rise in the center of the saddle, so if anything, this actually makes things worse. If numbness is your thing, then try the regular flite or something else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris vincent
a Cross Country Rider
from leeds, uk
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Trans Pennine Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$63.00 | | Purchased At: | Xpedia.co.uk | | Strengths: | Very comfortable despite looking like it shouldn't be. Extremely light. Stylish and matches my Giant XTC840 colour scheme | | Weaknesses: | If you don't set it up in the middle of the rails it'll creak like hell. SO SET IT UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RAILS!! | | Similar Products Used: | Velo cheapo device which started to make talk like a choir boy | | Bike Setup: | Rigida disc rims on shimano hubs. Rockshox SID Carbon forks. Magura Julie Discs (F & R). Shimano Deore mechs and shifters | | Bottom Line: | Selle Italia make fantastic saddles but since we're all different they may not suit you. My mate, who's built more like a cyclist couldn't use the one he bought (numb nuts they call him now). I'm 15 stone (210lbs) and it fits me like an a*se glove! But I've only been riding again since Feb 02, so what do I know. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bRad
a Racer
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$89.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | Quality construction
Racey looks | | Weaknesses: | Gel? Where?
Uncomfortable
Stitching in the wrong place, right where points of contact are. | | Similar Products Used: | SDG Bel Air | | Bike Setup: | Iron Horse Hollowpoint 2002.5 VPP, SRAM X.0, CrossRoc UST, Hayes hydros, Black Super Air, Thomson post & stem, Easton carbon riser, egg beaters. | | Bottom Line: | This saddle came on my Hollowpoint. From looks alone I was extremely happy, but after 40 plus trail miles a week for 4 months of race season this thing still hurts my arse. I mean hurts! Riding is gonna hurt, but my old cheapo SDG logged equal mileage and was much more cofmortable so I know there are better seats out there. I think the stitching on the rear sides of the saddle is at the exact points of contact for each butt cheek. My arse is calused to the point of deformity but still this thing is painful. Buy something else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Castle Rock, CO
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Deer Creek Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Looks, comfort | | Weaknesses: | None that I can see | | Similar Products Used: | Stock Selle on my TREK 5200(was a dumb down version of the Flite Gel), Specialized Kevlar(stock on MTB) | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Rockhopper w/ many upgrades
Trek 5200 w/ Utegra | | Bottom Line: | First let me say "all you people who complain about your butt hurting, don't ride enough, cause anyone who does ride enough knows that pain eventually goes away, unless you stay off the horse for a while. so get riding. it isn't supposed to be a lazy boy
I recently broke my old selle saddel after 3 years, so i put my MTB specialized saddle on my trek, and there is no comparison. SO i broke down and bought two of these babies one for each bike. The comfort on long rides is amazing. and it's thin stature keeps out of the way for moving around out of the saddle in the twisties, and doesn't rub my tights on the long hauls. I recently completed ride the rockies on this saddle and my but never hurt once. 500 miles in 7 days. and is not differant for the MTB trails either. Love this saddle
Plus this saddle looks sweet | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Jackson, WY
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Looks good, light, its comfortable for the long rides | | Weaknesses: | For short rides its a little uncomfortable | | Bike Setup: | 2002 SJ Comp, Thomson seatpost, easton stem, egg beaters, python tires | | Bottom Line: | Good saddle at a resonable price. And obviously it looks good. Its hard for short rides, but for anything with a decent legnth its great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from West Hartford, CT
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Strengths: | Sexy looks; light weight; fancy colors | | Weaknesses: | Can be painful if you need to sit on it for any length of time | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Body Geometry something-or-other | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F2000, ELO Lefty, Moots layback, XTR/XT drive, usual goodies | | Bottom Line: | The seat can be uncomfortable, especially for clydesdale types, but the thing is so pretty...
The price really isn't bad either, you can blow more on far worse.
Four chilis despite the bruises. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TOTO
a
from SG
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$69.00 | | Strengths: | Looks nice nice cutting shape & design | | Weaknesses: | Expensive | | Similar Products Used: | Specialize Ti | | Bike Setup: | Kestrel Rubicon Comp, Looks Fournales Fork, Kings Hubs/Sun rim, XTR components. | | Bottom Line: | Only 1 word to describe "PAIN" on my ass.
There are many more cheaper & having the same weight & performance like it, oh...only more cheaper than it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Bear
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fair Hill, MD | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Strengths: | Looks cool, it's light. | | Weaknesses: | Hard as a rock!! | | Similar Products Used: | Avocet Air, Specialized ergo | | Bike Setup: | Klein Attitude Race, XT setup & Rolf Wheels | | Bottom Line: | The seat is hard as a rock!! I tried to break it in but how much do you really sit down when your racing? The specialized seats are lighter. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fiona Tester
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | North Downs | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Strengths: | Light weight and strong Ti rails | | Weaknesses: | Possible a little hard for casual users | | Similar Products Used: | WTB and Rolls in the early years | | Bike Setup: | De Rosa Road Bike and Marin Mount Vision Mountain Bike | | Bottom Line: | This is certainly the most comfortable saddle I have used. The Flite is is a saddle that you have to break in and mould to your butt. You need to be a regular cyclist to keep your bottom accustomed to it. Generally I find that ladies saddles are much too wide and squidgy and rub terribly if you are in the saddle more that a couple of hours. I have been a flite ride for over 6 years so that says something. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chuck
a Weekend Warrior
from Campbell,ca,us
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | price point | | Strengths: | Product name. | | Weaknesses: | Hard as a rock. Not comfortable. | | Similar Products Used: | Specilized, Cannondale,Vetta | | Bike Setup: | GT Mt. Bike | | Bottom Line: | Hard and uncomfortable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Silver City, New Mexico
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | CD South | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson USA | | Strengths: | Well made with Ti rails so its light. The price is good for the quality you get. | | Similar Products Used: | Koobi, Fizik, Arc, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Litespeed Tanasi, XTR, UST wheels | | Bottom Line: | The saddle has plenty of room to move around on. Its light, its tough enough to stand up to abuse. I often do two to three hour rides and haven't had any problems using this saddle.
It is a hard saddle, and I'm in and out of the saddle often, so that aspect doesn't bother me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from El Dorado Hills, CA
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hole in the Ground | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson USA | | Strengths: | construction, Italian styling and weight | | Weaknesses: | What gel? My old flite Ti saddle is much more comfortable. | | Similar Products Used: | Flite Ti | | Bike Setup: | Giant NRS Air, SID 100, Avid mech's, full XT, Mavic 317's | | Bottom Line: | After living with this saddle for over a year, I'll give it three flaming cat terds. The construction, weight and overall good looks of this saddle are nearly unmatched; however, after any moderate to long ride your taint and butt are going to be aching. For value, and many of the same positive attributes, consider the basic Flite Ti saddle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joel
a Weekend Warrior
from NY
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Sandy Hook | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | looks, style, construction, weight | | Weaknesses: | pain. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB saddles | | Bike Setup: | fisher big sur | | Bottom Line: | I tried, I really, really tried to love this seat but after a year I had to finally admit that no matter how beautiful it is - it hurts like hell. Yes, I wear padded shorts, but the pretty stitching rubs the thighs anyway and your bottom is sore. It's a very narrow seat (it's really a road saddle)and the gel does nothing but provide more pretty stitching to hurt you. You get off the thing after a long ride and you've got burns on your thighs and your butt hurts - bottom line. I have to say it's worse than the stock WTB saddle on the Big Sur - and that one hurts. It's a pitty because the Gel TI is so well made and it looks great - but don't buy it if you ride more than 30 mins. a day. 2 chllis just for the looks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Amman Verzosa
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dash Point | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Gregg's Greenlake Cycle | | Strengths: | Looks | | Weaknesses: | Comfort | | Similar Products Used: | Flite, Prolink, Brooks Swift. | | Bike Setup: | Serotta w/ DA groupo & CK wheels | | Bottom Line: | Look great, but hurts my butt. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Flyer
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$59.00 | | Strengths: | Nicely built saddle...takes a while to get comfortable with. | | Weaknesses: | Gel inserts are sort of..well...not much there | | Similar Products Used: | Sefras, WTB | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Giant XTC se2...lots of tweeks. | | Bottom Line: | Definately a hard saddle, but I like it. I did put a RockShox suspension seatpost on, but that doesn't make the saddle softer....if you like to sit and ride you probably ought to look for another saddle...this is intended for riding a mountain bike and keeping a portion of your weight on the pedals, not on your butt the whole ride. Gotta give it five burning buns....it works for me! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CHUCK "GATORMAN" COOK
a Racer
from NASHVILLE,TN USA
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | HAMILTON CREEK-LOCK-4 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$69.00 | | Purchased At: | PRICEPOINT.COM | | Strengths: | VERY LIGHT WEIGHT,LOOKS AWESOME.AND THE KEVLER SIDES SAVES THE SEAT. | | Weaknesses: | A REAL LIGHT COATING IS RUBBING OFF,BUT IT'S NOT CHANGING THE COLOR AT ALL.IT'S ONLY ON THE GEL PATCHES. | | Similar Products Used: | SAN MARCO | | Bike Setup: | MARIN PINE-MT.XT ALL THE WAY,CHRIS KING HEAD SET,THOMSON SEAT POST,STEM,SPD PEDALS,PROFILE CARBON BARS,RINGLE HUBS,HUTCHINSON GOLD TIRES,MAVIC RIMS. | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS A HARD SEAT, EVEN WITH THE GEL.BUT GIVE IT TIME AND IT WILL COME AROUND TO YOU.PLUS IT LOOKS FAST.IF YOU HAVE A SOFT -SS DON'T BYE THIS SEAT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a
from Brownsburg,IN USA
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Bottom Line: | I am a roadie who has put about 1700 miles on this saddle in the past few months. My but has never felt so good while on a bike. I'll admit the road is smoother than off-road, but 1700 miles in the saddle is a good test of a saddle. I have tried several over the years....my search is over. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jared
a Weekend Warrior
from UT
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | It provides support and comfort in exactly the right places without excessive padding. It is light and the shape is excellent, allowing different sitting positions for diferent conditions. It's a great overall seat. | | Weaknesses: | The gel only provides minimal comfort differences from the leather part of the seat. Somewhat pricey. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Body Geometry. | | Bike Setup: | Dean Scout w LX/XT drivetrain, Thomson post & stem, Judy SL forks. | | Bottom Line: | Prior to using this seat I was having problems with numbness, but that has been eliminated with the flite gel. It is comfortable and the length of the seat allows for moving around for different riding conditions. I think it is a great seat & have no complaints except that it is somewhat pricey. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from WV USA
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Canyon Rim | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint | | Strengths: | Light, well made, titanium rails | | Similar Products Used: | Stock Giant saddle | | Bike Setup: | Giant Rincon SE Aluminum hardtail, Z-4 Flylight Air, Thudbuster seatpost, | | Bottom Line: | When I received this saddle I was glad I only paid $35 for it. It seemed way too hard to be comfortable. But after several rides I changed my mind. It gives good support right where it's needed without a lot of unnecessary padding. The narrow profile is actually more comfortable than the wider stock saddle I've been riding for 2 years. I think this one will just get better as it breaks in. Got it closeout at Pricepoint so not much color choice. Wouldn't have gotten mango otherwise but hey, I'm a biker, not an interior decorator. The price was right. I give it four flaming bin laden's. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brendan
a Cross Country Rider
from Silver Spring, MD USA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | It's looks (haha), comfortable, titanium!! what a big word | | Weaknesses: | little stiff at first, mango, hmm bad color, but 35 bucks?? yea I'll take it! | | Similar Products Used: | Mountain Cycles seat and to many BMX seats | | Bike Setup: | Trek 930 Cro moly frame (so sexy) all XT drivetrain, Marzocchi Z3 fork, same old same old, but the saddle is on my S&M little bike. It's a good change from those hard ugly typical bmx seats. | | Bottom Line: | If it's comfort you're looking for, don't even ride, it's a sport not a chill time.
The saddle is really good looking, everyone says "where'd you get that" and really light.
2000 Flite Gels are on sale right now at Pricepoint!! go get 'em while the gettin's good.
One more thing, it's handmade in Italy, so you can say to all those people toting Italian leather coats,"yeah I put my butt on Italian leather." | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Lafferty
a Cross Country Rider
from Mountain View, CA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bikes | | Strengths: | Looks great. | | Weaknesses: | Hard seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Serfas Kevlar, Serfas Lola, Bontrager | | Bottom Line: | Everyone seems to think that this is the greatest saddle ever, so I thought I'd give it a try. I mostly ride XC, however, I mounted this on my road bike which had a saddle that was killing me (Scott Racing). The plan was to try it out and buy a second one to replace an aging Bontrager saddle. Bot first I wanted to determine if everyone was right about how great this saddle was.
The verdict...
This is not the saddle for me. I've ridden worse, but I've certainly ridden more comfortable saddles. I've put 300+ road miles on it and I'm still waiting for it to "break in." It's a bit hard on on the rear end. When I bought it I compared it's weight to both the Serfas Lola and Bontrager saddles that I have on my two main mountain bikes. The weights were all similar (the Bontrager was the lightest of the three). Considering it is similar weight to the others, which are both more comfortable, I can't give it high marks.
On the other hand, it's the coolest looking of the three. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Lafferty
a Cross Country Rider
from Mountain View, CA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bikes | | Strengths: | Looks great. | | Weaknesses: | Hard seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Serfas Kevlar, Serfas Lola, Bontrager | | Bottom Line: | Everyone seems to think that this is the greatest saddle ever, so I thought I'd give it a try. I mostly ride XC, however, I mounted this on my road bike which had a saddle that was killing me (Scott Racing). The plan was to try it out and buy a second one to replace an aging Bontrager saddle. Bot first I wanted to determine if everyone was right about how great this saddle was.
The verdict...
This is not the saddle for me. I've ridden worse, but I've certainly ridden more comfortable saddles. I've put 300+ road miles on it and I'm still waiting for it to "break in." It's a bit hard on on the rear end. When I bought it I compared it's weight to both the Serfas Lola and Bontrager saddles that I have on my two main mountain bikes. The weights were all similar (the Bontrager was the lightest of the three). Considering it is similar weight to the others, which are both more comfortable, I can't give it high marks.
On the other hand, it's the coolest looking of the three. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BILL
a Cross Country Rider
from CALIFORNIA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | ANYWHERE MY BIKE TAKES ME | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | SUPERGO | | Strengths: | REPUTATION, DURABILITY, LOOKS, ITS ITALIAN! | | Weaknesses: | GEL INSERT IS KIND OF A GIMMICK AND I AGREE ITS TOO EXPENSIVE AT LBS'S ALSO SOME OF THE LOGOS RUB OFF(IF ANYBODY CARES ABOUT THAT). | | Similar Products Used: | STOCK VELO SEAT THAT CAME W/BIKE | | Bike Setup: | 2001 GIANT RINCON SE | | Bottom Line: | AT FIRST I WAS KIND OF SCARED ABOUT THIS SEAT. IT LOOKS KIND OF INTIMADATING. THE GEL THING ISNT TOO SOFT, BUT ITS A PRO SADDLE. IT TOOK A COUPLE OF RIDES TO DIAL IT IN AND WORK IN THE SADDLE AND MY BUTT. TRIED THE LEVEL AND THE HEIGHT. IF ITS TOO HIGH YOU WILL GET THE NUMBNESS, JUST LOWER IT A TAD. BUT NOW ITS GREAT! I CAN RIDE FOR HOURS WITHOUT THE PAIN. I AGREE WITH THE OTHERS ITS NOT THE MOST COMFORTABLE SADDLE IN THE WORLD BUT IF YOU WANT COMFORT GET A LAZ-Y-BOY.
I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS SADDLE BUT ITS NOT FOR EVERYBODY. IF ITS UNCOMFORTABLE JUST TAKE IT BACK | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cleburn SP | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$64.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Construction, good looks, fairly lightweight seems to distribut weight to the sit bones properly. | | Weaknesses: | very hard and not that comfortable...can't see that the gel insert really adds much cushioining (probably more for looks/sales tactic)....minor gripe-titanium logo was rubbing off after one ride | | Similar Products Used: | WTB SSX.K, Selle Italia Trimatic Gel | | Bike Setup: | Sugar 3 slightly modified..XT crank, XTR levers/shifters, race wheelset, mars elite fork..should have bought a sugar 2 | | Bottom Line: | This is for the '01 model. A friend has an earlier model and it seems to be wider, better cushioned and more comfortable.
Great quality and construction and it is one of, if not the best looking saddle on the market. But its so freaking hard. First tried the Trimatic which fit me horribly...too much pressure on the important areas. The Flite distributes the pressure to the sit bones much better but is so hard it's fairly uncomfortable.
Bottom line..quality product, puts the weight where it should be (sit bones) but very hard and (for my tender arse) fairly uncomfortable. If you're looking for cush..look elsewhere.
5 chili's for good looks and quality construction, 3 for price (a little pricey- especially at LBS's), 2.5 to 3 for comfort....4 for both value and overall.
If you're looking for a really nice saddle and like 'em hard as a rock...this was made for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$59.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | Nice and firm for long rides. A bit longer than my previous saddle (Serfas) which gives me more positions. Stitching keeps me from slopping around. | | Weaknesses: | Gel? What Gel? Because it's so firm, I had to tinker with the angle to avoid, ummm, numbness...but once I did, Willy was happy again. | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Heckler | | Bottom Line: | Overall, a supportive saddle for serious riders. For me, a flat position works best. Maybe not the best saddle on the market or the lightest, but since I've got it dialed in, I'll keep riding it. Really, though, why call it "Gel" when they could have saved 20 grams? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Parker
a Racer
from Alabama
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$79.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Lightweight, looks cool | | Weaknesses: | Hard as a rock | | Similar Products Used: | Coda Ti, WTB SST | | Bike Setup: | Ellsworth Truth | | Bottom Line: | I really wanted this saddle to work for me. It's light, looks cool and complimented my Ellsworth color scheme beautifully. However, after using it for about 3 months I had to let it go. It just hurt my ass. I thought I would get used to it but that didn't happen. My butt would hurt after long rides and I was constantly getting "hot spots", maybe these were saddle sores? I never really felt the advantage of the gel insert either. This sadle is just hard man! Anyway, I've now switched to a Topo Performance Ti Team saddle and couldn't be happier. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry Huro
a Weekend Warrior
from Streamwood, Il. USA
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Fox River | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bicycle | | Strengths: | Classic style and firm support.Light weight but very good shock absorbtion. | | Weaknesses: | Needs several rides before I could find the right set up. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Body Geometry Sport, Serfas RX.Selle Itallia Flite Titanium. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 1000 w/Ultegra hubs and cassette upgrade.Wheels are Mavic Open Pro.SPD pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is the most comfortable saddle I have ridden on yet.The Flite TI was loaned to me by a friend for demo.I thought that it felt great but seemed to lack shock absorption.I went with the Flite Gel on recomendation from a friend.After finding the correct set up I haven't had a problem.No numbness or sores yet.This is a top quality saddle and the price is not that much compared to others at the same level.I would definitely recommend you give this a try if you like a firm yet suppportive saddle.Dont get it if you want something that feels like a sofa cushion. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ralf Gard
a Racer
from Belgium
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | Feels great
Shock absorbant
Looks good | | Weaknesses: | I used some Selle Italias saddles before, and i did not risk to try a flashy color, since they usually discolour rapidly.
I would take a black flite. | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia Flite Titanium (no gel), Selle Italia Trimatic | | Bike Setup: | Italian steel | | Bottom Line: | I think the gel is just a hoax, i even wonder if there actually is a substantial amount of gel in there.
Nevertheless, i don't really care, saddle feels great and is super shock absorbant (because of Ti rails?).
Surprisingly, it feels totally different from the regular Flite (which i still like). Looks the same as regular Flite, but i have the feeling that there is a lot more weight resting on the sit bones (as it should!).
Personally it took a while to get used to it but after that, whoa, no pain whatsoever, even on +4h rides.
Also, on the regular Flite, i seem to slip forward constantly, this one is more anti-slip.
Bottom line: perfect saddle, but give your butt some time to get used to it. I think however it is useless for the occasional cyclists, they will hate it and wine about it "being to hard".
For heavy persons, this is probably a bad reference, since my body weight is only 134 pounds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
arch
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | bryce park - technical singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | EBAY | | Strengths: | Light, narrow (good for technical sections), looks, comfortable | | Weaknesses: | Durability? It isn't going to live through many bad crashes. | | Similar Products Used: | Moab stock seat | | Bike Setup: | 97 moab 2, titec parts, manitou sx-r, panaracer trailblasters, LX/STX drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great product for people that like the traditional style saddle. IF adjusted properly it is very comfortable - I tend to sit back on it more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Min
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint | | Strengths: | Looks good. Decent size. Comfy for short rides. | | Weaknesses: | Very uncomfortable for long rides. | | Bike Setup: | Stock Stumpy | | Bottom Line: | Although this is a relatively nice saddle, it is not for long rides. Especially if you weigh more than 160. Every ride where I've had to sit for over 2 hours has left very vivid memories of numbness and pain. I like hard seats but this one builds pressure in all the wrong places. Maybe it's my anatomy but the pressure points were all wrong and all pain on any long rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Edmonds, WA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | Gregg's | | Strengths: | Very high level of craftsmanship. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | a bunch | | Bottom Line: | This is in all likelyhood the finest saddle made. I have three of them. I must admit that the gel thing is more of a gimmick than anything else. Also, the newer Flite gel is not made to the same high spec as that of three or four years ago. Still a great saddle, but my 1997 model is my favorite.
There are many complaints here about how hard this saddle is. Well, they're right. It is hard. That's how all those Tour de France racer-boys manage to sit on these things for 21 days.
This is a saddle for a rider. It's roomy enough to offer a variety of positions, but light enough for the weight concious. I have one that is over four years old and it still looks like a million bucks. The Bontrager that originally came on the bike was toast in two weeks.
Most riders don't need this saddle. If you don't ride alot this saddle may not be for you. There are a bunch of other products out there. But if you ride alot and appreciate quality, the Selle Italia Flite Gel may be right for you.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clément
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, On
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Gatineau Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Full Cycle | | Strengths: | VERY comfortable - sleek - design | | Weaknesses: | none (so far) | | Similar Products Used: | WTB, Specialized, other Selle Italia | | Bike Setup: | customized 2000 Gary Fisher | | Bottom Line: | I measure 6' and weight 160 lbs : I've tried a dozen saddles and frankly, this one fit me best in the shop as well as on the trails ... once you ride with this saddle, you forget it's there ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Federico
a Weekend Warrior
from Vienna, Austria
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Vienna forest (Wienerwald) | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$64.00 | | Purchased At: | Local sports store | | Strengths: | Very light, quality construction, looks great | | Weaknesses: | Stitching, and stitched logos, gel padding ineffective | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia Turbo, Selle Royal Gel | | Bike Setup: | Custom frame, Mavic Open Pro rims, full Campagnolo | | Bottom Line: | After using my standard Turbo for 4 years it was time for a change, and from the reviews I read here, the Flite Gel seemed a good choice. What I found was that the stitching and logos make the seat feel very rough when changing position, and maybe I've get wider 'sit' bones than others, but after 2 hours I was in serious pain. I can still feel it 3 days later ! This seat just has gel and padding in all the wrong places, and is defintely not for large-framed guys. I changed the Flite for an XO TransAm now, and it's much more comfortable.
I give this 1 Chili, just for the looks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything straight up | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | It would probably last a long time, looks well constructed | | Weaknesses: | The stitching. This was the first saddle I've ever had that had any stitching and it seemed to be exactly in the wrong place for my "underside" | | Similar Products Used: | Vetta TT TriShock--still the most comfortable for me. Could ride forever, never any pain, numbness or saddle rash. I've read reviews of the TriShock and how everyone hated it. It's true--there's a saddle for every backside. | | Bike Setup: | Sugar 2 with basically full XTR. I wrote a review of this in the Sugar 1 2000 department and still love it. | | Bottom Line: | I put this saddle on in early spring before going to Moab in April this year. Not that comfortable, but it felt like it might break in in time so I left it on. The seat itself didn't really break in but I had hopes for it. After all, this is a Flite, right? After a week of hammering in Moab I was numb and ripped up down there. The problem, I'm guessing, was the stitching that gave me such a rash. I'm still recovering. And I'd never been numb before with my Vetta TT. Hope it works for you. For what it did for me I give it one chili. I've got a 197 gram San Marco Integra on now. No problems at all yet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dr. Klopeck
a Weekend Warrior
from The Burbs
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$34.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | No Numbness !!!!!
Best Looking Saddle !!!
Quality Construction !!! | | Weaknesses: | None... | | Similar Products Used: | Velo Stock Seat, Bontrager f#%@#%# 2000 | | Bike Setup: | Free Spirit Carbon Fiber | | Bottom Line: | This is a review for the Selle Italia TURBOMATIC III GEL
Which is just a little wider(5mm)& Shorter
No need for those silly ergo seats, this seat is
comfortable from the first ride. The key is to
set the Proper Angle !!! Some say it needs a break in
period, But it was great from the first ride for me.
No Numbness, No Pain...
And It Looks Marvelous!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dr. Klopeck
a Weekend Warrior
from The Burbs
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$34.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | No Numbness !!!!!
Best Looking Saddle !!!
Quality Construction !!! | | Weaknesses: | None... | | Similar Products Used: | Velo Stock Seat, Bontrager f#%@#%# 2000 | | Bike Setup: | Free Spirit Carbon Fiber(Full Suspension) | | Bottom Line: | This is a review for the Selle Italia TURBOMATIC III GEL
Which is just a little wider(5mm)& Shorter
No need for those silly ergo seats, this seat is
comfortable from the first ride. The key is to
set the Proper Angle !!! Some say it needs a break in
period, But it was great from the first ride for me.
No Numbness, No Pain...
And It Looks Marvelous!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dr. Klopeck
a Weekend Warrior
from The Burbs
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$34.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | No Numbness !!!!!
Best Looking Saddle !!!
Quality Construction !!! | | Weaknesses: | None... | | Similar Products Used: | Velo Stock Seat, Bontrager f#%@#%# 2000 | | Bike Setup: | Free Spirit Carbon Fiber(Full Suspension) | | Bottom Line: | This is a review for the Selle Italia TURBOMATIC III GEL
Which is just a little wider(5mm)& Shorter
No need for those silly ergo seats, this seat is
comfortable from the first ride. The key is to
set the Proper Angle !!! Some say it needs a break in
period, But it was great from the first ride for me.
No Numbness, No Pain...
And It Looks Marvelous!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Racer
from Denton, TX
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Internet | | Strengths: | Light, Durable, and very comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | None yet | | Bike Setup: | Litespeed Pisgah...so sweet! | | Bottom Line: | I am 210 lbs and very hard on my bike. I break a lot of stuff, crash a lot, etc. but this seat is great. It is light, comfortable and after 5 months it doesn't even have a scratch. Very durable.
Buy it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Steps | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Light??? My bikes already 30 lbs., does it really matter.
Looks awesome | | Weaknesses: | A little low in the padding area | | Similar Products Used: | Flite Ti, WTB | | Bike Setup: | Intense Uzzi SL, all XTR, 5" Z1 CR, and of course the Flite Gel Ti | | Bottom Line: | no doubt this is a great saddle, light, looks great... but if you're on it for more than an hour or so, get ready to feel some pain and be quite uncomfortable. Would still recommend it though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimm
a Weekend Warrior
from SoCal
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | SART | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Came on bike | | Strengths: | Function -- it works! Light; narrow and long; quality stitching; limited slip; attractive. | | Weaknesses: | Too much stitching; white colored thread soils easily | | Similar Products Used: | Several WTB's; Specialized "team" and "comp" ergo saddles; GT house brand | | Bike Setup: | Trek Postal w/Mavic Open Pro; Thomson seat post; full Dura-Ace | | Bottom Line: | Fortunately, I don't have many problems with saddles and/or my booty. I'm running a SDG on my mountain bike and can find comfort with either saddle. The Flite Gel provides a slightly larger "comfort" area (move around more and still find a comfy spot). As long as I sit correctly (on sit bones), this saddle provides comfort for short and/or long hauls. If purchased on sale, it's an excellent value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ilakano
a Cross Country Rider
from walnut creek,ca
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Twin Ponds-Mt. Diablo | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$59.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Weight-the ti rails keep it low. The comfort is outstanding after the break in period. Theh profile allows for smooth pedaling | | Weaknesses: | The Break in period and the gel doesn't add much cushioning. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Mongoose 3.3, Judy, Easton bar | | Bottom Line: | A great deal for me. Well okay-I got it for a Valentines present from my fiance. (Damm right I'm going to marry her)But I'm going to buy another one for my road bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Racer
from State College PA
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Magic Mo. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | light
stealth looks (in black, at least)
comfy (for me) | | Weaknesses: | needs break in time
adjustment is critical | | Similar Products Used: | flite ti (non-gel)
bontrager fs-10
WTB SST-K | | Bike Setup: | this one's on my road bike | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden a regular Flite Ti on my hardtail for about 4 years, and loved it. It's very minimal, but feels comfortable even on longer rides. I got a WTB SST-K to try out, and liked the wider rear more (it's easier to grip when off the saddle descending). When I built up a road bike for training, I put the Flite on, but realized that sitting on it longer than 45 minutes was causing some pain. On the hardtail, I was off the saddle often enough that this never came up.
The Bonty was originally on the road bike, and it was terrible. Way too much padding, so things were going numb after 20 minutes.
I found a black flite gel on Ebay for a pretty good deal, and it's been great once the tilt and position were right. For some reason, my butt likes a nose-down position, so it took a few tries to get everything set up, but now I can do 4 hour rides in comfort. The gel may be a gimmick, but the overall construction is great, and for someone who likes the Flite shape, might be just the ticket.
The original Flite is now on my FSR, and I might get another gel for it, since I'm seated more, and noticing the same problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from ontario canada
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | bkeland barrie | | Strengths: | fits great no pain. great looks | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | bel air sdg,wtb saddle | | Bike Setup: | gt avalanche ,time atac pedals,bracer suspension seatpost,sram pc99 chain,xt 11/34 rear cassette | | Bottom Line: | saddle fits great,but when breaking it in my butt ached also when I bought the saddle Morgan from bikeland said if the saddle didn't take the pain away (from my wtb saddle) to bring it back and we could keep trying saddles until one fit and at $150.00 cdn. plus taxes that was a comfort to know. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Sartorelli
a Cross Country Rider
from NH, USA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike World | | Strengths: | Looks great | | Weaknesses: | Hurts my rear end soo badly!! It is so stiff! After a half an hour ride on it, my bottem hurt for 3 days! | | Bike Setup: | Trek 7000 | | Bottom Line: | POS in my opinion. Hurts too much to EVER use. Worse than my stock Trek saddle! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lou Vassallo
a Weekend Warrior
from Bayonne NJ
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood NJ | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Strengths: | Good looking, strong, Light | | Weaknesses: | Uncomfortable. Gel doesn't help at all | | Similar Products Used: | Giro Fizzik, Terry Ti Liberator, Terry Men's Fly | | Bike Setup: | Ellsworth Truth, XT drivetrain, Terry Fly saddle, King hubs on Mavic 519 Rims, Manitou X-Vert Air, Stratos AR-1 rear shock | | Bottom Line: | Its comfortable for the 1st 10 minutes, but then the hardness of the saddle and the design start the numbness and pain. I bought it because Sellee Italia has a great reputation and it is light with the Ti rails. It also looks great, but I had tto switch to something more comfortable. Even after breaking it in I never got used to it. It just didn;t work for me. So I tried the Men's Liberator Ti. It was comfortable but a little too big for my style of riding. Terry products was willing to exchange the saddle for an extra 30 bucks and give me the Men's Fly..... Ironically made for them by Selle San Marcos as well. The Fly is light, Looks cool, and after an initial brek in.... Is VERY comfortable. Its deceiving because it really doesn;t look comfortable, but its great for my anatomy. Bottom line: The Fly is a beter saddle. The Flite Gel looks cool but is a killer on the bottom. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | gearlink | | Strengths: | Comfort, support, no numbness, looks Italian | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia xo | | Bike Setup: | Univega modo vincere, campy mix[daytona, veloce, mirage] | | Bottom Line: | Replaced the Selle Italia xo that came on the bike. The xo design seems to depend on the 'give' in the plastic seat - not so with the gel - there's no 'give.' The thing is that it works! I used to plan rest periods to let my backside recover. Now I don't even think about it. Great saddle - if you are having any problems with yours - try the gel out. I reached a limit of about 30 min. on the xo before I had to get off the thing. I rode about 1.5 hrs today on the Gel with no thought of dismounting - No numbness, no pain, no chafing. 5 chilis all around ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Tex
a Racer
from Davie, Florida
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere with no traffic | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | PricePoint | | Strengths: | Weight, Comfort, Looks | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, SDG, Bontrager, many others | | Bike Setup: | Hardtail Mountain
Compact Frame Road | | Bottom Line: | This is the best saddle I've ever sat and rode on in the last 25 years. I have 4 of them so I'll never run out. I use them on my Mountain and Road bikes exclusively. With these saddles, comfort in a RAAM of century would not be of concern. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ilakano
a Cross Country Rider
from walnut creek,ca
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | China Camp | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$49.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | After a few rides, the fit is very good. The slim nose allows for faster pedaling. Plus-hey-its a Selle Italia. | | Weaknesses: | The breakin time before your ass stops hurting. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized. | | Bike Setup: | Mongoose 3.3, Judy, Shimano generic hubs and casette, Easton handlebars, Shimano pedals | | Bottom Line: | An excellent saddle, especially for the price. Actually, it was a gift from my girlfriend. I would have bought one eventually anyway. Will also put one on my road bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from Victoria, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | A road | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Comfy, Light, groovy stitching. | | Weaknesses: | Makes you forget to stand up now and then.
Have to ride harder to suffer appropriately on the bike.
Looks almost too good to hide it with your butt. | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia Sphere Gel | | Bottom Line: | I bought this based on the strong reviews on this site, and to replace a Sellet Italia Sphere Gel. So, my butt's been broken in by a Selle Italia saddle once already, which probably biases me on the initial comfort of it.
This saddle was comfortable the minute I put it on and set it up. Took it out for a couple of hours right off, it put my old, broken in saddle to shame. The length is great for climbing and cranking hard on the flats. It's easy to forget you're sitting on anything at all. And isn't that what a saddle should do?
4 for value, because it's fairly pricy up here. 5 overall because it rocks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wayne
a Cross Country Rider
from usa
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeWorld | | Strengths: | Light..strong | | Weaknesses: | none that I have found so far | | Similar Products Used: | Titec DH Beserker...to many to list | | Bottom Line: | Good saddle...good quality. When i first got this saddle I thought it was uncomfortable as well....then I adjusted it to fit right and no more problems. I am a big guy....6 1 220lbs so mabey that has something to do with it. It sure isnt the most comfortable seat but it does its job and when i get back from a 20 miles super tech ride I am not sore at all. Dont know whats up with you other guys but I think you may just need to adjust it better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jorge L. Mejias
a Cross Country Rider
from Orlando, FL USA
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | performancebike.com | | Strengths: | very well built | | Weaknesses: | to hard | | Similar Products Used: | a $5 saddle from Nashbar | | Bike Setup: | Trek 1000, Deore comp, Hutchinson 700X20 kevlar tires | | Bottom Line: | This saddle is a good looking one, but hard as a rock. I am not sissy, but my ass are not happy with this saddle. Worse of all, now I have trouble with my legs and back. If you like it, buy it. This is my first and my last time that I buy this brand. When I bought my bike, I replaced the one that came with the bike for one I boght at Nashbar for $5 bucks. I rode many miles without pain, but with the Selle Italia Gel, now I am disabled. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luís Abrantes
a Cross Country Rider
from Mortágua-Portugal
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | there´s lots of them in my area | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$54.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Design
Quality
Confort
Low weight | | Weaknesses: | Only price | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia XO and Expedia | | Bike Setup: | TREK 8500 '01 frameset, judy SL, LX/XT derraileurs, SRAM Rocket shifters, mavic rims, some ritchey, kore and syncros stuff... | | Bottom Line: | Despite some of the reviews bellow, I think this is probably the best saddle out there. It has it all, confort, looks and an incredibly low weight. I've installed mine more than a year ago and I'm totally pleased with it. I'll never buy other than this model. It´s best money can buy for XC riding/racing. JUST BUY IT ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, Washington, USA
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Feels good, stitching around the gel seems to aid traction and prevent slippage, nice looking. ***No More Pinching Near The Nads!!!!*** | | Weaknesses: | Takes some time to break in and get used to. For some, the nose may feel low- I only noticed it when I took my hands off the bar to take off a jacket. I suppose if you ride with no hands a lot...it could be a problem? | | Similar Products Used: | Giro Poggio - that was really slippery
Selle Italia XO - stock, average | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Fuji Roubaix | | Bottom Line: | I like it. My old saddle pinched when I went into the drops, this doesn't. I'm not sure how much of a gimmick the gel is, though (couldn't find a non-gel version). It will feel bad at first, but just keep trucking for a few rides. Very good saddle for those who like firm ones.
Takes some time to break in. 4 medium rides, I'd say. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RoofGoat
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | performance | | Strengths: | light, comfortable over time. | | Weaknesses: | break in period (both seat and your own). | | Similar Products Used: | other selle seats | | Bike Setup: | raleigh m200 frame, thomp post, xtr cass, precision r. der., marz bam 2, raceface crank and hbar (straight air alloy), mav 517 wheels xt hub, avid 25's, shimano 545. | | Bottom Line: | Hard to get used to at first. third ride i went for 25 miles and hated the seat. then i started getting used to it and it started to break in. Immediately after purchase noticed that I seemed to pedal faster, got more leg (thigh) power, maybe due to thin nose. Since have gone for more distance rides, one for 30 mi, seat was great. been mtbing once with it (got seat in fall), comfort is now fine. I now like the seat very much, especially since it was on sale. my value rating is based on the sale. Have thought about trying a koobi xenon, but everytime i ride my gel, its hard for me to think about kicking out another hondo for a seat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GR
a Racer
from CT
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$49.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance.com | | Strengths: | Weight, comfort and design | | Weaknesses: | Discomfort if your butt isn't used to it | | Similar Products Used: | Many | | Bike Setup: | Litespeed Classic with both Ti seat post and stem | | Bottom Line: | Did not like it initially. I did however continue using it and it really grew on me. So much in fact that I purchased another one for my beater. I now find it to be quite comfortable. One of my (out of shape, overweight) co-workers commented as to the fact that it looked painful, my reply was that it was the most comfortable seats in the house once you get used to it. I don't push saddles on any one because it is a personal thing, "butt" this one works for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carmelio French
a Weekend Warrior
from Tennessee
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all trails are my brethren... | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | strong leather , looks good. | | Weaknesses: | the sides being kevlar and all seem to just rip a might too quick dang thing is also uncomfortable as all heck. | | Similar Products Used: | only this dam thing. | | Bike Setup: | nice GT Avalanche with all the fixins. | | Bottom Line: | this is a dang might poor excuse for a saddle, its way too narrow for a real man and its way too hard for anyone thinking about ever having any youngins. Dont know why this thing gets such high marks fer two plus years I have endured this here saddle and I gotta tell ya it's just no dam good. It does not flex, and on those long rides dont let em fool ya this is only a hinderance, get a SDG Belair unless your from the north then you can go to hell yank. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod Angler
a Weekend Warrior
from NOLA
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | hooper | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Strengths: | Looks good, but on the side of "over the top" Italian colors and a touch gaudy (yet, still kinda stylie).
Decent quality leather.
Construction appeared to be decent.
Comes with Ti rails.
| | Weaknesses: | Gel didn't seem to help.
Just didn't really fit my butt (a personal thing), and made me numb.
Seemed very hard to me. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB SST (best for my butt shape), SDG Bel Air, Koobi Au Enduro, Selle Royal NRG (POS) | | Bike Setup: | yep | | Bottom Line: | Nice saddle. Pretty damned stylie also.
Looked to be of good construction (I only rode it 3 times before returning).
Didn't happen to fit my butt, but worth a look if you are still trying to find one that does. Seemed to be too flat and too hard, no flex.
Buy saddles from someone who'll let you return them if you don't find a match with your anatomy.
I bought on closeout for $50, which is still high compared to the screamin' deals on WTB SST saddles (from $10 to $30 for great saddle). WTB is worth a look if "flat" doesn't fit your butt either. WTB has a 6mm drop at center that works for me (and a great downward scooped nose). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Jouet
a Racer
from Washington, D. C.
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Rock Creek Park Sat/Sun NCVC club ride | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$59.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Very light, Stiff, attractive, good quality | | Weaknesses: | Raised seems for gel pads cause saddle sores, very hard | | Similar Products Used: | Flite Ti, Serfas, Spec. Body Geo Pro Ti, Rolls Due, Fizik Pave | | Bike Setup: | Litespeed Ultimate, DA, Cane Creek Aerohead wheels, LOOK HSC II fork | | Bottom Line: | Saddle looks cool but it's hard as a rock. It's harder than the regular Flite Ti saddle after which it is modeled. The raised seems where the gel inserts are sewn in caused the worst saddle sores I've ever had. I talked to a couple of other people who said the same thing. It's pretty narrow as well so it didn't think it gave me a large enough platform for my sit bones. I'm no sissy, this thing sucked for me. Might work for you. Buy it from a place that will let you return it if you don't like it. - Performancebike.com | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington DC
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Good firm saddle that performs better as time goes by | | Weaknesses: | None that I am aware of | | Similar Products Used: | SDG, WTB | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Sugar 2 with Chris King headset, Selle Italia Flite Gel Ti, Easton Carbon CT2, Thompson Elite Seat post, complete XT setup (front and rear) | | Bottom Line: | Great saddle. Those who complained either has a bad fit or they are not experienced rider who can't get used to a firmer saddle that actually is more comfortable on a long ride (3 hours plus). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neo Santos
a Racer
from Schwedelbach, Germany
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | some german store | | Strengths: | Beautiful shape. Nice color (yellow, matches my bike) schemes. | | Weaknesses: | IT HURTS!!! I rode L'Arrivee De Tour and didn't feel anything because of all the excitement. After the ride, I had to pee and WHOA. Something's wrong with the plumbing. I switched to the Selle San Marco ERA PRO, much better, but still have that pinching feeling when I go to the drops. | | Similar Products Used: | Selle San Marco ERA PRO. | | Bike Setup: | Carrera Roll stock from an Italian bike shop. | | Bottom Line: | There's a lot hype with this product because of great marketing and endorsement. It is not comfortable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony :)
a Weekend Warrior
from N.Y
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Forest Park Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR Marketplace | | Strengths: | Tough saddle, leather is top quality, looks nice, customer service is top notch. | | Weaknesses: | Gel is useless, Kevlar sides fall apart easily. Totally, totally uncomfortable in all aspects. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB & Bontrager seats as well as assorted Trek models. | | Bike Setup: | 96' Yellow Trek 8000 tricked out to the max... | | Bottom Line: | This saddle is one of the most uncomfortable hunks of leather, that I've ever had the misfortune to have as a seat. This thing is like sitting on a brick, it offers absolutely no type of comfort no matter which way you sit. After two years it has proven that it is tough(leather part looks new), and the one time I broke the dam thing it was replaced free of charge by Sella Italia, so kudos to their customer service. the last straw came when I decided to ride the 100 mile Muscular Dystrophy ride, suffice to say I couldnt sit right after that experience. I've done similar tours with other seats but none can quite "bring the pain" like this one. It's a good value for those who posess "leather asses", but if not you would be doing yourself a favor to look elsewhere. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Southern NH
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | I can't just pick one. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint.com | | Strengths: | Ultra light weight, low profile design, firm yet comfortable padding, quality Italian craftsmanship and looks cool to boot. | | Weaknesses: | yeah right. | | Similar Products Used: | SDG (with bent rails thank you) | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn Moab, xt rear, m545 pedals, rolf satelite wheels. | | Bottom Line: | After tweeking the rails on the SDG saddle that came stock on my bike I was psyched when this one arrived in the mail. Noticeably lighter than my old one, and the low profile nose is very nice when you pedal your legs barley rub it. It seemed a bit firm at first but after a couple of weeks of breaking it in it feels very comfortable even after 5-6 hour rides. I don't know if the gel really makes any difference or if it's just there to ease the minds of the junk-saver crowd, but I will say that this is the most comfortable saddle that I have ever had. One tip, I find that it works best angled slightly down but thats my ass see what works for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roti Chanai
a Weekend Warrior
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | FRIM | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Good look, Gel (although I see very little improvement from the non gel type), good fit to my behind, firm | | Weaknesses: | The advantage of gel is not clear | | Similar Products Used: | SDG | | Bike Setup: | Kona Muni Mula; Litespeed Arenberg | | Bottom Line: | Good saddle not the most comfortable especially for beginner's soft tush. However, if you are a seasoned rider, this saddle should help. I must also mention the coolness of this saddle. The only question is a bit on the pricey side if you are not a hardcore cyclist to appreciate its advantages. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RaverRave
a
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Probably the most comfortable, versatile saddle I've ever used. | | Weaknesses: | The titanium rails (see below). | | Similar Products Used: | Lots -- Bontrager, Avocet, Selle San Marcos, SDG, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Ti frame and seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | This is the SECOND Selle Italia Flight saddle whose titanium rails have bent significantly after ordinary everyday use. I weigh in at around 215 lbs., within the weight range that these saddles are spec'd for, but the same thing keeps happening. No more for me. Selle Italia should put some serious, and I mean SERIOUS, consideration into their rails, because they're doing something wrong. (I know, the skeptics out there will claim that it's me who's doing something wrong, but I challenge you who own this saddle to examine the rails and tell me they have retained their integrity -- a lot of you will be surprised, especially if you actually ride your bike every day). Great saddle but poor rails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hugh
a
from Austin, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | City Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint | | Strengths: | Appearance | | Weaknesses: | Anything that begins to tear after the forth ride is a waste of money | | Similar Products Used: | Titec Berserker, Vetta Gel, WTB | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Joshua | | Bottom Line: | I would have had better luck spending the money on lottery tickets. Get any saddle but this one. The neoprene cover over the gel insert began to tear after 4 rides. NOT what I expected from a saddle listed at $99. I'm glad I only got taken for $60. The Berserker was only mildly comfortable, but it has held up after two years of rough use. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christopher Grimes
a Cross Country Rider
from Thurmont, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Strengths: | Light, strong, comfortable, looks damned good | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | specialized body geometry sport | | Bike Setup: | Rockhopper pro with selle italia | | Bottom Line: | best saddler I have ever ridden on. compared to the other saddle I used before, this one transfers my efforts worlds better, though it took a few minutes to get used to the feel, but once the leather breaks in, it is a dream. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Highlands Ranch CO
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Comfort, the only thing that really matters in a saddle. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Standard Flite, WTB SST, Avocet O2, and many others | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Saeco Replica with Thompson Post | | Bottom Line: | I currently own 3 Flite saddles and will never consider ordering another type. Saddles are kind of unique in that they either fit or they don't. I did not notice any difference with the Gel pads but it may help some people. The person with the broken rail should examine his post closely. I would suspect that a burr is causing a stress riser at the location of the break and that it probably isn't the seat since two have done it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ChubbyMD
a Cross Country Rider
from Tennessee
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Lightweight, quality leather, looks nice. | | Weaknesses: | One of the titanium rails snapped. Not entirely comfortable. | | Similar Products Used: | Advocet O2. Nissene. | | Bike Setup: | Thomson seatpost. Ti hardtail. | | Bottom Line: | I am 150 pounds and a cross-country rider. I usually ride fast, but there is no excuse for a titanium rail on this saddle to snap after only 3 months of use. I did snap the both titanium rails of an Advocet O2 right off of the seatpost, but that was after I made a small bunny hop and my bottom landed on the saddle. BUT when this Flite saddle rail snapped, I was just hammering on some quick single track. NO jump was involved. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Mitchell
a Cross Country Rider
from Provo, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Virgin Rim Trail, Utah | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | This saddle has a great shape overall and is very supportive. It's stiff laterally and allows for body english moves unlike other saddles I've used (Bontrager). The Ti rails are nice and it just plain looks good. | | Weaknesses: | At least for me, the gel inserts really don't eliminate the sleepy peepee syndrome. I still get numbness... not as bad, but numb nonetheless. | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager gel thingy, Specialized Body Geometry | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Mountain Element Race, Hayes Discs, Manitou X-Vert, Azonic 2" riser | | Bottom Line: | This is a nice saddle, but I'm not satisfied. Saddles are a very personal thing and sometimes it takes awhile to find that right... ummm... interface. For me, the gel inserts are too little padding for my peepee and it gets very sleepy. I'm bummed AND $80 poorer :-( | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
marco righetti
a Cross Country Rider
from uddingston,lanarkshire,scotland u.k.
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | race circuit aberfoyle scotland u.k. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | selle italia seem to know how to correctly shape their saddles it fits perfectly,lightweight,strong ti rails,looks cool! i.e. black leather with silver stiching. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | wtb sst 98 which has had fantastic write ups but gave me numb nuts. | | Bike Setup: | russian titanium hardtail,xtr kit | | Bottom Line: | the best saddle ever period! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | 1999 model: classic narrow flite shape gives good thigh clearance while not being too narrow for comfort, gel insert keeps you feelin' good in the saddle longer, good density of padding at rear under tailbones, looks cool in black! | | Weaknesses: | 2000 model: the new gel inserts under tailbones don't work! Not as cool looking as the '99 version. | | Similar Products Used: | regular Flite, WTB SST, WTB SST.98, various Vettas | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakar Team F.S. w/Judy SL, Bridgestone MB-1 | | Bottom Line: | I have been using a 1999 model on both my bikes with good results. When I saw the 2000 model I wondered if the gel inserts under the tailbones would be an improvement. While I didn't like the look of the new model as well, I did like the perforated leather over the gel areas better than the neoprene on the 1999 (I think it will hold up better over time). I picked up one to try, thinking this could be the all-time great saddle!
What a disappointment!! The gel inserts make the tailbone area too soft, causing you to bottom out on the shell. Ouch! The gel is worth having in the croch area but is too soft to support your weight under the tailbones. The padding on the 1999 model feels great in comparison. I then remembered why the gel saddles of yore disappeared. The material is too soft to replace regular padding in key areas. Some lessons have to be re-learned I guess.
Skip the 2k model & buy a 1999 one before they are gone. The 1999 is the best saddle I've used. From earlier reviews, a lot of other riders agree. I know Nashbar still has 1999's. Hopefully they will put them on sale again (they had them for $45 a few months ago). If not, its worth full price. 5 Chilis for the 1999, 2 Chilis for the 2000. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BigFuzFuz
a
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Nice stitching. Flite shape. | | Weaknesses: | Yup, 278g just like Mr. Lake said below. NOT 230g as advertised. | | Similar Products Used: | Flite, SDG, Vetta | | Bottom Line: | Nice saddle. Comfy. Waaay too heavy over what was advertised. Sorry, this is unacceptable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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