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Submitted by
Patrick Carney
a Cross Country Rider
from Esopus, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Taconic 909 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Comfortable, Durable. | | Weaknesses: | Weight (400g), it's only about 150 grams heavier than most $100 saddles though. | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia | | Bike Setup: | Kelley Steel Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | Comfortable all day long, isn't that really all that matters? No quirks (I can attach a seatbag to the rails, unlike the Selle I had earlier), just a tad on the heavy side but for 30 bucks, who cares? I give it only 4 overall chillies 'cause of the weight, but unless you'll lose sleep over 150 extra grams on your bike, make it cinco peppers. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Asa
a Weekend Warrior
from Milton, Florida, USA
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$16.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar | | Strengths: | Cheap, mostly waterproof (important for use on a campus commuter do-it-all bike that gets left out in the rain) comfortable and looks good. | | Weaknesses: | Not the lightest thing going, and long term durability is a bit suspect- we'll see what a year of rain and sun do to the synthetic leather... but for a shade over $15, who's complaining? | | Similar Products Used: | Stock bontrager seat on my trek 4500, numerous other stock saddles and department store-grade saddles. | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Trek 4500 with new Sun rims and Deore wheelset, bb7's, FSA crankset, and one very worn out and soon to be replaced (but almost indestructible) Judy TT fork. | | Bottom Line: | Compared to other saddles I have tried in the sub-twenty dollar price range, this one blows them all away. I don't know how it stacks up to $40 saddles, but it works perfectly for me. Saddle fit seems to be a very personal thing... so I suppose that buying online is always a bit of a crapshoot, but I can tell you that this saddle fits my skinny behind like it was made for it. :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hank
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, TX USA
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | McAllister Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance on Sale | | Strengths: | Great Price. Looks sharp and of good construction. HUGE improvement over my bikes stock brutal saddle of pain and death. I read great reviews about this saddle and had to give it a shot. Simply awesome. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Stock body geometry saddle that came on bike. | | Bike Setup: | 04 Specialized Hardrock Comp Disc. - (The bike was definitely named for the freekin saddle that came on it. It is Hard as a rock) | | Bottom Line: | Buy this sucker. Your wallet and your crotch will love you for it. I am a big dude (6'4" and 280 lbs) and this saddle supports me very comfortably. I haven't tried any other saddles for comparison, so there may be better ones out there, but for the price and the number of excellent reviews it has received, I really think you cant go wrong. We just got my wife a Hardrock Comp and after about 2 minutes on pavement she could no longer ride on her seat. We swapped seats and while the Speed V Comp is not a Women's specific saddle she was quite impressed with it as well and we will likely be getting on for her as well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Saint Joseph, MI
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | performance bike | | Strengths: | Relatively light weight, looks good, NOT an ass buster. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Bike Setup: | 2007 Trek 4500 | | Bottom Line: | Excellent saddle. Relatively inexpensive, comfortable, perfect for a long ride or technical challenges. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from NNJ, USA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$27.00 | | Purchased At: | BlueSkyCycling | | Strengths: | Very comfortable.
Not too heavy. | | Weaknesses: | Material tears easily. | | Similar Products Used: | OE Saddle. | | Bike Setup: | 06 Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc | | Bottom Line: | I'm pretty happy with this saddle. My OE saddle kept hurting my bottom. Ever since I put this saddle on, I haven't felt any pain at all. Overall, a very worthwhile investment!
On another note, the material it's made of isn't as durable as it could be. One drop and the side corner will scrape up pretty easily. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$18.00 | | Purchased At: | JensonUSA (OE model) | | Strengths: | Great look, seems comfortable at first (and probably is for others), amazing value | | Weaknesses: | Uncomfortable after short rides, too wide and hard for a skinny or lightweight rider, poor construction (OE models) | | Similar Products Used: | Stock Velo saddle, other nameless saddles | | Bike Setup: | '95 Trek 930 | | Bottom Line: | After hearing all the rave reviews, I had to try it over my crappy plastic mesh saddle. At first it seemed as if it was comfortable, maybe a little hard for my taste. After only 20 minutes of trail riding everything was numb. Tried readjusting numerous times but could not get it to feel right. I'm 140 and 5'11 with narrow hips, and it just did not work for me, and really pressed against my sit bones. Returned it after using for a week, learned the lesson of try before you buy. I bought the "GT" OE version, and the cheap staples holding the cover on were falling off as well - might not be a problem on the original. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Longwood, FL
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Santos | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson | | Strengths: | Price
Comfort | | Weaknesses: | could be lighter
occasional creaks | | Similar Products Used: | Avocet(no good) and OEM(also not comfortable) | | Bike Setup: | XC hardtail | | Bottom Line: | This saddle has proven to be an excellent choice. It is simple, cheap, and comfy. Did a 50 miler with no complaints. It isn't the lightest saddle and will let out a creak every once in a while but not very loudly. For 20 bucks I don't think there is a better choice. I would definately buy again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zach
a Weekend Warrior
from Oklahoma
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Nu Draper, OKC | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Comfy.
Looks Good. | | Weaknesses: | Mine has developed a small tear. | | Similar Products Used: | Stock "Like a rock" saddle that I gladly removed from my bike. | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Gary Fisher Tassajara, WTB Speed V Comp, stock otherwise. | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden this saddle for quite a while. I have logged many miles on and off the road in this seat. I'm a pretty small rider at 5'8", 145 pounds, and I have never experienced any serious numbness/soreness, even after 4 hours of road riding. The Speed V is endlessly better than the stock hard, flat saddle that came on my bike. My only complaint is that a small tear (~1" long) has developed on the seam where the material folds over the bottom of the shell on one side of the saddle. I have a feeling it will eventually peel up, and lead to the deterioration of the seat over time, but it hasn't yet!
Final words: This is a pretty nice saddle for all around riding usage. The comfort level will vary from person to person, but based on other reviews it seems to be fairly reliably comfortable. This may not be the best choice for downhill thrashers, or the obsessively weight conscious. Though if you are looking for a versatile, and comfortable mountain bike saddle that can stand the rigors of day to day use, the WTB Speed V Comp is a good contender.
My rating: 5 chilis for value, and 4 chilis overall because of the tear. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Buell
a Racer
from North Richland Hills, Tx
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Urban | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Mechanic at LBS | | Strengths: | Comfy, Comfy, Comfy | | Weaknesses: | rails flex a little too much for my riding style, break in period (but mine was only a ride, now it's a sofa) | | Similar Products Used: | Speed V, Specialized Landing Pad, Original WTB saddle (before comfort and Love channel) | | Bike Setup: | Specialized P.1, 26" ft, 24" rear wheels, Avid Mech disc brakes 8" ft. 6" rr. Sun BFR rear rim laced to Deore hub with solid bolt on Axle. Mavic Deemax ft. wheel, 20mm axle. Marzocchi DJ 2 fork, Truvativ Hussefelt cranks 28/38/BG, Deore Ft. der. SRAM X.9 rear w/ SRAM X.9 trigger shifters (the shiznit), Clarks Self lubricating cables (live up to their name) Maxxis Hookworm tires (did I miss anything?) | | Bottom Line: | I once rode the original version of this saddle on my '02 Gary Fisher Sugar 3+ Disc. after the break in period I fell in love with the saddle. something happened, I don't remember what but the saddle went away, I may have sold it. Now, working for a different LBS and selling different brand of bike, I'm on a Specialized P.1 setup for Urban Assault. I origianlly outfit the seatpost with the Specialized landing pad (cuz it had flames heh) eventually I started riding to work on my P.1 everyday. with the geometry of the bike the way it is, I have the saddle angled a little higher at the nose. This created a little hot spot you could call it. I began to get concerned about the buds, so I decided to buy this saddle again. I've been on it a week and already the hot spot is gone and I ride for hours and hours without the discomfort I had with the other saddle. Now, with my riding style I might be ruining this sooner than later only because of the flex in the rails, which isn't a bad thing, since my bike is a hardtail and it gives a littel comfort. But with the trials and general balance and hucking, i put a lot of strain on the saddle. so, not the strongest saddle in the world, but with a couple hours in the saddle after new, it will become your new best friend. You will feel at one with your bike once again. If you've never tried one, I suggest you go and buy this one, only cost you about 40-45 bucks at your LBS, which is well worth the money for your homies.
Bottom line: Best saddle I have ever riden, but with my riding style, I only have concern with the steel rails bending on me because of "oops" moments. For the average Cross country rider, This saddle will outlast your bike, and your butt will never forgive you if you get rid of it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott
a Weekend Warrior
from chandler
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | price, comfort
| | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | WTB Laser, Stock Trek, Specialized, Serfa DD | | Bike Setup: | Jamis XLT 2.0 | | Bottom Line: | This is the only saddle i've owned that i forget it's there. I don't think you can give a seat a higher compliment than that. I have 4 in my garage worth $60 - $110 and they all hurt after an hour. If you've got a wide load to park, i would try it. If your skinnier than i, go for the wtb laser. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Stanford, CA
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint.com | | Strengths: | Excellent padding (like the little bear's bed), tough cover (can't say the same for my skin in that one crash...), ergonomic cutout | | Weaknesses: | It's a bit heavy and isn't a weight-weenie road-like saddle with a carbon fibre mesh cover. | | Similar Products Used: | stock Trek seats, cheapo lycra covered 'gel' seats, wtb sst x.2 (came stock on my bike, was horrible) | | Bike Setup: | 2002 K2 Zed 1.0 all stock except SRAM 4.0 shifters, this seat, and shimano PD-647 pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a good saddle if it fits you, or so I hear. I think it's a great saddle for my student budget and it has really good padding density. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Seans and Bobs | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Cant remember | | Strengths: | Fairly comfortable, the shell held up well. Never Bent the rails, well maybe today a bit... | | Weaknesses: | Not as comfortable as my WTB Power V saddle. The rails came out of the rear of the seat causing the "Top" to come off after a 5 footer. Almost lost the ol' boys... | | Similar Products Used: | Various stock saddles | | Bike Setup: | 02 Kona Bear, totally customized for Hard riding. | | Bottom Line: | I'm a little upset the seat broke after 2 years of severe abuse. But the saddle worked well beyond my expectations. I figured a $35 saddle couldnt last this long. Downside is after I purchased a Power V for my bigger bike, I wished I had another for my Bear. Looks like my wish came true! I have a Power V Race DH coming, My wallets $30 lighter and my bikes 50 grams heavier, but I think that thats about a wash for weight. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Blue Point, New York
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$26.00 | | Purchased At: | performance.com | | Strengths: | Price, Comfort, Quality | | Weaknesses: | No bling bling factor. | | Similar Products Used: | Stock Giant seat, Velo Plush | | Bike Setup: | 99 Giant Warp, Manitou Black Comp Fork, Avid Disc conversion | | Bottom Line: | This is the only seat I have used that did not kill my behind after a 2 hour ride. At this price, it pays to take a chance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nick smith
a Cross Country Rider
from toronto
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | bikeroom.com | | Strengths: | the saddle is well constructed with lots of padding plus stylish graphics lace the side and back also the love channel is golden giving your @#$ a break | | Weaknesses: | I just finished a 15km ride and I am writting this review so far It is holding up to it's name | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | RM elevation hardtail lx,deore singletrack wheels xt disc hubs panaracers 2.1 (serious xc rig) | | Bottom Line: | the bottom line is this I paid 45 bucks to enjoy the ride I was ridding on a stock saddle that just killed my @#$ now after this first ride I feel great if your looking for a nice upgrade from your stock saddle then buy it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hussbin Pharteen
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder CO
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$23.00 | | Purchased At: | Jensonusa | | Strengths: | Well made. | | Weaknesses: | Hurt after riding for ten minutes. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this to replace my stock Specialized seat. I was looking for a better ride for my boyz but this thing just hurt my butt and rubbed my thighs (and I'm a skinny guy).
I don't think I'll be mail ordering a seat again anytime soon. I'll try some shops and see what fits me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Tacoma, WA U$A
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Good value for the money. Comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | Stitching (only cosmetic) | | Similar Products Used: | '00 SDG that came with my bike | | Bike Setup: | Kona hardtail, mostly stock. | | Bottom Line: | After the electrical tape fix didn't work, I decided it was time for a new saddle. The speed V Comp fit the bill. For the price you get a very decent product. Very comfortable and solid. Not too soft, not to hard. After using a "regular" saddle, the cut-out center channel felt wierd at first...but after 5 minutes I never noticed.
Only downside, the "SPEED" graphic on the nose of the saddle is a little off-centered, making aligning the saddle after moving it a tiny bit more tricky (instead of 5 seconds it takes 8...). This is only cosmetic and does not affect the performance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
motty
a Cross Country Rider
from hollywood,fl,usa
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | olete river park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | price point | | Strengths: | comfy | | Weaknesses: | non | | Bike Setup: | santa cruz superlight | | Bottom Line: | good | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron Jeremy
a Weekend Warrior
from Tarzana
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | - Moderate price
- Comfy
- Cool looks | | Weaknesses: | None really | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized BG Sport, Serfas Rx, Brooks Swift | | Bike Setup: | Merlin Newsboy, stock except for White Bros air susp seatpost | | Bottom Line: | by far, one of the most comfy saddles around. tossed the useless one that came stock on my bike.
makes riding a hardtail alot for enjoyable. soft front area won't whack you too hard when riding out of the saddle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from marlton,nj
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | jenson usa | | Strengths: | comfort, solid, cheap, comfort | | Weaknesses: | heavy | | Similar Products Used: | oem wtb | | Bike Setup: | 2003 db apex, upgraded to the max | | Bottom Line: | for the price, a great comfort upgrade | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Marietta, GA
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Bottom Line: | Finally gave in and got a new saddle! My previous saddle, Gel Flite Italia is definately lighter, however, my twig and berries are now thanking me for paying $30 and getting this saddle. Comfort? You bet. No longer do I dread sitting down after 10+ miles in the saddle. May be a bit heavier than more expensive saddles, but if you're looking for a quality, inexpensive saddle, look no further.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joey
a Cross Country Rider
from The Midwest
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | It seems to be made well. It feels solid and strong. | | Weaknesses: | It is too hard and too wide. | | Bottom Line: | This is the first seat I've ever bought. I chose it after looking at the reviews on this site and comparing some prices. But.. I made the wrong choice. No matter how I positioned it I could not get it to fit me. My sit bones were uncomfortable (ouch), and my thighs rubbed the horn of the seat (numb). I was very surpised how uncomfortable this seat was. I had to return it to the store. There isn't much else to say except that I've come to the conclusion that saddle reviews are too subjective to find much value in them.
Try it before you buy it is my advice. Saddles aren't one size fits all.
I'm giving it a 3 for value because it seems well made and solid. I'm giving it a 1 overall because I found it to be so uncomfortable. But remember, that's just my fanny's take on it. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Retro Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Parts Unknown
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | 35 | | Weaknesses: | - too many logos and graphics. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized BG Comp Saddle, Serfas Rx, OEM Schwinn Gel Saddle, Brooks B17 | | Bottom Line: | The most comfy mtb saddle I've tried.
The key is the elastometer base of the saddle where the sitbones rest. On other saddles, the saddle is a hard plastic shell underneath all the padding. Padding bottoms out and at that point, your sit bone is resting on the hardshell leading to discomfort and hot points.
The elastometer base is like a hammock and your sit bones never bottom out the padding and hit hard plastic.
I've been riding on and off over the last 15 years and this is the most comfortable saddle. I will also put on of these on my road bike.
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Submitted by
ramilcp
a Weekend Warrior
from Norwalk, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Nashbar | | Strengths: | Comfortable, functional, stylish, and affordable. | | Weaknesses: | Ummm... slightly heavy? Ahh, I'm heavy anyway, so I don't care. No weaknesses. | | Similar Products Used: | Serfas Dual Density (good), Terry Liberator (ditto), WTB SST (ouch), Selle Italia Flite (doh!). | | Bike Setup: | GT XCR I-drive full suspension | | Bottom Line: | I bought this saddle out of necessity after I crashed and broke my Terry saddle (I miss that one *sniff*). When I got it, I saw that it was well made and ergonomic like my Terry, but longer, more slender, and with not as much rear padding. At first, I doubted this saddle would be comfortable because of my wider than average sit bones. One ride changed all that. The seat cradles my bum perfectly and I've felt no discomfort even after hours of riding. The saddle "disappears" under me; I hardly think about saddle pain, because it's that comfortable.
Sure, it's slightly heavy, but I'm 180+ and couldn't care less. Weight weenies can get the WTB Laser series with titanium rails. But for me, this is probably the best seat I've ridden, cheap and comfortable. 'Nuff said. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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Submitted by
mike b
a Weekend Warrior
from Van Nuys, CA |
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