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Submitted by
cuseman03
a Racer
from arlington, va, usa
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | schaeffer farms | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | like sitting on your sofa at home, extremely durable | | Weaknesses: | none other than I found out yesterday I have been using the women's model for the past 12 years, unknowingly | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 1996 litespeed obed xt/xtr | | Bottom Line: | I dont know why people are hating on this saddle. Surely everyone's bone structures are different. I'm skinny and lightweight, but for me I can honestly say this is the most unbelievable seat ever. I ride pretty hard and for long periods of time. I just last night crashed in a race and bent the this seat so I have to place it, but it game me 12 YEARS of top-notch performance. Never had a single problem with it, and it was comfortable as hell, even without good bike shorts. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron Shufflebarger
a Cross Country Rider
from Winfield, Ks. USA
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any that I can get into a spin on!! | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Lawrence, Ks. | | Strengths: | I'm speaking of the O2 men's model. It fits like a glove and I use it basically for road. I have race model on my hardtail, it fits well also | | Weaknesses: | Attention, attention!!! The cro-mo railed saddle with Buffalo hide (not leather and they are not offering that in cro-mo) is no good. The manmade fibric will wear off in 3 weeks and look like a mangy coyote going to a glue factory. For mtn. biking I find the nose a little thin and it doesn't support very well when climbing steep.. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Selle Flite, some non-descripts | | Bike Setup: | Road w/ men's model 6 1/4" wide, Hartail w/racing model 5 3/4 " wide | | Bottom Line: | Love the leather saddle in racing or the men's model. They stand up well though the decal seem to wear a little early. The imitation Buffalo hide is a piece of something, avoid, because it will not stand up. They used to make the cromoly railed version in the same leather as the Ti version for $30 less. Now they give no value for the durability of saddle's covering in the cro-mo version at all. I also still find this a little thin and pointy on pure mtn. biking but wherever you sit and spin it's great.... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
micki
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$79.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Light, appears well made, scuff guards | | Weaknesses: | Uncomfortable | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager 2000, Selle Italia Trimatic, Terry Gella Bella, Fizik Vitesse | | Bike Setup: | Univega Modo Vincere | | Bottom Line: | I'm reviewing the O2 Air 40 Women's model w/Titanium rails. The saddle is light and seems well made. However, it just wasn't comfortable for me. It took longer than 30 days to decide this, so no refund for me. The main problem I had was that I kept sliding forward on the saddle, even when I adjusted it with the nose slightly up - this was uncomfortable. It was also a little too wide in the rear and the mid section (I'm 5'4 and 115lbs) Although the rails are titanium, the saddle doesn't seem to have much flex (?)I switched to the Vitesse and put the Avocet on my mountain bike and will see if it's more tolerable there and re-review it after a while. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lelen Bates
a Cross Country Rider
from Salinas, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Shane's World | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | South Valley (long since gone) | | Strengths: | Comfort, weight | | Weaknesses: | Nose wear | | Similar Products Used: | Sella Royal Shark (pain, pain, pain), Specialized Body Geometry, Salsa Tres Zones. | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Santa Cruz Superlight, Sid 100, Float RC, Monkey Lite, Thompson stem & seat post.... | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding the 40R with Ti rails for 7+ years. It came stock on my Klein in Nov. '93 and it is now on my Santa Cruz. This is the most comfortable seat I can find. I can ride 25 miles of rough trail and never think about the seat. A good seat is one you never think of. I am buying a new seat 40R to put on the Santa Cruz and return the old one to the Klein. The only problem I have had is the fraying of the shell on the nose of the seat. Buy it and forget about it. There is no price too high for a great seat such as this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jasper
a
from Ithaca NY USA
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Strengths: | Comfortable | | Weaknesses: | Fake leather cover | | Similar Products Used: | titanium rail version from some years ago, many other saddles. | | Bike Setup: | Commuter bike | | Bottom Line: | DON'T BUY THE CHROMOLLY VERSION OF THIS SADDLE! It has some kind of fake leather. Mine was showing damage within weeks, and is mostly bare now - just a sort of mesh showing. It isn't even slightly water-repellent - it soaks rain up like a sponge. I'm at work at this very moment with a big wet patch on my ass, with water running down my leg - a full week after my saddle got rained on. I'll have to put a plastic bag over it for my ride home. By comparison, I've had the titanium-railed version with a real leather cover on my road bike for three years, and I would recommend it highly. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skid Marks
a Cross Country Rider
from Goleta, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Strengths: | very comfortable, light, perfect amount of padding, firm support for long rides | | Weaknesses: | can't judge for another 12 months | | Similar Products Used: | Specialize Geometry Comp, Selle Italia Flight | | Bike Setup: | Giant TCR road bike, Avocet O2 Air 40 (hollow cromoly rails, racing geom), Campagolo Chorus comps, Thompson Elite seatpost, Mavic Open-Pro rims w/ Campagnolo Records hubs (28, DB 14/15) | | Bottom Line: | Awsome! I have never ridden on a more comfortable seat. Normally, I would spend several hours grinding up the local trails so that I could enjoy the awsome decents. Every seat that I have tried has always hurted with varying degree after these long rides. I was fortunate enough to have a local pro bike builder recommend this seat when I recently bought my TCR for century rides. I've just completed a 125 mile (double metric century) and had no saddle sore at the end of the 7.5 hour (riding time) grind in the saddle! I was totally surprised that my rear remained comfortable while my legs, arms, shoulders, and feet were shouting all the usual signals that I was pushing my body hard. This seat made my first century ride a pretty nice experience.
Since I was fitted on my road bike properly, I was always seated on the saddle properly - my load bearing hip bones were always over the rear area of the seat. Near the end of the century ride, I was pretty tired and I slouched slightly forward from my normal sitting position (maybe just an inch or two). I immediately got an aching rear. The solution was simple, move your behind further back on the saddle and I was comfy again. Also, I droped the nose of my seat which helped a ton for those long grind up the local mountains. I am only 5'7" and weigh 150lbs, so the narrower "race" geom version fit me well. Avocet makes two wider O2 Air 40 styles for those people who are not built like me. They are "men" geom and a "women" geom specific styles. I'm amazed how much better the Avocet O2 40 performed than the other saddles. The Specialized Goemetry Comp (too expensive, and poor performance) and Selle Italia Flight can't even come close to the Avocet O2 Air for rides longer than 2 hours. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
doug
a Weekend Warrior
from california
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | back roads of the sierra foothills | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Comfort and durability. I have ridden ont the same avocet m20 gel saddle for over a decade. Comfort is the key. The saddle has not broken down It still has the give of gel but is still firm enough to support. I have always used a lycra saddle cover, so the seat itself is tear free and the fabric of the seat is not worn through. Each rider has her or his own preference as to a saddle this one works for me. I regualaly ride thirty to seventy-five miles and it is comfortable. I have ridden on this saddle for nine days straight down the washington and oregon coast and my butt held out. It got sore about day eight. All in all an excellent saddle. | | Weaknesses: | weight. I don't even want to know how much this thing weighs. but the saddle is the most important comfort feature on a bike and the sacrifice of wieght for comfort is the best trade you will ever make. I light saddle that is uncomfortable is worthless. | | Similar Products Used: | None for over a decade. | | Bike Setup: | Old bike cannondale r200 with a mix of parts. New bike is mongoose rx10.9 titnium frame with ultegra triple, profile brc fork with ritchey pro stem and ritchey headset, spox wheels with continental GP3000 foldable tires. | | Bottom Line: | Comfortable and durable. That is what you want in a saddle that you are going to be riding on for thousands of miles. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Racer
from Albuquerque
Date Reviewed: December 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
light weight
COMFORTABLE | | Weaknesses: |
overall quality is a bit suspect | | Similar Products Used: |
Cinelli Unicantor
Selle san Marco
Specialized | | Bike Setup: |
Trek carbon 2200 road bike
Campagnola Veloce gruppo | | Bottom Line: | This is the most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden on the road, the decals wore off almost immediately and the leather is getting worn for only 2 years of use but the comfort makes up for it. I'm thinking of putting one on my mountain bike but I'm afraid the saddle is too frail for hard use.... we'll see. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shirley
a Weekend Warrior
from Rockingport, MA
Date Reviewed: November 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Good Padding
Nice bun area (women's)
Light weight
Price | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
GEL Lite | | Bike Setup: |
KLEIN/Judy | | Bottom Line: | Nice! After some research on women's saddle I opted for the Avocet O2 40. It's a sturdy saddle that does not irritate your crotch, and feels comfortable. Plus it has a money back guarantee. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Racer
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | Forgot to mention in my review that I have the O2 40R Ti '99. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Racer
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
All of them | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
light, comfy | | Weaknesses: |
none so far | | Similar Products Used: |
bontrager WTB
selle san marco
coda race light
others | | Bike Setup: |
hardtail | | Bottom Line: | I love this saddle. I ride a lot of off
road miles and with this saddle I have no
saddle associated pain. Every other
saddle I've used over the years
has caused more discomfort.
I've ridden this saddle up to 10 hours in a
day and it was as good as you could expect.
I'm about 140 pounds and don't crash very
often. In over 1000 miles this season no
problems. 5 fat ones from where it counts! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Racer
from Nelson BC Canada
Date Reviewed: July 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Cross-Cut | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
was very comfy
held up for a bit
kevlar and titanium | | Weaknesses: |
not durable at all | | Similar Products Used: |
lots | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up review, i owned this saddle for a little bit longer than a year and no its a piece of garbage. I flew off a jump and landed on the saddle pop off goes the sadlle with out the rails and i had to glue the kevlar to stay on the saddle after i ripped holes on every patch but it was comy after i broke it in after 3 months, i dont recommend this saddle or anything avocet for that matter, 2 stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Burlington On.
Date Reviewed: June 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Dundas Conservation Area | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
I'm talking about the avocet cross country, It's lite, comfortable, and the goofy extension on the tail of the saddle really works. | | Weaknesses: |
none so far | | Similar Products Used: |
avocet o2{stolen otherwise I'd still be using it), turbomatic,body geometry, trico kevlar,specialized prolong, etc. | | Bike Setup: |
rocky stratos,Z2, USE post,raceface cranks, | | Bottom Line: | Saddles are so subjective but I'm a clydesdale and this is the most comfort I've found in a saddle. It feels much like the o2 but the nose has less of a tendency to want to tear you a 2nd a**hole. Five full flamers cause I've been on enough bad saddles to recognize a good one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jade
a Cross-Country Rider
from Logan, UT
Date Reviewed: June 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Left Hand Fork | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light (220 grams), Titanium rails, part of frame is Carbon Fiber, Color may appeal to some but did not match the red I needed, 30 day guarantee | | Weaknesses: |
Uncomfortable!!! | | Similar Products Used: |
WTB SST.K, WTB SST.98 | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Mantra, Manitou X-Vert fork, XTR drivetrain, Mavic Rims, Chris King fubs | | Bottom Line: | When I first saw the saddle I was really excited. Once the saddle was secured onto my Thompson seatpost, the excitement quickly changed to discomfort. The guys at the shop said that it was well padded and very comfortable. I don't know about the padded part, cause it was so uncomfortable to sit on such a narrow seat. I couldn't imagine bombing down some crazy mountain on such an uncomfortable seat. I had the saddle and tested it for about 3 days, after that, my butt was begging for the heavier, but wider WTB. I took the saddle off and took it back. One good thing about the Avocet seat was the money back guarantee. It stated that if the saddle was not more comfortable than the one being replaced, to take it back to the dealer within 30 days for a full refund. Only 2 Chillies for comfort, but a solid 5 for the gaurantee. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wade
a Cross-Country Rider
from Murfreesboro, TN
Date Reviewed: May 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Tsali | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Similar Products Used: |
ritchey, serfas, oem junk | | Bottom Line: | The snazzy yellow model came on my 98 Litespeed. I like the fit, feel, and comfort of the saddle. I must be Mr. Smooth, because I haven't broken the rails. The cosmetics went downhill fast. The kevlar patches started getting fuzzy around the edges from day one. The graphics peeled off-big deal. One wet ride, however and the layers of yellow stuff started peeling at contact points. If you ride in the mud much, especially if it is sandy, the yellow model will look like crap in no time. 4 flaming dead mice because the o2 provides a light, functional, comfortable for me, place to put my ass. I'm going to try a WTB. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christopher
a Cross-Country Rider
from Tahoe, NV
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | Although this saddle has received mixed reviews, I have one the original O2 40 Ti saddles and don't want to give it up. Unfortunately after about 5 years use the cover is finally coming off. I really can't say too many bad things about it. It is ight and comfortable. I'd replace it, but the new cut out design doesn't appeal to me. I probably go WTB. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Hemming
a Cross-Country Rider
from Toronto, ON
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
dirt | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
weight, comfort, durability | | Weaknesses: |
Not the cheapest saddle in the world
Graphics wore off quickly (not a big deal) | | Similar Products Used: |
Flite Ti, Turbo, Turbomatic | | Bike Setup: |
rigid, Bordie Sovereign with XT, XTR bits | | Bottom Line: | Riding the Avocet O2 40R Ti and loving it. Most comfortable I've ridden for off road. Had a Flite Ti but bent one of the rails. I'm not a thrasher but at 220 it doesn't take much. Really like the cut out in the nose, gives enough flex but doesn't get noodly and I don't need an Viagra!
Guess the other reviews about kevlar coming off are more the thrasher types as I've taken some spills but saddle is in great shape though the logos wore off quickly (no free advertising for Advocet). I'd recommend this seat! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve brady
a Cross-Country Rider
from houston, tx
Date Reviewed: April 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
mean streets of the city | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Bottom Line: | i wanted to place this review to thank avocet for immediately replacing my o2 kevlar seat with no questions asked - somehow i busted the ti rail on the left side. this is a bit mysterious i admit(especially considering that i am about 5'10 and 150 pounds and this did not happen in a wreck) but i was really happy with the response i received from the warranty people. it seems like you have to really wreck the crap out of your bike to do any damage to this seat otherwise and i suspect this is the case with some of the torn kevlar and leather worn down to foam type reviews. you either love a seat or hate it, and proper adjustment is always crucial, but this one fits me like a glove. i can move all over, back and forth and sideways comfortably and forget it's there. it's not the most plush throne around, but i tend to ride pretty light on the saddle so it's not a problem unless i have to really do some distance. my girlfriend hates it but then she's into springs so what can you do? overall, a great seat, properly adjusted and cared for. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shockee
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: April 10, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Bottom Line: | I was convinced to buy an Avocet O2 40m Ti railed saddle by a reputable MTB shop. They claimed it was their biggest seller and a serious riders' favourite. I found that it's radius is just too narrow for my frame, but it may be fine for very small persons (say, under 5' 10, 130 lb males). Same goes for all saddles made my American companies for the last 20 years. Why can't they do a better job imitating the Italians, - or better yet, bring a lightweight, functional leather imitation of the Brooks? My O2 is for sale and I still ride my Selle Italia Turbos for adequate comfort. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mass
Date Reviewed: March 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
monadnock/sunapee | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
comfy
light | | Weaknesses: |
junk | | Similar Products Used: |
flite
bontranger | | Bottom Line: | ok, so I blow close to 90 bucks on a O2 kevlar, within say.... 4 weeks the kevlar has ripped off and not only have the Avocet O2 labels come off, but the leather wore right down to the foam... IN 4 WEEKS!!!! nevermind the fact that it was comfy as your mom...
It's a PIECE - a 90 dollar piece!!!!!! For selling a good feeling junk box for a bill it's a single flamer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mads
a racer
from Denmark
Date Reviewed: February 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Great saddle! I have a O2 40R on my road-bikes. It is comfy, cool looking and light. Much more comfy than a Selle Italia Flite. The best saddle for the road. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Lloyd
a racer
from Canada
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I got this saddle because I was tired of breaking cheep ones. It has stood up, almost. I have bent the ti rails(I weigh 115 pounds!), and have ripped the kevlar and plastic protective cover. It was awesome at first, really comfy. But now(5 months later), it has hardened up, and is not so comfy. If I would have the choices again, I would have gotten the SDG Ventura Ti, but it is awesome for racing, and is really good now that I have it on my road bike. the best saddle for road. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M J FUCHS
a cross-country rider
from Ringwood NJ
Date Reviewed: November 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I HAVE JUST RETURNED MY 2ND 02 AVOCET REPLACED THE FIRST ONE AFTER BREAKING A RAIL AFTER JUST 6MO. THIS RETURN IS AFTER 4 MO SAME PROBLEM BROKE A RAIL .BEING 220 AND A HARD RIDER (THE CREW CALLS ME SNAP] I WILL BE INSTALLING A NEW SEAT POSTSHOCK TO HELP THIS PROBLEM ON MY 98 ROCKEDILE SX A VERY NICE RIDE.IF AVOCET DOSENT GIVE ME A NEW SADDLE THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY , I FEEL COMFORT AND CONTOL WITH THER PRODUCT. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles
a weekend warrior
from montreal
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the Avocet 40m Ti saddle and at $100 it is not cheap.The comfort is good,much better than my old saddle. The leather cover seems cheap though and I think it could rip at any time. How long can this saddle last?? 1-2 seasons maybe!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a racer
from Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA
Date Reviewed: November 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought one of the very first Avocet O2 40R Ti saddles back in 1993. I rode it
10000 km per year of road racing/training for 3 years and it now resides on my MTB and is still in ridable shape, though showing its age.I attempted to replace it on my road bike for 1996 with another (because the old one was getting a little thrashed looking). Unknown to me the later models now have a cutout in the forward part of the saddle's shell, supposedly for prostate relief. I found this area too soft and it induced discomfort within 1 month of road riding. I pitched it and bought a Selle Italia Turbomatic which
I like though perhaps not quite as much as my old O2.If I could find another O2 40R without the cutout in the shell I would buy it again. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joseph
a racer
from North east ohio
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding hard on one of the older avocet saddles for a while now, sometimes I use that one and sometimes I use (forget the name) a big gell saddle with springs under it(100 grams heavier but doesn't feel as heavy when you're riding, plus takes the edge off bumps VERY well. Back to the avocet, well, I like it. It came on my bike so I don't know the price, but it seems kinda stiff but I do alot of climbing and descents(as opposed to flatland) and so I am off the saddle alot. For someone who is a racer but not weight obsessed, my older avocet saddle seems to fit pretty well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adrienne
a cross-country rider
from Puget Sound,WA
Date Reviewed: October 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the Women's O-2 Air 40 when I decided to get serious about trail riding (Previously I was a Gel-saddle weenie). Well, the Avocet is pretty comfortable for a racing saddle. The leather cover is top-quality and seems to be holding up well after 4 months' use. My butt bones never hurt with this saddle, and I find that I don't have the sliding-forward problem I used to have with my old saddle. As for the nose...well, let's just say I'm getting more used to it, either that or the saddle is breaking in some. (The women's saddle has little cutaways on the underside of the plastic for some soft tissue relief...I went ahead and snipped out the little plastic wings so there's less plastic under the nose.)
I can't compare this saddle to any other women's racing saddles, but I'm overall happy with its quality and (relative) comfort. But let's just say that lots more work needs to be done on saddle design, eh?? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a racer
from Nelson BC Canada
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Its the end of the season here now and its time to review my products again. This seat is still comftable enough but the rails aren't long enough and the kevlar is ripped everywhere from crashs i would not get this saddle agiain but till the leather rips i'll keep it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WrasseMan
a cross-country rider
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the Avocet O2 40. It could be a little softer but for me, the shape and design makes up of the lack of cushioning. It is comfortable. I've used this saddle for 4 months now of frequent riding. This seat is durable except for the graphics with showed signs of wear after the very first ride. The shape of the seat fits me well, and I am satisfied. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen
a cross-country rider
from Los Gatos, CA
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I ride about 3000 miles a year on my mountain bike and about 4000 miles a year on my road bike. I returned my Avocet Kevlar O2 for replacement after about 100 miles of mountain use. The saddle was falling apart in my opinion. The Avocet folks said tough sh#$. No replacement. At $90 I had to eat it big time. Luckily, the good folks at Mud Sweat and Gears are sending me a replacement from another vendor. You get what you pay for and at $90, unfortunately it's an Avocet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a weekend warrior
from NYC
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought one for my Trek Y5 to replace Bontrager that came with it but I find it toooo hard. I've tried many combinations but it really hurts. The seat looks great however it feels like siting on a pipe. I'm going back to the original Bontrager you kow, less pain in the a... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Misha Sakellaropoulo
a cross-country rider
from Princeton, NJ
Date Reviewed: May 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the O2 Ti (yellow/blakc, like in the picture at the top).... it's a solid saddle and the Ti rails are nice but the comfort isn't all that great. I adjusted as best I could and as long as you ass stays where it should (near the back) it's fine but sliding forward or back will surely speed up your path to impotency. Thank God there's Viagra, but I have to admit I have never found a really comfortable racing saddle. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryant Carter
a cross-country rider
from Hampden-Sydney
Date Reviewed: May 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Had O2 for year now, it is great, better than any road saddle, so I'm taking it off my mtn. bike and putting it on my road bike. The saddle works best if you have it facing down slightly, if you have it parallel to the bike then it will rape you. So make sure you have a good seat binder bolt so it stays where it should. If you go to bikeworld.com you can get it pretty darn cheap too (at least compared to other mail order).
PS.The WTB SST is also a good saddle. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Crackcorn
a
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: April 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I rode one of O-2 40's for a year. I liked the width but short rails mean an ultimtely uncomfortable seat design. Sitting on the back of the seat causes the
middle of the seat to rise up and press on your crotch. Switched back to my
Flite Ti and am comfortable again. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big-E
a weekend warrior
from G-ville, FL
Date Reviewed: April 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own the Avocet o-2 Air 40 saddle w/ the kevlar nose and corners. After the first ride I noticed a big difference as compared to my previous saddle-a titanium flite. Im a pretty tall and thin guy and the saddle fits my body perfect. Its neither too soft nor too hard-just right. One beef however, after just a month of riding the kevlar is coming slightly unglued from the underside of the saddle. A friend of mine with the same saddle is having similar problems with his. For a 90$ saddle I do expect a little better effort in craftsmanship. However, the imperfection is not affecting the performance of the saddle and the cosmetic flaw is not noticable. The feel of this saddle is so great that imperfection aside, I rate this saddle highly. Check one out if your in the market for one! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a cross-country rider
from Nelson,Britsh Columbia,Canada
Date Reviewed: April 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this awile ago and adjusted it alot and I have found the sweet spot. I went on a 4 hour ride always in the saddle and no pain. I have been in a couple of crashs and no damage to the seat (one time i thought it was toast). Also this seat is much lighter than the old piece of crap I used to ride on. The only complaint I have is it is a little wide but I don't care because it is more coftable and I'm a Cross Country biker not a downhiller. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen
a
from Los Gatos, CA
Date Reviewed: March 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Avocet O2 Air 40R KEVLAR-Ti
I got the yellow and blue one last week. I ridden on it for about six hours using my Tinley triathlon lycra shorts and the yellow covering is peeling apart at the seams already. I don't mind the brused cosmetics too much (although on a new mountain bike it's looking fairy abused already) but will it last the season ? Who knows, but at $90, it's too expensive to have any doubts. Otherwise, it's fairly comfortable, especially in a sustained climbing position up steep hills. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zeno
a cross-country rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: March 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I was very dissappointed with this saddle. Perhaps it is just my particular anatomy, but I could never get comfortable on the broad part of the seat & found myself always slipping forward, no matter how I adjusted it. I went back to my San Marco Titanio which, though on the surface a simpler design, was much more comfortable for me. (Bontrager sells that one too.) I recently put a San Marco Squadra HDP on my road bike & it is the best I have ever owned (and I have owned *many*) I'll probably put one on my MTB too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a cross-country rider
from Gilroy, CA
Date Reviewed: December 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Saddles are so subjective. It all really depends on ones posterior needs. So I went out and bought the new Cross Country. I already have a O2 on my roadbike and the o2 was too wide to get off the back on my Mtnbike. I also own a Max Flite and a Bontrager. Except for the weight (270 grams), the CC is the most comfortable followed by the O2, Max flite and Bontrager Ti. The CC looks wide but is so easy to get off the back and back on again for those steep and deep runs in the woods. I had many of my friends try it out and they agree, it's one of the most comfortable saddles they every put their Katooches on. Five Chili's for comfort, 4 for weight. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a cross-country rider
from North Bay, ON
Date Reviewed: November 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is without a doubt the best saddle I've ever used, I have ridden a lot of road miles on Selle Italia, and lots of off road on Vetta, but none compare to this saddle. The first one I bought even had a 30 day money back guarantee !!! Try and top that. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clay Clymore
a cross-country rider
from Castaic, CA
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just purchased O2 air 40m acouple of months ago and so far I think it is great. It is much better than my previous saddle an SDG 7000 Ti. I bought this saddle becuase I was having difficulty whith the SDG putting pressure on a nerve and causing a pins and needles feeling. The Avocet has completly aliviated that problem because it is designed to be what is called prostate friendly. But I am wondering how the covering is going to hold up. So far it is good but I have seen signs of a little bit of wear, which would keep me from giving it 5 stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a cross-country rider
from Bellevue, WA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Excellent quality and quite comfortable. The Kevlar / Race model is quite firm but still comfortable. I've ridden on 3 hour rides with no soreness. The yellow saddle also looks quite cool on my yellow bike! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Misha Sakellaropoulo
a cross-country rider
from Princeton, NJ
Date Reviewed: November 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Once you have the O2 properly adjusted your btutt will never be soar again. A perfect balance of size, positions, and comfort... the ti rails are a treat! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ERIC BROUGHTON
a cross-country rider
from ONT,CANADA,TORONTO
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
THIS SEAT IS THE BOMB IT BEATS THE WTB SST HANDS DOWN. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a weekend warrior
from Ashland
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
OK, so I last said the Serfas was the best saddle. That was before I tried
it on the road. What is nice off-road was harsh on the road. I guess I
spend more time out of the saddle than I thought.So, on the road bike, I tried several different saddles and settled on the
Avocet O2 Ti Kevlar. Very comfy.I know, this is MTBR, not RBR, so I tried it on the MTB just for yucks. Worked well there too, but I don't know if I like the leather off-road. The
all kevlar Serfas has been through a lot that would have killed the leather.It is a very comfy saddle, but I'm keeping it on the road and leaving the
more rugged one on the MTB. Perhaps if the Serfas dies I might get one for
the MTB and give it the long test it deserves.Loose one point for non-all-weather cover | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee
a racer
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Avocet O2 Air 40R KEVLAR-TiThis saddle was a big disappointment. While it was very comfortable for short rides, it was useless for rides over 1 hour, especially during hot humid weather. There is a raised seam where the KEVLAR panel meets the leather saddle cover right where one's inner-thigh rubs the saddle. This raised seam left me with bloody patches on my thighs similar to rug burn - ouch! I used the saddle a few weeks, even covering the seam with tape, but the rug-burn just kept getting worse. To Avocet's credit they refunded my purchase.If you like the comfort of the O2 saddle, steer clear of the KEVLAR version and hope for the best using the standard plastic side bumpers for crash protection. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jacques Rosssouw
a cross-country rider
from Pretoria South Africa
Date Reviewed: August 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I used my Avocet on my full suspension TREK, even with full suspension it still did some owesome damage to my but.
I put my ROLLS on the bike, and this baby is true to its name! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mats Holmen
a racer
from Bern Switzerland
Date Reviewed: August 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the Kevlar version. Super-confy saddle, thanks to the Ti rails and the perforation in the plastic body at the front. OK it is heavier than a Flite AND I don't know which is most confortable, but it is a good alternative to the Flite. In short I like it.
Only minus so far, the Kevlar reinforcements at the sides are soon (after less than a years) eradicated. I'm not sure if leather wouldn't have survived at least equally long. Of course the plastic edges are good for protection against the classical side scratches. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Noel Buckley
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I really like the O2 saddle. It's super comfy, light, durable, and you can slide off the back ssssoooooooooo easily. It's the best saddle for my bum that I've ever used. I like my Rolls also, but it's such a tank! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trebor Navilluso
a cross-country rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: July 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Ouch! Be ware. Any man with the usual endowments will find this saddle most painfull after 10 minutes on the trail. The rails are mounted too far back on the nose creating a terrible hot spot. Tilting and sliding the saddle could not avert this. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roni Michel
a cross-country rider
from Laguna Beach, CA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Avocet O2, Best darn saddle I've tried for the last few years of Mbiking. Not only it has great looks but it is as comfy as my grandpa old tv chair. Superlight, with superb confort in all positions.
This one of those products that is worthed to upgrade to......... and then you will wonder how could ying yang ever live without it.
Go and get one today! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Georg O.P. Eschert
a cross-country rider
from Japan
Date Reviewed: June 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Selle San Marco Attive is very good (my son is using it), for myself the
Avocet O2 Air 40R is better suited. Both are very good !
For females I recommend the Selle San Marco Juliana Furtado ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eugene Chan
a cross-country rider
from Hillsborough, CA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The saddle looks cool and the yellow matches my Yeti. It's ultra comfy and
easy to change riding positions on. The rails are a bit shorter than I hoped
and it still creaks like all my other saddles when I first get on the darn
thing. | | Overall Rating: |
|
$ 90.00
