| |
Submitted by
Marco
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Almost nothing at bike trade show | | Strengths: | Light, looks good, and comfortable for such a minimal saddle. | | Weaknesses: | Pointy end sometimes a pain on steep uphill climbs. | | Similar Products Used: | Dozens of bike seats | | Bike Setup: | Mountain | | Bottom Line: | I got this seat for almost nothing (from the manufacturer) at a European bike show back in the early '90s. It was painted gold with red lettering on the front. Certainly not as comfortable as a broken-in Brooks, it was pretty comfortable for a minimalist saddle; I rode it hard for 3-4 years until it was completely worn out. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | online | | Weaknesses: | Redesigned for 2007. It is not the same saddle at all. Paper-thin leather covering wore through along the back edge after 3 rides negotiating simple (XC) drops on the North Shore. And this is wearing lycra not cordura. Selle Italia actually claims the saddle is worthy of freeriding what a joke. | | Similar Products Used: | Previous flite it was fine actually got 2 years out of it before it blew apart. | | Bike Setup: | Blur, Fox, Raceface, XT XC setup | | Bottom Line: | Don't even think about it if you ride off road. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Dearborn, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | PricePoint.com | | Strengths: | The Selle Italia Flite Genuine Gel saddle was fairly comfortable for its first season in use. It has Titanium rails which make it strong and fairly light. It's an affordable saddle that is available in many different colors (I chose blue) and its Kevlar sides protect it from your filthy legs... just kidding. | | Weaknesses: | OUCH!!! After about a year, the saddle became very hard, and after long rides my, ahem, "boys down stairs" would become numb. I couldn't have this! My unborn children demanded a comfortable saddle that could go the distance. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB Laser V TI Team Saddle (a much better improvement!); Black and Blue WTB saddle that came stock on my old Gary Fisher. | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakar XC Frame, Manitou Elite Black Forks, Fox Float R Rear Shock, Mavic XC 717 Rims, Shimano XT Disk Hubs (front & rear), Old School Shimano XT Crank, Shimano XT ES71 Splined Bottom Bracket, Speedplay Frog Pedals, Shimano XT Front Dérailleur, Shimano XT Rear Dérailleur, Shimano XT 9 Speed Shifters (front & rear), Shimano XT 9 Speed Cassette, Shimano XTR/Dura-Ace 9 Speed Chain, Avid BB5 Disk Brakes (front & rear), Old School Avid 1.0 Brake Levers, Cane Creek Headset, WTB Laser V Saddle, Avid Flack Jacket Housing/Cable (shift & brake) | | Bottom Line: | If you're a little guy (no offence pee wee), this saddle might be the right fit for you... but for me it wasn't! It was tolerable for awhile, but I have since moved on to greener pastures. If you're looking for an affordable saddle that looks neat and has TI rails, I say buy it, but if you plan on having children within your life time, look else ware. Once this saddle wares out, it's really no good! Riding this saddle I finally knew what the phrase, “numb-nuts” really meant. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Dearborn, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | PricePoint.com | | Strengths: | The Selle Italia Flite Genuine Gel saddle was fairly comfortable for its first season in use. It has Titanium rails which make it strong and fairly light. It's an affordable saddle that is available in many different colors (I chose blue) and its Kevlar sides protect it from your filthy legs... just kidding. | | Weaknesses: | OUCH!!! After about a year, the saddle became very hard, and after long rides my, ahem, "boys down stairs" would become numb. I couldn't have this! My unborn children demanded a comfortable saddle that could go the distance. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB Laser V TI Team Saddle (a much better improvement!); Black and Blue WTB saddle that came stock on my old Gary Fisher. | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakar XC Frame, Manitou Elite Black Forks, Fox Float R Rear Shock, Mavic XC 717 Rims, Shimano XT Disk Hubs (front & rear), Old School Shimano XT Crank, Shimano XT ES71 Splined Bottom Bracket, Speedplay Frog Pedals, Shimano XT Front Dérailleur, Shimano XT Rear Dérailleur, Shimano XT 9 Speed Shifters (front & rear), Shimano XT 9 Speed Cassette, Shimano XTR/Dura-Ace 9 Speed Chain, Avid BB5 Disk Brakes (front & rear), Old School Avid 1.0 Brake Levers, Cane Creek Headset, WTB Laser V Saddle, Avid Flack Jacket Housing/Cable (shift & brake) | | Bottom Line: | If you're a little guy (no offence pee wee), this saddle might be the right fit for you... but for me it wasn't! It was tolerable for awhile, but I have since moved on to greener pastures. If you're looking for an affordable saddle that looks neat and has TI rails, I say buy it, but if you plan on having children within your life time, look else ware. Once this saddle wares out, it's really no good! Riding this saddle I finally knew what the phrase, “numb-nuts” really meant. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Racer
from Fort Collins
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | marzocchi | | Strengths: | light, has cool looking embroidered marzocchi M on it. | | Weaknesses: | Not good for long rides. | | Similar Products Used: | Stock Treck saddle | | Bike Setup: | hard tail, specialized road saddle | | Bottom Line: | Worked okay for shorter rides but the butt got numb on the longer ones. I like long epic rides and this just doesn't fit the bill. I am kind of a beginer but ride enough to know that my butt is accustomed to the saddle. I will be racing collegiate in the fall and want to get into distance races, marathons, when my fitness level comes around. I am switching saddles. Got this through Marzocchi. Looks cool and is light but doesn't perform as well as I expected. My specialized road saddle is more comfortable than this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Murray, KY
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Canal Loop, LBL | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | Internet | | Strengths: | Looks Super Cool! | | Weaknesses: | Uncomfortable, causes numbness and possible reproductive harm! | | Similar Products Used: | Several WTB's, lots of saddles. | | Bike Setup: | Hardtail with Reba fork | | Bottom Line: | I went for years convinced that this was a great saddle, and like everyone else, I thought it was cool. Well I am here to tell you, don't sacrifice comfort! This thing is awful, it is peaked in the middle, it goes right up the middle of your butt. There are many Many alternatives to this, my current favorite is WTB laser V. Why do this to your butt when there are much better alternatives out there. This thing made me numb after road rides, and on a MTB, you might as well forget it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ROD
a Cross Country Rider
from CNY
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Plain jane leather with no stitching, gel or embroidery is the way to go. If you can find the older contour version, it is better. Chromo rails hold up much better and a bit better ride with them. The lighter versions are strictly for racers and weight weenies and not to comfy. | | Weaknesses: | Lol, 15 years later and there is nothing better! | | Similar Products Used: | tried alot of em | | Bike Setup: | Which one? Well they all have flites on em! | | Bottom Line: | The basic flite works well for all aspects of riding. The smooth surface is great for moving around on the saddle. The narrow long nose is great for outa the saddle clearance and you can get your butt way forward on seated climbs. The rear of the saddle is narrow enough to easily behind for the downhills yet perfect size for the sit. Ive read some reviews about it being hard and making there bums sore. You put the padding in the shorts, not in the saddle. A real good pair of shorts is the answer. A saddle with caddilac seat padding will give your hemroids hemroids! If you a xc type trail rider then Your handle bar height should be no higher than your seat height. This keeps alot a weight off yur bottom as well as giving you a much better riding position and better control. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Emery
a Weekend Warrior
from MntBrook, AL
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Utilitarian smooth black leather version w/o gimmicks, channels or silicone enhancements. Easy to move around on and lite. Durable. | | Weaknesses: | After many wet rides over several years, the glue holding the leather to the plastic base dry rots. White saddles seem less durable and loose color. | | Similar Products Used: | BDG/Giant, Spec Body Geometry Race & Comp,Selle Italia Turbo (1988 and still perfect on hardtail), cheap 1980's gel/fabric saddles, other Flites since 1993. | | Bike Setup: | Blur, pushed fox rp3 '06, minute 3, Mavic/HighRollers, Avid Juicy 7, xtr/xt/raceface, salsa/thompson, candys | | Bottom Line: | I cannot comlain. It has been since 1998 when I purchase the saddle I use now and it is still in good shape and has not started to de-glue. If you ride in wet areas, do not use a saddle bag since it may retain moisture under the seat and cause the leather to debond...over years.
OK, this is a great saddle, if you want more cush, wear two pairs of bike shorts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod Munch
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, CA
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Stabbin' Cabin Rampage | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | stolen from X's boyfriend | | Strengths: | Still the sexiest saddle made, could make a Huffy look fast & light. Great fit. | | Weaknesses: | Back edges coming unglued a bit | | Similar Products Used: | Lots of saddles from '87 or so... from blue suede to perf'd leather Turbos to narrow Bontrager's to WTB droopnoses to pain inducing Specialized Body Geometries. | | Bike Setup: | '04 Hammerhead 100X w/F100RLC, Float R Propdedal, Magura Martas & Pro XC wheelset, XTR, XT, Race Face & Sette | | Bottom Line: | Discovered a nice Flite Ti from my girlfriend's X's parts bin... decided to give it a try. Felt hard as a rock to the touch, but turned out to be one comfy saddle. Still the sexiest saddle to grace a bike frame, and at 230g [actual weight] or so, tough to beat the weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wigbanker
a Weekend Warrior
from Newport Beach
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Aliso Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Revo Cycles | | Strengths: | Light | | Weaknesses: | Very painful/uncomfortable | | Similar Products Used: | None - only ever ridden Flites | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Prophet custom build | | Bottom Line: | This is my third Flite saddle and the worst so far. The first two lasted years, were just about comfortable enough and were hardwearing. However, I just couldn't get comfortable on my latest one and yesterday the ti rail broke. Thank god it did - now I can buy a more comfortable saddle and save my manhood. There are plenty of saddles out there these days for the same price or less that are far more confortable, stronger and durable. The Flite was a winner when it came out but is an now an outdated design and no longer deserves the reputation it holds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
clarkgriswald
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Rapids, Mi USA
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | National | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | hammerheadbikes | | Strengths: | None, this is for the Storika Saddle | | Weaknesses: | Rail broke at 3 months. | | Similar Products Used: | Flite | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Titus quasi motto | | Bottom Line: | The rail on this saddle snapped. The only riding I had been doing was commuting. No trail riding, no drops, no rough and rocky trails, just commuting on city streets. Mailed seat back to Hammerhead in April. They mailed it to Quality? Who then mailed it to Italy. I've spoken with Charles and his hands are tied until Sella notifies Quality. I should not have to wait this f**king long to get resolution. This will be my last saddle that has to return to Italy for warranty. POS $130 saddle. Value: no friggin chilis. Overall: no firggin chilis Who should buy, no one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J J
a Cross Country Rider
from Kalamazoo, MI
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Fort Custer | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Performancebike | | Strengths: | Lightweight, comfortable, good value | | Weaknesses: | Needs to be broken in, can be quite a painful experience | | Similar Products Used: | Velo Saddles | | Bike Setup: | Its a bike.... a fisher bike.... | | Bottom Line: | Old Velo saddle was causing my rear end to fall asleep. Decided to try the Flite since it had a very good review. First time riding with it, experience harrowing pain after the ride on my sit bones. Took a closer look at my setup, noticed that my sit bones were not really "placed" at the saddle wings (rear wide portion of the saddle). Since the saddle rellies on the deformable shell for suspension, positioning is really important. After several rides later, saddle is very comfortable, definitely better than my old velo. I'm 5'8', medium frame, 158lb. If you're about my size and looking for a new saddle, give it a shot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ricky deLeyos
a Cross Country Rider
from College Park, MD
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Gambrill | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$54.00 | | Strengths: | Good shape, durable, comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't last forever! | | Similar Products Used: | WTB, SLR, and a dozen others | | Bike Setup: | Matt Chester Utilitiman, Flite Saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I've used this saddle since it came out 13 years ago. Not the same one, mind you, but probably over a dozen on a dozen bikes I've owned in that time.
This is a very comfortable saddle. I love the shape of it, and I think my butt and tuberosities have conformed to the shape of this saddle through the thousands of miles its been through.
I've tried many other seats as well, and the only other one that comes close to this one in comfort is the original WTB (the one with the droopy nose, and all leather cover). However, I didn't like that one's wide rear because it was harder to slide over the back during steep downhills.
Sure this saddle tears, but I haven't had another one that did any better. I hated the kevlar-cladded versions of these saddles because they were rougher on your shorts, plus they didn't "slip" as much as the leather ones do. (I like it when a saddle's a little slippery - it makes it easier to pedal.)
Of course, saddles are very subjective. What works for me may not work for you. However, I am sold on its quality and engineering. It's simply a great saddle.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Kuala Lumpur
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Kiara | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Comfortable for that little cushion saddle,Good for long distance.
| | Weaknesses: | It's gonna hURT like hell if u like saddles with soft cushion... :P | | Bottom Line: | It's a GOOD SADDLE if you get used to it for that weight and with that cushioning that's good enough for me. I've used mine for sometime had it on a road and mountain bike doensn't give me saddle sores. It might not be comfy if you're using it the first time or a beginner who previously rode with saddle that provide thick soft cushinoning but put a little more time on it and if you're still hurting like hell you'd better get another saddle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martijn
a Cross Country Rider
from Holland
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$22.00 | | Purchased At: | www.salden.nl | | Strengths: | light weight
looks
comfy enough for me | | Weaknesses: | for me, none. | | Similar Products Used: | San Marco Era K
San Marco Concor
Cheap OEM saddles on various bikes. | | Bike Setup: | 2003 GT Avalanche 1.0 Disc | | Bottom Line: | The one I have is a 1998 model - special offer - paid only 20 euro's for it!
That's a great deal! 80 euro for the 2003 model is quite expensive though.
Value for money for 20 euro's: 5/5
Value for money for 80 euro's: 2/5
Overall rating: for a saddle that's very personal, for me: 5 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Maxx Lee
a Racer
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | $55.00 | | Strengths: | Minimalist, ageless design. Comfy, light and sturdy.
Nothing extra required.
Used it for 6 years and about 18,000 miles. Never failed me. Changed around to other saddles just to get a different feel, hasn't surpassed this by very much really. | | Weaknesses: | A little thin on padding, needs a little breaking in and not suitbable for a large proportion of hip/butt shapes.
Love it or hate it. Its just it .... | | Similar Products Used: | Selle San Marco Era Pro
Selle Italia Turbomatic 3
Selle Italia Flite Transam GelFlow
Selle Italia SLR
Selle Italia SLK GleGlow '03
Selle Italia Fluid | | Bike Setup: | Colnago CT-1 '01, Dura-Ace gruppo, DA SPD-SL pedals, Mavic Ksyrium SSC SL, Conti GP3000 tyres. Deda Stem and handlebar, Selle Italia SLK Gelflow '03, Nokon cables. | | Bottom Line: | "Not for everyone's butt".
But haven't found anything significantly better since either .... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew O'Gorman
a Cross Country Rider
from Griswold
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | came with used bike | | Strengths: | light weight | | Weaknesses: | extremely painfull | | Similar Products Used: | WTB Gel | | Bike Setup: | 98 Merlin Taiga, XTR, Mavic Cross-Link wheels | | Bottom Line: | This seat doesn't fit everyone, if it hurts after 10 miles don't convince yourself that it needs to break in. This seat caused pain on my seat bones to the point where I could no longer enjoy the ride. I had pain in the prostate for 2 full days after. I switched to a WTB gel saddle that same night and my rides since have been problem free. The weight difference is not worth the sacrifice in comfort. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Simms
a Racer
from Williamsburg,VA USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | It's a secret | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | came on a bike I bought | | Strengths: | Comfortable and well made | | Weaknesses: | not cheap | | Similar Products Used: | Turbo(yeccht), Vetta, Velo | | Bike Setup: | 22lb AMP full suspension | | Bottom Line: | I'd had pain and numbness from the Turbo saddle that was on my first bike. I bought a used Swinn/Paramount from a local sponsored Schwinn rider and was horrified at seeing such a minimalist sadle on it. I wanted to test this pro level bike more than I wanted to take the time to swap over to the Vetta gel tracktor seat I had to use in order to have a sex life. As soon as I jumped on I was amazed at the comfort level. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Simms
a Racer
from Williamsburg,VA USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | It's a secret | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | came on a bike I bought | | Strengths: | Comfortable and well made | | Weaknesses: | not cheap | | Similar Products Used: | Turbo(yeccht), Vetta, Velo | | Bike Setup: | 22lb AMP full suspension | | Bottom Line: | I'd had pain and numbness from the Turbo saddle that was on my first bike. I bought a used Swinn/Paramount from a local sponsored Schwinn rider and was horrified at seeing such a minimalist sadle on it. I wanted to test this pro level bike more than I wanted to take the time to swap over to the Vetta gel tracktor seat I had to use in order to have a sex life. As soon as I jumped on I was amazed at the comfort level. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andreas
a
from Regensburg
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | light, well manufactured, comfortable, good looking | | Weaknesses: | expansive, kevlar protection would be great | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia TurboMatic Quattro, Selle Italia SPX, Ritchey Vector Wing | | Bike Setup: | I bought it for this: Dynamics Eagle FS, Judy XC, SID, LX/XT, HS33, Schwalbe Fat Albert...
but now it is on my steel-bike. | | Bottom Line: | A really great saddle!
You have to get used to it once, because it is very hard, but then there is only pleasure.
I will buy it again, but maybe the Flite Kevlar... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven
a Racer
from Rutland, VT
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$68.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar | | Strengths: | Comfort, light weight, quality, good looks | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Vetta TransAlp AT (2nd favorite) | | Bike Setup: | xc full susp, steel hardtail, ti road bike | | Bottom Line: | I've been using these saddles on almost all of my bikes for years, the exceptions being the Vetta on another hardtail and an Azonic on the DH rig. The Flite is the saddle that set the mark for comfort/performance in the early 90's and in my opinion hasn't been eclipsed yet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Bay Area CA
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | e-bay | | Strengths: | Light weight, good looks, comfort, No silly crevices or cut outs. | | Weaknesses: | cant think of any right now. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB, Coda, Specialized, San Marco, Terry Fly, | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz SL set up just right for me. | | Bottom Line: | First of all I think saddles are very personal and difficult to find one that fits without actually going for a ride.
After using the Terry fly for over a year, I wanted a saddle
that had a little less padding. The terry has a large cut out that is supposed to relieve numbness. Well it didn't.
When the Flite arrived on my doorstep I thought i had made a big mistake. This saddle was of course very light, but when I felt the lack of padding I was a little nervous and cringed at the thought of a ride on this rock hard saddle. After installing and proper adjustment I went for a ride. To my surprise it was quite comfortable. Even more surprising was the lack of numbness in my hotdog! I dont know how this saddle would perform on a very long ride, but on rides up to 25-30 miles it is money.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stampertje
a Weekend Warrior
from The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | www.salden.nl | | Strengths: | Light weight, green, not too expensive | | Weaknesses: | Uncomfortable :( | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Royal Blast (much worse), stock ("concept") saddle on my hybrid, Brooks Conquest, Lepper Voyager | | Bike Setup: | Surly CrossCheck | | Bottom Line: | It may work for many but it just don't fit my...
Actually, it seems that the top is a little to curved (laterally) for me. Or something. I've had worse, but I've had much better. I'm getting another Brooks, I'll keep this one around if I'm going to race. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Hawaii
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | little bit of this, little bit of that... | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Waipahu Bicycle and Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | Comfy. Light. Doesn't hook your shorts. Can find it at a reasonable price. | | Weaknesses: | Can be a little slippery when wet, with the smooth leather cover. Edges starting to wear a bit. | | Similar Products Used: | SDGs, Vettas, San Marco something. | | Bike Setup: | Murry with Syncros Ti post. | | Bottom Line: |
|
$ 90.00
