I don't think it's a difference in function, I think that SI just does't make any "minimalist" saddles in wider sizes. I'd love it if they made a wide SLR, but the closest option to that is the "Lady" SLR, which is wide, but has a lot of extra padding.

I think there's some value to the Specialized system- I measure wide on the ass-o-meter, and I've likewise found the really narrow stuff (~130mm) to be insanely uncomfortable. YMMV, of course.

 

same here. I am not even wide, just between narrow and medium. But for my riding style I'd love to see a slightly wider SLR still below 200grms.

 

try max flite

 

I know. SLRs are too narrow.
I had to switch to Toupe 143s.

 

yeah, I guess it will be the Toupe or Phenom SL (although it's damn ugly). Max Flite is a little too wide and heavy.

 

I like the Flite and have them on all my bikes so I don't want it changed. If Specy garbage fits you then use it, for the purist and afficionado Selle Italia offers their Italian designed and manufactured leather covered brilliance.

 

SLR fits me just fine.

 

...when Specilized offers 3 sizes (130, 143 and 155) for their models?

Specialized has a sit bone mesuring chart and due to this most people are recommended to go for a 143mm wide saddle.
All popular Selles are 130 or 131mm wide.
Is this just a Specialized marketing tool or do Selle saddles function differently?

i think its just another Specialized gimmick - like their BG mtb shoes or insoles which were rubbish, but the placebo effect might be better now - just wiggle your toes a few times during a ride that will help cure any numbness for free :thumbsup:

try this guide to work out your sit bones width



another great guide for bikefit https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

my sit bones are just perfect for SLR flow saddles - i'm so used to them now another saddle with more padding or width seems like overkill & is uncomfortable

best

 

i think its just another Specialized gimmick - like their BG mtb shoes or insoles which were rubbish (but might be better now) just wiggle your toes a few times during a long ride and that will help cure any numbness for free :thumbsup:

try this guide to work out your sit bones width for the correct saddle needed for you.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

my sit bones are just perfect for SLR flow saddles - i'm so used to them now another saddle with more padding or width seems like overkill & is uncomfortable

best

Amen, people act like Specialized is so revolutionary. Selle San Marco grouped their saddles into various targeted widths four years ago or so. Apparently it did not increase saddle purchases because they have since dropped this marketing approach, yet most of the specific saddles remain in their line. But then here comes Specialized with a foam a_s gimmick for the dealers (not to mention the 40% floor space requirement or whatever it is now) and people think they are really on to something. Specialized is great at marketing but they actually create very little value per se...

 

Interesting. I am sure it works so more power to them. But my behind does not care too much about marketing. I like the Toupe on my road bike and was on Selles for the last ten years on my XC bikes. But my old SLK and Flite seem more narrow the more upright I ride (XC).

 

Spec has been doing various width saddles for almost 10 years now. Some people swear by them but I agree most of their stuff is marketing hoopla (I still laugh about the "zertz" elastomer dampeners). I agree their floor space requirements are ridiculous. All this aside the SLR line of saddles are great, I have them on most my bikes (road and mnt), and they are pretty damn light. Find what fits/works for you and buy a few spares.

Amen, people act like Specialized is so revolutionary. Selle San Marco grouped their saddles into various targeted widths four years ago or so. Apparently it did not increase saddle purchases because they have since dropped this marketing approach, yet most of the specific saddles remain in their line. But then here comes Specialized with a foam a_s gimmick for the dealers (not to mention the 40% floor space requirement or whatever it is now) and people think they are really on to something. Specialized is great at marketing but they actually create very little value per se...

 

So I got myself a Spec. Phenom SL 143 today...

against my bias and...er...fashion sense. It's the 2010 model and looks dead ugly compared to those superhot and crafty SLRs. But there just wasn't a wider and light one in the Selle line with a less devastatingly spiky nose. Closest was the SLR T1 but that is well above my 200grms limit and overdoes the whole nose thing a little in my book. Let's see how it goes.

 

i agree on this completely. This is the only good thing specialized has ever made.

I have a Fizik aliante, cause it´s wider and padded. An uncomfortable saddle may be lighter, but it's a pain and will make u slower.

 

Closest was the SLR T1 but that is well above my 200grms limit and overdoes the whole nose thing a little in my book.

The SLR T1 is designed for for Tri/TT bikes so you can ride on the tip. This allows you to be more forward, and "cheat" the UCI saddle setback requirement (tip 5cm behind BB I believe).

I have one on my TT rig - they are very comfy for their intended purpose, but you're right - too heavy for a WW bike.

I have SLRs on 6 bikes and they fit perfectly - but like many racers, I'm small with narrow sit bones!

 

it's aways been sort of a balancing act with 'AM' (in other words is good old mounainbiking). I read some review about the T1 and the reviewer said that if you're riding on the nose your bike fit is wrong. This probably is right on a road bike. But AM / Trail (however you call it) is always a compromise: If the rig's angles are a tad too slack on the steepest of climbs (and I am sitting on the nose of my saddle to compensate) and the steering angle a touch too steep and flimsy (and the saddle a little too hard on me) on the roughest possible downhill on the same ride, then my setup is probably perfect. Any 'perfect doitall' product is straight from the marketing department. And then it's a matter of riding style /body shape/ terrain how light/burly or comfy/direct you want your bike.
On the 'cheeck to Cheek' chart (thanks sponge!) I am just within the upper range of the Selles and on the Specialized chart on the lower end on the medium (143mm) size, which makes sense: My road bike and hardtail are fine with the narrow racey ones whereas the AM rig always had me wanting something wider.
Anyhow, thanks for the input, will report back when riding in spring (we're still covered in snow here).

 

against my bias and...er...fashion sense. It's the 2010 model and looks dead ugly compared to those superhot and crafty SLRs. But there just wasn't a wider and light one in the Selle line with a less devastatingly spiky nose. Closest was the SLR T1 but that is well above my 200grms limit and overdoes the whole nose thing a little in my book. Let's see how it goes.

the 2011 saddles are much improved IMO, though i only formed that opinion after having the entire crotch ripped off my shorts at Worlds. :eekster:

 

the 2011 saddles are much improved IMO, though i only formed that opinion after having the entire crotch ripped off my shorts at Worlds. :eekster:

If you follow George Michael into the bathroom what do you expect?

 

yeah, I was wondering if I should wait and get the 2011 Phenom WHAM edition...

 

If you follow George Michael into the bathroom what do you expect?

haha! i was following LMN on a trail I didn't know... does that count?

chasing Canadians down hill should be a sport unto itself!

basically going through a set of G-outs at speed in some trees the saddle came forward between my legs, when it went back (VERY fast and forcefully) the plastic bits on the back of the saddle caught on the lycra on the inside of my leg and ripped the shorts

if you have ever seen the "Balls Out Jeans" skit on SNL that is how I felt riding back through the venue at Worlds...

prior to this experience, i loved the Phenom and still think it is a great saddle for fit and comfort. the new Phenom has eliminated the plastic bits and also rounded off the corners. huge improvement IMO.