Selle Italia

size: S3 (130mm)

weight as measured: 210g

used with Assos Mille GTO bib shorts

time of use: about 37 hours indoor and outdoor combined

I've used several saddles on several road and mountain bikes. Even though this model is intended for racing it's still the most comfortable I've ever used. I started using the endurance-oriented Assos bibs for about a year before I got this and found an improvement in comfort and then got more improvement with this saddle. The combination of this race saddle with the endurance shorts works well for me. I can clearly feel how the race cut profile minimizes restriction of leg movement. A modern touring model using the same 3D technology like Selle's new Novus Boost Evo 3D might be more comfortable for some. I like this lighter, more compact one for now.

I occasionally get out of the saddle for relief but this is the first one I didn't have to fight with all day.

The surface has a high level of friction. If you demand ease of fore-aft body movement that could be an issue.

The open structure provides great ventilation. Cleaning it might be an issue. You'd have to be careful not to spill your sports drink or your spumoni on it. Otherwise a great saddle.

Saddles are a personal thing, but this one works for me. I have it on three road bikes. It's light, stylish and - for me - comfortable. It is flat and firm and probably best suited to a more aggressive riding position. If you ride a more upright bike, you may not like it, but it suits my drop bar road bikes. It's normally not cheap, but I bought my last one on sale and, at the price I paid, I'd say it was a good deal. All three of my saddles are 145mm by 275mm. I mention this only because I have heard SI will be changing the dimensions of this saddle at some point in the future and I want to be clear as to which version my comments apply.

At least they matter to me (of course saddles are a personal fit thing)

#1: the convex shape: Every saddle I've ever been on has a design to CRADLE the sit bones. Downside: big tendon attaches there, so it has to be in contact with the saddle all the time. THIS SADDLE lets just the inside of your sits bones rest on the curve (it's crowned, like a road for drainage); since the pelvis is a single bone, slightly pushing outward on the opposing bones is a stable point; it has minimal but enough padding for those contact points, and the tendon doesn't touch the saddle at all. Wish I could draw a picture...

#2: the rear metal frame attachment points are well aft of where the sit-bones contact the saddle, so the plastic shell can flex a fair amount, like on impact, whereas most saddles have those rear frame bits directly under your sit-bones, so you take the full impact and the shell can't flex at all.

The cutout is in the right place to do its job properly. And the price is pretty darn reasonable. Yay.

Anyway, it's the most comfortable saddle I've had in 40 years of riding, and I've spent up to $250 on other saddles. Works for me, might for you too.

It seems to me that two things matter in a saddle, comfort and durability. Since I've only owned the saddle for a short time, I can't speak to its durability other than to say that I've had previous Sella Italia saddles that lasted for quite a long time. With regard to comfort, I've been very pleased with the saddle. Although, since starting to use it I haven't done any rides beyond about 45 miles. But at least I can say that it's been quite comfortable for numerous rides in the 20 to 30 mile range.