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.
Comfortable saddle. No numbness and the right amount of padding. This is the most comfortable saddle I've owned when in the drops. A word of caution. The saddle is fairly tall, so you may have to adjust seat post height to get the same saddle height, depending upon what your previous saddle was.
i have two primary criteria for a saddle how comfortable is it while riding and how does my rear feel after the ride and for the next day or so. this saddle is one of the first ever that has worked for me right out of the box. i've only done three rides on it thus far but the saddle has caused no discomfort so far. some of my favorite saddles, including the previous edition of this saddle on my other bike, have taken some time and many trials to determine whather they were keepers or not. barring surprises, this saddle looks like a lucky find. it is comfortable with just the right amount of padding. perhaps a little weighty.
I had never ridden a cutout saddle and didn't know what to expect. This saddle is very comfortable to me. I like the relief the cutout provides. The gel is plenty firm. For a few extra negligible grams I believe I made a good choice in selecting this saddle.
I still have a 5 year old Selle Italia seat that I still use. However I purchased a new Full carbon bike and the seat that comes with this bike is not comfortable for me. This particular seat that I ordered from Tires Direct was a little too firm for me. So I talked to an associate from the returns dept. who was very helpful in suggesting a seat that might be more comfortable for me. So I ordered it and his advice was excellent. I really like this new seat. It is Selle Italia L2 Man Gel Flow, a good fit for me and meets my comfort needs. Great company to do business with, quality products at very fair prices. I have been road biking for 60 plus years but my passion for the last 20 years is mtn. biking.
No more numbness in the man parts, but my sit bones feel like someone has spent two hours kicking me in the ass after my rides. Still tweaking the seat angle and it has gotten slightly better. But the jury is still out on this one.
Switched my stock saddle with Max SLR and immediately noticed a huge improvement. It was my first cut out saddle and they really do work with blood flow. The gel still has the firmness needed for longer rides. Lastly, the saddles looks sweet on my bike. With BTD prices, this saddle is a great value.
have used selle italia gel saddles both off and on road for years and have found they consistently deliver comfort, high performance with long lasting durability. they handle mud, wet, sand and sweat and still look great after a clean up and air drying.
most of my riding is now on the road for recreation and commuting so would expect my selle italia saddles to last for quite sometime.
This saddle is the right shape for me and the gel provides just enough give without being soft. The big cutout works for me, too. I'm 6'1 and 185 lbs. Fairly flexible, can touch my toes, and ride in what I'd call a moderately aggressive position.
I brought the Selle Italia SLR Gel Flow to replace my Selle Italia C2 Gel Flow since it was wearing out. I shift my riding position a lot on 200K and 300K rides, thus I thought the Max SLR Gel Flow's flatter profile would suit me better than the curve shape of the C2. It is a lightweight saddle with a larger cut-out than my C2 which I thought would relieve pressure point from my seat bone area of my butt.
Unfortunately, the mid-point on the both side of the saddle is too shallow compared to the C2 and did not have enough support for my seat bone on my 5'6, 142 lb frame, causing some major bruising after one ride. I wind up exchanging it for the Flite Flow which is a wider saddle with even flatter profile on the recommendation of one of the sales rep. It is just as light as the Max SLR Gel Flow but with much more support for my seat bone. Thank you BTD for great customer service in product knowledge and hassle-free exchange. It is few of the reasons why I continue to shop from BTD.
This is my second SLR. I have not found a performance saddle for road riding that matches the SLR's comfort, suppprt and overall killer cosmetics. Other saddles I currently own Brooks Cambium B17 and WTB Silverado.
This is my 4th Selle Italia Max Saddle over the past 7 years. I average 4,000 miles per year and lots of long distances rides. This saddle is great for longer (50+mile) rides, comfortable and fits just right.
I ride gran fondos and do training rides of 30 to 60 miles in between. This seat is soft enough to make the ride as comfortable as possible yet rigid enough to transfer the forces efficiently. i feel most comfortable on seats with cut out's, and this one fits me well.