I began riding longer distances and found that over 100 miles I fell into that category of finding discomfort and numbness on long rides. I tried probably 15 different saddles and some really good, really expensive ones and found this one. I can go 200 miles without issues now and have been doing so for about 4 years. I do have the other saddles and a couple of trainer bikes for the Winter. I limit my training rides to no more than 2.5 hours and have no issues with them so put to good use. I would give it 5 stars on value and it is priceless for giving me the extra miles ...but it's not a steal at $250!! I highly recommend this saddle and will replace the one I have with the same model as long as they make them!
I find the cutaway saddles really help relieve pressure on the soft tissues. Probably all the cutaways do this reasonably well. I was previously using a Koobi Pro saddle that worked fine. But that saddle is fairly flat and a bit wide, so it would chafe the inside of my thighs. After about 50-70 miles the backside got a bit tender. I was able to get a Selle SMP Pro at a great price, so decided to give it a try. I now have Selle SMP saddles on all my bikes. The sloped sides eliminated any thigh chafing. It was even completely comfortable (no chaffing) from day 1 after I hadn't ridden for a few months due to an injuries. The raised horn takes a bit of getting used to. But when adjusted properly it really helps prevent any slipping off the seat front. After 70 or so miles, you know you have been on a bike saddle, but it is still relatively comfortable. These are pricey saddles, but well worth it.
The key to remember when buying Selle SMP saddles is that there are model categories that have different widths. Then within a category the saddles have different firmness. I lucked out that the Pro fit me just right. But make certain you carefully check the saddle width before you buy.
No break in time required, I have ridden for 60 years and have tried many different saddles. I recently purchased an AM TRS with a Brooks Flyer Special and the seat was out of adjustment and I had Perineal issues but this saddle has allowed me to continue riding, to say I am pleased is an understatement. I just wish I could afford to put one on the AM as this one was on my road bike!
I rode on a Fizik Aliante saddle for four years. Very comfortable and functional until I began to experience some discomfort after rides in terms of my sensitive parts. Seemed to be messing with the nerve or blood flow or something. This saddle is firm and very comfortable and I can tell you that the important parts get total circulation and freedom from restriction. I love it. I love it. I am 5'9' and weigh 190 (on a good day). I'm also looking at 65 (ouch). Excuse my 90's schtick, but this thing is the Bomb! My goal is to keep all parts in excellent working order until the Reaper says done. Thank you Selle for a really fine male enhancement product (did I just say that?). Spendy, but worth every dime. Extremely fine Italian workmanship. Get it.
Unfortunately, I did not get to use this on my bike. Due to the design of the saddle - the way the sides sweep down right next to the rails - I was unable to slide the saddle far enough rearward on the post because the clamp on the post hit the sides saddle. On a saddle this expensive, I think a design flaw like that is totally unacceptable.
Initially seems to be comfortable but after about 25 miles this saddle hardness seemed to be quite noticeable. It's seems to me there are other less expensive saddles with equally good material-workmanship and comfort. I'd say for the price this saddle should walk on water.
Great saddle. This is my 2nd one. After 3 years my first seat had a rail break. Ordered another one. This seat is very comfortable and after a long ride nothing has become numb.
The manufacturer had a replacement rail shipped to me within 3 days so now I have a backup saddle.
I highly recommend this saddle.
The Selle SMP Pro is a work of art that will keep your blood flowing where it counts the most. Preserving your family legacy may or may not be important to you, but I like to keep my options open. Just make sure you check out SMP's site and get a saddle that's appropriate for you. I'm big-boned (aka Clydesdale) at 6' 210 and the PRO is perfect for me. It has a wide profile and feels substantial...not like a whale on a tic tac. Fit is everything, you have to get it right. The leather cover and stitching are true Italian craftsmanship. Yes! It is pricey! But you get what you pay for. I fully expect this saddle to keep me cranking on and off the bike for years.
I have 3 bikes and this saddle is on everyone of them, comfort is what I was looking for and boy did I find it with the Selle SMP Pro. 51 years old and still enjoying the ride.
Well I am old and have tried many seat and this just fits great and you can ride after that 20 mile limit you know the seat fits.
I bought the Selle SMP Pro saddle but found that there was too much cushioning for my tastes. I returned it to Bike Tires Direct and purchased a Selle SMP Dynamic instead which is perfect for me, not too soft and not too hard - just right.As always Bike Tires Direct were great to work with.
I love this seat and have had most of my friends switch to it. I ride the pro that is 143mm wide because of my sit bones. They make different models and widths. Measure your sit bones and get the model for you. They recommend 500 miles on break in.
Was not having a great time with my stock seat (ProLogo Scratch Pro). Was not able to ride for long periods without discomfort due to the seats 134mm width. Researched and demo'd a few seats including Fizik Aliante. It was better but not quite what I was looking for. Made the choice on the Selle SMP Pro and was amazed at the difference. The width is perfect for me, the cut out is well appreciated, and the styling is very cool. I couldn't be happier. Great saddle!
I like the saddle but it was just a bit too wide for me (I am 5'8', weigh about 170 lbs), so in the end I returned it - BTD did a great job refunding my purchase immediately. I think the saddle is really good, the only reason why I am giving 4 stars is the incorrect size.
I looked at the sizing table on the Selle SMP website and originally picked the bigger and softer SMP Pro. After trying the Pro for couple days, I ordered the SMP Glider.
I absolutely love the Glider (though I wish it were a bit softer). It is very similar to Pro, just a bit smaller and a bit harder and a bit lighter. At the end, the Glider was a much better fit. My bike looks awesome and (more importantly) it feels great! No more pressure on the soft parts. Well worth the money.
Anyway, a great saddle, just make sure you pick the right size - Selle's guide is somewhat helpful but in the end you have to try it.
I was having upper back and neck pains, common to long riding cyclists. My first ride on this saddle I noticed a 90% reduction on upper neck and upper back soreness. The feel of the saddle is outstanding. Prior criticisms I'd read of this saddle such as not be able to steer the bike w your legs because of the point down nose of the saddle are unfounded in my experience. It's simply an outstandingly engineered product and I appreciate you offering the product for sale.
I've logged about 1000 miles on this seat so far and the boys and I really like it. Great on short and long rides and is very comfortable. I would highly recommend this seat if your privates take a nap during a long ride. Very high quality materials. When I got clipped by a truck a couple of months ago the seat came thru in perfect condition. Wish my leg had.
