Why the Selle SMP should be on your bike

[@jimmayer7779]

I would like to thank Neill and Cam for producing and sharing this video about Selle SMP saddles. Because of the content of this video I was able to overcome more than 10 years of hip pain by switching to the Drakon saddle. After 6 rides I have not had any hip pain!! While the "look" of the saddle is odd, it feels better not to be moving around on the saddle so much. It has improved my pedaling, comfort, speed and cadence. Your efforts have helped me tremendously.

[@chrispana220]

Been on a Selle Drakon for years then moved to sqlabs, but after a bit of adjusting I’ve finally found the sqlabs works well for my parts…also it was important to install on a 0 offset seat post (bmc roadmachine 01) which I had to buy seperately , I had a lot of trouble with a +15mm offset, something to look into as a lot state you need a zero offset for it their saddles to work best… Neil was my first fitter when he was Melbourne based, luckily I’ve become a bit of a part time fitter myself, highly recommend him and his process.

[@hanifschanel]

I've been using sqlabs for 2 years now, should i try selle drakon or just stay with Sqlabs?

[@timoldham801]

Thanks Neil, love my SMP evolution. Best saddles on the planet

Next time, please discuss SMP Well S. Very unusual construction - for size S, the shape differs significantly from the M version. There are special "holes" for ischial tubercles, the manufacturer thought that for very narrow pelvises, the construction and not just the width must be different ! AMAZING stuff :)

[@sanktjohanser]

Neil has definitely changed my outlook on bikefitting - as well as instilled a healthy skepticism for all bikefitters I encounter! Please pass a huge thanks on to him. With regards to the saddle issue - I switched to a SQlab saddle about 4 years ago and it changed things for me drastically. Recently I‘ve been riding 1000km+ distances. As my behind parts are pretty much sit bones covered by skin - it‘s caused me to look for other options. I would really be interested in hearing Neil‘s opinion on the Infinity bike saddles - saw that a couple other people mentioned them in the comments. Thanks again for the great videos and all the time you invest in the channel - makes me wanna move to Australia!

[@peterwillson1355]

What does tiding 1000k distances mean? In a week, in a month, in a year.....

[@sanktjohanser]

@@peterwillson1355 yea, I didn't explain that very well. I ride mostly Brevets and Ultra-Cycling Events. The time limit tends to be around 80 - 90 hours for 1000im.

[@paulflory3532]

My first encounter with SMP saddles was at a fitting: the fixture had a SMP Carbon Lite (bare carbon, SS rails) mounted on it. I looked at it and thought, "Boy that looks uncomfortable but at least I won't be on it very long!" Found it so comfy that I got one and rode on it for several years! Then I developed a cyst Down There (probably NOT due to the saddle). After that healed, decided some padding might be prudent. Now I use Dynamics (same shape as the Carbon Lite, 5mm padding) on the road and a Drakon (same shape, 1cm padding) on the trainer. Rarely aware of the saddle at all while I''m riding, which is what you want. SMP's are pricey but at least they shouldn't be a wear item. (1) Yes the range of saddles they produce is too big. It helps that many of them fit into two basic shapes with varying thicknesses of padding. The wider Carbon Lite/'Forma/Dynamic/Drakon/etc and the narrower Carbon family. (2) Because the saddle angle is so critical, it's important to level the bike axle-to-axle by shimming when setting the angle. This includes trainers, which IME require shimming for use (unless you want to train up or down hill constantly). Rather than measure drop of the saddle, I prefer to use a digital level set on a (straight!) block of wood resting on the top of the nose and the top of the rear of the saddle. This ensures consistent measurements when trying different angles.

[@brothermaynard3759]

This video is the most significant cycling video I’ve ever viewed. Based upon it, I purchased an SMP Drakon saddle. Just returned from a 31 mile ride. Best cycling-related money I’ve spent! My backside is pain free, my sit bones are not inflamed, my right knee is pain free and my legs are not fatigued as they have been in the past. Took on the advice and dropped the nose down about 12mm all the while placing the saddle in approximately the same position on the seat post as the previous saddle. May want to tweak the fore/aft position a bit, but overall, I couldn’t ask for a better experience out on the bike. Thanks gentlemen!

[@keithmyerscough9900]

Taken the plunge with a dynamic, good second hand FB marketplace £90 purchase. First ride instantly felt the relief the open channel gives the old chap , Will fine tune over next few rides but wow what a difference from my fizik Aliante 👍👍👍

[@sb7319]

After a long deliberation and reading Steve Hoggs reviews, I finally bought a Dynamic saddle. The thing is definitely not cheap but it’s the first saddle that I’ve ever really felt rock solid on. Should of got one 20 years ago! The angle is a pain to set up, but the setback is great-the rails allow you to move back and forwards without have to correct your seat height. The saddle tells you if your not sat correctly, cos you feel either the ramp or the tail if it’s out. Posture is a lot better too since I’m sat snug and can’t move around. I can even feel my core being more relaxed than before. Great videos by the way Neill 👍. They really have helped a lot . Thanks 🙏

[@paulflory3532]

I don't know if this is true elsewhere but for a modest fee the SMP distributor in the US (Albabici) will mail you any 3 SMP's (your choice, except for the bare carbon ones) to test for a few weeks. To prevent you from just keeping them, these test models are an ugly half yellow/half red. Free shipping to you, you pay the return postage (they fit nicely into a flat rate Priority Mail box). The modest fee will be credited towards the purchase of a saddle. I did this and it was very helpful.

[@michaelmccann3469]

This is great to know...I purchased several saddles on ebay, the 209, drakon and dynamic and tested them out for several weeks. I ended up on the dynamic and has been an excellent saddle. This would have saved me on the resale of the ones I didnt' keep.

[@paulflory3532]

@@michaelmccann3469 SMP test saddles are also at some bike shops and fitters. A warning: SMP saddles tend to multiply. I have 6: 2 Dynamic, 2 Drakon, 2 Carbon Lite bare carbon. Also, the bare carbon ones can be damaged if your bike falls over or in a crash. Forma has a leather covering, no padding, and a more durable carbon-reinforced nylon base (and is less expensive and only slightly heavier). BTW Albabici is very easy to deal with.

[@rki3316]

Amazing saddle.Just finished my first ride before i finished to watch this movie...and WOW.Comfort and power transfer of this one are amazing.I felt something like this actually first time (maybe beacuse im amateur and this is my 5th saddle).AMAZING .Worth every penny.

[@AdamEwart]

O, how I have longed for a proper side by side style rundown of these saddles! I've been interested in trying these out (coming from a Spesh Romin addiction), but their cost is not conducive to experimentation. Thank you Neill, this one is going straight to the bookmark section for future reference. Great vid!! 👌

[@bridwell34235]

Thanks for all the truly helpful information! I am a retired senior (75) getting back into cycling for fun and health. So many channels have great info if you are going to be competitive or younger :-). After watching this video about 8 weeks ago I went on the website, used their saddle finder, and it gave me 3 options. I found a fairly local shop that carried smp and tried out 2 of the 3 they had in shop and settled on the smp 1st recommendation for me. Since I have put it on a new bike and have finally gotten the height and position pretty close to right I think and it has been great! Thanks so much. Wish I had seen something like this before retirement as I used t travel to Oz a couple of times per year for business (Melbourne and Sydney) as I would greatly appreciate being able to consult with you for fitting shoes, etc. I have not been able to find a fitter here in our area. Again thanks for all the great info!

[@martinmartin400]

this is just massmarketing without telling and he is reported!

[@ivanmazur9233]

One issue that I had with the SMP Drakon was on the trainer. As Neil mentioned, these saddles tend to lock you into place, which could be good for outdoor riding, but really challenging on an indoor trainer. I had to switch to Selle Italia Bost for indoors.

[@arifazhari7598]

Just like pro stealth saddle

[@aubreyxengland]

I just picked up a selle italia boost for this same reasoning.

[@Anthony-pr1cy]

Grateful for your comment. Been looking for a new saddle for the trainer and glad I saw this. Thanks Ivan!

[@thomasraywood679]

The Gel Flow version of the Selle Italia Turbomatic Team saddle (which came out in late 2009) has almost the exact profile of their SMP Nymber. Both also have carbon rails, and weigh 230g. Where the Nymber saddle is 239X267mm, the Team is 250X275mm, making it about 5mm wider than the Nymber per lobe. More importantly, with the obvious exception of the anteater nose on the Nymber (which is why it's shorter), a visual inspection of the two saddles proves them almost identical. There's an ever so slight increase in the slope or rise of the Nymber back in the last couple inches which, as you say for the SMP generally, tends to help anchor the rider. It's accomplished by padding, not platform/substrate. But what the Team saddle does at that same juncture is close off the split. This is right where the coccyx plants, and this accomplishes the same thing as the SMP without the slight change in rise. I find it remarkable that your favorite version of your favorite saddle is a race winning profile Selle successfully hit upon fourteen years ago.

[@Silidons91]

I am 90kg and have used the Selle SMP Dynamic for over a year and I love it.

[@FuriousFilipino]

Had I not found this channel, I wouldn’t have tried any Selle SMP saddles. I need a more padded saddle due to an asymmetric ischial pubic ramus, so I started with a Well S Gel. The gel feels great, but the transition from gel to high-density padding was too abrupt and I would get hot spots at the transition point. Went with a standard Well S and it feels so much better. I also purchased the Hybrid, which is the lighter version of the Extra and has more padding than the Well for use on my stationary/Zwift setup.

[@canepaper967]

lol this is one of the best advertisements for a saddle I've seen.

[@kennethallen2018]

I really appreciate this channel, especially Neil’s knowledge about bike fit (saddles, cockpit, cranks). It is all very helpful. I don’t know if they respond to questions, but I wonder what Neil’s opinion on the Selle Smp Pro saddle is. Ive used it, and liked it for the most part. I think it was one of their flagship saddles, so i am curious to hear Neil’s opinion. It is very wide, and fairly well padded. I also appreciate that they use high quality leather, Selle SMP that is.

[@vitorcosta8765]

Loved my SMP saddle when I used MTB. Numbness was gone once I started using it. Was an amazing saddle. And as a heavy (100+) person, it was great and comfortable to me.

[@yuvrajmahendru2149]

Which model did you use with your MTB?

[@vitorcosta8765]

@@yuvrajmahendru2149 SMP Hybrid

[@degolas2971]

I, too, also like the sensation of being held 🥺

[@anthonybennett6089]

Best thing I ever bought - supreme comfort and well worth the money.

[@DiegoCamarero]

I ended up here as I'm a faithful user of Sell SMP saddles in all my bikes. But I can't help noticing that Spanish BH (BH stands for 'Beistegui Hermanos') is a damn mean rocket. Stiff, aero, no-nonsense rim brakes. Gotta love it.

[@tylerherriman5243]

I have the Vulkor and absolutely love it! I must thank Colby Pierce for getting me on one!

[@TheMerckxProject]

I can second what Neill says about the nose tilt, and the Nymber. I've had one for two years, and once I finally dropped the nose down, it really is the saddle I prefer on my 'speed' bike. I alternated between it and a SI Flite with a Superflow cutout. The Flite goes on the endurance frame, the Nymber is on the aggressive frame.

[@geothunder1971]

Been rocking the carbon rail drakon for years! so comfortable I love the that your secure and don't slide back and forth while seated. Hopefully SMP will offer a 3D printed version at some point.

[@bikesavvy3654]

Have been using the composite or full carbon since 2008. Just this year went carbon rails. The Well model suits 99% of my clients

[@Lemond75]

Love the principle of SMPs, and have tried several, but as someone who doesn’t sit squarely on the saddle (despite several bike fits) I can never get fully comfortable on them (or any saddle for that matter). The feeling of stability they offer is fantastic, and you can feel your back and core muscles relax when using them, far more so than with traditional saddles. Whilst expensive, if they fit you then there’s nothing better out there.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Yeah if you're oblique to the bike, SMP's are tough to deal with as they don't tolerate pelvic assymetry as much as a flatter style saddle. Good call! - N

[@davidnicholson6680]

The shape reminds me of the old SSM Concor Supercorsa. My favorite current saddle is the Pro Stealth which is the opposite of this: broad, flat and short.

[@TimothyTakemoto]

I used two SMP SELLE Evolutions and the carbon one for about 10 years and I loved them, but these days I cycle resting my weight on my thighs, not on my pelvis, and cycle "bunched up at the back" like cyclists of old, see-sawing my femur, pushing forwards with my quads and pulling up with my glutes. If you look at old videos of e.g. Eddy Merx they used to even sprint from the back (like they are on a really high recumbent). You can up the cadence and hardly move your femur from horizontal, a bit like the way you can get the most revs from a "powerball" wrist exerciser.

[@BenSietze]

Been using Selle SMP saddles since 2016, not looking at anything else anymore. Started with the Drakon which I love. I got it fitted on the bike perfectly from the start. First time riding with the Drakon, together with some very good bibs, and I literally didn’t notice the saddle at all after multiple hours on the bike. Wanted to try less padding and got the Dynamic. Drakon went on the MTB. Dynamic had a bit too little padding for me at the time. But since then and now I lost a fair amount of weight and the dynamic is a very good fit for me now. Tried the F30 but that didn’t suit me too well. My trekking bike has an SMP and so does the indoor trainer. Got my wife an SMP on her trekking bike and my son a Drakon on his first road bike. All fantastic. Now I just noticed that they have some new models - F30c s.i. and F20c s.i. I just finished building up an allroad bike, now fitted with my old Dynamic - but playing with the idea to try out the F20C s.i. Have you come across this model yet, and what‘s your take on it?

[@brianbecker1468]

Ok so I started with a Nymber and it is great. One comment for everyone trying SMP, don't be afraid to dip the nose, I found nirvana at 25mm down. I started at 12 and kept moving down in 2mm increments using an allen key for a spacer and then levelling the level, worked a treat.

[@fede1275]

I was stupidly put off by the looks of SMP saddles, but got a Selle Italia Novus Boost, the old model. It's an SMP copy, less curved and I love it. The new Novus is now a Power copy.

[@vincem5]

thanks Neill for getting me on the Dynamic years ago and thanks for this video. it is so helpful explaining the differences between them ( so many to choose from) has i have a new bike and a new saddle in needed. a 209 or drakon sound like the one.!

[@Rafael-vu2xn]

I love mine. Long live the beak!

[@StayZero556]

I’ve been running a TRK model and I like it quite a lot. It’s not particularly expensive, either. I think it cost me $80ish.

[@nkpv7108]

Thank you for your detailed and insightful review of all these saddles. I would like to request your advice in choosing the right SMP saddle as a 73 yr. old male long time road cyclist. Currently have a Terry Topo saddle, giving me perineum issues (genital numbness and severe inner thigh chaffing resulting in deep soreness during short/long rides (3-4hrs). Profile:( Hgt-66"- wgt 175-180) I have looked @ the SMP VT30, SelleSMP Drakon, Selle SMP Nymber. Would appreciate your professional advice based on the above issues. Thanks:

[@johnalvar]

Got the Well M1. Excellent coming out of 143mm wide saddle.

[@paulspringall8077]

Brilliant Video...!! I have been looking for ages for information on Set Up Levels....Now I know..Thankyou..!!

[@JohnChristopher-k7u]

OK this is my two cents. The Selle SMP TRK saddle first came to my notice via a riding pal of mine who had one on his Scott E-MTB hardtail and the moment I sat on his bike, I was sold. It’s been on my bike (a Giant Fathom E-MTB hardtail) for almost four years and done well over 1400 miles and in that time it’s been really comfortable, which on a touring e-MTB hardtail was really important. Alas of late, I’ve noticed a quality control issue which has completely destroyed my confidence in the saddle. This issue first came to my attention again via my mate, when his saddle suddenly stated to fall apart with the leather cracking before the material separated itself from the frame of the saddle. He did all kind of hack and bodges in a vain attempt to remedy the problem but in the end he was forced to abandon the saddle altogether. I did not know that it was a fore taste of things to come with my saddle but today my saddle is now scrap with deep gashes and cracks in the leather which could no longer be covered by gaffer tape. Given the cost of the saddle, this poor build quality simply wasn’t good enough. So my final analysis is that the Selle SMP TRK saddle is a great saddle especially if you’re a big/heavy rider doing your thing on a hardtail but (given it’s cost) the quality of it’s build and durability is really poor. As a long term investment for your bike, it isn’t worth it.

[@randy3907]

Dealers usually have the factory red & yellow "test" seats to try

[@RichardMigneron]

Thank you very much, I need a new saddle and always looked at SMP but didn't know where to start.

[@dentalcare1]

My favorite saddle.

[@MarkWilliams-e9d]

Old time fitters knew these saddles 18 years ago. Saddle declinatiom with SMP's is everything.

[@amilmotitalib348]

If you really want true comfortable saddle without pressure on perineum go with infinity or any leather saddle and you have to customized the carved out.

[@paulwhitehead1190]

The SMP lite 209 was a game changer for me.

[@leedorney]

I've used an SMP for longer than I can remember, used the lite 209, raced on that though then went to Pro Shimano thing but I'm on a tt5 and its got cushioning... A mate tried my bike and he said 'it feels like theirs nothing there' lol and I said, yes that's because you aren't getting the pressure on your knob and prostate, they make a lot of sense!

[@robt8042]

Great review Neill, I've been on SMP for over a decade, Dynamic is my current one, love it, before that was Forma, same as Dynamic but no padding.

[@keithuram]

I tried several of the non-pro versions and liked the Well (formerly with the better name, Hell), but found that I had a little pinching on my inner thigh. Tried the Well S (about 5mm narrower and shorter than the Well), and loved it. When I got the angle dialed in I knew immediately. Back pain went away completely. Tried the Extra (same size but more padding). Thought I'd prefer it for gravel. It was fine, but found that the muscles in my lower back fatigued more, so now I have the Well S on everything. I prefer the coverings of the non-pro to the leather of the pro, because I can slide a little easier (not slip). Have you compared the pro to the non-pro series?

[@jonfrderick]

Why does he not mention the Well Series?

[@keithuram]

@@jonfrderick I'd have to go back and watch again, but I think he only mentions the "pro" line, and not their "sport" line.

[@greidgreid]

This content is golden.

[@lovenottheworld5723]

Every time I've tried something else apart from my favourite Selle Italia, I've always done my dough.

[@brandonevans2588]

SMP also has a “saddle finder” on their website but this was excellent for narrowing it down.

[@dxb526]

I like to (counter) lean in corners, would this be a no-go for an SMP?

[@icehouseimages8687]

Tried the SMP Pro last summer. Hated it. Could never get comfortable on it. Replaced it with a San Marco. I went back to it this winter on the trainer where I could make adjustments until I got it right. After 4-5 adjustments I got it dialed in. Best, most comfortable saddle I’ve ever owned. Actually purchased a Lite 209 for my second bike. I’m definitely a fan of these saddles

[@chrisdelaplante5515]

What kind of adjustements ?

[@icehouseimages8687]

@@chrisdelaplante5515lowered the nose to -2 degrees. Also moved the saddle forward a bit. As an update, just purchased a 2nd Lite 209 for my 3rd bike.

[@richardcarr6493]

l found my SMP felt best slightly tilted down which allowed more comfort when grabbing the drops . my previous saddle was painful diamond flat shape with no relief channel WAY OUCH much better now !!

[@Emtbtoday]

I think i jsut got lucky with my new emtb last week i went and bought WTBS new Comfort saddle and im a bigger set guy my new smartphone like saddle that it came with was unbelievable solid no padding but was smart but them years are gone whare a saddle was only for looks lol wtb really have surprised me with this Comfort saddle it looks bigger in pictures etc when looking but its not really its jsut thicker padding and for the price yeah its a winner for me!

[@brianbecker1468]

Hi Neil, I've used a Toupe for many years however I'm currently on a SQ lab Active size 13, after watching your video and am reasonably happy however in the interest of progress, where do you think i should start if I want to try SMP, Drakon, Well, Dynamic, Nymba, Blaster etc? I'm about 78Kg older rider.

[@kkqkhan]

Once putting smp saddle do you have to increase the saddle hight? I feel I'm sitting lower now...

[@KoenStrobbe-fv5us]

Wouldn't it be natural to move your position a bit depending on the type of effort ? for example long steady efforts vs shorter high intensity ones. You'd engage other muscle groups more than the other ?

[@andrewgordon6179]

Had smp saddle, loved it however changed to power saddle when it got to the end of its life.

[@JoeW71]

Neil, first off, thanks for all of your great videos. I became a subscriber shortly after finding you on KZbin. Now for the pesky questions. My pelvis isn't symmetrical, making me not square on the saddle. Would the SMP potentially help or would going with your previous favorite, SQ Labs be a better direction? I'm about 70kg and 71 yrs. old. Thanks much.

[@jimmyduffer9769]

Would love to see what you think about the new smp f20c s.i.

[@chrisziehmer]

Do you have tested the new short nose saddle with no padding, the Selle SMP F20C s.i or Selle SMP F30C s.i.? How do you liked it, in perspective of a bike fitter?

[@KeithHeinrich]

Those who know, know. Makes the bike a better place to be which is all it has to do.

[@goldie6579]

Have one. Love it

[@KyrosHouseCycling]

Im a 79 kg rider with a wide pelvis but only a 105 mm sit bone width, do you think the Blaster is my best bet? Looking on the SMP website, the other saddles sit bone width range starts at 116 mm the blaster starts at 90 mm...

[@rosst8300]

What can you say about VT20/30 models? They have different geometry

[@petersevcik7159]

I was thinking the same thing

[@roadcyclingacademy]

If you like a Superflow, you'll like these (they are super similar). I don't use them a lot, but only because the rider might as well get a Superflow for cheaper - N

[@T_G_C_]

Can you tell me if all the SMP range have the same measure or angle. I have the full carbon model just like yuors and it seems that the back end is higher and more vertical than the other ones you're showing there. If that´s the case then the 10-14mm gap wouldn´t apply, right? Also, could you tell me how the leather skin was applied in your seat? was it just glued? Thanks in advance. Great content!!

[@Tom-xp2vt]

Hi do I take my saddle height from the middle of this saddle to the bottom bracket, taking that both the rear and front of the saddle will then be higher, has me confused

[@dvdp4513]

I went for an SMP in the past. What really was a letdown, was the fact that the saddle regularly slid down backwards. Something with the angle of the rails…?!

[@b-bikesinger]

Which one would You recommend for person with anterior pelvic tilt/ 12.6mm sit bone distance? Smp suggests the VT30c ( gel)

[@DaveCM]

I've been using two SMP saddles for years. It is even better on my gravel bike than on the road bike.

[@davealexander7561]

Neil, thank you for making these videos. After all these years I finally had a pro size my me and my bike correctly. I fractured my neck(c4and 5) and T something not sure which a number of years ago and a disc replacement a year and a half ago. Now I'm finally able to ride again after many years and 30 lbs of weight gain. So I took your advice and after trying quite a few saddles went for the VT30 SMP. I'm almost 66 years old and have ridden all my life and a little race experience in the early 70's. The VT30 has a little more padding than the others, good for my bum since I've lost a bit of muscle back there. Anyway is the tilt the same on all SMP saddles? Mine is at -2.5 degrees nose tilt. Seems ok, just wondering your thoughts.Thanks

[@9psi]

I’ve been using smp dynamic for years

[@9psi]

Wow really! That’s amazing. Aren’t you supposed to add a dodgey link? What is “nicegram”?

[@julianmojica2719]

Hi, question, i feel pression sometimes on My right pelvis bone while pedaling, why is it for? Maybe wrong cleat position?

[@bugsbunny4648]

Is this saddle good for aero agressive position vs the likes of power saddle/stealth

[@cliffordrichardc]

which two is good

[@boriskhodanovich8245]

Feedback about Selle SMP Extra Saddle will be very appreciated. Heavy rider >80 kg, endurance bike with TT clip-on bars, >3 hours ride on average quality pavement

[@bikesavvy3654]

Can I ask who re did the leather in your seat pls.

[@phillipbaruffi]

Do you have a contact in Sydney you recommend for bike fits?

[@DDai-qd8uk]

Thoughts on the new F20c s.i.?

[@Windband1]

Thanks for the info mate. Don't you find that those types of designs really want to push you forward and sort of off the saddle, as well as creating more hand pressure? What do you think? Cheers.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Not really, unless they are malpositioned or angled poorly - just like any other seat really. Often switching to an SMP, the rider will need to lower their bars marginally if the saddle allows extra pelvic rotation to occur - and unless they do this, they will feel heavier on their hands! - Neill

[@Windband1]

@@roadcyclingacademy Thanks.

[@Godspeed961]

6:32 lol how i use that yellow tool ( how it called??) to set the saddle straight??

[@TheAngryHusky]

My wife uses these saddles on her mountain bikes and they are the only saddles she will ride. I admit they are very comfortable.

[@christopheralix8554]

All due respect. Love the content. Last time you suggested I buy a saddle IQ labs. Garbage!

[@mikpopiel473]

Anything on the Well?

[@foxtrot978]

Big down side would be riding in the rain though in my experience😅

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

You didn't discuss the reason for the nose to turn down so much?

[@davidhollinger2987]

Been using a Selle SMP for years now. I've purchased and sold bikes but the Selle stays on my current ride.

[@DittersGustav]

what about spz 3d mirror saddles?

[@invisiblescout6335]

I have a selle italia boost slr and when I'm sitting normally it's good, but when it roll my pelvis forward in a pseudo-aero position I get a ton of perineal pressure and it sucks. I think I should get a tt style saddle but no idea which

[@roadcyclingacademy]

An SQ Labs 612 Active is my pick of the bunch for unloading the perineum, but an SMP (if you choose the right one) can be pretty close! - N

[@dickieblench5001]

What are you hambini?

[@bluemountainstrailfilms3802]

What's your thoughts on an SMP on a TT/Tri Bike. I had an ISM on my tri bike which excited my bike fitter, but I cannot get comfortable on it. I transferred my SMP Drakon across from my CX bike and I'm a lot more comfortable. I'm nearly 60 so comfort on a tri bike is more of a dream than reality! The SMP allows you to push back in the saddle, but I'm not sure if they were designed for an aero TT position.

[@roadcyclingacademy]

I've seen it done, and often it's not a bad option. Dynamics and Lite209's in particular, angled 20-25mm nose down can work in a TT position! - N

[@bluemountainstrailfilms3802]

@@roadcyclingacademy Perfect thanks

[@dlaxman31]

Just coming here from the new Friday email on 2/9/24 and was curious what you recommend for the larger sit bone? @RoadCyclingAcademy

[@roadcyclingacademy]

Reply to the email please so I can forward onto Neill . Cheers, Cam

[@thenicoalfonso]

The black versions are leather right? How do they fare with wet conditions?

[@roadcyclingacademy]

I believe they are kangaroo leather but I might be wrong on that. No problems with wet weather that I've seen although they can stain your white knicks a bit. - Neill

[@truthseeker8483]

I tried all kinds of saddles and the Selle SMP TRK is the only one that is comfortable..I don't care what it looks like so long as it works. The TRK model is much cheaper than the race type models.

[@jpritch69]

Similar with the Extra model. About €50 and comfortable all day long.

[@joelogjam9163]

I have a TRK myself and really love it. The only downsides for some people might be too much padding, and that it's intended to be used in a more upright position. Having said that, I use mine in a moderately aggressive position and it works fine.

[@truthseeker8483]

@@joelogjam9163 I sit more upright than the normal racer crouch..dropped bars raised 60mm and always on the hoods 😃

[@davidbackhouse4106]

I have been using TRK saddles on my touring bikes for about a decade. They really suit the more upright style of riding and the plastic construction means no worries in the wet. I can ride all day every day for weeks on end. But I would not put a TRK on my road bike!

[@glennoc8585]

Isern a few guys on these saddle. It I just can't bear the nose it Reminds me of Gonzo from the Muppet show

[@thedownunderverse]

Bontrager Aeolus is basically this saddle without the dip at the nose (which I still see no good reason for).

[@zroeder]

The nose dip provides a place to sit when you are climbing.

[@thedownunderverse]

@@zroeder when you are climbing you slide back, not forward. That’s what the rear upwards swoop is for.

[@frank6250]

they work for me, everytime I was tempted to buy something else, I regretted it.

[@tomperkins6424]

I think I am on my 11th saddle. I am 100 kg and kind of muscular with some fat covering. I just finished a 2 hour ride on Zwift training for a triathlon. My main problem is the perineum pain. So I spend time riding on the back of saddle and moving my right sit-bone to the left to Relieve pressure. I don’t think my sit bones are that wide. I had them measured and they are 111 mm. If there was no pressure, I would just sit in the same spot and not slide around. When training indoors I tend to ride with my hands on the hood. What would you recommend?

[@hallodidldu]

Did you ever ride a wider one? I’m also quite heavy (85) and have narrow sitbones (105). So, I always tried small models. The point I found out now is that it comes not only to the size of the sitbones in the upright position while sitting on this paper-like test sheet. It is also the shape or better the lateral angle of the sitbones when leaning forward. The sharper the angle, the more narrow the sattel can be. I seem to have a somehow larger lateral angle, meaning that the distance of the contact points of my sitbones do not come that near to each other when I lean forward. So, I tried now some larger models (with perineum channel in addition) and they are much more comfortable for me than all the recommended ones after the pure test results. Does that make sense to you?

[@tomperkins6424]

@@hallodidldu I seem to do better on saddles that are wide and flat across the back without the slope down on the sides. Of course it will be different on a tri-bike than a rode bike. I might go back to my specialized power 155mm or the Ergon. I don’t know.

[@monty2078]

@@hallodidldu I agree with. All bike fits say I should ride about a 130- 140mm saddle as I have 111 sit bones, but , I am never comfortable on less than a 155mm saddle