Bike Setup: Specialized Tarmac S-works w/ full DA
Calfee bamboo w/ full SRAM Force
Summary: I was intrigued by the promo material and video the company have only, along with the testimonials posted there. I liked it so much on one of my road bike that I bought another for my other road bike. But after a month or so of use I found that the leather in the nose stretched out and rubbed my thighs. Despite having the Second Kind watershedding on the underside, the saddle I road in a very rainy century sagged in a very extreme fashion. Called and spoke to Tom the owner who at first was helpful but he fatigued of my queries as the sagging and stretching continued: he stopped responding altogether. Both saddles ended up in the garbage.
Strengths: It was probably the most comfortable saddle I've ridden, and it looks nice too.
Weaknesses: Stretchy leather ends up rubbing on your thighs and hurts! Brooks saddle leather is far more rigid, but that certainly keeps them from spreading and hence rubbing against your thighs.
Similar Products Used: Brooks, Specialized, Fizik, Selle Italica, Selle SMP, Terry
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Summary: Put the saddle on my Trek 5200 and tweaked the fit per the included manual for saddle treatment and fit. I then had a bike fit and moved the saddle per the fit. On one of the first rides with the saddle, I hit a divot on the road and came down hard on the saddle, bending the rails. I communicated with the manufacturer's support personnel, and despite their disagreement about using a Thomson Elite post (there are confusing "acceptable seatpost guidelines" in their manual), they agreed to replace the saddle. I mailed it in, but I was told "they were traveling to Europe" and wouldn't be able to service me for a month. A month and a half later I was told they "forgot" about my case (despite having my saddle in hand) and at that point I asked for a refund rather than replacement. However, they only credited me $120 of the $175, keeping the original sales tax and $55 for "their trouble and the saddle treatment I kept." Quite unreasonable customer service attitude when they "forgot about this case" and I assumed I would get a replacement. Beware of this manufacturer's service. I tried to "buy American" but this is unbelievable customer service.
Strengths: Comfortable while I rode it.
Weaknesses: Very poor manufacturer customer service. Surprisingly very heavy (500 gms, as heavy as a Brooks). Weak CroMoly Rails. No warranty support if bought off eBay. Confusing manual for "supported" seatposts.
Similar Products Used: Brooks saddles, terry saddles.
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Bike Setup: carbon frame, Shimano 7800 Dura Ace components, Ritchey PRO Carbonfiber seat post, Ritchey Protocol WCS hubs & rims.
Summary: I've had this saddle for a little over a year now. It is by far the most comfortable seat I have used to date (and I've have many). It is comfortable in those long rides, and I am never distracted by the pain that some of my old saddles used to cause. However it's effect is most notable when I transition from the bike to the run. There is no numbness in my legs and my legs are much stronger and ready to run.
Summary: Worst product in terms of durability. My seat stretched out to the point where I could not tighten the adjuster bold any further. Sides flared out causing discomfort when pedalling and damage to shorts. I'm only 150lb. so surprised at short life span of this product. It's also very heavy. I think the Brooks slotted saddle is a better design due to the lacing system it uses to prevent sag and potential premature stretching. My crotch now hits the seat post bolt that sticks straight up as it sags to much, thus making it useless.
Weaknesses: Premature stretching, sagging. Flaring out of sides creates discomfort and damage to clothing. With adjuster bold maximized, the length of saddle is increased thus having your clothing snagged on the nose. Expensive for what you get. Short life span.
Similar Products Used: Selle Italia Flite, WTB, Various slotted designs, Gel seats.
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