Selle Italia SMP Strike Evolution

Price Paid:  $240.00 at Montreal

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere

Bike Setup:
Cannondale Synapse SL-1

Summary:
This review is for the Strike Pro. Very comfortable on longer rides and great looking on the bike. Completely eliminated the numbness problems I was having with the F`iz:ik Aliante. However, the metal rails are rubbish and broke after 3 months of riding. This was partly my fault as I am a heavier rider and had the saddle quite far back -but they should not break on a saddle this expensive. Getting them replaced was difficult and lengthy. In the end I swapped it out for a Selle Italia SLR KIT Carbon which I think is nearly as comfortable.

Strengths:
Good looking, comfortable.

Weaknesses:
Rails are rubbish.
Relatively heavy compaired to other saddles that are nearly as comfortable.

Similar Products Used:
Selle Italia SLR KIT Carbon
F`iz:ik Aliante

Price Paid:  $199.00 at The Pro Stuff

Favorite Ride:
Mountain Passes

Bike Setup:
Single speed road: Cannondale Capo
Single speed mountain: Giant XTC Two2one
Touring: Cannondale T700

Summary:
I have two SMP's, the Evolution and the Composite. I love them both. You have to get used to the pressure on your sit bones, but you get immediate relief of the pressure on your perineum. No numbness or pain in the jewels. I use it on all three of my bikes now. It is especially useful on my single speeds where high cadences seem to increase saddle pressure.

Strengths:
Light, relieves perineal pressure, looks cool, lots of colors and padding options.

Weaknesses:
I wish it was cheaper.

Similar Products Used:
No other saddle is really similar.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Favorite Ride:
Saanich

Bike Setup:
Modern steel frame, Ultegra, DT Swiss wheels

Summary:
I borrowed this saddle from a friend to use over a one-week period. Did a couple of long rides and intervals.

I found it the most uncomfortable saddle ever. On my last long ride I had to stand for most of the last 30 minutes. I also developed saddle sores after one week of use...something that has never happened with any other saddle.

However, there was no numbness, because of the design.

I think one of the more heavily padded models might work for me, but at $250, there's got to be a more reasonably priced alternative.

Strengths:
no numbness

Weaknesses:
painfully hard
developed saddle sores
way way way too expensive

Similar Products Used:
Terry TI Race, SLR, Specialized Alias

Price Paid:  $230.00 at Ebay

Favorite Ride:
Blackall Range

Bike Setup:
Scott Addict R3. Trek Madone 5.2. Cannondale T2000 Toruer. Custom built Steel Road bike.

Summary:
Don't know why this is listed under Selle Italias name. It should be Selle SMP. Also there is confusion over which model it is.. either the Strike Pro OR the Evolution.. Having got that sorted I will endeavour to review the Evolution. You will be able to find a review for the Selle SMP Strike Pro saddle under Selle SMP Pro... Ok.... The evolution is a great shape. When I sat on it for the first time it felt very good with no restrictions being felt. This is a great seat for short to medium length rides. It is not comfortable enough for all day rides. In other words it does not have enough padding for long rides. Its always a trade off between the amount of comfort versus the weight. This one is light but lacks comfort for those not hardened to an all day trip. The Strike Pro is better for all day rides but you compromise with weight...

Strengths:
The Selle SMP Evolution saddle is a great shape and a nice weight (245grams approx)

Weaknesses:
Not an all day saddle unless you have a hard as nails butt....

Similar Products Used:
Selle Italia Gel Flow SLR. Various Bontrager saddles. Fizzik Arione.

Price Paid:  $219.00 at Fitwerx

Favorite Ride:
Mad River Century, VT

Bike Setup:
Moots Compact
Campy Chorus Compact
Zipp Bars
Moots post
Ksyrium Sl wheels
Reynolds fork

Summary:
The most comfortable Saddle I have ever owned. No numbness anywhere. No standing up on the pedals to relieve pressure. Does exactly what it is suppossed to. Have two - glider and Pro. Glider is a better fit in warm weather, but not as comfortable on colder days - below 50 degrees.

Strengths:
- Form and Function - enough said

Weaknesses:
Had a evolution - leather cover lasted 1 season - 4000 miles before wearing through to plastic. Now have the Glider and leather is wearing such that the yellow covering is worn however not yet down to the plastic. The PRO with heavier leather/padding seems more durable. A $200 plus saddle should last 10,000 miles. Important to keep tip down at least 1 mm per manual to reduce wear.

Similar Products Used:
Terry