Summary: I used the Selle Italia Flite Trans Am for at least 5 years. It was the best saddle I ever had in terms of comfort and durability. I always put this saddle on the bike I was riding the most, including a heavily used off-road bike.
Strengths: extra width under sit bones, center ventilation
Weaknesses: out of production
Similar Products Used: tried everything. nothing comes close.
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Bike Setup: 2003 Trek 2300 custom painted, 63cm
9spd Ultegra with 180mm Dura-Ace cranks & Carmichael derailleur pulleys (soon to be SRAM Red/Force mix)
Thomson seatpost, Deda Newton stem, Ritchey Pro bars, Easton circuit wheels, Look PP396 pedals
Summary: Since this saddle is no longer available from Selle Italia, I had to find one new-old-stock on Ebay. I have owned one previously, which will go on my trainer/off-weather bike. I have had a number of saddles in the past twenty years; the only ones that came close was my classic San Marco Concor Superleggera, and the Terry Zero (like the TransAm, but its plastic shell started to sag). I have logged thousands of miles and two cross-state tours, and always been comfortable.
Strengths: Enough padding to cushion, not so much that it's uncomfortable. Perfect for my sit bones. Titanium rails. Quality leather cover. Still cheaper than the rising cost of today's quality saddles.
Weaknesses: Hard to find; whenever I find the perfect product, it is discontinued by the time I need a new one.
Similar Products Used: SM Concor SL, SM Linea, San Marco Era Luxe (*shudder*), SI Flite Gel (ouch), Specialized BG Comp, Terry Zero
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Summary: This saddle came on my 2004 Giant TCR2. It took a couple hundred miles to break it in properly, but now I won't use anything else. I had no idea how good I had it until I tried a couple other saddles which hurt terribly. This saddle is comfortable for centuries or for racing. I'm going to outfit my other bikes with Trans Am's as well.
Strengths: Comfort, weight*(lighter than most)
Weaknesses: weight*(not for weight weenies either), took a bit of time to break in
Similar Products Used: Selle Italia Flite, Velo(for Fuji), Selle Italia ProGel(or something like that)
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Summary: I have used this saddle only about four times, but that was enough to convince me that it's not for me. I found it uncomfortable as soon as I sat on it. I had a professional "fitting" and he improved it a little. After just 30 minutes though, my bottom gets numb and starts aching. I find myself squirming around on it to get comfortable..but all I get is PAIN. I'm fairly skinny without much natural padding down there, so maybe that's the problem. Off to bike shop to try Fizik Arione (and others possibly).
Strengths: Light weight, good looks, quality construction.
Weaknesses: Uncomfortable which negates any good things about it. Might as well be sitting on a brick.
Similar Products Used: A brick!
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Summary: When you know the saddle isn't there you know your on a great saddle. This saddle is the best. I never experinced any pain or numbness. This will always be the saddle of choice for me. I can sit on this saddle for a very long time. I can even move around a little for comfort. I'm 5'10 160 lbs it works for me. I don't think this saddle was designed for the large or overweight. No race products are!
Strengths: Stiff, but not hard. Definitly an all day saddle.
Weaknesses: Wish they had color combos.
Similar Products Used: None
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