Summary: This saddle came stock on my Airborne and I expected to change it immediately. I tested the Fizik Arione, Arione Tri and Aliante. The Arione didn't live up to the hype. The Arione Tri was significantly better than the basic ARione. The Aliante was excellent. So why am I talking about Fizik sadles when this is supposed to be about the Octavia? As much as I liked the Aliante it wasn't $175 better than the Octavia. I would probably trade the Octavia plus $50 for the Aliante but that's about it. I've done several 40+ mile rides on the Octavia with no numbing and I generally don't even think about the saddle at all. That's pretty good for a 'generic' saddle. I have a Max Flite Gel on another bike I own and I used to think it was a pretty decent saddle. I rode that bike the other day after not riding it for a few weeeks and the saddle was torture compared to the Octavia. I saw Octavia saddles recently in a mail order catalog for $30. That's a great buy for a very good sadlle. Don't let the fact that it's not a Fizik or other high end saddle scare you away. This is a very good saddle at any price.
Strengths: Value
Reasonably padded
Weaknesses: None
Similar Products Used: Max flite Gel, San Marco Era, Fizik Arione and Aliante
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Summary: I had been having lower back problems, for a host of reasons. As part of a pro bike fit, I tried 7 different saddles, and this was the most comfortable and kept my pelvis the most stable.
On 100 mile rides I don't get pressure points or any discomfort. I like the feel of this saddle so much, I fitted it to all 4 of my bikes, 2 of which are mountain bikes.
Strengths: Stability, comfort, handles mountainbike racing too.
Similar Products Used: Sella San Marco Arami, Selle Italia Oktavia Genuine Gel, Turbolite, Ritchey.
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Summary: When I ordered my bike, a Diamondback Hockenheim, I was told the saddle would be basic. I was pleasantly surprised to find the elastic webbing underneath. I have covered 1500 miles on it and apart from losing the graphics still looks like new. I am a great fan of elasticated bases (my mountain bike has a similar design) as they really do give a more comfortable ride for me.
Strengths: Compact, relativeley light and cheap. Comfortable. Wings protected by plastic.
Weaknesses: Not overly grooved like some designs.
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Summary: I had great expectations for this saddle based on what appears to be a solid design. I can't say the saddle has lived up to those expectations. (I weigh approx 185 lbs 5'10")
Strengths: Came in celeste. Looks cool.
Weaknesses: Irritating squeeking sound in nose. Cover began to "flake" after 2 weeks of use. Designed for narrow sit bones.
Similar Products Used: Flite
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Favorite Ride: Newport Coast Drive or the Solvang Century, depending on the time of year...
Bike Setup: Specialized Allez Sport. Speedplay X-1, Ritchy 110 MM stem, Ritchey Pro bars, 105 gruppo. Cinnelli tape, Mich. Pro Race tires, Shimano 540 wheelset.
Summary: Nice Saddle. But they ARE strictly rider's choice! Unfortunatly, you gotta try 'em AFTER ya buy 'em.....
Ong rides (>60 miles) are really no prob. with this saddle. I LOVE Selle Italia saddles... Flite Gel, Turbomatic grace my other bikes. This is the most comfortable, for my butt.
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