Selle Italia Flite Gel 08

Price Paid:  $120.00 at web

Favorite Ride:
Where the cars are not

Bike Setup:
A shiny beast with Dura Ace on board.

Summary:
I'm a long time user of Flites (10 years), they suited my rear end perfectly. My current Flite wore out so I bought the newly restyled Flite Gel 08 (really damn ugly in my book). But the shape has changed. The old Flite was very comfy - this one actually hurts my sitbones, (I just couldn't break it in) and it's also narrower than the older (classic) one by around 15mm. My sitbones couldn't get a proper positioning on this – I'm 185cm. One of the most uncomfortable saddles I've ridden in 15 years.

Strengths:
Looks like it's well made.

Weaknesses:
So damn hard! and narrow, and painfully uncomfortable. Selle Italia – you've ruined a classic! The new design didn't grow on me either...

Similar Products Used:
Old Flite(s), Fizik Arione (ouch), Fizik Aliante (not bad – but no.2 to the old Flite).

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Price Paid:  $220.00 at yellow jersey

Favorite Ride:
karana

Bike Setup:
Tarmac S-works, Dura-ace

Summary:
This review is actually for the gel - flow Flite 08.
I have been pleasantly surprised with this saddle. It is firm but flexes significantly to give a very supple ride. I don't like flat edged saddles which dig into your inner thighs, & this saddle fits the bill nicely. Much less pressure on the perineum than with my old Arione. Looking 'round at the races the other day, it would appear this saddle has become a bit of a favourite in Australia.

Strengths:
Light, great shape, firm but flexes so is supple.

Weaknesses:
Rails are oval in shape. This means it will NOT fit any of the side clamp posts eg specialized & Bontrager. Selle Italia actually claim that these seatposts cause premature rail breakage.

Similar Products Used:
Old flite gelflow, Selle Italia SLK, Fizik Arione, Koobi PRS