Bike Setup: masi gran corsa frame,neuvation wheels, bontrager race lite rubber, easton carbon bars, syntace stem, san marco aspide carbon seat, alien carbon post, sram force chain, crank,cassette, brakes, ultegra derailers and shifters, reynolds ouzo fork. yes still using spd shimano pedals I will until they fall off.
Summary: i can say after 5,ooo miles i have had the saddle time for this review. i waited due to not knowing if i was going to keep this saddle for the same reasons as many, looks like it hurts.
it is true-total carbon shell, no padding and like the other reviews listed i also wish a had a dollar for every comment on the seat. most folk just stare and ask how do you ride on this. In disbelief they tap on it to justify what their eyes are seeing
fantastic seat, nice sweat spots, looks dam sexy, lightweight with plenty of give. i am 5'6 and 210 lbs, started riding this saddle at 227 lbs. so far i am very confident in this saddle and dont see it breaking any time soon. i have it attached to an alien carbon seat post. i still check if i have low pressure in the tires because it is so comfortable.
other reviews advise to wear good huggies...i agree it is still full carbon and a hard shell. i also plan on riding this saddle for a long time.
i am giving a 5 for value and overall. you definately get what you pay for in this product. i know from being in the manufacture industry that san marco is banking on this but that is what i like. without these type of esoteric products i think we would lose some of our wish list.
i am also very frugal when shopping for cycle equipment and found this to be the only item i almost paid retail for and i am happy.
Bike Setup: 2004 Giant TCR Composite 1
2004 Aegis Aro Svelte
2001 Cervelo P2K
1996 Pinarello Montello
ALL
Dura Ace
Speedplay
ASPide Composites
Summary: I love this saddle! I've been riding these for three years now and can't say enough about them.
I have one on all my (4) road bikes and I wouldn't ride another saddle.
If I had a dollar for every time someone said to me "that looks like it hurts", I'd be a rich man.
The truth is though, it's the most comfortable saddle I've had under me.
Ever!!
Selle San Marco's new website has a new "S.I.Z.E." ad campaign that basically suggests certain models based on, primarily, rider weight.
It appears the ASPide Composite maxes out at about 65kg (143lbs).
I only mention this because I'm 6'2" and about 86kg (188lbs) and have never felt unsafe or had any problems.
I do, however, recommend shorts or bibs with a good chamois.
It might also take a bit of getting used to, as I vaguely remember. Doesn't every saddle, though?
This saddle has sharpish edges that can be a bit unnerving at first, but after a few rides you don't even think twice about it.
Now, I barely notice it under me at all. It's that comfortable.
Hard to believe, I know.... until you try it.
By the way, I'm also 46, so it's not just for those young butts out there :-)
In my opinion, this is the most comfortable and most beautiful saddle out there in the market.
I highly recommend this saddle ~~~~ but take the time to get used to it and wear a good chamois.
Strengths: Weight
Comfort
Look
Weaknesses: can chip if not careful
Similar Products Used: ASPide
ASPide Arrowhead
Flite
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Summary: At first i thought i made a big mistake. As i had seat adjusted too high. The edges are sharp/thin and was cutting into my very inner most thigh. Then i lowered my seat 1.5 cms and voila..This is the best feeling Seat EVER!!!!
It feels great, doesnt hurt, infact its smoothness is almost invigorating and arousing. During Climbing its awesome. I will never use another saddle.
This is not for the novice rider.
Careful..a barney knocked my bike over and slightly chipped the seat. Remember it is composite, not leather and padding.
Strengths: Light Weight
Smooth
Invigorating
Weaknesses: Somewhat fragile.
Will chip if dropped
price*(but nothings too good for my booty)
Similar Products Used: san marcos USPS
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Bike Setup: LOOK 585 frame, Cinelli Ram handlebar and seatpost, Ksyrium wheels, Selle San Marco saddle, everything else is Dura Ace.
Summary: Absolutely hard as it is supposed to be (all carbon). However, it does not hurt as it looks like. Well built to fit rider anatomy. Some tall riders (above 6ft) might not like this saddle.
Strengths: Extremely light and sexy
Weaknesses: Take time to get used to it. It can cut your shorts or even your butt if you don't pay attention to it :)
Similar Products Used: Selle San Marco Aspide USPS
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Bike Setup: - 2002 Trek 5900
- 2004 Dura Ace 10 spd
- Speedplay Zero stainless
- Spinergy Xaero Lite
- Michelin Axial Pro (2500 mi and counting!)
- Easton EC90 bars
- Easton EC70 seat post
- Deda Newton 31 stem
Summary: I managed to save 33% by purchasing this saddle on eBay, but it's still pricey at $200.00. I've used it on a few rides and here's my impression:
If you haven't seen one of these saddles at your bike shop, you might think from the photos that it has at least some padding. It doesn't. It's simply a hard carbon shell molded into the ASPide shape. Needless to say, don't ride this saddle unless you have a really good chamois between it and you (if you can afford to buy it you probably have top-of-the-line shorts anyway). Since I have logged many miles in a regular ASPide, the transition wasn't all that abrupt, but the lack of padding would be a factor for me in a century ride. This would be a terrific race-day seat for criterium or one-day short races, when you're looking to shave those last few grams off your high speed ride. At a feather-light 100g, it's 60g lighter than my usual ASPide, but losing those 60g is costly...
There is some small give in the titanium rails and very slight flexing of the saddle, which helps dampen road vibrations somewhat. Like carbon-soled shoes, this makes for very efficient power transfer when you really need to hammer it. However, I've rated it a "3" for value, since most racers can generate plenty of power on lesser seats without resorting to high-tech saddles like this one.
Since I've only used this saddle a few times, I can't comment on its lifespan. The build quality is outstanding and the carbon weave is definitely an attention getter. Given the cost, I'd recommend you only use it as a race-day seat and not for your everyday noodling. Using it as an everyday saddle would be like using a Porsche as a grocery-getter; it's more than up to the task, but you're not really making optimal use of its capabilities.
Strengths: - Weight
- Build quality
- Power transfer
- "Bling" factor
Weaknesses: - Price/weight savings
- No padding
- Durability?
Similar Products Used: - San Marco ASPide
- San Marco Arami Gelaround
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