Summary: This is an update to the review I posted earlier in this section. Reviewing my mileage records, the 1500 listed in the previous review was probably closer to 900-1000 miles at the time of the review. Here's what's happened since. Read on....
Really more curious about the novelty of the magnesium shell, I got a great deal on a new Mg saddle with the black lorica covering. I've had it installed on two bikes, a Fondriest Carb Level and then a Marinoni Delta Xtra. I was initially quite pleased with the saddle and this continued for most if it's life. With the lorica covering, there's just enough cushion over the mag body of the seat. It wore great with only a small patch that covers some screws at the rear of the seat falling off after a year or so - no big deal. I was even comfortable on a 125 mile ride from Indianapolis to Cincinnati last fall. For what I paid and how it performed, I would have given this a very good rating. However, a few rides ago, while seated over a rough patch of pavement, I heard a loud pop/crack noise from the saddle. Later, I had discovered the mag saddle body had cracked completely in half side-to-side midway between the front and back of the saddle. I've been good to my equipment and have only had the seat mounted for ~1700 miles. It's the first saddle that I've actually had fail on me before I had a chance to replace it. To it's credit, the seat held together well enough for me to safely finish my ride and caused no significant issues in that manner but that is little consolation. I would have expected this saddle to last for several thousands of miles, not just less than 2000. I cannot recommend this saddle.
Strengths: ight, comfortable, different from all the ti/carbon saddles if you like to stand out a bit.
Weaknesses: durability is very low
Similar Products Used: fizik arione, san marco aero, serfas, san marco genuine gel
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Summary: Admittedly, I first bought this saddle for the novelty of it's magnesium construction. Not the best reason obviously, but it's turned out to be a great saddle. I've got the lorica-covered saddle. My butt still likes firm seats and is quite happy on this one. I don't notice much flex at all, but I don't feel any harsh road buzz. I've had this saddle out on a few 50 mile rides and as long as I'm changing position for where and how I'm riding, it's been quite comfortable. The construction seems to be holding up fine and after 1500 miles, the lorica cover looks as good as it did the first day. I liked it well enough on my Fondriest Top Level that I picked up another for my Viner Evolution. Each cost me around $80 which is a great price for this seat.
Strengths: well-made, thin but comfortable lorica padding, comforable for long training rides
Weaknesses: maybe too harsh for long rides that you don't change positions on. the silver logo decal on the nose may wear of quickly - oh well
Similar Products Used: fizik arione, selle san marco aspide, selle italia genuine gel
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Bike Setup: Moots Compact
Full Shimano Dura-Ace
Rolf Prima Elan Aero
Summary: My review is of the leather covered version of the Magma saddle. Like all saddles, fit is the most important aspect of achieving comfort, so in that respect this saddle works for me and I find it quite comfortable. I usually like the minimalist saddles and find them the most comfortable. Before this one I've used the various Flite saddles including the SLR. I've also used the Fizik Arione. All of those have various problems that I didn't like, and in the end I found this saddle to be the best. It's a pretty hard saddle to be sure, but I can go further on these than my previous saddles without numbness or soreness. Having said that, it is still a very hard saddle, but to me no more so than the SLR.
The construction is nice and I haven't experienced any delamination or significant wear on the leather yet.
I really love the look of this saddle. The shape is low profile and narrow. The white version that I have is very sexy.
Strengths: Lightweight and comfortable.
I like the looks of it. Great on a more modern racing bike.
Not too common.
Weaknesses: Saddle may be too stiff for people not used to racing saddles.
Pretty expensive.
Similar Products Used: Various Flites, SLR, Arione.
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