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Submitted by
Gene
a Road RacerDate Reviewed: May 20, 2012
Strengths: Minimalist design - Remarkably comfortableWeaknesses: Carbon reinforced shell, low strength constructionBottom Line: Rode this saddle for nearly 3 years without any issues. Discovered this morning the plastic shell has split from the back wire support forward. The grey rear plastic "decoration" lost to a crash turned out to be a strength element attached to prevent shell flex. This critical element was low impact plastic held in place by two small heat deformed buttons. Uncertain if the failure was due to crash or saddle shell is of such low flex strength, failure would be eminent.
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Submitted by
pedal pedal
a Recreational RiderDate Reviewed: April 9, 2010
Strengths: Beautiful white, still white
Amazingly comfortable (though it has no padding)
Easy to move around on it
No chafing
Durable (been riding for a year with no change in comfort)Weaknesses: Saddle seems to be more comfortable towards the back. Turn nose down SLIGHTLY increases comfort.Bottom Line: I must say I was shocked when I sat on this saddle how comfortable it was. Keep in mind it is not a beach cruiser saddle, it's not a sofa. It has no real padding but rather suspension in its frameing. I'm 5'10 145# and this maybe one of the most comfortable saddles I've ridden. From the reviews I've read it seems like it may not have the same comfort for people who weigh > 180#, likely because the frame suspension is maxed out. I do wear bibs/cycling shorts when I ride which obviously helps with the comfort, but this is the same with any addle I've used
Favorite Ride: Old SM
Purchased At: LBS
Similar Products Used: Prolink, Ferrari, Flight
Bike Setup: Saddle came with my white Tarmac SL2 (Dura-Ace Group/Wheelset, Plasma bar, K-Force crankset/bb) Race Pro 3 tires
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Submitted by
RoadRage67
a Road RacerDate Reviewed: March 3, 2010
Strengths: Design, construction, and weight.Weaknesses: Forget it if you weigh over 180 pounds as your sit bone area will beg you for more padding.Bottom Line: I'm 6ft tall and a stocky 200 pounds. I bought the Toupe to replace a Selle Italia Pro Link Gel Flow saddle that I wore used on a prior bicycle. I was fit on the saddle by specialist Nate Loyal and I road the saddle moderately for 2 weeks before riding a century. At first I thought it was just a matter of breaking it in but realized there is simply not enough padding for us heavier riders. Three forths of the way through the century my sit bone area was on fire and I felt numbness in my testicals. I purchased anohter SI Pro Link Gel saddle and my sit bone area is happy again.
Favorite Ride: Latigo Canyon
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At: Cynergy Cycles
Similar Products Used: Selle Italia Pro Link Gel Flow.
Bike Setup: Specialized Tarmac Pro with factory seatpost w/ Campy Record 10-speed. Mavic Cosmic Carbon Wheels
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Submitted by
Doug Robison
a Road RacerDate Reviewed: November 27, 2009
Strengths: Light weight; excellent quality; minimalist design.Weaknesses: Hard on the sit bones at first.Bottom Line: I bought this saddle a month ago to replace the Avatar Gel that came with my bike. The guy in my LBS said that it would take some time to get used to the Toupe, and he was right. After the first ride I was ready to put it on eBay. But now after about 300 miles on it, I am starting to appreciate the genius of this design. The cutout eliminates any pressure on the "love canal", and the minimalist dimensions minimuze any chafing. The only contact you really have with it is your sit bones. As determined by the Specialized "ass-o-meter", the 143cm size was the best fit for me. However, even with my sit bones correctly centered on the gel pads, this is really not a "comfy" saddle. It is most comforable when riding in a more aerodynamic position, with the pelvis tilted forward and a straighter lower back - the correct way to ride a road bike. If you get lazy and sit too upright on it, your sit bones will rebel. Accordingly, experienced cyclists will appreciate this saddle much more than beginners. It definitely disciplines me to ride in a more anatomically correct position. In summary, I can't say that I love this saddle, but it is growing on me, and I plan to keep it. If it had just a little more padding under the sit bones, it would be perfect.
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At: LBS
Similar Products Used: Specialized Avatar Gel
Bike Setup: Carbon Specialized Roubaix Comp frame; Shimano 105 and Ultegra components; Mavic CXP-33 rims; S-Works carbon seatpost.
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Submitted by
johnlisa5135
a Recreational RiderDate Reviewed: October 31, 2009
Strengths: Light, stylish, comes in 3 widths.Weaknesses: hard hard hard.Bottom Line: The saddle came with the bike, and I've only done 25-30 miles per ride so far. It's a bit hard, even with the gel, but the strategic cutouts are well implemented, and there's been no soreness or numb nuts. Just feel like I'm bouncing around on bad Chicago Pavement (even on a Roubaix!). Had to tilt it up from back to front about 2-3 deg. to keep from sliding forward. It's adequate, but I wouldn't buy it.
Favorite Ride: The next one
Purchased At: OEM with bike
Similar Products Used: Too many to list!!! So far, favorite is the Koobi PRS Enduro, Fizik Arione close second.
Bike Setup: 2009 Specialized Roubaix Expert, all standard OEM components
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