Specialized Avatar

Price Paid:  $60.00 at Contee's

Favorite Ride:
Williamsburg Colonial Parkway

Bike Setup:
Cervelo RS, with Ultegra

Summary:
Just purchased my Cervelo RS and it came with the San Marco Ponza saddle, which I knew I was tradiing in at the fitting. I did not look at the saddles that Conte's had to offer, but a little disappointed when I saw all they had were Specialized. I was ready to shell out the $$$ for a Fizik or Selle with Ti; but none to choose from. So the Avitar was a good fit (it's important to make sure you have the correct size saddle) and I can actually ride on the saddle very comfortably. I haven't had a long ride with it yet, I'll know this weekend, but I wish it came with Titanium rails.

Strengths:
Looks great
Very comfortable
Great Price

Weaknesses:
Wish the rails were Titanium

Similar Products Used:
San Marco Ponza, Bianchi OEM saddle

Price Paid:  $69.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Tour of the Unknown Coast

Bike Setup:
Cannondale R600 frame
Full Ultegra 10 spd STI

Summary:
I am a 6'2" 200 pound rider. I get about 200 miles a week. I do several Centuries a year. I have done a few doubles as well so my but knows seat time. My favorite saddle was the old Turbomatic 3. Switched to a Titanium Flite, wore it out and besides, it felt like a brick after 3 hours. Tried a few other seats before finally running across this saddle. It is a bit heavy at 350 grams, but 4 ounces extra when your a 200 pounder means nothing. Especially when your butt feels comfortable.

This seat was softer than I was used to and has a slightly flatter platform. It took me about 200 miles to get used to the softness. My sit bones felt bruised. Now it is by far the most comfortable saddle I have ridden. No numbness and it seems to have a spot for every position. Upright, on the hoods, drops, climbing or what ever you need. I have had this saddle for 4 weeks now and around 800 miles. 1 80 mile heavy climbing ride and 1 100 miler. Butt felt nice every mile.

4 star saddle for me. I had Italian saddle tunnel vision and missed these great saddles for years.

Strengths:
Comfort for a heavy rider that does 5+ hour rides.So far very durable. I usually chafe the front sides through and the cover on this one seems smooth enough that it should not happen.

Weaknesses:
Heavy. 350 grams for my width 143. It really could use Titanium rails.

Similar Products Used:
Sella Itallia Flite
Turbomatic 3
Forte SLX Carbon
Fiziks (forget model)

Price Paid:  $80.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
more hills = better

Bike Setup:
Specialized Allez
Shimano 105

Summary:
Just finished a 75 mile ride on a new Avatar 143mm saddle. It took me a few quick stops to get the seat position right but this seat was awesome! The gel padding keeps the road chatter to a minimum and the groove keeps the blood flowing to your pelvic region. I was most impressed with how comfortable it felt during the later stages of the ride. The seat really disappeared under me.

My only disclaimer is that I had been riding a stock specialized saddle before this so I am familiar with the Body Geometry shape. I have ridden on many seats in the past and the Avatar was by far the most comfortable.

Strengths:
Gel Padding
Body Geometry
Fits my rear

Weaknesses:
Only had this seat a few days. Durability has been an issue with some seats so we'll see with this one. Also, its a bit pricey.

Similar Products Used:
Selle Italia, Specialized

Price Paid:  $109.00 at Avanti Plus

Favorite Ride:
M7 motorway, 100k's and no cars

Bike Setup:
BH Carbon Spirit
Shimano 105 Groupset
Mavic Aksium wheels

Summary:
Purchased this to get rid of the numbness experienced with previous saddle.
Initial impression on first couple of rides was good. The 143 size was allowing for the sit bones to sit on the saddle. After third ride in one week,noticed that numbness was going and that the pain getting on the bike was less.
Required little breaking in if any. Comfortable saddle for the 2-3 hour rides.

Strengths:
- gel padding
- multiple sizes
- cut outs
- shape
- good quality

Weaknesses:
- none that come to mind
- only black available in Oz.

Similar Products Used:
Bauer 140mm

Price Paid:  $70.00 at Mesa Bicycle Shop

Favorite Ride:
anything with little traffic and a few hills

Bike Setup:
2006 Giant TCR C3, all Shimano 105s, 2007 Ultgra pedals,

Summary:
All I can say is that THE NUMBNESS IS GONE !!!!!! The best test to me is riding on my rollers, where you sit and crank for long periods without standing. This saddle passed the test.

Strengths:
Comfort, looks, and above all, it works.

Weaknesses:
Not sure if there is any, and I won't know until I get some more time on the bike.

Similar Products Used:
Fitzik Alliance Sport thing that was attached to my bike when I bought it. One outdoor season biking was enough!