Description Same base and padding level as the original Fly, but at a lower cost thanks to a long-lasting, synthetic Lorica cover and slightly heavier cromoly steel rails. Narrow in the rear for good support of a...
Summary: This one was not for me. I put about 80 miles on it but it caused my sitbones excrutiating pain once I hit around 14 or 15 miles on a ride. Might be great with break-in but I couldn't give it the time. Based on reviews by others, it might be great for someone with a different shape. Of course, could also be that my bike is a hybrid/fitness model so I'm more upright than a traditional road bike. I moved on and up on the price ladder to a Brooks B17 (still breaking this one in but it was a lot better than the Fly right out of the box). Overall the saddle seemed well made for the price. My only reservation was that the vinyl cover was not consistently glued beneath the seat. There were two small sections that were loose. This did not impact the performance, just wasn't sure how long it would last.
Strengths: No numbness or tingling, I wanted it to work because I really enjoyed the look and feel.
Weaknesses: Vinyl cover not properly glued, extremely painful for my sitbones.
Summary: So far I've got a few hundred miles on the saddle and I'm not completely sold. After about 20 miles or so into a ride, my sits-bones start to really hurt. It's done this on every ride so far. I keep waiting for it to break in but nothing yet.
I replaced a Specialized BG and may have to go back if this doesn't improve soon. There is also a piece of the leather cover that's coming off in the back left of the saddle.
Strengths: Lighter than the BG I was using
Weaknesses: Not comfortable yet and the leather covering is starting to pull away from the bottom connection point.
Similar Products Used: Specialized BG and some generic seat that came with the bike.
Summary: I bought this saddle in preparation for the Seattle to Portland (STP) 2009. It's a 200 miles ride. My current saddle was fine for rides less than 3 hours but got unconfortable after that and at 5 hours, got excruciating. I knew that STP will take 10-11 hours and my current saddle (fizik aliante sport) would not do. I read the reviews and decided to take the plunge. Plus the price was right. What a difference this saddle makes. I got into Portland in 11 hours and my butt felt OK. Believe me when I say that no saddle will feel good after 11 hours but this wasn't bad. Was I sore? Sure. Was I in bad shape? No. Was it better that my old saddle? Without question. 24 hours after the ride, my butt was recovered, something that used to take several days from my old saddle. It's not a "racing" saddle but my butt thanks me for it. Plus I didn't notice any performance setbacks compared to my old saddle. I highly recommend for century or longer ride.
Strengths: Nice, soft, gel layered and you will survive a double century on this saddle. Cutouts where you need them, support where you need them. High quality construction. Will probably last many thousands of miles.
Weaknesses: A little heavy compared to my Fizik saddle but I'm not going to win any races. Plus, better to offset the extra weight off my gut. :)
Similar Products Used: Fizik Aliante Sport
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Bike Setup: '06 Kona Zing Supreme w/ Campy Centaur and Mavic Ksyrium SSL SC's
Summary: Having used anything from a cruiser seat to a wide-butt MTB saddle, and everything in between I can sincerely state that this saddle is the best one I've ever ridden.
It replaced a Selle Italia Gel w/ Ti rails that left me with nasty saddle sores and numb 'fun parts'.
The saddle does carry a minor weight penalty, but the comfort is worth it. You'll ride faster if you're more comfortable, and I can always spare a pound or two.
I can ride this thing without shorts!
Strengths: + Comfort: This is hands down the best saddle to ever have held my 170lb butt.
+ Style: I really like the looks of it, it looks fast, but comfortable
+ Value: This saddle has incredible value-to-performance ratio. You can't put price on being able to feel 'yourself' after a ride anyhow.
+ Versatile: I can easily ride this saddle without shorts, it's comfortable from two hours of intervals on my trainer to a quick sprint around town to pick up some pizza!
Weaknesses: The only caveat I can think of is weight, but even this is hardly an issue. Lose a few if it's such a big deal.
Similar Products Used: Selle Italia Gel Ti (Never again)
Bianchi Volpe Stock Saddle (It's fine, but not very good for racing, the saddle is a bit too wide)
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