Reviews: Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow...?

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Has anyone tried this saddle? It looks like this:
http://s.wiggle.co.uk/images/selle-italia-max-slr-saddle-med.jpg?w=350&h=350&a=7

I can't get a good look at the rear profile. One graphic I saw made it look flatter than the Turbomatic, which would maybe make it a good option for me. I liked the Turbomatic Gel Flow, but it was so domed that I felt like I was hung up with the saddle pressing into the area between my sit bones.

The closest I have found to the ideal saddle for me is the Bontrager Inform Affinity, but it's still not perfect. It's still not quite t-shaped enough and the dent up-front isn't as deep as it could be.

[KatzPajamas]

Here's a very interesting review of the saddle that you have pictured.




This winter I put a new saddle on my old Trek Antelope hybrid and zoomed around the deserted rails to trails near home. I just grabbed this saddle off the wall at the LBS and told them to put it on.
Planet Bike 5021 Womens Ars Standard Anatomic Relief Saddle with Gel. Reviews-[URL=]http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-5021-Standard-Anatomic/product-reviews/B0015RASS6/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1 (]http://www.competitivecyclist.com/review-saddles/selle-italia-slr-gel-flow-saddle_1342.html[/URL)

It turned out to be the most comfortable saddle I have ever ridden. Now that spring is here, I am back on my Synapse and the saddle that it came with. After just two weeks of riding I am having issues with a sore crotch. I am seriously considering purchasing another ARS to put on the Cannondale. Twenty three reviews gave it a 4.5 out of 5.

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The first review is of the non-Max version of the saddle, but that's good to read. I still suspect it's too wedge/pear-shaped, though. And the 2nd one is described as having super soft padding--no way. It looks similar to the Serfas Rx saddle that I had years ago...that thing was torturous. My MIL loves it, BUT she sits VERY upright. She has a custom Seven that is essentially set up with geometry about comparable to a cruiser. VERY tall head tube and short top tube. Frankenbike, heh.

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The width is only 145 mm (http://www.selleitalia.com/se_it3/prodotti/road/pagina_max-flite/). ? Is that okay for you? Definitely too narrow for me.

:)

If it's really flat in the back it would be OK. The issue is saddles that are domed...then they might as well be only 130mm. I can't find good photos of it from the rear. I'll probably just stick with the Bontrager Affinity.

[GLC1968]

Yeah, I get the impression that John Cobb thinks he can solve all saddle problems. He's done some awesome things for saddle fit in general, but he is making some sweeping judgements in that post, for sure.

I can vouch that there is NO WAY my saddle was too high relative to my bars (since my legs are so short, that's not even an issue for me) and I still was unable to get comfort. For me, the leg crease pain was due to saddles that are too wide at the base of the nose...cutout or not. In my case, the discomfort was due to my anatomy not matching a saddle in an aero position, not due to my bike fit.

I also can't believe someone suggested zip-tying the rails on an Adamo together in that post! I've heard that before and had it suggested to me, but I can't imagine how much pain having that plastic thing in THAT particular spot (when space is at a premium) would cause!

[TigerMom]

I have been eyeing this saddle too. I have the Specialized Jett 143 saddle on my Specialized Amira Elite. My sit bones are great but my girly soft parts are squished and chaffed. My LBS says that this saddle is out of stock. I have been waiting for 1 month already.


2012 Specialized Amira Elite, Jett 143mm Saddle
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport, Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

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I have a feeling the SI saddle wouldn't be t-shaped enough for me, but I'm eyeballing this one (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=47031). I hope to be able to get my hands on a demo saddle once they're released.

[TigerMom]

I finally have the 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle (tilted down 3 degrees). The superwide hole does solve my female soft tissue problem (no longer feels squished). However, this saddle is firmer than my Jett saddle so now my sit bones feel bruised (reminds me of the first 2 weeks of biking without any bike chamois shorts because I didn't know those existed). On the plus side, my LBS says that gel saddles tend to soften up a little bit with use.

Although I don't really understand it, but most bikers say that the more you bike, the more firm and narrow of a saddle people tend to want. Supposedly, the firmness is for support. My sit bones were "super-supported" today. I felt like I was sitting on a rock during the last 10 miles of my 34 mile bike ride. Hopefully, this saddle softens up a little.

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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[carolp]

I looked at the Selle Italias but ended up with a Specialized Oura. I was riding a Jett but the chafing between my leg and butt was hideous. I'm still getting a little red but not nearly as bad. Lady parts have suffered a bit more as well, but I'm reapplying chamois cream more often, which seems to help. I wish there were a perfect saddle, but the Oura is as close as I've come.

[Elisa]

I think I have found the almost perfect saddle with the Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow.
The only thing I am not sure about is that it is a little wide in the nose and may rub the area where the thigh and the crotch meet. Time will tell. So far I have done a 20 mile ride and a 14 mile ride with it and it is so comfortable. I don't feel like I am balancing on my seat bones anymore. No tenderness after the ride. They feel cradled without being squishy.
The opening relieves any pressure on the girly bits. I thought my old Avocet 02 saddle was great until I took it out for a spin and realized it was not the wonderful saddle I remember. I have tried numerous saddles in the hopes of finding that perfect one, and I really think this is as close as they come. :)

[TigerMom]

I was eyeing the 152mm Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow saddle that a lot of Team Estrogen members love. But I was measured and my sitbones fit best on a 143mm saddle. Plus, I was worried that the channel for the Diva Gel flow wasn't big enough because the relief channel on my Jett saddle definitely wasn't. I guess time will tell. Hopefully, my sit bones will get used to the new saddle.

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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle