Specialized Jett 2011 vs 2008

OK I know that bike companies want to constantly improve their product as well as make new versions so people buy new ones to upgrade BUT it does make it a pain when you have to get a new saddle.

I have the 2008 Jett on the tandem. I like a bit of padding as the tandem is aluminimum and as stoker I sit right over the rear wheel. I have the Specialized Ruby on my Ruby, but that's not enought padding.

Now it's become uncomfortable so I guess it's got too old and now I need a new one.

Yes I should of brought a spare! But I didn't.

So how different is the 2011 model to the 2008? Do I shell out the bucks and buy one and hope it's as good as the previous model?

I don't know the difference between the 2008 model and the 2011 model but I have an idea. :-)

Get a white paper, go outside (if it's bright, that's good), put your 2008 saddle on top of it and take a picture TOP down as straight as possible (take a few). Then take a few on it's side. Put a ruler on the bottom (US measurements of course if Possible) that way I can match up yours with mine. I was going to suggest a quarter, but didn't realize you are in NZ, so that's not going to work. :-)

I will do the same with mine...I don't know if it's the 2011 or the 2012, I'm going to assume it's the 2011. I recently got mine, so it'll be spanking brand new.

Send the pictures to me, and I will overlap it with photoshop, then you can compare. Up to you.

I think the older version didn't have gel seating and has the plastic "thing" on the nose and the rear. The new one doesn't.

Otherwise, i would just go to the bike shop and just try it on.

I couldn't tell you the difference, but I certainly feel the difference.

My pre 2011 Jett (I think it was a 2008) broke last year on a training ride, just before a race. Ran and got a replacement Jett.

As soon as my LBS put it on the bike, I could feel it was different.:( Very different. So much so I wrote the company. Didn't really get a satisfactory answer..re-design according to " research.." blah, blah, blah.

So I am (unhappily) uncomfortable on the trainer. Just haven't had the time, nor the inclination to start the process again....it really is labour intensive and time consuming. I kept the broken Jett so I can compare it to any saddles that I haven't already tried that pique my interest.

When I find the right saddle..I'll buy a few.

I recently bought the new Jett - if there is anything specific you'd like to know, maybe I can help you :)