SSM Aero Saddle

[Trekhawk]

Hey Nanci - I have only tried a few but will give a review on those. BikerZ may have used a few other SSM so she might be able to add her reviews too.

SSM Atola Gelaround - I currently have this saddle on both of my road bikes. Im reasonably happy with this saddle but I do think its a little narrow for me at the back. I think its about 138mm (which I think is fairly narrow for a womens specific saddle). Its short which I like about 245mm. I dont like the rail system underneath very much. The rails underneath come towards the back and then merge into the moulded plastic part under the saddle. What this means is that not all saddle bags will attach to this saddle. Im not sure perhaps one of the other girls using this saddle will know but I dont think you could attach a quick release saddle bag to this saddle because of the rails starting further forward. Its my best saddle so far so if nothing else comes along that feels way better it will be the one I stick with.

SSM Aero Gelaround - I liked this saddle its wider in the back than the Atola 150mm I think but the nose is longer and wider and this caused rubbing on my legs. Apart from the rubbing this was a comfy saddle. This is advertised as a Uni-Sex saddle but I think the nose might be a tad wide for most women. This saddle does not have the weird moulding at the back like the Atola so should be fine with most saddle bags.

I will let you know about the Glamour once it arrives and I get it on my bike.

Im pretty impressed with the quality of my SSM saddles. The Atola on my Trek has been out in all sorts of weather and still looks and feels fine. It is showing no wear at all. This saddle is the older version than the one on my other bike. The Gelaround does not go all the way down the nose like the new model. Buyer beware if you prefer the gel all the way down the nose a lot of the models for sale are the old version so check out the picture before ordering (I cant say I really notice a difference in comfort between the old and new model I just think the new model looks nicer).

[emily_in_nc]

SSM Atola Gelaround - I currently have this saddle on both of my road bikes. Im reasonably happy with this saddle but I do think its a little narrow for me at the back. I think its about 138mm (which I think is fairly narrow for a womens specific saddle). Its short which I like about 245mm. I dont like the rail system underneath very much. The rails underneath come towards the back and then merge into the moulded plastic part under the saddle. What this means is that not all saddle bags will attach to this saddle. Im not sure perhaps one of the other girls using this saddle will know but I dont think you could attach a quick release saddle bag to this saddle because of the rails starting further forward. Its my best saddle so far so if nothing else comes along that feels way better it will be the one I stick with.

I have the SSM Atola Gelaround saddle - originally on my Aegis Swift road bike, but now moved onto my Titus Racer X mountain bike. I love it. No girly bit pain, the size (width and length) both fit me perfectly (no saddle sores, no rubbing raw, the cutout is soft and diamond shape). It supports my sit bones perfectly without being too cushy. I am petite, which might explain why this tiny-looking saddle (compared to my old Butterflies) works perfectly for me. I liked the seat-bone comfort of the Butterfly but found it gave me rawness in back and the occasional saddle sore. I think it was just too wide for me.

I'm not quite sure what Trekhawk means about the rails. I have a midi-sized seat bag (it looks really big compared to the little saddle!!), and the straps wrap over the rails just fine. Perhaps I just don't know what a "quick release" saddle bag is, but I find mine to be quite quick release since it has a nice snap closure (like all the others I've used).

A big thumbs up for the SSM Atola Gelaround from me!

Emily

[Trekhawk]

I'm not quite sure what Trekhawk means about the rails. I have a midi-sized seat bag (it looks really big compared to the little saddle!!), and the straps wrap over the rails just fine. Perhaps I just don't know what a "quick release" saddle bag is, but I find mine to be quite quick release since it has a nice snap closure (like all the others I've used).

A big thumbs up for the SSM Atola Gelaround from me!

Emily

Ok what Im trying to say is that some saddle bags come with that attachment you put on your saddle and then slide you bag onto (bag has a plastic clip no straps) I dont think this would fit on the Atola because its not just rails all the way to the back it has that moulded plastic area between the the rails end and the back of the saddle. I have also tried larger saddle bags with no luck (if it has plastic clips instead of just velco they dont fit because of the moulding). Anyway its not a major drama it just means you may need to search for a bag that fits well and if you love the ones without straps they may not work. Other than the bag issue it is a good saddle as Emily says and it may be the one I stick with.

Here is a quick release bag

http://www.topeak.com/2006/products/...wedgepacks.php