Selle SLR Diva Gel Flow????

[Triskeliongirl]

I recently got a selle italia DIVA gel flow saddle, and so far so good (after ~100 miles). I am very hard to fit, and find most saddles don't support my sit bones. I'd been using the Brooks Finesse, which is the best I'd found, but recently having serious issues with urethral irritation and infection, and my urologist really wanted me to try a saddle with a cut-out. I have to say the DIVA is the only saddle other than the Finesse that seems wide enough to support my sit bones. It is definitely more comfortable in the front, and in fact I am much more comfortable in my drops than with the Finesse (in fact I avoid the drops with the finesse which isn't good either). Its not quite as comfortable in the rear, but I am still playing with adjustments. But the good news is no saddle sores or urethral irritation, its just not slipping away under me the way the brooks does. What it really has going for it, is that it has very long rails giving you a wide range of adjustment possibilities, and the rear is wide over a longer range than most saddles. What I find is that it forces me more into a position where I a roll my hips forward, rather sitting on my sit bones. As a consequence it seems to be demanding more core strength. Its also MUCH lighter than th Brooks saddle, and looks way better on the bike. I was waiting to put more miles on it before writing a report, but thought I'd chime in now. I did a search here before purchasing, and alsmost didn't buy it since someone described it as more pear than T, but I am definitely a T rider, and would call it more T than pear shaped.

[Triskeliongirl]

Update, another long ride after a tweak in the fore-aft position, and she's a keeper!! I am so pleased with this saddle. I am so used to having saddles with short rails that initially I set it up pushed all the way back on the rails. But this week I moved it up ~1cm and it was perfect. I am comfortable on the saddle, and rode strong. Was fast too, although perhaps its cuz I was able to spend more time than usual in the drops. No urethral irritation, saddle sores, or discomfort of any kind. Now that my position is tweaked, I have to say she is more comfy than my brooks finesse.

[kermit]

Good news for you, yeah! You said you spend a lot of time in the drops, is the middle of the saddle flexible at all. I am currently on a lady SLR but am considering the diva for a little more cush on long rides. I did a metric century on Sunday and by mile 48 ouch! I too like to ride forward and in the drops. Thanks.

[Triskeliongirl]

I don't feel any pressure in my drops, unlike my brooks where I would feel pressure on my urethra if I tried to ride in my drops, although I think its cuz of the cut out, as opposed to what you are calling flexibility, but I'm not really sure the reason. What is special about this saddle, is that (besides it being wide in back and narrow in front) it is very long with long rails, so you can position it easily, and then move around on it very comfortably. I find I move more back for climbing, etc.

[kermit]

The flexibility I was referring to is when you can push on the cutout portion and it flexes to move with you. Some of the frames of the saddle even with the cutout are stiff. I am really considering this saddle, thanks for your review. I have two ISM adamo saddles coming for demo, then I move to this one.

[Triskeliongirl]

Hey Kermit, yes, the cut-out is very flexible, if I press on it it deforms. Its lined with gel, not hard edges like on some saddles with cut outs. After even more miles I just love it more. NO UTIs either! For me the key was dialing in the correct fore-aft position. I got a second one for my trainer bike and am loving both of them. I bought my first one from Performance since they have a very liberal return policy. I wouldn't return it after a lot of miles, but I know they don't mind a return if you mount it on the trainer, try it, and its not comfortable. I bought the second one from wiggle. You can pick them up for ~100 bucks.

[kermit]

Wow, thanks. I have found that a little give in the middle helps alot to prevent chafing. I am a little uneven from a broken hip and thats why I loved the max flite but need something a little wider. Great news, happy trails.