Berk Padded Saddle ReviewI apologize for the delay in posting this.
Measurements:Width: Saddle came in at 138mm wide when lightly putting the calipers to the sides, a moderate squeeze gave a width measurement of 136mm.
Weight: Actual weight was 94g (claimed <89g)
Recently Used SaddlesFizik Antares 00 (142mm width)
Specialized Power Saddle Pro (143mm width)
Specialized Toupe S-Works (143 width)
Mcfk Carbon Saddle (130mm width)
Tune Komm-Vor + (128mm width?)
Overview of testing weekI wanted to wait until the end of November to post my thoughts on the saddle so that I could get a big ride in as well as a heavy week. I ended up riding a little less than planned, but it was still a 350 mile week with a 113 mile solo ride on Wednesday (5:54 moving time).
ImpressionsLeather work is well executed. Underside of the saddle is more on the raw, uncoated end of the spectrum. Regardless, it looks well done. Rails slotted into my seatpost's grooves perfectly (Tune and Fizik were on the little too wide side).
Among the saddles I've recently tried, this is hands down the most comfortable that I've used. The Tune Komm-Vor + is a close second but due to its shape and width, my right sitbone is slightly off the saddle which causes rocking. Berk's saddle has a lot of flex in it, as well as a decent amount of padding. I found this a lot better than Fizik's Wing Flex and the Specialized saddles. The Mcfk saddle was the least comfortable due to the stiffness of the shell – 80 mile rides would leave my sit bones aching.
My one gripe about the saddle, and it's not specific to the Berk design, but all that have a cutout is that depending on my position (riding aggressively forward), there is more pressure on the sides of my groin, and this is noticeable. Riding along on the hoods you don't notice it since most of your weight is on your sitbones in the back. The Mcfk dealt with this really well since it had a nice flat, broad nose.
Not sure what else to say about the saddle. If the shape suits you, it's definitely a WW dream come true saddle. Much cheaper than the Selle Tekno flow, lighter and most likely a lot more flex in the saddle giving ample comfort. I would categorize this as a no compromise saddle, something that non-weight weenies could appreciate as well, as long as they're under the 85kg limit.
Installation notesWhen I installed it, I thought I put a decent amount of carbon paste on the proper interfaces as I normally would with a carbon railed saddle. About a week or so into having it, I was experiencing a high pitch click while pedaling. I contacted Berk who suggested carbon paste and checking to see if the saddle rails creaked while not mounted. Checked non-mounted, no creak. Went back, carefully cleaned the post areas and liberally coated with paste again, I also torqued it down a little more than last time. 400 miles later, no creaking.