New Saddle: Selle Italia Carbonio Flow vs San Marco Aspide Carbon vs San Marco Mantra Carbon

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dgasmd
Posts: 1953
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by dgasmd

Another option is to do what I did due to the same ripping in the nose like you had: strip the padding completely off the SLR, sand down the edges a bit, and you'll be good to go. I was concerned with the no padding, but it has turned out even better as I know find sliding on the bare saddle a bit of a plus compared to when it has the padding. Comfort on it has not changed on it for me.

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3Pio
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by 3Pio

sib wrote:I have about 4,000km on my San Marco Aspide Racing version. My previous saddle (~12,000km) was an SLR Flow. And, like you, I tend to climb on the nose of my saddle.

They both feel very similar to me.
I think the SLR Flow has more give. Like yours, after prolonged use my SLR sagged in the middle. But I think this contributed to the comfort (it also gave an annoying squeak at times).

The Aspide is a much better looking saddle in my opinion. I also couldn't shake the feeling that my SLR Flow was never lined up straight - as if the saddle and the rails were joined at an angle.



Can u explain what u mean by "SLR FLOW Has more give" ? From two, u get SLR Flow as more comfortable overall, and if u need to pick from those two u'll till go with SLR Flow?

And about Carbon Fx versio of aspide.. Somewhere i see the weight of about 123 gm, and somewhere 144 gm

So what is the actual weight of this saddle?

sib
Posts: 325
Joined: Mon Jun 15, 2015 2:03 am

by sib

If I grip the rails and the top of the saddle and squeeze the saddles with similar force, the SLR Flow flexes more.
If I grip both sides of the saddle (at the back, where it flares out) and squeeze the saddles, the Aspide is rock solid but the SLR Flow has quite a lot of flex.
For me, I think the SLR Flow is a better fit and more a little more comfortable.

However, if I were buying again, I'm not sure which I would choose.
There's only a small difference in comfort, and I greatly prefer the looks of the Aspide. Also, I think I had alignment issues with the SLR Flow.

3Pio
Posts: 1581
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 7:13 pm

by 3Pio

sib wrote:If I grip the rails and the top of the saddle and squeeze the saddles with similar force, the SLR Flow flexes more.
If I grip both sides of the saddle (at the back, where it flares out) and squeeze the saddles, the Aspide is rock solid but the SLR Flow has quite a lot of flex.
For me, I think the SLR Flow is a better fit and more a little more comfortable.

However, if I were buying again, I'm not sure which I would choose.
There's only a small difference in comfort, and I greatly prefer the looks of the Aspide. Also, I think I had alignment issues with the SLR Flow.


With SLR Flow i have two small problems.

1. Thigh rubbing in the nose

2. Because it's a bit flexy, when i adjust the saddle level, after riding, when i check the position sometimes i found out that is a bit up or down.


So if u can tell me which of them have less thigh rubbing, u'll help me a lot.If Aspide shape make less chance for thigh rubbing in the front part of the saddle, probably will try... And still can not find the actual weight info for those saddle.

And yes.. ASPIDE is one of the best looking saddles :) and really hope that narrow CarbonFX version is not more then 125 gm weight.

And i just saw TUNE Saddles like Speed Needle (and Marathon version), and newer model Komm-Vor (and Komm-Vor plus). Except they are ugly, why they are not so popular on this forum since seem based on reviews they are very lightweight, similar priced as SLR Carbonio Flow/Aspide Carbon FX and based on reviews seem like comfortable as well?

3Pio
Posts: 1581
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 7:13 pm

by 3Pio

dgasmd wrote:Another option is to do what I did due to the same ripping in the nose like you had: strip the padding completely off the SLR, sand down the edges a bit, and you'll be good to go. I was concerned with the no padding, but it has turned out even better as I know find sliding on the bare saddle a bit of a plus compared to when it has the padding. Comfort on it has not changed on it for me.


This look like good advice, and probably will try it. May i ask u for a photo of stripped SLR ? And i guess u also have thigh rubbing in the front of the saddle as i have sometimes?

sib
Posts: 325
Joined: Mon Jun 15, 2015 2:03 am

by sib

3Pio wrote:So if u can tell me which of them have less thigh rubbing, u'll help me a lot.If Aspide shape make less chance for thigh rubbing in the front part of the saddle, probably will try... And still can not find the actual weight info for those saddle.


I've had no thigh rubbing on either the SLR Flow or the Aspide so I can't really help much.
But, the SLR is slightly wider at its widest point, and it starts to flare out a little earlier (further towards the nose) than the Aspide.

One other thing to note, the cut out shape and location is quite a bit different on the two saddles.

3Pio
Posts: 1581
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 7:13 pm

by 3Pio

sib wrote:
3Pio wrote:So if u can tell me which of them have less thigh rubbing, u'll help me a lot.If Aspide shape make less chance for thigh rubbing in the front part of the saddle, probably will try... And still can not find the actual weight info for those saddle.


I've had no thigh rubbing on either the SLR Flow or the Aspide so I can't really help much.
But, the SLR is slightly wider at its widest point, and it starts to flare out a little earlier (further towards the nose) than the Aspide.

One other thing to note, the cut out shape and location is quite a bit different on the two saddles.



Thanks sib.. Very helpfull..

In meanwhile i visited my local lbs and i we had a chat about the Aspide and saddles at all. I mention AliExpress copy and guess what? :) Some other guy was also beeing curious so order it. After test ride he did not like it, and just left it in the LBS if someone else want to try it.. So just from curiosity i take for a test ride. Ill test ride it next days, and i'll share my opinion here.

On the first sight, look like exact copy of the original. But there is no flex at all, and look like very stiff and probably not comfortable (dont know if there is some flex at all on original as well, since i never had chance to see original in real). At least i'll have a chance to test ride the shape of Aspide.

Anyway, i extend my saddle choices and wondering everyone opinion (i want to save some weight if its possible with the new saddle).

Im riding a lot of climbs, but also long rides often (150-220 km once per week ussually), so it have to be comfortable (i know personal choice and need to test ride it, but i guess there is other SLR Carbonio Flow users here, with the same dilemma since not possible to test ride them).

This is my final list of saddles:

1. Selle San Marco Aspide (SuperLeggera or Carbon FX Version. Is there any comfort difference between them? Or just weight? And any actual weight information for narrow version)

2. Berk Lupina Carbon or Padded version? (is there any comfort difference between them?)

3. AX Lightness Leaf Plus (or Leaf II not padded version) (i dont like it because is 143 mm, but maybe it can work)

4. Tune Komm-Vor or Komm-Vor+ (seem like nice saddle. I dont like the fact that is short saddle but i got mixed information about the length.. Somewhere i read 250mm, somewhere 260mm, somewhere 265mm. What is the real length ? ) Why this saddle is not more popular on WeighWeenies community?

5. Tune SpeedNeedle Marathon (same dilemma as Komm-Vor. What is actual length? 250, 260 or 265mm)?


Also to mention that i dont use chamois creme (until now never needed), and using normal quality bibs (Giordana CarbonRed and Giordana cheaper version, or Castelli also cheaper version). It's interesting that for me im getting more comfort with Giordana cheaper version, then CarbonRed.


So which one of the list have best chance to be comfortable for long rides and to be comfort (and weight saving) substitute of my SLR Carbonio flow? Or to dont waste time and to just order SLR Carbonio Flow once per year :)

Attermann
Posts: 916
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Location: Denmark

by Attermann

i can chip with some weights on the aspide fx, i use to run a narrow aspide fx, the new type that you can buy now, i switched to a berk lupina, i couldn't be happier, i don't think that the aspide is a bad saddle, the shape works great for me, but the lupina is just over the moon, just need to find the correct angle, and then it's perfect.

3Pio
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Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 7:13 pm

by 3Pio

Attermann wrote:i can chip with some weights on the aspide fx, i use to run a narrow aspide fx, the new type that you can buy now, i switched to a berk lupina, i couldn't be happier, i don't think that the aspide is a bad saddle, the shape works great for me, but the lupina is just over the moon, just need to find the correct angle, and then it's perfect.


If u can measure the weight of Aspide FX for me, very thankfull.. And about Lupina? do u have Padded version or bare carbon? Since i never ever rode bare carbon saddle, should i be worred about sliding on the saddle?

And how is Lupina for rides longer then 6-7 hours, because often im on 10-12 hours ride....

Attermann
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Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2014 11:04 pm
Location: Denmark

by Attermann

i have the 3k gloss version without padding, i actually feel that i move a bit because it's a bit more slippery than the aspide, that, that actually works for me.

Attermann
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Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2014 11:04 pm
Location: Denmark

by Attermann

i weighed the aspide at 123 grams

3Pio
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Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 7:13 pm

by 3Pio

Attermann wrote:i weighed the aspide at 123 grams



Thanks a lot.. Good to know that Carbon FX Version is still same weight as SLR Carbonio Flow

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dgasmd
Posts: 1953
Joined: Sun Apr 15, 2007 5:10 am
Location: South Florida

by dgasmd

3Pio wrote:
dgasmd wrote:Another option is to do what I did due to the same ripping in the nose like you had: strip the padding completely off the SLR, sand down the edges a bit, and you'll be good to go. I was concerned with the no padding, but it has turned out even better as I know find sliding on the bare saddle a bit of a plus compared to when it has the padding. Comfort on it has not changed on it for me.


This look like good advice, and probably will try it. May i ask u for a photo of stripped SLR ? And i guess u also have thigh rubbing in the front of the saddle as i have sometimes?

ImageImageImage

Alexandrumarian
Posts: 795
Joined: Mon Mar 28, 2016 6:34 pm
Location: Romania

by Alexandrumarian

Interesting topic, as I had enough of my current Aliante 00. My first road bike came with Fizik Ardea VS (fairly flat top with shallow cutout). I got along with it reasonably well but ended up hating it for several things:
-too much of that easiness of moving up and down. I felt like i was wasting too much mental energy constantly sliding around, never finding a sweetspot
-when stretching low for aero/descends, my butt would easily feel like falling off the bike.
-worst of all, the rear V cut would let all the wheel spray in my crack.

So I bought a curved saddle, the Aliante. One position, no more constant guessing of where to sit. It is actually very comfy for a short ride, or a long ride with low power. But when I hammer for more than 1h, it kills me. If I stay in the curve, the perineal pressure is almost unbearable. So I naturally move back and climb more on the raised rear section. But at the end of the ride, both seatbones and hamstring ends are beat.

So now I am thinking again at a flat(ish) saddle and the Aspide SL is high on the list: super light and under 300e.

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3Pio
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Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 7:13 pm

by 3Pio

@dgasmd Thanks for the pictures.

@Alexandrumarian

I'll have a chance to try Fizik Arione 00. Friend who work in LBS have it, so he offered me to try it. He is not satisfied, and he is looking for something else.

BTW, i also have Specialized Romin Evo Pro and remind me what u describe about Aliante. For low power long ride it can be ok, or for short ride. Have problem with the angle. If i put angle that is seat comfortable where i should seat, then the front tip make me numb. If i put it lower, im sliding on uncomfortable part. Still, i havent ride this saddle after my Fitting, so planing this days to give it a chance again (it's like new).And having Aspide chinese copy, so as soon as i ride those saddle i'll share my experience. Maybe that's the best shape (to be slightly curved, but not too much like Romin or Aliante).

For now if i like the ASPIDE shape (if i can check that from the copy), i'll probably order FX. If i dont like too much, maybe Berk or again SLR Carbonio Flow (except slight thigh rub, and that is not lasting too much, im satisfied).

Also my LBS friend (who have the Fizik Arione), think that with flex build in SLR Carbonio Flow, that he will loose a lot of power. I did not recognize something like that for now.

Still cant understund why not so much love on the forum for German LightWeight Saddles.. (Tune SpeedNeedle and KOMM-VOR)

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