What saddles is everyone using?

[swinter]

I've been riding the full-carbon SMP for two years now. Most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden. Even the funny shape has grown on me. (And, yes, you can slide forward and ride on the nose. It's a different sensation than with a standard saddle, but it works surprisingly well.)

My only complaint is that it's a full 30 grams heavier than advertised.

Before that I rode a carbon Aspide with Ti rails (and before that an Aspide Arrowhead). Liked those a lot too, but I found the Aspide FX a dud. (The curve from the wings to the middle was too shallow.)

[fdegrove]

Hi,

I think a lot of people would have been on SMP saddle by now if a) they were not so exorbitantly priced and b) were not so exorbitantly heavy.

Both a and b can be avoided with some effort and they'd sell at least twice as many IMHO.

BTW, since I've been riding a SMM Aspide Composite for years myself (currently wrestling with a SI CX Zero) which I grew to love dearly, how would the SMP compare seeing that shapewise they're not all that different.

TIA,

[mattiTWOROADS]

I recently switched to a prologo c.one nack all carbon saddle. The thing is ridiculously light and fits me like a glove. I find it way more comfortable than the arione cx carbon it replaced.

... sanded off the loud graphics and now it's the perfect stealth perch for the parlee zed fünf sl.

[swinter]

I think a lot of people would have been on SMP saddle by now if a) they were not so exorbitantly priced and b) were not so exorbitantly heavy.

I completely agree.

BTW, since I've been riding a SMM Aspide Composite for years myself (currently wrestling with a SI CX Zero) which I grew to love dearly, how would the SMP compare seeing that shapewise they're not all that different.

The SMP shape is related to, but an improvement on the Aspide shape. One could characterize the SMP as an exaggerated version of the Aspide (as I have on this forum in the past). But the differences are more than incremental: The wings of the SMP are higher; the decline to the middle of the saddle is greater; the goove is much larger; and the saddles is much more tapered on the sides (leaving the thighs more free).

I rarely had any numbness on the old Aspide. But the SMP is superior. Long rides on the SMP are more comfortable because the contact points are fewer.

Two caveats: (1) Everyone is different, so what works for some may not work for others. But I strongly recommend trying it. I was dubious about the SMP until I tried it. Once I did, I was sorry I didn't make the jump earlier. (2) I was very happy with my Jandd bag, but the tapered sides of the saddle had the unexpected consequence of more contact between my shorts and the bag's velcro straps which wore out too many shorts before I figured out what was going on. So, you might have to change your saddle bag.

[mellowJohnny]

Arione CX Carbon

[SolidSnake03]

Fizik Aliante Carbon Twin Flex

It's the older version with the full carbon base and carbon rails that have the metal clamp surface in the middle. Got it for a crazy good price of ebay since it has a tiny scratch in the back...nothing a little strip of black *matches the saddle* electrical tape can't fix!

Have to say the more comfortable saddle I have EVER ridden, I just don't think about it NEVER had this experience before, closest thing has been the 143mm Romin Evo

[thisisatest]

im another SMP convert.
i used to be strongly against them, they couldnt possibly work being so ugly! looks like an anime version of a real saddle.
but ive been fighting occasional numbness for the longest time, tried every saddle in every position variation. then i saw steve hogg's comment about how some people can only ride the smp. i gave it a shot, and although it took a while to find the position "sweet spot", numbness has all but disappeared.
i ride the evolution. after a month or so, i thought a wider one would be better, i got a formaSL. didnt work for me.
i also agree about their weight and pricing. OTOH, it seems like internet pricing is no better than msrp, which at least makes me consider stocking them regardless of price.

[Kjetil]

If you wear Assos SMP doesn't seem so expensive.

[cloudnine]

I've used a few saddles, Arione looked great and matched my bar tape but it was unbearable after 40 km's. I'm using Kom-Vor on my road bike and Flite Evo 3 on my mtb now and I won't be looking for other saddles anymore.

[nosafeHAVEN]

Just picked up a Toupe Pro. Currently going between that and a stripped down 135ish gram (now 119g) SI SLR. Only one ride on the Toupe but we will see what shape works better for me.

[nickmcg1971]

San Marco SKN - surprisingly comfortable for a relatively cheap saddle

[fdegrove]

Hi,

If you wear Assos SMP doesn't seem so expensive.

LOL.

Not until it chews them up, that is..........

Ciao,

[Kjetil]

I use a Full Carbon. No teeth on that.
But the Evolution I had before didnt chew either. Might have something to do with my Schleck-like thighs, though.

[bricky21]

I use the SMP dynamic steel rails. The price isn't that bad when you consider how robust they are. I'm expecting mine to last a long time. Fingers crossed. It is really heavy though. North of 250 grams i'd say. The carbon ones seem quite lite, though for the price you may need a second job A comfortable saddle is worth whatever the price whether at the check out or at the scale imo of course.

[thisisatest]

i really want a Berk custom saddle/post based on an SMP saddle. that would be sweeet.