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The ultimate Selle Italia Buyer's Guide: Always comfortable in the saddle!
Saddle soreness. Unfortunately, every cyclist experiences it at some point. It is perhaps the biggest spoilsport on a beautiful bike ride. A nagging pain, a numb sensation... enough to make you enjoy your ride less and possibly to reduce your power output. But don't worry, the solution may be easier than you think: the perfect bike saddle! One of the brands that has been pioneering for over a century to make cycling as comfortable as possible is Selle Italia. With a huge and, therefore, possibly overwhelming range to choose from, this iconic brand offers bike saddles for every type of rider. In this Buyer's Guide, we will help you find your way in the world of Selle Italia and find the saddle that is right for you.
Selle Italia: Italian craftsmanship since 1897
When discussing bike saddles, we immediately think of Selle Italia. This Italian brand is one of the oldest and most progressive saddle makers in the world. Since 1897, they have been combining pure craftsmanship with groundbreaking innovations to develop saddles that perfectly meet every cyclist's needs. It is no coincidence that Selle Italia is prominently featured in the professional peloton, where top riders such as Mathieu van der Poel achieve their victories on a saddle by this brand. From the first ergonomic designs to ultra-modern 3D printed saddles, Selle Italia has a perfect match for every rider.
Contents
Click here to browse all Selle Italia bike saddles
Step 1: The basics: Which saddle shape is right for you?
The search for the ideal saddle starts with the shape. Your flexibility and how you move when cycling determine which shape suits you best. Selle Italia makes it easy for you by dividing their saddles into three clear categories.
Flite – Flat saddle shape for dynamic riders
Selle Italia's Flite saddle has a flat profile and is ideal for cyclists who move a lot in their saddle. Do you often change your position when cycling, for example when climbing, accelerating or turning on a technical trail? If so, a flat saddle will give you maximum freedom of movement. It is the favourite shape of dynamic riders such as Mathieu van der Poel.
For whom? The ‘Mathieu van der Poels’ among us: dynamic cyclists who often change their riding position.
SLR – Neutral saddle shape for all-round riders
Selle Italia's SLR saddle is the golden mean. With its neutral shape, this is the most versatile saddle, suitable for the great majority of riders. It offers a perfect balance between the freedom of movement of the Flite and the support of the Novus. Whether you are clocking up the kilometres in the same position for hours on end or have a more playful riding style, the SLR can handle it. It is, therefore, one of the most popular saddles among professionals as well as amateurs.
For whom? The all-round riders looking for stability as well as freedom of movement.
Novus – Waved saddle shape for static riders
Selle Italia's Novus saddle is recognisable by its wave shape, which has been designed for cyclists with a very still and static position while cycling. The wave locks, as it were, their pelvis in a fixed, comfortable position and provides extra support. As such, it is ideal for long distances or for cyclists who are naturally less flexible and prefer a static position on their bike.
For whom? Static riders looking for maximum support.
Step 2: The right width and cut-out
Okay, so now you know which saddle shape (Flite, SLR or Novus) best suits your riding style. The next step is to find the perfect fit. To help you with this, Selle Italia has developed the clever idmatch system. On our product pages and on the saddles themselves, you will often see a code such as 'L3' or 'S1'. Although this may seem complicated, it is actually super simple once you know what the letters and numbers stand for. We will explain!
The letter (S or L) refers to the saddle width
The letter in the idmatch code indicates the width of the saddle:
S stands for Small. These are the narrower saddles, designed for cyclists with a smaller distance between their sit bones.
L stands for Large. These are the wider saddles, designed for cyclists with a larger distance between their sit bones.
The choice between an S or L saddle is very personal and depends on your unique anatomy. By using your personal sit bone width in the saddle selection tool, you will have a 90% chance of finding the right saddle on the first try. Measuring the distance between your sit bones is easy; place a wide piece of cardboard on a chair or other hard surface and sit on it. While sitting, lean slightly forward into a cycling position. Press firmly into the cardboard to create a clear impression. Determine the centre point of the two impressions and measure the distance between it and the left and right sides. If you're not sure of the width you need, come see us at one of our Superstores; we will be happy to assist you with saddle measurement.
The number (1, 2 or 3) refers to the degree of pressure relief
The number in the code refers to the cut-out (or recess) in the saddle, which is designed to relieve pressure on the perineal area.
1 means no cut-out. These saddles have a completely closed saddle cover. They are suitable for riders who experience little to no pressure and do not need a cut-out.
2 means a small cut-out. These saddles, often called 'Flow', offer partial pressure relief. They are a good compromise if you prefer light pressure relief.
3 means a large cut-out. In these saddles, Selle Italia's renowned 'Superflow' technology is used to offer maximum pressure relief. They prevent numbness and saddle soreness and improve blood circulation on long distances and high-intensity rides. These saddles are chosen by most sporty cyclists.
So, if you see a Selle Italia saddle with idmatch code L3, for example, you will know right away that it is a wide saddle (L) with a large cut-out for maximum pressure relief (3). Easy, right?
Step 3: Saddles for all cycling disciplines
Although many saddles are suitable for all-round use, some models are specifically designed for particular cycling disciplines.
On-road cycling: road bikes and time trial bikes
For your road bike, you probably want a light and stiff saddle for maximum power transfer. The SLR and Flite series are extremely popular here. And models such as the WATT are specifically designed for the aggressive aerodynamic position on a time trial or triathlon bike.
Off-road cycling: mountain bikes and gravel bikes
In off-road cycling, you will endure more shocks, and so many gravel and MTB saddles have slightly thicker padding or a gel layer for extra cushioning. The Novus Boost Gravel and the X-Bow and X-LR models are perfect here. The X-Bow rails, for example, provide extra flexibility, working as a kind of additional suspension.
Women-specific saddles
As women have a different anatomy than men, they also have different saddle requirements. To meet these, Selle Italia has a collection of Sella Italia women's saddles. These saddles are often slightly shorter and have a modified shape and cut-out that fits the female body perfectly. Take a look at models including the Diva Gel Superflow, SLR Boost Lady Superflow and the Novus Boost Evo Lady.
The cream of the crop: 3D printed and carbon saddles
Want the very best in terms of performance and comfort? Then check out Selle Italia's top models.
3D printed saddles
This is the latest revolution in the field of bike saddles. With a 3D printed cover, Selle Italia can create different zones across the saddle. The unique honeycomb structure absorbs shocks and provides just the right amount of support and comfort, exactly where you need it. An absolute masterpiece of technology!
Carbon saddles
For weight weenies and competitive riders, there are the carbon saddles. A carbon shell and/or carbon rail make such saddles super light and extremely stiff to ensure maximum power transfer - not a single watt is lost! Selle Italia's top models are often called 'Kit Carbonio’.
Please note: A carbon saddle rail is oval (7x9 mm) rather than round (7x7 mm). Check whether the clamp on your seat post is compatible. If not, you will need a special adapter.
Try a new saddle yourself: Mantel offers a 30 day test period!
We can give you all the information you need but choosing a saddle is always a personal matter. What is perfect for one person may not work for another. This is why Mantel makes it very easy for you: We give you 30 days to test almost any Selle Italia saddle. If it is not a perfect match, no problem. You can simply return the used saddle and will get your money back. This way, you can be sure that you are making the right choice!
Shop at Mantel and find your perfect Selle Italia saddle
The search for the perfect saddle is an important step towards more cycling fun. By following the steps in this Buyer's Guide – from saddle shape and width to any specific requirements for your cycling discipline – you will be well on your way. If the information offered online does not suffice to make a decision, come see us at one of our Superstores. Our expert staff will be at your service with professional saddle measurements and personal advice. Or use our online Saddle Selection Guide. With our huge range of Selle Italia saddles and our unique 30 day test period, we are absolutely sure that you will find the right saddle at Mantel!
Mark Jansen
When I was introduced to cycling a few years ago, I was immediately hooked. There are so many different ways to enjoy cycling, from leisurely rides and adventures to tough climbs and races. I do a lot of cycling myself, both road and mountain biking. In addition to commuting to work, I also do touring and training rides. In the future I hope to do a lot of trips abroad!
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