Finding the perfect bicycle saddle can dramatically impact your comfort and riding performance. The key to a comfortable ride lies in selecting the correct saddle width, determined by measuring your sit bone width and adding 1-2 centimeters. This ensures proper support and prevents pressure points. Beyond width, consider your riding style and body type; women often benefit from wider, shorter saddles. Different saddle designs cater to various riding positions, from upright to aggressive, influencing both comfort and efficiency.This comparison review dives into four popular saddles: the Kore Durox (referred to as "The Fool" in the review), Funn Adlib, Selle Italia Max Flite, and Selle Royal Mach 2. We'll analyze each saddle's weight, material, price, comfort levels, and durability based on real-world usage. By examining their strengths and weaknesses, we aim to help you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and budget, ultimately leading you to the saddle that provides the best balance of comfort and performance.
Pros And Cons
- Cost 2400 rubles in 2017
- Weight: 266 grams
- Material: Leatherette with (allegedly) carbon inserts
- Soft
- Material retained presentation after three seasons of use
- Uncomfortable after 40 kilometers
- Possibly narrow
- One rail bent during operation
- Price: 1950 rubles
- Weight: 240 grams
- Moderately hard/soft
- Four color options available
- Positive reviews
- Relatively inexpensive compared to foreign online stores
- Stripes peeled off in the first week of operation
- Slight discomfort from friction during active sweating
- Cost: Approximately 4000 rubles
- Material: Genuine leather
- Carbon back
- Weight: 356 grams
- Manganese rails
- Center cutout to reduce groin pressure
- Shock absorption device
- Ambiguous softness; feels hard but back doesn't get tired
- More than 30km at a time may cause discomfort
- Price: 2200 rubles (Bike Center online store), 2400 rubles (Bak online store)
- Weight: 369 grams
- Material: Artificial leather
- Soft
- Wide back part
- Side protection from scuffing
- Heavy
- Iron rails (less durable than chrome)
Read more: The 5 Best Bike Saddles for Triathlons
Finding the Right Saddle Width
Choosing a bicycle saddle is crucial for comfort and performance. The most important factor is getting the width right. A simple method involves standing on a piece of foil to identify your sit bone width. Add 1-2 centimeters to this measurement to determine your ideal saddle width. This ensures your sit bones are comfortably supported, not perched on the edges.
Remember that women's and men's saddles differ; women often require wider, shorter saddles due to wider hip bones. Consider saddle types too: 'Walking saddles' are broader and softer for upright riding, 'moderate riding saddles' suit angles around 60 degrees, and 'sports saddles' are narrower and firmer for aggressive, low-slung positions.
Review: Fool Saddle (Year 17)
The Fool saddle, purchased in Year 17 for approximately 2400 rubles, weighs 266 grams. Its leatherette material with supposed carbon inserts (which appear to be high-quality rubber) is soft initially. However, after longer rides (40km+), discomfort becomes noticeable, suggesting it might be too narrow for many riders.
The chrome-molybdenum rails proved surprisingly durable, withstanding three seasons of use despite bending slightly. The material showed good resilience and retained its appearance; however, this saddle is not widely available.
Review: Funn Adlib Saddle
The Funn Adlib saddle, priced at 1950 rubles (online), weighs 240 grams. It offers a moderately hard/soft feel and comes in various colors. User reviews are largely positive.
However, the colored stripes are prone to peeling off quickly (as seen after one week of use). Some riders also experienced slight friction discomfort during prolonged rides, especially in hot, sweaty conditions.
Review: Selle Italia Max Flite Saddle
The Selle Italia Max Flite saddle costs around 4000 rubles. Made with genuine leather, it features a carbon back and weighs 356 grams. Manganese rails provide durability. A central cutout reduces pressure on the groin.
This saddle boasts a shock absorption system, requiring a slightly upward-angled installation. Comfort is subjective; while feeling initially firm, it provides long-distance riding comfort. The shock absorption does, however, make for an interesting mounting mechanism.
Review: Selle Royal Mach 2 Saddle
The Selle Royal Mach 2 saddle costs around 2200 rubles (online) and is the heaviest of the four, weighing 369 grams. The artificial leather material is considered relatively soft, particularly in the wider rear section. It also features side protection against scuffing.
Iron rails are less durable than chrome-molybdenum, but for its price point, it offers a good balance of comfort and features, though the weight might be a drawback.
Conclusion: Which Saddle Reigns Supreme?
The Funn Adlib offers great value and comfort for its price, despite the minor paint issue. The Selle Italia Max Flite provides superior comfort and build quality, but comes at a higher price. The Selle Royal Mach 2 is a budget-friendly option, but the heavier weight and less durable rails may be a concern. The Fool saddle is a less available option, and it might be too narrow for many riders.
Ultimately, the best saddle depends on individual preferences, riding style, and budget. Consider your sit bone width, riding position, and desired level of comfort before making a purchase. Weighing the pros and cons of each reviewed saddle is crucial before purchasing.