This review delves into the Selle SMP Nymber saddle, exploring its comfort, fit, and overall performance. Inspired by cycling pro Cam Nichols' recommendations, the author sought a narrower saddle to alleviate hip and sit bone discomfort experienced with a wider model. The Nymber's narrow design initially promised increased pedal stroke clearance and reduced inner thigh chafing, a marked improvement over the author's previous saddle. However, the experience wasn't entirely positive.While the increased clearance was beneficial, the saddle's minimal padding proved to be a major drawback during longer rides, leading to discomfort. The review also addresses fit issues, potentially linked to both the saddle's design and the author's bike geometry. Further points of discussion include the saddle's titanium rails, compatibility with various seatposts, and the challenges in mounting accessories. Ultimately, this review offers a candid assessment of the Selle SMP Nymber, highlighting both its advantages and disadvantages to help potential buyers make an informed decision.
Pros And Cons
- Narrower design provides more clearance for pedal stroke, preventing inner thigh rub.
- Short nose allows for comfortable resting.
- Titanium rails offer good range of adjustment.
- Good quality.
- Thin padding may be uncomfortable for some.
- May not be suitable for mounting accessories like lights due to lack of traditional mounting points.
- Incompatibility with certain seat posts; clearance issues can occur.
- Overall comfort is subjective and may not suit all riders.
Read more: The 5 Best Bike Saddles for Triathlons
Initial Impressions and Discovery
My journey with the Selle SMP Nymber saddle began after discovering it through Cam Nichols' channel (I'll link it below!). He's a former professional cyclist, and his insights into bike fitness sparked my interest. I was hoping a narrower saddle would solve some hip and sit bone discomfort I experienced with my previous saddle.
The Nymber initially impressed me with its narrow design, promising increased pedal stroke clearance and reduced inner thigh rubbing. This was a significant improvement over my wider Specialized Power Arc saddle.
The short nose design was also appealing, potentially offering more flexibility in rider positioning. However, early on, I should have conducted more thorough research into saddle fit and what might best suit my individual needs.
Performance and Fit Issues
While the increased clearance was a significant plus, the saddle's thin padding proved to be a downside for me. The Nymber, as described on Selle SMP's website, has minimal padding, which resulted in discomfort during longer rides. My previous Specialized Power Arc saddle, after proper fitting, was far more comfortable.
Despite the comfortable nose, which allowed for some repositioning, the overall fit wasn't ideal for me. I believe a thicker-padded version, potentially the Selle SMP Volkor, might have been a better choice.
The fit issues might also be partially attributed to my bike's geometry. It's slightly too long to avoid toe overlap, a mistake I made during the build process.
Additional Features and Considerations
The Nymber features titanium rails, providing excellent flexibility and adjustability. However, I experienced some rubbing on the rails which is a fairly common occurrence with titanium rails.
Compatibility with seatposts is crucial. The Nymber's design may not be compatible with certain seatpost types, particularly those with a clamping mechanism that can interfere with saddle positioning.
Mounting accessories like lights on the back is more challenging with the Nymber compared to saddles with dedicated mounts. My previous Specialized Power Arc had a convenient SWAT mount, making accessory attachment smoother and cleaner.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, the Selle SMP Nymber saddle, while well-made and featuring impressive clearance, wasn't a good fit for me. The thin padding proved too uncomfortable during extended rides. If you’re accustomed to firmer saddles, you might find this more comfortable.
I recommend considering the Selle SMP Volkor as a potential alternative due to its thicker padding. Before purchasing, it's imperative to check for seatpost compatibility and assess whether the short nose and narrow design will suit your riding style and preferences.
For me, the search for the perfect saddle continues. While many users rave about the Nymber, I found it ultimately less comfortable than my previous saddle. Consider your individual needs and preferences before making a purchase.