Neuvation Cycling S1

Price Paid:  $59.00 at Neuvationcycling.com

Favorite Ride:
Amish farm roads in Lancaster

Bike Setup:
Mostly Shimano 105 components, everything stock with the Allez.

Summary:
I purchased this saddle to replace the Specialized Alias that came stock on my Allez Elite 143. The Alias really killed my sit bones because it was too narrow and had little padding. I was looking for something with more padding and comfort, but this saddle was not for me. In fact, the seat is narrower than the Alias 143. The Neuvation S1 caused pain in my sit bones and plumbing, despite having a cut-out, and I felt numbness in my groin and legs after only a few miles. Saddles are personal, and like I said, this one was not for me. Even my short training rides were unbearable. I have replaced this saddle with the Bontrager Inform-R, which I was fitted for at a local bike shop. the Inform is comfortable and has nice padding.

Strengths:
Nice looking saddle
Solid construction
Cut-out (didn't help me though)
Price (on sale for $59)
30 day trial with full refund

Weaknesses:
Narrow seat
Harder than I expected based on other reviews

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Alias 143 (stock)
Bontrager Inform-R

Price Paid:  $59.00 at Neuvationcycling.com

Favorite Ride:
Amish farm roads in Lancaster

Bike Setup:
Mostly Shimano 105 components, everything stock with the Allez.

Summary:
I purchased this saddle to replace the Specialized Alias that came stock on my Allez Elite 143. The Alias really killed my sit bones because it was too narrow and had little padding. I was looking for something with more padding and comfort, but this saddle was not for me. In fact, the seat is narrower than the Alias 143. The Neuvation S1 caused pain in my sit bones and plumbing, despite having a cut-out, and I felt numbness in my groin and legs after only a few miles. Saddles are personal, and like I said, this one was not for me. Even my short training rides were unbearable. I have replaced this saddle with the Bontrager Inform-R, which I was fitted for at a local bike shop. the Inform is comfortable and has nice padding.

Strengths:
Nice looking saddle
Solid construction
Cut-out (didn't help me though)
Price (on sale for $59)
30 day trial with full refund

Weaknesses:
Narrow seat
Harder than I expected based on other reviews

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Alias 143 (stock)
Bontrager Inform-R

Price Paid:  $59.00 at Neuvation site

Favorite Ride:
The one coming up today

Bike Setup:
Serotta Cour d'Acier, 105 groupo, Mavic Ksyrium, Veloflex Pave

Summary:
Bought the saddle based on BKW's recommendation of Neuvation's wheels, assuming that the overall business logic behind the company would result in a saddle that was as good as their wheels. Plus, the saddles were on sale, _and_ fully-refundable, which was what was keeping me from buying other saddles.

I love it. I'm coming from a Selle Italia Flite Classic, so maybe my comparison point is poor. But I like the overall size, and I no longer have parts of my body going to sleep that ought not to be going to sleep.... It's geometry keeps me comfortable over a long distance, and it's comfortable. The quality of the stitching, gluing and manufacturing is very good, and the materials are of high quality. Good positioning marks on the rails.

I replaced my Flite with this 3 weeks before a 150 mile ride. I got to worrying I shouldn't make that change so close to the long ride, and switched back. Ugh - mistake! I immediately put the Neuvation back on, rode the 150, and it was a dream.

Strengths:
- Returnable for full refund if you don't like it. (The thing that sold me at order time.)
- High-end design/construction for competitive cost.
- Cutout works as it should to relieve pressure / numbness

Weaknesses:
None observed

Similar Products Used:
Selle Italia Gel Flite Classic

Price Paid:  $100.00 at teammate

Favorite Ride:
2003 fuji cross

Bike Setup:
fuji cross, 105, time atac, shimano canti's, michelin mud on nuevation r28sl2, bontrager race crank w/ fsa 48/38 rings, ritchey wcs stem/bar, pro alu post. cinelli cork ribbon w/ cateye screw in end plugs.

Summary:
great saddle. I love the SLR shape for my road ride and needed something with a bit more padding for cyclocross. the extra padding is nice for off-road riding and also for jumping on the saddle and not having to worry so much. A really well built product that is very durable and comfy. Works great for road riding/racing also. Also a good weight. Does NOT have problems other cut-outs have (i.e. no pressure around the cutout)

Strengths:
Padding, comfort, durabiltiy. Also John the owner is a great guy with amazing customer service

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
selle italia slr xp, selle italia flite, fizik arione, bontrager race.