Selle SMP Stratos

Price Paid:  $180.00 at WayPastFast

Favorite Ride:
Rollyview

Bike Setup:
Lemond Tourmalet w/ Reynolds DV46UL. Tufo S3 lites glued.

Summary:
After trying a few of the SMP saddles, the Stratos proved to be the perfect blend of comfot/padding and minimal weight. There was no break in period where it was uncomfortable and then comfortable. This thing was gold right from the start. I was looking to replace a worn out Specialized Alias. The Alias was good on the hoods, but not so much in the drops or in an aero tuck. This saddle shines at such angles.

Strengths:
Super ergo shape. Very comfortable in a drop or areo position. Absolutely no numbness or pain after 3 hour rides. All the focus is on my legs now, without having to maneuver or micro-adjust to find a less sensitive position as with my former saddles.

Weaknesses:
None for me. Although, others have called it firm. I thought the stitching might fray, but so far it still looks perfect. Pricy, but considering what's at stake...

Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Race Lux - Cocytus. That's right, the lowest level of hell and all it's icy numbness! Specialized Alias - Limbo (no punishment, but the position could easily worsen). Selle Italia Trans Am - Purgatory (respite, and a feeling that things down below just might make it through the race OK).

Price Paid:  $225.00 at french store via eba

Favorite Ride:
Alpine Classic

Bike Setup:
Trek 5900 Superlight, Shimano Dura Ace 9 speed, Bontrager Race X Lite wheels

Summary:
Nothing worked for me until i got this saddle. Always got numb privates after anything from 10-30km. Would constantly move about on the seat to change positions. More often than not had my mind on finding a comfortable position rather than enjoying the ride. When the riding got serious i could forget about the pain for a while, only to find out i'd become numb in the 'ol fella. This is not what you want to be doing on a regular basis... trust me i'm a doctor (admittedly not a urologist but still a medico). A LBS allowed me to try multiple saddles for a week at a time. I tried at least 6, including cut out versions from reputable companies. I was hesitant to get the smp b/c i could only find it on the net and there would be no possibility of a refund from that source and let's face it it's not cheap. Anyhow, finally took the plunge and haven't looked back since then. Have heard others say it takes a while to get used to. I'll say, yes it's a bit different but after only a few rides for me it was the thing i'd been craving ever since getting serious about my riding.

Strengths:
No numbness at all! No matter how long i sit down for (hours). Don't need to get up anymore (ever), hardly ever feel the need to move around on it. I can just concentrate on the ride. Still relatively light, plus it's dead weight not rotational weight. Plus if you're doing long rides (150km +) the last thing you want is to put your arse on a 95g flake of carbon. I actually think it looks ok; i have the red one so it's a bit out there.

Weaknesses:
Some say it takes a while to get used to. I have to say that after having had a break from riding for a couple of months, my first ride back was a long one (130km). I did get a sore rear from this but this happens whatever saddle you have. The area you feel the pressure is on the sides (pubic rami) and the sit bones (ischial tuberosities). Most saddles don't give you the pubic rami pressure and this may feel strange to some (i've heard things like, "sitting on rails"). For me it works and that's the bottom line with saddles.

Similar Products Used:
San Marco Aspide, Selle Italia Flite / SLR / and 1 other, Token (? model), WTB (? model), Fizik Arione / Aliante

Price Paid:  $229.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Anything with a tailwind!

Bike Setup:
Giant TCR1, Kryserium ES Wheel set, Ultegra/Dura Ace Mix.

Summary:
I have never owned a saddle that I considered "comfortable" until now. I had tried several saddles from Selle Italia, Specialized etc to no avail. After an hour or so of riding I had pain in the sit bones and if on a trainer numbness. Due to the price of this saddle I had been reluctant to try it until now.

I was on the saddle less than 10 minutes and knew I had found the answer to my saddle issues! I now have about 200 miles on the saddle and still no complaints, no pain, no numbness....that's all I can ask for! In fact I'm getting ready to purchase a new TT bike and it will be fitted with this same saddle.

Strengths:
Comfort, no numbness

Weaknesses:
Steep Price and a bit heavy.

Similar Products Used:
Several Saddles from Selle Italia, Specialized & Fizik