Tuesday, March 29, 2011

A Very Cold First Spring Ride, and I test the Selle Anatomica Saddle


Spring training season is with us, but my first Spring ride was on a sunny but very cold day. The temperature was 38 degrees Farenheit, and there was a wind of 15-20 mph. I thought that it was a good day to test my second Selle Anatomica saddle, a Honey copper rivet Titanico watershed type. It is made in Wisconson USA by Selle Anatomica, and completes the last and probably final iteration of my 1984 Pinarello Record SL fixed gear conversion. It is mounted on the original 1984 Campagnolo Record seatpost, and has lots of rail for fore and aft adjustment. The honey color was chosen to compliment my Carradice Barley seatbag.
On the road, the seat is very comfortable right out of the box. There is virtually no break in period. Although I have never ridden a Brooks saddle, I can say that this is currently the most comfortable bicycle saddle that I have ever owned. It is solely responsible for my re-conversion from recumbent riding in June of 2009. Unlike other saddles that I have used, mostly Selle Italia Gel, you kind of sit " in " the saddle in sort of a semi sling approach. I have done two fixed gear centuries with my first Selle Anatomica saddle last season, and have been pleased with the results. At least the limiting factor was not butt time.
Due to the fact that My racing weight at 5'11" is 185lbs, I chose the thicker leather Clydesdale variety, which is rated for 180lbs and above. With me just over the minimum recommended weight, the saddle did not feel too stiff. The saddle is longer than average,which occasionally leads to some butt swiping on standing climbs. This was not annoying, and disappeared with experience. The saddle has an adjustment screw, which has a long range of travel. It seems to be an adequate stiffness adjustment range for most people. The anatomical cutout is comfortable for my almost 60 year old prostate. Although saddles are a personally acquired taste, I feel that for the almost two years that I have been using them, the Selle Anatomica Saddles have done me very well in
both fixed gear and geared bike situations. I even used one for the D2R2 on/off road ride in August, 2010. The saddle was not cheap at $ 179, but what price can one pay for both quality and comfort? No golf, no boat, no 'vette, I just ride.  I will be riding Miss Pinarello in the  5 Boro Bike Tour on May 1, 2011, and the Ride to Montauk century in June. See you there!