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Reviews
Selle Italia SLRs: Gel Flow and XP
By Chris Henry
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Receiving a pair of saddles from Selle Italia provided an excellent opportunity to do some comparing and contrasting of one of the most important components of a bicycle, particularly a road bike. Despite great leaps in design and weight reduction, saddles still prompt many cyclists to stick with function over form, preferring comfort on a long (or short) ride over a few grams saved. Selle Italia, an Italian manufacturer, has been in the saddle business for over 100 years.
On test this time around were a pair of saddles from the SLR line: the Gel Flow, featuring a center cut-out, and the XP, a lightweight model in the traditional format. Despite their differences, the basic shape of the two saddles is essentially the same.
Selle Italia's SLR saddles are constructed using a nylon shell, which the company says provides the necessary flex that plastic does not. The padding is EVA, which is a lightweight, closed cell foam. Rails on both models are tubular Vanox, which are designed to provide additional flex to compliment the padding in the saddles.
It seemed only fitting to test one saddle whose design clearly focused on ergonmical considerations, alongside another which offered a sleek, minimilast shape and low weight. Oddly enough, the results I experienced were opposite those I anticipated. Let's begin with the Gel Flow.
SLR Gel Flow
While I'll admit to occasional discomfort over the years, I've never had any problems that warranted making the switch to a saddle with the center cut out. I was curious to see how the Gel Flow would feel and whether I'd really notice a difference. The answer to the first question is that I was not crazy about the feel of the saddle, and this had little to do with the hole in the middle.
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The Gel Flow I tested was a rock. Despite a more substantial build than the XP, the padding throughout the saddle was quite stiff with little give. The cut out in the center would seem to play some role in this design, as too much compression around the hole could create new pressure points on each side, whereas a firmer platform under a rider's sit bones would prevent sinking into the saddle. Nonetheless, the Gel Flow was not a forgiving saddle, and normally I have opted for less cushion rather than more cushion in saddles for the exact reason of not wanting to sink into it too much. A loyal user of Selle Italia's Flite model for years, I expected similar satisfaction but didn't find it with the Gel Flow.
Another issue, which applies to both SLR models, is the saddle's shape. The saddles feel notably shorter than the old Flite, although a quick measurement reveals a difference of just 0.5 centimeters (28cm for the Flite, 27.5cm for SLR). Both saddles have a width of 13cm. The difference seems to lie in a subtle change of shape whereby the SLR models have a less gradual flare from front to rear. The result for me was the feeling that I couldn't shift forward or backward on the saddle while riding, particularly when climbing while seated, when I tend to push myself back. So not only did I feel uncomfortable on the stiff saddle, there was less room to maneuver to find a better position.
On the plus side, I did notice the positive effects of the cut out when riding in the drops. I am a firm believer that proper saddle height and position (and a comfortable fit, naturally) can eliminate nearly all causes of discomfort while riding. However, even if the slight pressure I sometimes feel while riding in the drops is not cause for alarm, I did feel with the Gel Flow that I could pedal for longer periods in the drops without occasional shifting back to the brake hoods or tops of the handlebars.
All in all I believe the saddle would be more comfortable if the shape provided for more subtle shifts in position. Some more supple padding wouldn't hurt either. The saddle says "Gel Flow", but I'm not sure where the gel was or where it was flowing. Selle Italia's web site lists the Gel Flow with a weight of 185g, plus or minus 8%.
SLR XP
After logging enough hours to confidently make a verdict on the Gel Flow, I moved on to the sleeker, minimalist XP. Advertised at just 165 grams (on the saddle itself; Selle Italia's web site says 185g), the XP's design is an excellent balance of just enough saddle but without excess. With the XP, Selle Italia achieves the difficult task of providing enough padding for a comfortable ride and distributing the padding in the right places, without overdoing it.
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Unlike the Gel Flow, the XP gives a bum a break. The padding for a rider's sit bones is forgiving enough to absorb road shock without feeling too squishy. By the same token, a slightly thinner layer of padding continues right up to the nose of the saddle, which meant that while riding in the drops I was aware that there was a saddle under me, but I still did not feel too much pressure or any real discomfort.
Markings on the underside of the shell say 'carbon fibre.' I confess the saddle sure looks and feels like nylon to me (and such is the claim on the company's Internet site), and to its credit it flexes like nylon in the middle, but if there's carbon in there so be it. This flex in the middle of the saddle is a plus, complimenting the modest yet functional padding forward of the sit bones. The 'XP' in the saddle's name refers to the extra padding incorporated relative to the original SLR model, which saves weight at the expense of a little cushioning (and also uses titanium rails).
Both saddles received plenty of use along the Canal de l'Ourcq heading east out of Paris, France. Not ideal conditions for road riding, but a traffic-free route out of the city and as much as I like to complain about riding on the canal, it has its charms. The first hint of how much I would appreciate the XP's just-right cushioning came on the first few trips over 'secteur pavé 1' on the way out of town. Convinced I had a softening rear tire over the cobbles, I was pleased to realize it was just the saddle doing its job and absorbing some of the jarring that my aluminum frame transmits directly to my body. Out on the smoother, open roads in the country the saddle was naturally just as comfortable, even on 3+ hours rides, save for the uni-positioning. The XP's light weight and sleek shape make it a good choice for road racing.
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Although I was considerably happier riding on the XP than the Gel Flow, and the fact that it's a lighter saddle was a nice plus, I still found the saddle's shape to be a limitation. For the XP, apart from a tedious clicking noise that developed after a few months of use, it was the only snag but it was important. In one position I felt as though I were in the sweet spot, and had no complaints whatsoever about comfort. Yet as soon as I tried to make small shifts in my position I became accutely aware of the fact that I was no longer in the zone.
Both saddles feature measuring guides on the Vanox rails to help mark precise fore/aft position. Wear and tear on the saddles, ridden in wet, dry, warm, and cold conditions, was minimal other than a general fading of the simple and attractive silver stripes and markings on the leather. The clicking in the XP was annoying, and attempts at artful application of some lubricant around the points where the rails meet the saddle shell were unsuccessful. Otherwise I believe Selle Italia's handmade products will withstand the test of time.
SLR Gel Flow
Weight: 185g (claimed)
Pros:
Cut out in center of saddle does relieve pressure as intended
Cons:
Too harsh a ride, shape does not allow much variation in riding position
Recommended retail price: $US89.00
Cyclingnews Rating:
SLR XP
Weight: 165g (claimed)
Pros:
Light weight, comfortable, prefectly padded, stylish
Cons:
XP - Shape does not allow much variation in riding position, clicking noise
developed in test saddle
Recommended retail price: $US79.00
Cyclingnews Rating:
More information: Selle Italia's website
What do you think of the Selle Italia SLR Gel Flow or XP? Let us know
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