Most cycling enthusiasts do not set out to build a heavier bike or increase the weight of their bike when upgrading a component. Weight is always a consideration since you have to haul it all uphill at some point. The Italian company, Selle Italia, is making it easier to build a light weight bike with their two new SLR Tekno saddles.
The two new SLR Tekno saddles are positioned at the top end of the Selle Italia product line. The SLR Tekno and SLR Tekno Flow use the same basic construction of a carbon fiber shell, carbon fiber rails and weigh in at approximately 100grams. The main difference is that the Flow also includes an anatomic cutout and padding whereas the SLR Tekno has no additional padding and relies exclusively on the flex of the carbon fiber shell to absorb any of the vibration from the road or trail. Using the flex of the shell to absorb road shock is certainly not a new concept, but it is one that is typically not marketed to the off-road market.
Selle Italia SLR Tekno Flow Specs:
Weight: 115 grams
Rails:Carbon fiber, Oval 7mm X 9.6mm
Shell: Braided carbon fiber
Size: 131mm width x 275mm length
Use: Road and Offroad
Style: Anatomic cutout with padding
Covering/Padding: Synthetic leather, 100% waterproof
Rider weight limit: None
MSRP: $499.99
Selle Italia SLR Tekno Specs:
Weight: 85 grams
Rails:Carbon fiber, Oval 7mm X 9.6mm
Shell: Braided carbon fiber
Size: 131mm width x 275mm length
Use: Road and Offroad
Style: Traditional (no cutout)
Covering/Padding: None
Rider weight limit: None
MSRP: $479.99
It should be noted that both saddles use oval rails that may not fit some seat post clamps or may require you to purchase a clamp that fits the 7mm wide by 9.6mm tall rails. This may sound like a minor issue, but based on personal experience, this is a very real issue with a number of titanium posts on the market.
Selle Italia saddles are some of the best on the market. With 115 years of experience, this Italian manufacturer is always introducing products give cyclists the competitive edge. Both models of the Tekno saddle are expected to hit the U.S. market in the late spring of 2012. If you want to build the ultimate light weight bike, the two new Tekno saddles from Selle Italia might just be the way to put your bike on a diet.
Official U.S. Selle Italia Importer’s Website
Selle Italia Official Website