I ride an Evolution. I thought it harsh at first. Now it is like I am sitting on air. The padded saddles wear out so I wish I could afford a carbon, or perhaps a new saddle every couple of years. Selle SMP saddles are a quantum leap and changed my appreciation of riding. I used to avoid the using drops since I would be putting weight on my groin. Now the drops are no problem.
I have been riding a Fizik Arione for several years but never really could get comfortable. I kept putting off trying a SMP because of the price , I finally tried a demo Revolution and it was a revolution ! Firm but no uncomfortable pressure in the center area. Pricey but worth it .
The only thing I can say about my SMP Stratos is “... It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up...” ~ Ferris Bueller To add some gravitas to my recommendation, I’m an professional bicycle tech and also spent 17 years in the power sports industry working as a tech; primarily Ducati, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Triumph. I know my stuff and I can tell you this saddle is worth every penny.
What an awesome review! I'm torn between going with the SMP Forma/Composit or the Dynamic. I used to ride a S-Works Toupe, but it was too harsh after 80km. Switched to a Fizik Arione R1 but finding an optimal setup that balances comfort for drop and hood riding is a bit tough. I like to ride with my hips rolled forward a bit (flatter back) and this led me to Steve Hogg, which led to SMP saddles. I was all set to order a Dynamic (or Forma) from you guys but you don't ship to Canada!! ARGH!
This will not keep you cycling. The damage is accumulative - everyone seems to forget that: Dr. Steven Schrader, a reproductive physiologist with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), is one of the world’s leading experts on bicycle seats and the human anatomy. Dr. Steven Schrader: “When you sit on a chair you never put weight on the perineum. But when you sit on a bike, you increase pressure on the perineum sevenfold. The research shows that when riders sit on a classic saddle with a long nose, a quarter of their body weight places pressure on the perineum. The amount of oxygen reaching the penis typically falls 70% to 80% in 3 minutes. A guy can sit on a saddle and have his penis oxygen levels drop 100% but he doesn’t know it. After half an hour he goes numb. Today’s ergonomic saddles with splits in the back or holes in the center to relieve pressure on the perineum may make matters worse because they have smaller surface areas, and thus the rider’s weight presses harder on less saddle. The arteries in the perineum run laterally and they are not directly over the cutouts. The arteries come under more pressure when they come into contact with the cutouts’ edges. It is no longer a question of whether or not bicycle riding on a saddle causes erectile dysfunction. Instead the question is, What are we going to do about it?”
Excellent review of the SMP line-up. While they're shape are the unsexiest saddles on the market, if they improve performance so be it. What would also help is to explain the SMP trial program. I'm currently testing the Glider in ugly yellow and red which if I decide to keep it will be swapped out for a black one. I've paid for it up front. I have the option of returning it for a full refund, swapping it out for the black model or keeping it and being stuck with an ugly saddle. :-). My riding buddies told me if I keep it they won't be seen riding with me anymore.
Does the expression “You get what you pay for” mean anything to you. Three things that matter most on a bicycle are: Saddle, bar and bar tape/grips, peddles. These are your interface point. You skimp here and your $7k dollar Madone might as well be a bike from Walmart.
I ride an Evolution. I thought it harsh at first. Now it is like I am sitting on air. The padded saddles wear out so I wish I could afford a carbon, or perhaps a new saddle every couple of years. Selle SMP saddles are a quantum leap and changed my appreciation of riding. I used to avoid the using drops since I would be putting weight on my groin. Now the drops are no problem.
I have been riding a Fizik Arione for several years but never really could get comfortable. I kept putting off trying a SMP because of the price , I finally tried a demo Revolution and it was a revolution ! Firm but no uncomfortable pressure in the center area. Pricey but worth it .
The only thing I can say about my SMP Stratos is “... It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up...” ~ Ferris Bueller
To add some gravitas to my recommendation, I’m an professional bicycle tech and also spent 17 years in the power sports industry working as a tech; primarily Ducati, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Triumph. I know my stuff and I can tell you this saddle is worth every penny.
I got the SMP Full Carbon, and didn't realized it was entirely plastic/carbon, and it hurt baby!! Now I got the Evolution. Much better.
What an awesome review! I'm torn between going with the SMP Forma/Composit or the Dynamic. I used to ride a S-Works Toupe, but it was too harsh after 80km. Switched to a Fizik Arione R1 but finding an optimal setup that balances comfort for drop and hood riding is a bit tough. I like to ride with my hips rolled forward a bit (flatter back) and this led me to Steve Hogg, which led to SMP saddles. I was all set to order a Dynamic (or Forma) from you guys but you don't ship to Canada!! ARGH!
very good presentation Rob
Are all the same with? I am testing the glider and founded really comfy; however, I wish something just a little wider on the seat bone area.
Very helpful video, thanks!
Beat saddle ever
This will not keep you cycling. The damage is accumulative - everyone seems to forget that: Dr. Steven Schrader, a reproductive physiologist with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), is one of the world’s leading experts on bicycle seats and the human anatomy.
Dr. Steven Schrader: “When you sit on a chair you never put weight on the perineum. But when you sit on a bike, you increase pressure on the perineum sevenfold.
The research shows that when riders sit on a classic saddle with a long nose, a quarter of their body weight places pressure on the perineum. The amount of oxygen reaching the penis typically falls 70% to 80% in 3 minutes. A guy can sit on a saddle and have his penis oxygen levels drop 100% but he doesn’t know it. After half an hour he goes numb.
Today’s ergonomic saddles with splits in the back or holes in the center to relieve pressure on the perineum may make matters worse because they have smaller surface areas, and thus the rider’s weight presses harder on less saddle. The arteries in the perineum run laterally and they are not directly over the cutouts. The arteries come under more pressure when they come into contact with the cutouts’ edges.
It is no longer a question of whether or not bicycle riding on a saddle causes erectile dysfunction. Instead the question is, What are we going to do about it?”
Excellent review of the SMP line-up. While they're shape are the unsexiest saddles on the market, if they improve performance so be it. What would also help is to explain the SMP trial program. I'm currently testing the Glider in ugly yellow and red which if I decide to keep it will be swapped out for a black one. I've paid for it up front. I have the option of returning it for a full refund, swapping it out for the black model or keeping it and being stuck with an ugly saddle. :-). My riding buddies told me if I keep it they won't be seen riding with me anymore.
?????? No choosing the width??? 143 no space between my bones , what do I get ?? The fizik I have sucks ..
Start selling them at a reasonable price!
You can get them for a great price second hand.
cimistuff design is expensive . But this will pay off . Cuz it s very comfortable.
Does the expression “You get what you pay for” mean anything to you. Three things that matter most on a bicycle are: Saddle, bar and bar tape/grips, peddles. These are your interface point. You skimp here and your $7k dollar Madone might as well be a bike from Walmart.