Berk is legit as hell, he's really young and was part of the weight-weenie forum community early on. Good to see his stuff get a lot of attention these days (sponsors teams in the world tour now too, you'll see a couple riders with Berk shoes and other custom bits of kit like seatpost clamps, number holders, even forks). I've ridden an Arione R1 and K1 for years and the padded Lupina is hands down superior in comfort for me, it's all about the flex.
Have used Lupina for 2 years and I would not change it. First saddle which feels good on my butt. Price (235€) isnt very hight if you compare it to to other manufacturers. And its very light, 90g for padded 132mm.
Ronald- love your videos! I am looking for a new saddle for my gravel bike, which I race in 100+ mile events with aerobars, spending probably 1/3 of the time in the aerobars (any time solo when the road surface is decent), and 2/3 of the time in the drops/hoods (when in a group or when road is rough). I previously had a S-works Phenom carbon saddle (7x9 rails), and liked it fine - it had a fairly wide nose. On my road bikes, I ride a Bontrager Montrose Pro on one and a Tune Komm-Vor on the other (just got this, and really liking it!). I recently installed a redshift dual position seatpost which allows me to change from a standard road position to a tt position and back on the fly (moves the saddle forward 50mm and a bit higher, corresponding to approximately 4 degrees of effective seat tube angle change). This will allow me to get into a more proper TT position when in the aerobars, but still a regular road position when not. This post only accepts 7mm round rails (forcing me to replace the Phenom), so my options for a high end saddle are limited. I've narrowed down my choices to the Dash Strike (narrow version) or the Berk Dila padded narrow 140mm version (can order with 7mm round rails on request). I know you've used both saddles extensively. Considering the intended use of this saddle (5+ hour races, split use between aggressive road and laid down TT position) which saddle do you believe offers the best of both worlds? Thanks in advance for your insight, and keep up the awesome work!
Thanks for the review! Enjoy your content. Couldn’t help but notice how much the new Bontrager Aeolus saddle looks like this. Would be an interesting side by side comparison. I just ordered one. Looking forward to trying it out.
Nice video! I have been interested in Berk saddles for some time. What is the width of the Lupina saddle you use and which width of the Lupina would you recommend for someone with 11.5 mm sit bone width ? Thanks, Dave
Hi, great review on lupina. But for madone, do you prefer lupina or dila (agressive cycling position)? I saw the nose on dila is quite wide, and im afraid it will scratch on my skins, when im pedalling. What do you think? Thanks bro
Hi Ron, now that your narrow sitbones have done a lot of riding on both of these saddles, which one would you recommend for "all purpose" riding? I'm talking comfort on long rides, some good ol' flemish cobbles at speed but also aggressive position for racing/occasional TT . Of course weight is important as well, but i'd sacrifice 20g for significantly increased comfort. My sitbones are on the verge of narrow/normal (10-11mm). Also: according to you, what advantage/disadvantage do you get from padded vs non-padded? And is there any way to try these saddles out (living in Belgium) ? Thanks
Hi, the Dila is better suited for aggressive riding. Non of them is really padded, it's just a thin cover. Thus the only difference is grip. It's a boutique item made to order, I doubt anyone will have test saddles.
So, specialized specs the venge with their sworks power saddle. These are 143mm and 155mm. Which one were you getting in the venge? I use 143mm so the 160mm Dila seems way to wide. I was thinking going for the 140mm. Knowing your specialized sizing would help. Thanks.
@@ronykuba ah, OK. You just got the frameset, you're right. I'll have to find another way. One should be able to try a saddle before a final decision. It's very personal.
I currently ride a Specialized Roman Evo 143mm. Looking for a new saddle for my aero road bike. I have never rode the short nose saddles. Wondering which you prefer for an aggressive riding position (Lupina or Dila) and is the 160mm suitable as it seems quite large and not other sizes are offered? Thanks!
I have the Lupina with round rails and I find that I bounce a bit on small bumps (use about 80 psi which does make the bike more bouncy). Do you think the oval rails one would help with that or is it because of the full carbon/flex? Other than that, great saddle.
I have a canyon Aeroad s27 seatpost and 232 clamp - canyon are useless and have no info online or over the phone, will it accept oval rails or just round? Thought you might know, you seem to know a thing or two about bikes!
James Hartigan, I had to deal with Canyon support and I feel your pain. You would need to update your saddle clamps to accept oval rails. Or order a Berk saddle with round rails if your body weight does not exceed the recommended rider weight for Berk saddles with round rails.
Jura Stanić the build quality is up there with Dash, although they use different construction methods. The fit is very different, but both work for me.
Did you try the carbon version? I could imagine that depending on the finish they apply, slippery leather is not much grippier. In this case 50€ for 30g less isn't even that bad. Can't decide which one to buy :/
In this UA-cam video ua-cam.com/video/33aUSEEV2HU/v-deo.html Berk seems to make wheels - you see them, but they are not discussed. Do you know if Berk makes wheels??
Tor have one. 85g very rough finish but fits me surprisngly well. Very narrow so, the carbon plate you sit on, might "cut" into ur buttocks if you have wider hips. 15€ on aliexpress. It is however a knockoff of a selle italia model, which i can't remember now, that has been rebranded into RXL SL
I tried a Chinese carbon bare saddle off ebay, it was so stiff and had no flex. Very uncomfortable for bumpy roads. And it weighs more than my Velo Angel saddle with padding. 122g vs 113g. It was $35 but I have no desire to ride on it.
Berk is legit as hell, he's really young and was part of the weight-weenie forum community early on. Good to see his stuff get a lot of attention these days (sponsors teams in the world tour now too, you'll see a couple riders with Berk shoes and other custom bits of kit like seatpost clamps, number holders, even forks). I've ridden an Arione R1 and K1 for years and the padded Lupina is hands down superior in comfort for me, it's all about the flex.
@@dsdf_fdp1858 Never had a non-padded Berk but I've recently been using a non-padded Alptitude Gardena and there is zero issue with sliding.
Have used Lupina for 2 years and I would not change it. First saddle which feels good on my butt. Price (235€) isnt very hight if you compare it to to other manufacturers. And its very light, 90g for padded 132mm.
Kumppaaa true about the price.
Ronald- love your videos! I am looking for a new saddle for my gravel bike, which I race in 100+ mile events with aerobars, spending probably 1/3 of the time in the aerobars (any time solo when the road surface is decent), and 2/3 of the time in the drops/hoods (when in a group or when road is rough). I previously had a S-works Phenom carbon saddle (7x9 rails), and liked it fine - it had a fairly wide nose. On my road bikes, I ride a Bontrager Montrose Pro on one and a Tune Komm-Vor on the other (just got this, and really liking it!). I recently installed a redshift dual position seatpost which allows me to change from a standard road position to a tt position and back on the fly (moves the saddle forward 50mm and a bit higher, corresponding to approximately 4 degrees of effective seat tube angle change). This will allow me to get into a more proper TT position when in the aerobars, but still a regular road position when not. This post only accepts 7mm round rails (forcing me to replace the Phenom), so my options for a high end saddle are limited. I've narrowed down my choices to the Dash Strike (narrow version) or the Berk Dila padded narrow 140mm version (can order with 7mm round rails on request). I know you've used both saddles extensively. Considering the intended use of this saddle (5+ hour races, split use between aggressive road and laid down TT position) which saddle do you believe offers the best of both worlds? Thanks in advance for your insight, and keep up the awesome work!
As you said you can save a ton of bike weight in the saddle. And it counts because that is less pendulum weight when riding out of the saddle.
Jonathan Zappala yes, it's dead weight anyway
always a great in-depth review Ron :-)
Thanks for the review! Enjoy your content. Couldn’t help but notice how much the new Bontrager Aeolus saddle looks like this. Would be an interesting side by side comparison. I just ordered one. Looking forward to trying it out.
Nice video!
I have been interested in Berk saddles for some time.
What is the width of the Lupina saddle you use and which width of the Lupina would you recommend for someone with 11.5 mm sit bone width ?
Thanks, Dave
It’s an old video. I don’t use them anymore.
Hi, great review on lupina. But for madone, do you prefer lupina or dila (agressive cycling position)? I saw the nose on dila is quite wide, and im afraid it will scratch on my skins, when im pedalling. What do you think? Thanks bro
I use the Dila for road riding
Have you tried the Lupina yet and what width would you order as I use a 143 Phenon Pro. Thanks
I have Lupinas in both widths and can't really tell the difference.
Hi Ron, now that your narrow sitbones have done a lot of riding on both of these saddles, which one would you recommend for "all purpose" riding? I'm talking comfort on long rides, some good ol' flemish cobbles at speed but also aggressive position for racing/occasional TT . Of course weight is important as well, but i'd sacrifice 20g for significantly increased comfort.
My sitbones are on the verge of narrow/normal (10-11mm).
Also: according to you, what advantage/disadvantage do you get from padded vs non-padded? And is there any way to try these saddles out (living in Belgium) ?
Thanks
Hi, the Dila is better suited for aggressive riding. Non of them is really padded, it's just a thin cover. Thus the only difference is grip. It's a boutique item made to order, I doubt anyone will have test saddles.
Thanks. How do I go about arranging a saddle purchase through please?
don‘t care about the weight but they look way better than dash!
have you tried tune saddles?
Ianis Caratti no, they're all outdated shapes
What was everyone's favourite thing at Eurobike this year?
BASSY MC.BASSFACE prbly quite some of the commuter stuff and ceramic speeds "99.9% efficiency" transmission.
So, specialized specs the venge with their sworks power saddle. These are 143mm and 155mm. Which one were you getting in the venge? I use 143mm so the 160mm Dila seems way to wide. I was thinking going for the 140mm. Knowing your specialized sizing would help. Thanks.
You don't get a saddle with the frameset
@@ronykuba ah, OK. You just got the frameset, you're right. I'll have to find another way. One should be able to try a saddle before a final decision. It's very personal.
I currently ride a Specialized Roman Evo 143mm. Looking for a new saddle for my aero road bike. I have never rode the short nose saddles. Wondering which you prefer for an aggressive riding position (Lupina or Dila) and is the 160mm suitable as it seems quite large and not other sizes are offered? Thanks!
The Dila is for aggressive positions, the Lupina has a standard shape.
I'm going to go for the Lupina- my Astute saddle has started creaking :-(
I have the Lupina with round rails and I find that I bounce a bit on small bumps (use about 80 psi which does make the bike more bouncy). Do you think the oval rails one would help with that or is it because of the full carbon/flex? Other than that, great saddle.
It probably won't change the shell flex
I see, thanks. It's a very comfortable saddle though so it's fine.
I looked for the Dila online, but it doesn't even appear to be for sale on their site, or anywhere else?
It's not on the site, but it's available. E-mail me if you're interested
Ron - are you still using these saddles ?
No
@@ronykuba did u go with gelu saddles ?
Hi what torque did you use for the clamp? Its rated 5nm but it can still move if I shift my weight. Thanks
All clamps have different torque requirements. Use fiber grip just to be safe.
I have a canyon Aeroad s27 seatpost and 232 clamp - canyon are useless and have no info online or over the phone, will it accept oval rails or just round? Thought you might know, you seem to know a thing or two about bikes!
James Hartigan, I had to deal with Canyon support and I feel your pain. You would need to update your saddle clamps to accept oval rails. Or order a Berk saddle with round rails if your body weight does not exceed the recommended rider weight for Berk saddles with round rails.
Hi Ron, is it okay using berk on 7x10 ears for long terms? thanks.
*7x9 berk saddle on 7x10 trek seat clamp
How do I buy them from you and ship to Japan?
Please email me at info@okrcycles.com
Saddle and stem/bar totaly tranformed madone...
Comparison with dash strike?(fit,build quality?
Totally agree! Bar and stem made a massive difference!
Jura Stanić the build quality is up there with Dash, although they use different construction methods. The fit is very different, but both work for me.
Jura Stanić
Schmolke carbon handlebars are the best.
there is no Dila saddle in stock anymore..what was the price of it?
Berk selling 310Euro with vat, my 3k carbon oval rail Dila up for sale.
gabriel mesaric e-mail me please and we will sort it out.
Will you recommend the Lupina on a TT bike?
No
Hey Ronnie. What about the bare carbon versions, worthwhile or a gimmick?
as I said, slippery and not very practical. They are more expensive as well.
Ronald Kuba thanks Ronnie!
Definitely worthwhile, I have two. They are not slippery, you weigh too much to slip off the saddle
maybe in an upright position
Did you try the carbon version? I could imagine that depending on the finish they apply, slippery leather is not much grippier. In this case 50€ for 30g less isn't even that bad. Can't decide which one to buy :/
In this UA-cam video ua-cam.com/video/33aUSEEV2HU/v-deo.html Berk seems to make wheels - you see them, but they are not discussed. Do you know if Berk makes wheels??
Where you get the 7x9 ears for the madone?
From Trek
s*** how much money do you have invested in bikes just in this garage?
I saved 100 gram by getting rid of my saddle altought it is a little inconfortable for my rectum
what's your email? i'd like to inquire on price
Info@okrcycles.com
How about Chinese carbon saddles
Tor have one. 85g very rough finish but fits me surprisngly well. Very narrow so, the carbon plate you sit on, might "cut" into ur buttocks if you have wider hips.
15€ on aliexpress. It is however a knockoff of a selle italia model, which i can't remember now, that has been rebranded into RXL SL
I have something similar. I find it the most comfortable saddle I own. I can easily do 5hrs on it.
I tried a Chinese carbon bare saddle off ebay, it was so stiff and had no flex. Very uncomfortable for bumpy roads. And it weighs more than my Velo Angel saddle with padding. 122g vs 113g. It was $35 but I have no desire to ride on it.
Tor how about no