Product Review: Selle Italia SLR Superflow Saddle

The Selle Italia SLR Superflow Saddle is an ideal solution for those who find it difficult to find a comfortable position when riding. This SLR Superflow Saddle is manufactured with a carbon composite shell, EVA padding, and a Fibra-Tek leather cover. These materials combine to provide great comfort. The long, thin profile with the flat support areas and large centre cut-out helps individuals of any height to comfortably sit and efficiently pedal on long rides. The unbeatable flexibility of this road bike saddle prevents perspiration build-up and reduces pelvic zone pressure.

Features:

Shell: 30% Carbon Composite
Padding: EVA
Cover: Fibra-Tek Leather
Saddle Rails: Titanium 316
Weight: 190-200g

Selle Italia Slr Superflow Saddle Review:

This saddle has an interesting story to it. The hard shell is a Carbon Composite, while the rest of the saddle is a flexible, yet firm polymer that is essentially a plastic. The seat is thin and long, perfect for a position-oriented rider. The large cut-out in the middle also allows for your legs to swing comfortably and easily up and over the nose of the saddle. The fibra Tek hide cover is moisture-wicking and easy to clean. The Superflow is available in different colours for each size, allowing for a unique look. Extra large leather covers (the red and blue covers in the pictures) are sold separately to protect the plastic of the saddles, while still keeping the moisture wicking properties of the fibra-tek. The SLR Superflow is a very breathable saddle and helps to reduce the risk of fungal growth caused by moist conditions between the skin and the saddle. Is it the ideal saddle? Probably not. Is it the typical Italian style? Definitely. How did this saddle feel? I was able to comfortably ride over an hour while it sat high on my pelvis, providing some support.

The superflow did not make me cringe in pain, but I will not be switching from my Fizik Arione. I didn’t find the saddle to be as wide as its predecessor, the Superflow Classic. The Classic is a wider saddle and a little more comfortable as a result. As for fit, I found that the 200g Superflow fit me better than the 190g version. I am a big person, and some of the weight is lost when the saddle is in place. All in all, the Superflow is a good saddle, but it is very pointed, providing a lot of pressure to the soft tissue of the pelvis. If you have a very hard pelvic bone (a good seat bone), or sit on your saddle with a good position, this saddle might ultimately suit you better. The nose is long though, and the cut-out in the middle allows for a lot of room for leg movement and an easier time getting up the nose of the saddle. This is especially good for those with larger legs and a hard time getting their legs over the nose of the saddle. Again, if you have a hard pelvic bone, the hard shell will drive right into you and it will not be a pleasant experience. With soft tissue, you will feel the long nose digging into you and you will be very aware of pressure points. The best thing about the Superflow is the wide saddle rails. While the saddle weighs a little less than 200g, it feels more solid and is a better weight for support.

All in all, this saddle is not for me, but it is a good saddle. I feel that the Superflow Classic has a little more wide and comfortable base, and the shape of the cut-out in the middle is less pointed. It weighs the same and it’s very comfortable as it is wide, light, and has a flat wide nose. I ended up giving the SLR Superflow to my girlfriend because it had a lighter shell and more precise, less wide rails. For me, I prefer the over size of the Fizik Arione, but you can’t go wrong with any of these saddles. If you have the SLR Superflow, take care of it. Do not let it go in the washing machine. The cover is a plastic material, and it will melt from high temperatures. If you sweat a lot, clean your saddle cover regularly and do not let sweat soak in to the cover. This cover is more sensitive to that, but it takes regular cleaning and a good wash. The Superflow is not a cheap saddle, and it’s not a very cushy one. I have seen these sell for between $100 and $200. It’s a good buy if you need a harder saddle.

Selle Italia Slr Superflow Review:

Pros:

The Superflow is a very lightweight saddle, though I have not weighed it in this review. I will add this feature to the review shortly.
The Superflow’s weight is achieved by using a carbon and plastic mix for the shell. This is a lot lighter than the Superflow classic, which has a carbon shell and a fiberglass and plastic mix for the base. This has saved a lot of weight for the SLR Superflow, providing a lighter saddle. It is slightly heavier than the SLR Flow, which is also made from a carbon composite.
The Superflow has large saddle rails, which are great for people with big thighs and hard seat bones. These saddle rails do not cut into you, providing greater comfort, though with the narrow shape of the saddle, you still feel pressure points if you do not sit with a good position.
The Superflow is puncture resistant, due to the plastic base and a thin hard shell. You will need to replace the fibra-tek cover periodically.
The Superflow is a very flexible saddle. it is “pointed” and reinforced reinforcement with support to keep it from flexing too far. It is a very fixed saddle.
The Superflow is a good weight and provides a good amount of comfort and support.
The Superflow has a large cut-out in the middle, allowing for your legs to swing through and over the nose of the saddle. This is great for cyclists who have difficulty getting their leg over the nose of the saddle.
This saddle has a very unique look. You can’t get away from distinctive Italian style with Selle Itailia.
The Superflow is shaped like a horse saddle if you look at it from the front.
The Superflow is very highly rated, with most reviewers saying that it is a very comfortable saddle.

Cons:

The Superflow feels like you are sitting on a horse saddle. If you dislike the feeling of sitting on horse saddles, you will not like this saddle.
The nose of this saddle is long and thin. This provides great movement, but there is little stop on the nose to keep you from sliding too far forward.