Many of us thought Selle Italia downgraded the Flite with it's most recent design. Thankfully, the original has been reintroduced. At 200g it's everything you need, nothing you don't.
I bought mine in 1992, and I still use it on my 1991 Colnago commuting bike. Most of the other components are new, but I wanted to keep some vintage parts. This saddle has outlasted many other saddles on other bikes, although it has lost a lot of the black color. It's tough, and I've even crashed it a couple times with little evidence of being scraped on the pavement. I've used it on long rides, many over 100 miles, and it's comfortable, except for the fact that that it's round, and round saddles tend to smash delicate tissue and cut off blood flow, which leads to seriously numb parts. Every person is different, so this won't be a problem for some people, but I took it off my road bike years ago and got a saddle with a channel, and it made a world of difference. This saddle is absolutely perfect for my commuter, but I wouldn't use it on a century. I'll probably dye it black again and ride it till I retire.
I've been riding this model for the 25 years I've had my Serotta Legend Ti (my forever bike); did 5,000 miles last year, and a century a week or so ago. I've figured out how to replace the leather when it wears out, so for about $10 for some quality leather from a local cobbler I get a good-as-new saddle. Just did this yesterday, as a matter of fact!
I got one of these years and years ago when they were new. I still have it and it is in super shape. Still looks cool, super light weight. I got it in my late 20s it worked for me just fine. I could ride forever on it, no issue. I'm 52 now and I cant ride this seat at all. Its like ridding a baseball bat or something. Sorry, not for me. I wish I could get along with it again. It might work for you. My son has it on his mountain bike now, so it lives on.
I appreciate the comfort and the no-frills nature of this saddle - I wore several of these out in the 90s and am always on the lookout for second-hand Flites. The new design is awful, the channeled ones are average - this shape and padding is the best of the Flite line.
I am very happy to find the new re-issue for my new project, I kind of resent the 'contemporary' price, but you don't see that many titanium railed racing saddles anymore and this is a good one.
I bought my first Flite saddle way back when they first came out. I was skeptical, but it was far more comfy than the Rolls or Turbo saddles I'd had on my bikes at the time.
Since then I've tried plenty of other saddles- Most recently Fabric, Bontrager and a couple of Aspide models, and keep coming back to the classic Flite. It simply works the best for me.
Fits my rear end nicely. I am newly back into cycling in my early 50's. This saddle reminds me of the saddle on my steel framed Trek I rode back in the late 80's and 90's. I am very pleased with my purchase.
It's a great saddle. Comfortable for long rides (I've done a few 50 mile rides with it).
I guess I'm someone that would benefit from a cut out saddle though because I felt some pressure on my you know what.
Either way though, after a few rides, the pressure stopped bothering mewent away.
Like many others I've ridden with the Flite since the 90's. Went through two of them back in the day and when it was brought back I immediately ordered one for my mountain bike. Have since added another for my gravel bike. Shape and smooth leather finish allow me to move around on saddle, nose doesn't hook my shorts, light weight, and great looks. Big upgrade from most stock spec saddles.
I replaced the stock Selle Italia saddle on my '85 Univega Gran Sprint to a Selle Italia Flight 1990 saddle. Although a little pricey, the Selle Italia Flight 1990 saddle is far more comfortable than the stock saddle both in just sitting on and while riding. Because of the slender shape, you would think it would be uncomfortable, but it is 'almost' like sitting in your rocking chair! The narrow shape of the Flight saddle does not chafe your thighs while ridding either. The total length of the Flight is almost 3.5 cm longer than the stock saddle and allows you to move to different positions while riding. In addition, the rail length for attaching the Flight saddle to the seat post is 8 cm vs 6.5 cm for the stock saddle. This also gives you more flexibility in positioning your saddle. The Flight saddle also gives my bike a more vintage look. I would definitely buy again!
This saddle is a keeper. Its a 30 year old design that is as light and functional as any of the latest saddles.
I like a flatter saddle with room to move around. The smooth leather, and medium size let me do that easily.
Great saddle!
Started road racing in the 80's on the Turbo. Picked up a Flite when Selle Italia released it. Comfort & quality are the two reasons for never purchasing another brand or model. Never have had a rail failure. A crash terminated one saddle. Other units required replacement after 10,000-12,000 miles due to chafe wear. Gave it 3 for value based on the last 4 saddles purchased back in the mid 90's. Realistically based on todays prices & the comfortdurability the Flite is a 5 in value. Will be needing another replacement soon. Just dealing with the time-warp sticker shock.
