When I first rode with this saddle my first impression wasn't good. I realized I didn't have it level, and it was a little too high. Once that was corrected, and a few rides later, I dont even notice I have a saddle underneath me. It's comfortable on long rides and no more numbness.
This was a replacement of a mid-level seat I have had for many years. Was looking for a bit more comfort on distance rides (>50mi). Have only tested it to 30 miles, but it is providing better comfort than what it replaced.
It seems to me that two things matter in a saddle, comfort and durability. Since I've only owned the saddle for a short time, I can't speak to its durability other than to say that I've had previous Sella Italia saddles that lasted for quite a long time. With regard to comfort, I've been very pleased with the saddle. Although, since starting to use it I haven't done any rides beyond about 45 miles. But at least I can say that it's been quite comfortable for numerous rides in the 20 to 30 mile range.
This is my 4th Selle Italia Max Saddle over the past 7 years. I average 4,000 miles per year and lots of long distances rides. This saddle is great for longer (50+mile) rides, comfortable and fits just right.
Comfortable saddle. No numbness and the right amount of padding. This is the most comfortable saddle I've owned when in the drops. A word of caution. The saddle is fairly tall, so you may have to adjust seat post height to get the same saddle height, depending upon what your previous saddle was.
i have two primary criteria for a saddle how comfortable is it while riding and how does my rear feel after the ride and for the next day or so. this saddle is one of the first ever that has worked for me right out of the box. i've only done three rides on it thus far but the saddle has caused no discomfort so far. some of my favorite saddles, including the previous edition of this saddle on my other bike, have taken some time and many trials to determine whather they were keepers or not. barring surprises, this saddle looks like a lucky find. it is comfortable with just the right amount of padding. perhaps a little weighty.
I had never ridden a cutout saddle and didn't know what to expect. This saddle is very comfortable to me. I like the relief the cutout provides. The gel is plenty firm. For a few extra negligible grams I believe I made a good choice in selecting this saddle.
I still have a 5 year old Selle Italia seat that I still use. However I purchased a new Full carbon bike and the seat that comes with this bike is not comfortable for me. This particular seat that I ordered from Tires Direct was a little too firm for me. So I talked to an associate from the returns dept. who was very helpful in suggesting a seat that might be more comfortable for me. So I ordered it and his advice was excellent. I really like this new seat. It is Selle Italia L2 Man Gel Flow, a good fit for me and meets my comfort needs. Great company to do business with, quality products at very fair prices. I have been road biking for 60 plus years but my passion for the last 20 years is mtn. biking.
I ride gran fondos and do training rides of 30 to 60 miles in between. This seat is soft enough to make the ride as comfortable as possible yet rigid enough to transfer the forces efficiently. i feel most comfortable on seats with cut out's, and this one fits me well.
No more numbness in the man parts, but my sit bones feel like someone has spent two hours kicking me in the ass after my rides. Still tweaking the seat angle and it has gotten slightly better. But the jury is still out on this one.
