After trying a half dozen other saddles for a few days each, I kept coming back to this one. Have it on two of my bikes now, and will use it on all road and gravel bikes in the future. I have narrow sit bones, and most saddles are two wide for me. This Selle SMP glider is perfect. Additionally, while many other saddles flair out suddenly (pear or T-shaped) preventing me from sliding fore and aft, the glider's V-shape is great, allowing me to adjust my position on the saddle depending upon the terrain. I slide back on the saddle while going up steep hills, which is much more comfortable. It is also more powerful if I also move my hands in to the center of the bars, rather than out on the boots or drops. I also have the saddle tilted down about 4 degrees when measuring across the top of the entire saddle. In this position, the middle of the saddle is relatively flat, with the rear of the saddle noticeably higher. So when I slide back on the saddle, I effectively have a higher saddle as well - again, great for going up hills.
I found there was no break-in period with this saddle. That said, I am glad it is leather, so it is only going to get more comfortable with time.
btw, I tried this saddle about 2 years ago during COVID and had an issue with the metal rails protruding near the nose. My inner thigh would rub these rails and it was super uncomfortable. I returned that saddle at the time and bought a different one. But apparently Selle SMP corrected this issue on the newer versions. I have subsequently bought two of these and the rails are tucked underneath as they should be. Not sure if it was a design change or a quality issue back then, but the new ones are great and this is now a non-issue.
I've been considering a split saddle for some time. On long rides I would experience numbness in my seat and blistering. I have logged around 400 miles on this saddle and am liking it more each ride. At 6'2 and 205lbs. The comfort is appreciated.
My previous go-to saddle was a narrow Fizik Arione, but during a bike fit the SMP Glider was recommended. I will readily admit the saddle is not the most aesthetically pleasing, but it does provide a small almost concave sit area where one can perch, get into an aggressive riding position with the hips open and power through the pedal stroke. The dropped saddle nose eliminates pressure where one wants it the least. Cannot speak to saddle longevity, but the break-in period is rather short compared to my Arione. If you like narrow saddles and get numb junk, give it a go.
SMP obviously studied the pelvic bone structure. The fit accommodates different pelvis-rotation angles. Amazing. After a 3-week demo period, I almost fit the next-skinnier model. Very challenging to sort out the differences across SMP lineup but found Glider at 5mm wider is best fit. Years of what Jason called perineum paranoia had my lower back vertical off the saddle, with SMP can rotate forward to a much more comfortable position. Love it.
Once you find the right saddle you stick with it.
Expensive. I like this saddle and have not used it a lot - yet. No problems so far. I don't know if I would rate any saddle a 5, unless you did not know it was there. This one comes close. It is a well constructed saddle, and does not catch my pants when I am moving back into the saddle. It is expensive. Is it worth it? Maybe.
I really like this saddle. It was a replacement for my fizik saddle that although i liked for short distances, proved to be uncomfortable for anything longer than 25 miles. This glider saddle provides better circulation because of the cutout and i was able to recently ride 50 miles with little or no discomfort. The saddle does take some getting used to because there is more pressure on the sit bones because of the cut out. Overall, great saddle.
I bought this seat for my mountain bike because I sit on the front of the seat on steep climbs and I thought the shape would be more comfortable. It is, and I'm going to buy one for my road bike as well.
I have tried almost a dozen different saddles over the last ten plus years in an effort to find one that did not leave me in pain at the end of a century ride. You know, where your butt is causing you more discomfort than any other of the worn out body parts. Well this saddle solved that issue. I literally forget about it! It took a bit of time to adjust it to the right tilt so that I didn't get any numbness in important areas but after that it's been great! It has even seen me through several double centuries.
I had the earlier version of the Glider years ago after riding a century and standing up the last 15 miles because of the pain in butt!
The glider carried me through the next 5 years of long rides beautifully, never an issue.
I buy a new Pinarello road bike with a nice Italian saddle but not the Selle Glider.
Back to the perfect road saddle!
I have Selle SMP's on all my bikes. Gliders on my Road and Gravel bikes. Obviously saddles are very personal and what is perfect for me may not be for you. That being said, I think there's a Selle SMP for every butt.
Like most riders I have been through over a half dozen different saddles trying to find one that isn't a major source of discomfort after 50 miles or more on the bike. I know we all have slightly different anatomical structure, but for me, this is the saddle that solved my problem. I have now finished century rides without even thinking about my saddle. Initially, it took some time to get the seat angle and positioning dialed in. But I have put over 5000 miles on it and find it to be a great saddle.
I'm an avid cyclist and I spent lots of money trying to find a saddle that didn't cause me to go numb at 30 miles. Further, my butt would ache and I would have to stand up a lot.
I rode 3 Specialized saddles, Terry saddle all good saddles, they just didn't solve my pain and going numb.
This Selle saddle is Amazingly Comfortable and zero numbness! I ride 100 miles a week year round,
As a plus it looks racy on my Specialized Roubaix!
Highly recommend this saddle,
I took the jump to purchase after reading lots of reviews on this saddle.
Energize Life!!
I'm an avid cyclist and I spent lots of money trying to find a saddle that didn't cause me to go numb at 30 miles. Further, my butt would ache and I would have to stand up a lot.
I rode 3 Specialized saddles, Terry saddle all good saddles, they just didn't solve my pain and going numb.
This Selle saddle is Amazingly Comfortable and zero numbness! I ride 100 miles a week year round,
As a plus it looks racy on my Specialized Roubaix!
Highly recommend this saddle,
I took the jump to purchase after reading lots of reviews on this saddle.
Energize Life!!
A saddle is such a personal fit item. This is the one that works for me. I've got one on each bike (3) - Road, tandem & touring. I've tried others, but saddle sores ensue. Enough said!
Leather cover and small added padding plus saddle shape provide the desired comfort.
I have tried many seats, but nothing compares to this rather odd looking, but most comfortable seat. This is my second, and worth every penny
I am using my second Gilder, and the next one (in some years) will be the same...
Yes, this saddle is expensive but it is also very comfortable for those of us dealing with numb crotch syndrome! I am somewhat concerned about what the rain will do to the hand wrapped leather but will try treating it with the right stuff. For a classy, lightweight cut-away saddle, this is an excellent choice.
This saddle is amazing I felt the difference almost immediately. This is a great saddle and really does relieve pressure on soft tissue and provides a comfortable saddle.
