Selle SMP Pro

Pros

Anatomically designed to relive the cyclist of health issues associated with saddles.

Cons

Not the prettiest saddle on the market.

Review

Selle SMP PRO

Saddles are one area I always found hard to sell in a shop. There are now so many different saddle designs on offer and shapes that it truly comes down to trying before buying. I still have people ask me “Saddles are saddles aren’t they”? Unfortunately nothing could be further from the truth. In the search for a new saddle for myself I tried for 7 days straight a different brand, model to find the elusive butt hugging saddle to end my sore butt worries. Now manufactures will design saddles with the promises that this is the “ONE”! I can honestly tell you that there is no one that will suit everyone. They also make them look significantly different to distinguish themselves from the rest of the competition. Selle SMP have gone a step further having what at first appeared to be the world’s ugly creations.

Initial thought!
After having reviewed numerous other Brands of saddles I wasn’t thinking this one would be any different other than it looks weird. So going against my own advice I installed the Selle SMP Pro the week of 186km charity ride. I preach that you should never do such a thing before a big important ride. Surprisingly I got off the bike feeling no saddle pain!! Ok well Selle SMP you have my attention now.
Theory behind the Saddle!

Ergonomics is the key behind Selle SMP according to the Tech dudes here are the key areas:
1. The nose of the saddle: the characteristic "beak" shape has been designed to provide a flat base for strain when sitting, for example when facing long uphill climbs and as help in descents, offering greater bike control using the thighs. Furthermore, the most important thing is that testicles are not pressed upward.
2. The central channel: its unusual dimensions permit the rectum, prostrate, pudendal vein, the dorsal vein and artery of the penis, scrotum and testicles, the vulva and clitoris to not undergo any pressure.
3. Cyclist's sitting position: body weight is divided between the rear and the lower part of the ischial tuberosities. The position is favoured by the back profile shaped in such a way to avoid pressure on the coccyx when riding on rough roads.
4. The length of the bars/frame: it permits any cyclist to find the correct position on the saddle, making installation particularly simple and efficacious on practically any frame/saddle support combination.

So what makes this saddle better than others?

Well the gap in the pressure area for start is significant compared to any other brand on the market. The variety of models, materials and widths there is a saddle to suit even the fussiest of bum’s. The width is crucial to ensure your sit bones are being supported to relieve pressure from the softer areas of your anatomy.

Test Ride!

On installation the first feature to note is the unusually long saddle rails, which makes positioning the saddle a breeze on just about any seat-post/frame combination. The rails are constructed with AISI 304 stainless tubing. Weight comes in at 315g, not a lightweight but when it’s recommended for sizes L-XL-XXL you do not want light!
The second more notable feeling was the lack of feeling in my soft region. I could feel a total lack of pressure that is always apparent with other saddles. After a couple of hours the lack of feeling was still present much to my relief especially seeing I had decided to go against my own advice to never try new saddles out before a big ride.
Overall feeling.
Overall the saddle rocked my sock off. I now own two one for each road bike. I still own other saddles on my other bikes but noting has come close to the comfort I get from the Selle SMP PRO.