The rounded Comp Streem has a narrow nose and slim rear section incorporating a shallow groove. In profile it’s very elegant, with the sort of classical lines that would complement any bike.
A nicely textured white vinyl covering with neat and tidy finishing gives it the look of a more expensive perch, and the long rails provide a wide range of fore and aft adjustment.
At 310g, though, the Ritchey is no featherweight. The steel rails are the main culprits, but a tough nylon and glass fibre shell with extended rail mounts at each end adds to the mass.
The Comp Streem’s shape is very supportive, although at only 130mm wide it is quite narrow, and won’t suit all riders. The long rails do make fitting simple and, combined with Ritchey’s suspended Vector Wing technology rear mounting, give a reasonable degree of flex. The shell has no cutouts or inserts, but does have some give in it, making for a firm but less jarring ride.
Although the shaping helped with smooth pedalling, we found some low-level road vibration was transmitted through the saddle when we used an aluminium frame and seatpost. Fitting a carbon seatpost would probably help, but if you can afford a carbon post you’ll probably be looking further up the price list.