There were three saddles that caught our eye among Selle San Marco's 2010 line-up at this month's Taichung Bike Week in Taiwan – the new REGALe Carbon FX, REGALe Racing Team and classic Regal Vintage.
The “e” on the end of REGALe stands for evolution – San Marco say the saddles are inspired by the original Regal, used by the likes of Cipollini, LeMonde and Boonen, but with "ultra-modern performance”.
The titanium-railed 2010 REGALe Racing Team saddle boasts a weight saving of 150g over the old version, tipping the scales at a claimed 220g. RRP TBC.
But the true weight weenie option will be the £159.99 REGALe Carbon FX at just 179g – and San Marco say there has been no loss of comfort to achieve this.
The classic white Regal Vintage saddle has been brought back for 2010 and it's one for the purists, with classic detailing including polished studs and colour matched rails. Claimed weight is 345g. The white version show here will set you back around £60.
Team news
Selle San Marco have announced their 2010 International Dream Team of pro riders – with the exception of one big name who has yet to be revealed.
The lineup is: Danilo Napolitano; Nicolas Roche; Rinaldo Nocentini; Joaquin Rodriguez; McEwen; Alessandro Petacchi; Damiano Cunego; Kim Kirchen; Stefano Garzelli; and Luca Paolini.
In 2009, they sponsored 16 teams around the world, and in 2010 that will increase to 30, including Katusha, Yahoo, AG2R, Peperoncino (triathlon), Fidea and Cmax-Kuota. On the mountain bike side, the Superenduro Team and Felt International MTB will both be running San Marco saddles next year.
Test rides
Also new from Selle San Marco is a Test Kit for bike shops that includes free test saddles (Mantra, REGALe and Zoncolan) so riders can try them out before buying. They'll be able to borrow the white test seats for up to two weeks with no obligation to purchase.