Selle Italia had great success in 2015 with re-interpretations of classic saddles; for instance, the Ferrari co-designed Novus being reinvented after a 20-year hiatus.
The brand’s offering at Eurobike indicated that this is set to continue for 2016 (all prices were TBC at time of publication; we'll update when we have more).
For starters, there are faithful reissues of the legendary 1990 Flight and the ever-present Turbo. With SI’s new Vintage line it’s added a touch of class via new coverings in super-high-grade nubuck leather – just the thing for your custom steel mountain or road machine.
The bolted-on classic Turbo has got the nubuck leather treatment
Alongside the Vintage line Selle Italia has also introduced a new Superflow version of its popular cutout Flow line. As the name hints at, these feature a much more extreme cutout section for riders who are prone to discomfort from even the most open of open cut out saddles. The Superflow design is being rolled out across the whole of the Selle Italia range, with even the TT specific Kronos getting the open treatment.
For the more style conscious urban rider, the Italian firm has also debuted the new Net saddle in an array of wild custom graphic finishes. The Net isn’t just style over substance however – it’s constructed with 100 percent recyclable materials and features a mesh-like centre section (where the graphics live) for extra breathability, is waterproof treated compares well weight-wise to other urban saddles at a claimed 360g.
The possibilities are endless for bold designs with the new eco-friendly Net saddle
The Net is also infused with a fresh fragrance, but please don’t go around sniffing people’s saddles, as we’re fairly sure that’s not acceptable behaviour in even the most liberal cycling circles…
Finally Selle Italia showed us a glimpse into the future of saddle design, as its designers see it. The P-01 concept saddle took the parameters of a saddle shape to the wind tunnel to tune the aerodynamics.
The one-piece monocoque carbon construction integrates both the hull and rails in a fluid wing-like design. Despite having no padding whatsoever the shape was developed to offer perfect pelvic support, for a saddle that’s as comfortable as it is fast looking.
The P-01 concept saddle combines anatomic design with wind tunnel optimisation
The C59 concept saddle meanwhile is one for the weight weenies. It takes the basic shape of the SLR Tekno and reimagines it in the same monocoque one-piece carbon design as the P-01 but with the emphasis on low weight and comfort. The rideable prototype C59 tips the scales at an astonishing 59g. If it makes it to market it’ll be the lightest saddle ever made.
Related reading: BikeRadar’s complete coverage of the Eurobike trade show
