The Flite XC packs a lot of features into its lightweight, slender profile, and it’s very soundly constructed.
Admittedly the shiny sides take some getting used to, but one muddy ride and they tone down considerably – plus they really work: combined with the grippy centre panel, they give you the sensation of being held firmly in place yet being able to float on the pedals at the same time.
The carbon composite shell has lots of flex that, along with the titanium rails, absorbs trail vibration to make for a smooth ride. It’s a narrow saddle and we found it fantastic for fast and furious cross-country action, but if you know that your sit bones need extra room do check the fit to make sure it’s supportive enough.
We like this saddle a lot, but at over £100 it is a serious amount of money – that said, it is high-quality Selle Italia engineering and if you like to invest in the classic, then you won’t be disappointed by its quality or performance.
