Selle SMP discussion

Something about the side profile doesn't look right to me. Not sure how representative of a real SMP it would be

It's also covered rather than 'padded'.

I'd have thought the TRK or Hybrid is the obvious choice @bengreen if you want something padded and not expensive. Have you looked through the catalogues?

My knockoff carbon SMP is going on Bike1 soon so I need replacement for winter/rain/hack Bike2. This bike gets locked up so a pricey saddle is out of the question.

I've still got a load of saddle-bar drop on Bike2 so don't want anything too wide. A TRK would be too wide. I'm thinking the Extra, Hybrid or the Hell... probably the Hybrid as I can't seem to find a Hell for less than £50 (and I'm not sure really how different those two shells are anyway).

The best prices I've found are here ?

I think the second one i prefer to the idea of just carbon, the covered option instead. I am however probably gonna end up buying the carbon copies from ebay

Holy shit there is a whole other world of junior versions too. No wonder they can't keep costs down. So many versions!

Ive tried most of the smp range. I prefer the composite in the line up. Evolution a close 2nd. Just bought a forma which is most likely the least comfortable for me.

All of the ones I've tried have been better than any other saddle for me. I don't even think they look that bad anymore :)

Aliexpress or ebay for the copy? What does everyone recommend using? Never used aliexpress before.

Which ever one puts the most money into the research and development of new products?

Which ever one allows the most money for the research and tasting of new beers?

Ha!

The rear wings on the copies look a little different but may work OK

Before I go ahead and buy one, does anyone have an 'extra' for sale?
Edit: or any other model for a price under £50 for that matter

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/original-italy-BG-GEL-hollw-tech-131mm-geometery-microfiber-cloth-leather-titanium-rail-mtb-racking-performance/32222272486.html

Thoughts on this? (nicked from orient express thread)
It looks like a similar design to a smp to me

Not similar materials though. Plastic?

Dude, just buy the real thing from Bike24, the euro is very weak right now so a Composit is £125 (not inc. p&p).

Or just buy the carbon fake, the lack of padding is fine, I rode mine with jean and 25mm tyres, abet a short distance.

So only £100 more expensive then?

Fwiw, other than the gel pads at the back I'm not sure how much padding that one (aliexpress) might have.

Also, all this talk about Selle SMP's R&D costs, I'd be interested to know what more research they've done after developing the cut out? Seem very much like a one trick pony

^^ I just picked up a Hell from them (£60).

I'd be interested to know what more research they've done after developing the cut out? Seem very much like a one trick pony

I suggest you read their catalogue material. It's like fizik's but without the performing unicorn talk.

The Steve Hogg page is good too.

Your exasperation at my faffing has prompted me to go ahead and order this:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/HOT-sale-freeshipping-full-carbon-saddle-bicycle-MTB-bike-saddle-road-bike-seat-bicycle-saddle/2055908415.html

So thanks I guess! Usually I try to support brands/innovation but I just don't have the money to pump >£50 into a saddle.
I'll definitely report back when i have it (which looks like it'll be ages away)

Just a general point, for saddles in general, but applies here due to the cost of Smp saddles..... It's where we spend the majority of your time, why shouldn't our arses and reproductive systems be given the best available comfort and protection, even if it costs.
Say your saddle cost you £180, and you ride everyday, for a year, thats 50p a day, don't buy a butty at work, make yer own, saddle pays for itself. I know how I'd rather spend my money.

^ would rep

You're absolutely right of course, especially considering that I've never really felt particularly comfortable on a bike. However I'm just getting to the point where I'm prepared to spend more than a few hundred on a complete bike, never mind half of that on a saddle!
As far as I'm concerned this cheap carbon is a way to find out if the shape works for me, before investing that amount of money.

The cheap carbon is indeed a good way of finding out how the shape feel.

I am for once in my life, 100% comfortable with my bike, especially the SMP Composit after some prolonged tweaking of the position.

After two days of continuous riding (inc. night) I'm still 100% comfortable on the saddle.

That is priceless.

I think I've just indoctrinated @amey to the church of SMP via PM.

#unsubscribes

I'm going to try a Specialized Romin or Oura in 155 to check if it's just the cut-out that makes THE difference I shall report back.

The Sella Italia Diva saddles didn't get that hot reviews in the women's saddle thread, way too hard and the nose looks way too wide for me. I've strange hips, wide at the rear, narrow at the front.