Selle Italia Flite Gel Flow

Selle Italia
Flite Gel Flow Saddle
$200

Selle Italia is one of the classic saddle manufacturers in cycling. Since 1897, they have been making saddles for bike racers and recreational cyclists alike. The Flite was introduced in 1990, setting a new standard for lightweight saddles worldwide. The saddle has since been found on many manufacturers' bikes since then. Denis Menchov, this year's Giro winner, for instance, rides the current Team Edition Flite from Selle Italia.

The company introduced their Gel Flow technology in 2002, incorporating a central cutout and variable-thickness gel pads into the traditional Flite saddle profile. I have ridden one of these since 2004, and when Selle Italia revamped the Flite in 2008, I replaced my original Gel Flow with the new one, and it is still going strong. The current model is now lighter and more sculpted in shape. The spacing on the supportive part of the saddle is the same, but there is now less excess material around the back and sides.

One minor issue with the seat is that the structure in the central section of the saddle is not as stiff with the cutout. For this reason, I have seen some riders' saddles where the central part has deformed over time, bowing down toward the seatpost and potentially creating an uncomfortable shape to ride on. This only seems to happen over several thousands of miles, however. It's also a problem I have noticed only in the slightest on my own saddle, now 2 years old. Presumably heavier riders, and riders who tend to slide their weight from the back to the middle of the saddle, will eventually experience this problem more.

Personally, I expect my Flite to remain in good shape for years to come. I also recommend it, especially if you have tried less-expensive saddles in the past without finding one that is really comfortable. Made in Italy, with a full-grain real leather cover, the Selle Italia Flite Gel Flow is a comfortable, lightweight and stylish saddle for any road bike.