I began riding longer distances and found that over 100 miles I fell into that category of finding discomfort and numbness on long rides. I tried probably 15 different saddles and some really good, really expensive ones and found this one. I can go 200 miles without issues now and have been doing so for about 4 years. I do have the other saddles and a couple of trainer bikes for the Winter. I limit my training rides to no more than 2.5 hours and have no issues with them so put to good use. I would give it 5 stars on value and it is priceless for giving me the extra miles ...but it's not a steal at $250!! I highly recommend this saddle and will replace the one I have with the same model as long as they make them!
I find the cutaway saddles really help relieve pressure on the soft tissues. Probably all the cutaways do this reasonably well. I was previously using a Koobi Pro saddle that worked fine. But that saddle is fairly flat and a bit wide, so it would chafe the inside of my thighs. After about 50-70 miles the backside got a bit tender. I was able to get a Selle SMP Pro at a great price, so decided to give it a try. I now have Selle SMP saddles on all my bikes. The sloped sides eliminated any thigh chafing. It was even completely comfortable (no chaffing) from day 1 after I hadn't ridden for a few months due to an injuries. The raised horn takes a bit of getting used to. But when adjusted properly it really helps prevent any slipping off the seat front. After 70 or so miles, you know you have been on a bike saddle, but it is still relatively comfortable. These are pricey saddles, but well worth it.
The key to remember when buying Selle SMP saddles is that there are model categories that have different widths. Then within a category the saddles have different firmness. I lucked out that the Pro fit me just right. But make certain you carefully check the saddle width before you buy.
I use this saddle on my road bike. The saddle geometry fits me better than the saddle that came with my bike. I particularly like how the nose of the saddle dips down. Its less like to grab my cycling short when I'm repositioning in the saddle or sitting back down after I've been standing on the petals. I'm still breaking in the leather but overall the saddle feels great.
I rode on a Fizik Aliante saddle for four years. Very comfortable and functional until I began to experience some discomfort after rides in terms of my sensitive parts. Seemed to be messing with the nerve or blood flow or something. This saddle is firm and very comfortable and I can tell you that the important parts get total circulation and freedom from restriction. I love it. I love it. I am 5'9' and weigh 190 (on a good day). I'm also looking at 65 (ouch). Excuse my 90's schtick, but this thing is the Bomb! My goal is to keep all parts in excellent working order until the Reaper says done. Thank you Selle for a really fine male enhancement product (did I just say that?). Spendy, but worth every dime. Extremely fine Italian workmanship. Get it.
Unfortunately, I did not get to use this on my bike. Due to the design of the saddle - the way the sides sweep down right next to the rails - I was unable to slide the saddle far enough rearward on the post because the clamp on the post hit the sides saddle. On a saddle this expensive, I think a design flaw like that is totally unacceptable.
Over the years I have been riding, I have tried several saddles from several of the major players. I am a tall rider, and finding a good bike fit has been an ongoing process. I like Koobi saddles for general purpose road riding and MTB. I also had good luck with Selle Italia Max Flite. But all of them would eventually cause me pain/numbness in my man parts. Because of this one nagging problem, I started shortening my saddle time and instead added intensity. My fitness has improved, and I have gotten faster (for rides less than an hour), but the trade off has been I am hesitant commit to the long rides (50-100 miles).
Since installing this saddle, I have not had the chance to do any longer rides, but I can tell from time on my trainer, and several 20-milers, that the Selle SMP Pro may solve my problems (finally!). I can ride harder, and I can comfortably spend more time in the drops, and so far, no numbness or pain in the nether regions.
Yes, they do look different. And yes, you may spend a little time finding the right adjustment for you. But when you do find that sweet spot, you will know it. As the days get longer and warmer, I am looking forward to some pain-free riding and adding more miles in the saddle. If you have tried everything else, and problems with your man parts is still holding you back, I encourage you to give one of these saddles a ride.
One final note Last year I added a Thompson Elite seat post to my rig, and this set-up made it very easy to accurately adjust this saddle to find my preferred saddle position. The Selle SMP Pro and the Thompson seat post makes for a nice combination.
I would suggest a must try in your saddle search .
No break in time required, I have ridden for 60 years and have tried many different saddles. I recently purchased an AM TRS with a Brooks Flyer Special and the seat was out of adjustment and I had Perineal issues but this saddle has allowed me to continue riding, to say I am pleased is an understatement. I just wish I could afford to put one on the AM as this one was on my road bike!
Initially seems to be comfortable but after about 25 miles this saddle hardness seemed to be quite noticeable. It's seems to me there are other less expensive saddles with equally good material-workmanship and comfort. I'd say for the price this saddle should walk on water.
Great saddle. This is my 2nd one. After 3 years my first seat had a rail break. Ordered another one. This seat is very comfortable and after a long ride nothing has become numb.
The manufacturer had a replacement rail shipped to me within 3 days so now I have a backup saddle.
I highly recommend this saddle.
The Selle SMP Pro is a work of art that will keep your blood flowing where it counts the most. Preserving your family legacy may or may not be important to you, but I like to keep my options open. Just make sure you check out SMP's site and get a saddle that's appropriate for you. I'm big-boned (aka Clydesdale) at 6' 210 and the PRO is perfect for me. It has a wide profile and feels substantial...not like a whale on a tic tac. Fit is everything, you have to get it right. The leather cover and stitching are true Italian craftsmanship. Yes! It is pricey! But you get what you pay for. I fully expect this saddle to keep me cranking on and off the bike for years.
Only saddle I ride. Have this on all 3 of my road bikes. The cut out really does work. It takes a few adjustments to get dialed in but once you do its a great ride.
THREE BIKES HAVE THIS SEAT ON ALL THREE WORTH EVERY PENNY
I have 3 bikes and this saddle is on everyone of them, comfort is what I was looking for and boy did I find it with the Selle SMP Pro. 51 years old and still enjoying the ride.
I use it for weekly rides. This saddle has given me much more comfort in the prostate area than my previous saddle(selle italle trans am
This is a very nice seat. For the short time I have had it all seems to be working out well.
I've used this Saddle for over 5 years and 20,000 miles. I've tried competitive brands but quickly came back to the Selle SMP Pro Saddle. My rides are usually 40miles and I have not experienced any discomfort why using this saddle.
Most comfortable saddle. Great on long rides.
I use the saddle from TT and road n dirt road riding. IT has all around great comfort.
Well I am old and have tried many seat and this just fits great and you can ride after that 20 mile limit you know the seat fits.
