Expert Rating: 9.6 ( 3 Reviews )
9.5
Moz On Bikes
Aug 15, 2023
The Selle Italia Flite Titanium saddle embodies the nostalgia of the past with its iconic design, making it a fitting choice for vintage bike enthusiasts.
9.5
Overall Rating
The Selle Italia Flite Titanium saddle embodies the nostalgia of the past with its iconic design, making it a fitting choice for vintage bike enthusiasts.
9.5
Style & Design
The Selle Italia Flite Titanium edition boasts a classic silhouette with its iconic black and yellow design, featuring the renowned Selle Italia logo on the back and a distinctive peaky nose, making it a preferred choice for classic and retro bike enthusiasts.
10
Padding & Flex
The saddle provides a substantial amount of padding on the rear of the base, offering a comfortable ride, although not meeting modern standards of cushioning. The kinked rail design contributes to the saddle's flexibility, enhancing its comfort level during rides.
9.5
Length
Has a length of 146mm and well-recognized shape of the Flite Titanium series, with its signature peaky nose and compact design.
9
Weight
The saddle is claimed to have a weight of 230 grams, and the actual weighed saddle aligns closely with this claim, only deviating by a negligible one or two grams, making it suitable for various riding styles without compromising weight.
9.5
Seat Materials
Utilize titanium and emphasizes the iconic and timeless design of the Flite Titanium series
9.5
Rails
The saddle features titanium rails, contributing to its lightweight construction, comfort, and flexibility. The unique rail design, showcased by the kinked rails, adds to the overall character of the saddle.
9.8
The Sweet Cyclists
Aug 15, 2023
The Selle Italia Flite Boost saddles gracefully capture the spirit of the classic Flite while embracing modern cycling demands.
9.8
Overall Rating
The Selle Italia Flite Boost saddles gracefully capture the spirit of the classic Flite while embracing modern cycling demands.
9.5
Style & Design
The Selle Italia Flite Boost saddles exhibit a compact, aerodynamic design that pays homage to the original Flite's success, with updated logos and modernized features for a sleek appearance.
10
Padding & Flex
The saddles feature varying levels of padding, with the TM version boasting SoftTek polyurethane cover and subtle graphic elements, while the carbon version offers FiberTek technical cover material for enhanced grip and comfort.
9.5
Length
The Flite Boost saddles carry a shorter and more compact design than their predecessor, aligning with contemporary trends towards high-performance and aerodynamics.
10
Weight
The carbon version impressively weighs in at 160 grams, prioritizing lightweight construction, while the TM version is slightly heavier at 252 grams, providing a more budget-friendly option with practicality in mind.
10
Seat Materials
The saddles incorporate innovative materials, such as FiberTek and SoftTek covers, contributing to grip, comfort, and durability.
10
Rails
The Flite Boost saddles come with various rail options, including carbon rails with ceramic coating for the carbon version and manganese rails for the TM version, offering flexibility and support.
9.5
Global Cycling Network
Aug 15, 2023
The Selle Italia Flite saddle stands as a testament to the company's commitment to innovation while paying homage to its rich history. From its inception with the Turbo to the current cutting-edge Flite, this saddle has undergone a remarkable transformation that aligns with the evolving needs of cyclists.
9.5
Overall Rating
The Selle Italia Flite saddle stands as a testament to the company's commitment to innovation while paying homage to its rich history. From its inception with the Turbo to the current cutting-edge Flite, this saddle has undergone a remarkable transformation that aligns with the evolving needs of cyclists.
9
Style & Design
The Selle Italia Flite saddle represents a design evolution, starting from the classic Turbo saddle to the cutting-edge Flite in 1990. Over the years, the saddle has transformed with visible rails, exposed shell, ergonomic cutouts, refined shapes, and customizable designs, resulting in a balance of form and function.
9.5
Padding & Flex
The Flite saddle series has witnessed the evolution of padding and ergonomic considerations, moving from traditional designs with excessive material to modern shapes that prioritize comfort, reducing pressure on sensitive areas through cutouts and improved padding materials.
9.5
Length
The Flite saddle series transitioned from longer traditional designs to more compact and aerodynamic shapes, adapting to modern cycling trends and performance-oriented riding styles.
9.5
Weight
The weight of Flite saddles has significantly decreased over generations, from the original 230 grams to the current 162 grams in the 2020 version, achieved through advancements in materials, construction, and design.
9.5
Seat Materials
The Flite saddles have embraced advanced materials such as titanium, carbon fiber, and ergonomic padding to enhance durability, comfort, and lightweight attributes, while still retaining the heritage of leather and steel from the earlier iterations.
10
Rails
The Flite saddle line offers a variety of rail options, including manganese, titanium, and carbon fiber, catering to different preferences and weight considerations.
Buckle up for an enlightening journey! Those three YouTube videos, each a treasure trove of expert insights, provided me with an insider’s perspective on the remarkable Selle Italia FLITE Saddle. Let me demystify it all for you: The Flite Saga Unveiled.
Style and Design
The Selle Italia Flite Titanium edition graces the scene with a timeless silhouette, donning the iconic black and yellow design that’s become synonymous with Selle Italia. With the esteemed Selle Italia logo adorning its back and a distinctive peaky nose, this saddle emerges as the preferred choice for connoisseurs of classic and retro bikes.
Padding and Flex
Comfort takes center stage with the Selle Italia Flite Saddle. The rear of the base is generously padded, ensuring a ride that’s the epitome of comfort, though it may not entirely adhere to modern cushioning standards. A design feat worthy of mention is the kinked rail system – a feature that enhances the saddle’s flexibility, thereby elevating your comfort quotient during rides.
Length: Evolving Designs for Modern Demands
Meet the Flite Titanium series, measuring a compact 146mm in length and sporting the unmistakable peaky nose that has captured the hearts of many. The Flite Boost saddles, on the other hand, step onto the scene with a shorter, more compact design, aligning seamlessly with the thrust of contemporary trends that favor high-performance and aerodynamics.
Weight: Finding Equilibrium Between Form and Function
Claimed to tip the scales at 230 grams, the Selle Italia Flite Saddle lives up to its promise, with the actual weighed saddle deviating only by a negligible one or two grams. This slight weight variation doesn’t impede its versatility, making it a suitable companion for a wide spectrum of riding styles. For those ardently dedicated to the cause of lightweight construction, the carbon version stands proud at a mere 160 grams. Meanwhile, the TM version, slightly heftier at 252 grams, embraces practicality without relinquishing performance.
Seat Materials: A Symphony of Comfort and Durability
The Flite Titanium series embraces the majesty of titanium, accentuating its iconic and timeless design. On the flip side, the Flite Boost saddles embrace modern innovation, with FiberTek and SoftTek covers contributing not only to grip and comfort but also to their enduring durability.
Rails Revolution: A Marriage of Form and Function
Titanium takes the stage once again as the Selle Italia Flite Saddle’s rail material, infusing it with lightweight prowess, unparalleled comfort, and a touch of flexibility. A distinctive character is lent by the kinked rail design, an aesthetic addition that transcends mere functionality. The Flite Boost line marches forward with a variety of rail options, from carbon rails coated in ceramic for the carbon version to manganese rails for the TM version, promising both flexibility and unyielding support.
Overall Observations
The Selle Italia Flite Titanium saddle wears its heritage like a badge of honor, captivating with its nostalgic design that resonates with vintage bike enthusiasts. In contrast, the Flite Boost saddles masterfully channel the spirit of the classic Flite while embracing the exacting demands of modern cycling.
If you’re curious about how the Selle Italia Flite saddle holds its own compared to other options, why not dive into our comprehensive guides? We’ve got the lowdown on top-rated saddles designed for different riding styles and tastes. These guides feature a selection of ‘Best’ picks tailored to what you’re after, along with some handy resources to help you make a savvy choice.
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How to Choose a Road Bike Saddle
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Warm regards,
John