New X Series Saddle Shape My original Selle Anatomica Titanico Watershed saddle was in need of a new top from having stretched over the years and the threaded adjustment bolt was on its' last bit of threads. Considering how much it would have cost to get a new cover and after reading several reviews of how those older original models had problems with the rails bending I decided to get a new saddle with chromoly rails instead.
I don't mind investing in quality particularly when it's something that can be rebuilt or repaired over the next several years. Given the information provided by Selle Anatomica's new design methods I feel very confident in their new line of products particularly after having purchased the NSX model for my off road touring bike.
First of all the newer model Selle Anatomica X Series Saddle has a much nicer shape from the original design. Dubbed as their "Flex Fly" design the patented slot creates two separate wings which move or "flex" independent of one another providing a comfortable leather saddle which requires no break in period.
I don't mind investing in quality particularly when it's something that can be rebuilt or repaired over the next several years. Given the information provided by Selle Anatomica's new design methods I feel very confident in their new line of products particularly after having purchased the NSX model for my off road touring bike.
First of all the newer model Selle Anatomica X Series Saddle has a much nicer shape from the original design. Dubbed as their "Flex Fly" design the patented slot creates two separate wings which move or "flex" independent of one another providing a comfortable leather saddle which requires no break in period.
Selle Anatomica has improved the "weak" points. Secondly, the newer design also supplies a longer threaded adjustment bolt which allows the saddle to continue to be stretched further than the older models for longer life of the leather. It may have been possible to simply replace my old saddle's 44mm bolt with the newer 55mm bolt available direct from Selle Anatomica but as I mentioned I preferred to invest in the 4130 chromoly rails, another factor contributing to the saddle's longevity.
I began to notice that the old nose piece design on my '07 Titanico saddle wanted to sort of pop off the end of the frame after the shorter 44mm adjusting bolt had been pushed to its' maximum limit of adjusting the leather. The following quote from the Selle Anatomica product site is another reason I chose to invest in their new frame and nose design.
"While the replacement tension bolt is compatible with older models, we recommend that you not tension the saddle past the point where the nose piece can rest fully and safely on the frame".
Yeah, I can concur that statement with the photo at left showing where the leather broke on my old saddle from having tension on the adjusting bolt at its' last threads for the past few years. Photos below show the differences between the older adjusting bolt design on left and the newer, longer adjusting bolt of the X Series Saddle.
I began to notice that the old nose piece design on my '07 Titanico saddle wanted to sort of pop off the end of the frame after the shorter 44mm adjusting bolt had been pushed to its' maximum limit of adjusting the leather. The following quote from the Selle Anatomica product site is another reason I chose to invest in their new frame and nose design.
"While the replacement tension bolt is compatible with older models, we recommend that you not tension the saddle past the point where the nose piece can rest fully and safely on the frame".
Yeah, I can concur that statement with the photo at left showing where the leather broke on my old saddle from having tension on the adjusting bolt at its' last threads for the past few years. Photos below show the differences between the older adjusting bolt design on left and the newer, longer adjusting bolt of the X Series Saddle.
Older Titanico model with shorter adjusting bolt and without threaded sleeve as on the newer X Series saddle.
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New nose design of the X Series Saddle not only provides a longer adjusting bolt but has a reinforcing threaded sleeve as well.
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V shape of older Titanico model The X Series saddle is touted as Selle Anatomica's work horse saddle for both heavier riders of up to two hundred fifty pounds and for high mileage riders of a hundred miles per week. You might assume then that this saddle would be stiffer and less comfortable with their product description of reinforced dual laminates and thicker leather, however like my other two Selle Anatomica saddles this X Series Saddle was also comfortable on its' first test ride.
So far what I am really liking about the newer X Series model is the much more contoured shape. My older Titanico shown at left needed to be sanded along either edge in order to prevent chafing on my inner thighs. During my last ride with this saddle I noticed it was beginning to rub again but only on my left side and was most likely due to the saddle needing to be adjusted again. However, because it was so stretched over the years that's how I determined it was time for a new saddle.
Fortunately for me I never had the problem of the rails bending on my older Titanico model but it always concerned me after hearing about it being an issue with several other owners of the same saddle model.
Although the new X Series model is sixteen grams lighter for you weight weenies out there this saddle actually feels sturdier. After changing the saddle frame materials to chromoly steel they also changed the geometry of the frame which is something that most likely lends itself to the new shape of the leather's top cover.
Upon receiving your saddle you are provided with where to find installation information regarding how to setup your saddle to achieve optimal comfort and performance from your saddle as well as where to register your saddle's warranty information. Selle Anatomica Saddles are still made in the US and continue to offer innovative ideas and products to provide customer satisfaction. Use any of the links provided or click on top image for information or to purchase your Selle Anatomica X Series Saddle.
Links related to this topic:
Made in USA, Selle Anatomica Titanico
Selle Anatomica NSX Mountain Bike Saddle Review
Making the Hard Feel Easy, Having a Good Bike Saddle
So far what I am really liking about the newer X Series model is the much more contoured shape. My older Titanico shown at left needed to be sanded along either edge in order to prevent chafing on my inner thighs. During my last ride with this saddle I noticed it was beginning to rub again but only on my left side and was most likely due to the saddle needing to be adjusted again. However, because it was so stretched over the years that's how I determined it was time for a new saddle.
Fortunately for me I never had the problem of the rails bending on my older Titanico model but it always concerned me after hearing about it being an issue with several other owners of the same saddle model.
Although the new X Series model is sixteen grams lighter for you weight weenies out there this saddle actually feels sturdier. After changing the saddle frame materials to chromoly steel they also changed the geometry of the frame which is something that most likely lends itself to the new shape of the leather's top cover.
Upon receiving your saddle you are provided with where to find installation information regarding how to setup your saddle to achieve optimal comfort and performance from your saddle as well as where to register your saddle's warranty information. Selle Anatomica Saddles are still made in the US and continue to offer innovative ideas and products to provide customer satisfaction. Use any of the links provided or click on top image for information or to purchase your Selle Anatomica X Series Saddle.
Links related to this topic:
Made in USA, Selle Anatomica Titanico
Selle Anatomica NSX Mountain Bike Saddle Review
Making the Hard Feel Easy, Having a Good Bike Saddle
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