Today we are going to take a look at the Selle Anatomica saddles. They look rather similar to Brooks. But are a more modern take on the old school design.
They make a few different models based on rider weight. Later on we will cover the different models and help you to figure out which one is better for you.
For the Selle Anatomica saddles they focus a lot on offer more comfort then the Brooks. Or that is what they say. And for good reason, let me explain. They have unique slot cut out down the middle of the saddle which offers comfort by allowing each sit bone to move independently. This further relieves pressure from the perineal area. Also the Flex-Fly Slot cutout gives the saddle a bit more flex and moves with your peddling motion pretty naturally. Also it acts as a bit of suspension when going over bumps.
The biggest selling point for me when it comes to this saddle is the instant comfort on bike. There is no need to wait out a break in period on this saddle compared to something like the brooks. It is comfortable from day one.
They also offer the longest rails in the industry which means more seatback. They have two kinds of leather, veg and watershed. The veg leather is dipped in vegetable oil and is said to last longer. It does however take a little more time to be comfortable then the water sed leather but it is more durable.
Benefits Of The Selle Anatomica
It is important to note that there are known and well documented medical issues associated with riding bicycles for prolonged periods of time. And this is why Selle Anatomica took it upon themselves to produce a saddle that would combat these issues.
One of the main issues for riders with uncomfortable bike saddles was the pelvic floor & sit bone related issues. It is a relatively weak structure and is not designed to withstand extremes of weight bearing on it and does not shield the neurovascular structures in that area well. Selle Anatomica saddles offer central pressure relief in this area. Allowing the saddle to flex superiorly and inferiorly independently on the left and right sides and provide internal/external rotation in sync with the riders pedalling motion. The saddle also helps with prostate relief.
Selle Anatomica Saddle Line Up
So lets have a look at the Selle Anatomica saddle options and what each one is best for. When it comes to these saddles they don’t offer different widths or gender specific models. They focus mainly on offering a different range of saddles based on your weight and the amount of miles you plan to ride.
Here is a quick look at the leather saddle line up compared to each other with some insightful details that I hope helps you in making a purchasing decision. I put together a FREE downloadable Google Doc detailing all the specs and differences of each saddle in a easy to view way! (leather saddles only) The other two – R2 and C Series Carbon are in a different league.
Selle Anatomica R2
This is there newest saddles that also comes in at a cheaper price. The saddle features a weatherproof rubber top paired with our next generation modular frame. This rubber top is a first in the industry. It is a saddle ideal for touring, commuting, and riding in all weather conditions. The new frames they have with the Series 2 saddles is lighter weight, stronger, and user serviceable. You get the options with Series 2 saddles to upgrade. With Carbon Fiber rails and different rubber or leather tops can be installed depending on your needs. This saddle is suited for all rider weights and distances. It accommodates riders up to 250lbs or 113.5 kg. The interchangeable rail that comes with the R2 is Cast Aluminum and Tensionable Vulcanized EPDM Rubber Top, the saddle weighs ~420 grams. Priced at $120.00
Selle Anatomica C Series Carbon
Before we get into the leather saddles we have one more unique saddle to cover. If you are looking to cut as much weight possible then have a look at this carbon saddle from them. If grams counting is your thing this only comes in at 190 grams! Featuring the Patent Pending Leaf Spring frame with unidirectional carbon fiber 7x9mm ovular rails. And it has a dual layer, bias cut, carbon fiber weave riding surface. If you go for a saddle like this they recommend you use a top/bottom seatpost clamp. Weight limit for this saddle is 225 pounds or 102 kg. Priced at $450.00
Selle Anatomica X1
Okay so now we more onto the leather touring saddles. The x series saddles are probably the more popular ones when it comes to touring and adventure cycling. This X1 saddles features a leather that contours to your body shape via a Full Grain leather top with dual reinforcing leather laminate layers. This is one of the WaterShed leather options. The frame is a molded sheet metal steel with 4130 chromoly steel rails. With a total weight of ~515 grams. This saddle has no break in period. It feels good from day one. X Series is the do it all saddle for riders who weigh from 120 to 190 pounds or 54.5 to 86 kg. Priced at $145.00
Selle Anatomica X2
The other saddle option in the X-Series is the X2. This is an upgrade to the X1. It is a lighter saddle at ~420 grams that is around 95 grams lighter then the X1. The rider weight limit is the same at 190 pounds or 86 Kg. The saddle is made up of a Full Grain leather top with dual reinforcing laminate layers, Cast aluminum frame and Stainless steel tubular rails. The difference with this saddle apart from being lighter and stronger is you can service them. This means that the Series 2 saddles can be upgraded with Carbon Fiber rails and different leather tops can be installed depending on your needs. Again this saddle is best for off-road touring, commuting, MTB. This saddle does it all. Priced at $165.00
Selle Anatomica H1
The H1 offers the strongest leather saddle from Selle Anatomica paired with our strong yet affordable Series 1 Frame. The way they prepare the leather for the H Series saddles results in a stiffer, more durable saddle. This might be your go to saddle if you are coming from a more stiff brooks saddle. Suitable for touring and long distance riding and for cyclists who prefer a stiffer riding platform. It features a Full Grain leather top with dual reinforcing laminate layers, molded sheet metal steel frame and 4130 chromoly steel rails. The saddle weighs ~515 grams and has a weight limit up to 250 pounds or 113 Kg. Priced at $145.00
Selle Anatomica H2
The H2 saddle is a lighter weight option while still offering the strength for a weight limit of 250 pounds or 113 Kg. This saddle offers their next generation Cast aluminum modular frame with Chicago screws. Again the frames for the Series 2 saddles are lighter weight, stronger, and user serviceable. Along with the cast aluminum frame you get a Full Grain leather top with dual reinforcing laminate layers and Stainless steel tubular rails. Priced at $165.00
Selle Anatomica T1
The T Series saddles are their softest leather and they are both designed to provide maximum comfort for riders up to a max weight of 120 pounds or 54 Kg. The saddles weighs ~485 grams and is only really suitable for lighter riders. It is made from a Full Grain leather top with reinforcing laminate layer, Molded sheet metal steel frame and 4130 chromoly steel rails. Priced at $145.00
Selle Anatomica T2
Along with the T1 this saddle has a max weigh for 120 pounds or 54 Kg of rider. But is a lighter saddle at ~400 grams. Featuring the new Series 2 frames that are featured on the other Series 2 models. Again this saddle is made from a Full Grain leather top with reinforcing laminate layer, Aluminum frame and Tubular stainless steel rails. Priced at $165.00
Selle Anatomica Vs Brooks
If you are after a in-depth showdown with Selle Anatomica and Brooks saddles. I wrote a blog article thoroughly detailing what the difference is between each saddle and which one would be better for you. Feel free to head over and give that a good read.
In this article I outline much more detail about each saddle brand. But in summary, I have covered some of the benefits of the Selle Anatomica but there are some small things worth considering that are not so good about this saddle.
Some users have reported that this saddle can get squeaky at times. Especially when used in dusty environments.
Also the rails can bend easily if you are not careful. There are different weight requirements for the leather and the rails. According to the company, there are also requirements for where on the rail you install it and what type of body frame you have. Make sure to look into these details to see if you will be a appropriate weight for the saddle you are looking at.
Overall they are good saddles for touring, commuting or cycle travel in general. They have a unique selling point with the patent cutout design that in theory seems super beneficial to reduce pain and pressure down there. Definitely worth considering!
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