Botir

Hi,

I am looking to upgrade my saddle on my road bike to a Selle SMP saddle. Can someone please recommend a reputable Selle SMP dealer in NJ, preferably from personal experience, who could help me pick out a right saddle? I live in Jersey City and the distance is not an issue. I am just looking for the LBS that sells the SMPs with good service that would take time to size the saddle based on how I ride and fit it appropriately on my bike.

Many thanks in advance.

RPK79

I know this guy who sells them out of the back of his van under the overpass. He's legit and his prices super low.

indyfabz

Let me guess: His BF user name is bt.

RPK79

I don't know about his BF name, but he goes by Jimmy "knuckles" Rigatoni.

mgwilder

Wow, not only am I interested in finding a SMP dealer in NJ, I live in Jersey City as well. I can tell you that even though Strictly says they're a SMP dealer when I went there they didn't have any and steered me towards a Specialized Romin. Buying that saddle was a big mistake.

I ran into a guy on a ride a couple of weeks ago (who did not have an SMP) that said R&A in Brooklyn has a set up with various models and sizes so you can actually sit on them and get a feel for them. I've yet to go out there so I can't confirm or deny his statement.

RPK79

I actually just picked up a Romin Evo and finally got the position dialed in on yesterday's ride. I'm pleased with it so far.

indyfabz

My father's side of the family came over on the boat. As such, I am extremely offended my that remark. I am so offended that I am going to start a rant on the A&S forum about how cyclists on the 41 are ethnicists.

indyfabz

Whoa. And it gets even weirder. I am going to be riding through Jersey City on Sunday on my way to Brooklyn.

mgwilder

I lost some weight recently and I am no longer happy with the fit. Less cushion (on me) makes a so-so fit less than so-so now.

RPK79

Start it here so I can read it. I don't venture over to A&S.

indyfabz

I go there every once in a while to remind myself of how much more well adjusted I am than many others.

Botir

Didn't expect that a simple question could provoke so many distasteful comments. For those looking for a place to be sarcastic, please don't flood this thread with garbage and let normal people respond.

chaadster

Well you're quite humorless.

Shimagnolo

I bought my SMP Glider through eBay from a bike shop in France.
Seriously.

mgwilder

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I71cY9Ysy5U

mgwilder

Hi,

OP, try Tenefly Bicycle Workshop:

Tenafly Bicycle Workshop

They wrote me back saying they had demos of many of the models and saddles in stock. I'm going to visit next week. I'll let you know how it goes.

Botir

Thanks, Mark. Look forward to hearing about your experience at Tenafly.

mgwilder

I just returned from Tenefly with a Stratos demo on my bike. They had a few demo seats on the wall and a few that were out. I worked with Kevin, who was knowledgeable. I opted for the seat fitting ($35) and he spent considerable time with me getting the position correct. Well worth it. I did get a sit bone measurement which led to the choices in saddle.

This is a shop I ride by almost every other week and I've never dropped in. Very good shop, nice staff. I may have found a new shop.

Feel free to PM me if you'd like more info.

mgw

ColaJacket

You could always try ordering online through Performance Bike (or some other online retailer). Performance has a good return policy.

GH

anotherbrian

I believe Albabici is the US distributor of the saddles. The list was accurate for the NorCal dealers I talked to:

Albabici Local SMP Dealers Locator Information.

And it has been 2.5 years since I bought my SMP, however the shop (Ikon in Sacramento) let me borrow a half-dozen saddles over a couple week period, before I found the one that felt the best.

NealH

I am curious as to your sit bone measurement, assuming it was measured in the traditional way (eg, Specialized). I tried the Stratos and it was way too narrow. And my bones are about 100mm.

mgwilder

anotherbrian, I worked off the Albabici website, which led me to the first two shops, and they were a bust. Maybe they were in transition, maybe the site wasn't updated, idunno. I wrote to Albabici and after a form reply I received an email from the NY area rep who was very helpful and willing to give me a personal fitting. Since I had already reached out to Tenefly, I decided to pass.

NealH, my sitbone is 90mm. I'm currently not sold on the Stratos. I don't feel settled on it, but that was on the trainer. I'll know more by Sunday.

kbarch

If you're not averse to going into the city, Zen bikes on 24th is a dealer. Nice folks. They keep a few in stock, and I got a couple from them. But I've had a test Stratos on my FG for a couple of months now - waiting for the green Composit to arrive (may actually shuffle saddles around).
This is good to hear - they are VERY near me (though there is one shop closer here in Tenafly). I stopped in one day just to look around, and once I got someone's attention, they were very attentive and accommodating.

woodcraft

Just out of your neighborhood,

but this shop has a demo program.

https://visitventuraca.com/business/nonstop-ciclismo/

(not that I would be regarded as a 'normal person')

mgwilder

Saturday, I drove back to Tenefly and swapped out the Stratos for the Lite 209, which is the same shell with more padding. A major improvement for my boney arse. The shop was quick to accomdate me, put the new seat on with the exact same tilt and moved my saddle bag mount over without me even asking. After a 50 miler today I feel I'm sold.