ehcoplex 

Anyone have experience with both a Selle Anatomica cutout saddle and a Selle Anatomica non-slotted ‘traditional’ model? I’ve got a B17 that I like well enough, but I’d like a little more setback than I can get on the short rails (and yes, I know I can get a seat post with more setback). I tried an SA with the cutout and it just didn’t work for me- too flexy. I might have been able to reduce the flex some by tightening up the tension screw, but per the SA ‘try it/return’ policy they won’t accept a return if the tension screw has been tightened… And it generally felt like I just don’t really need a cutout saddle, but the positioning, length etc felt pretty good. I’m curious about the non-cutout, ‘traditional’ model. Can anyone compare/contrast SA cutout vs non-cutout?And wouldn’t it be great if this didn’t devolve into a thread of ‘I hate leather saddles because….’ & ‘I prefer this/that/the other brand of saddle’ etc etc. I’m asking specifically about SA cutout vs non-cutout. Ha, ha, ha, yeah, I know….. this is bikeforums after all…. thx

mtbikerjohn 

I bought an X saddle without the cutout. I found it to be too hard for my bum...regular Brooks B-17's are more comfortable for me, but as always,saddles are a very personal choice. The selle Anatomica X I had was really well made tho...

ehcoplex 

Ah, that's interesting. I thought I'd read somewhere that SA's leather was softer than Brooks, but the leather on the X I tried seemed about the same as my B17 (other than the flexy-ness due to cutout). I agree, it was really well made- nicer seeming than my Brooks... and they're on sale which is why I'm wondering about the 'traditional' model. Interestingly, I just noticed in images on the SA website, it appears the rails on the cast aluminum model have a shorter section for the clamp than the steel model...

mtbikerjohn 

I thought so,too,but for me the B-17 felt much better right as opposed to the Selle Anatomica. I ended up selling it and the buyer likes it alot...Like I said,saddle choices are pretty personal

Troul 

I use to get a lot of discomfort on/after long rides until I went with a drop nose cutout design. I use a Selle TRK, been eyeing up the avant lately... Next frame might get it.

tomato coupe

I don't understand. You have a saddle you like, and you can make it work with a new seat post. Why don't you just buy the seat post?

ehcoplex 

I like the B17 'well enough'. I don't love it. My question is specifically about SA cutout vs non-cutout for several reasons, not about seat posts, not about other brands/types of saddles.