Fancy frames, wind-cheating wheelsets and costly components notwithstanding, without question there’s no single piece of equipment more crucial to comfort and performance than the saddle.
For that reason I’ve strayed little-far from my selection of perches over the decades, treating my loins to comfort above and beyond any other consideration. So, when a new company emerges in the marketplace touting the latest and greatest in saddle performance courtesy of sophisticated cut-ways and channels (“blowholes” as I like to call them), it typically falls on deaf ears for me.
However, a relative newcomer to the saddle segment, Repente, has taken a much more comprehensive approach to saddle design, incorporating a modular-like construction that allows the Italian brand to fine-tune the carbon composition of each saddle in order to ensure optimal comfort and performance for each application. The design even permits the interchanging of covers, while leaving the rest of the saddle intact.
For those reasons, I agreed to review Repente’s Spyd 2.0 saddle with less nudging than usual.
For starters, the Spyd 2.0 checks all the boxes in terms of profile, offering good uniformity with regard to shape with just the right amount of contour, and of course sans the “blowhole”.
As with all of Repente’s saddles, the Spyd 2.0 utilizes its RLS locking system, which as described allows for the interchangeability of the saddle’s cover via three holes at the base that’s held in place using circlips, while the company’s intricate Autoclave Resistance Enhancement (ARE), Multi-Section Carbon Rail (MSR) and Long Carbon Fiber (LCF) fabrication processes collectively eliminate deformation during riding and give each saddle a desire “ride” characteristic thanks to a specific modulus of carbon.
For the Spyd 2.0, all of this results in a saddle that tips the scales at an impressive 180 grams, a figure light enough to win plaudits from even the weight weenies crowd, while the fit and finish of the saddle is nothing short of exceptional.
But, how well does the Spyd 2.0 perform?
As stolid as I’ve been in my choice of saddles over the years, every so often my culo and I rejoice in a new found bike seat. Such is the case with the Spyd 2.0.
Indeed, after spending considerable time atop the Spyd 2.0., I found it to be an extremely comfortable saddle, providing the requisite amount of comfort and support needed to tackle even the longest and most demanding of rides. As mentioned, the materials used are top-notch, maintaining their function and stylish appearance throughout all riding conditions – even after some rough and dirty off-road pursuits.
While some saddle brands have turned out to be merely exercises in industrial design and marketing, a lot of science was clearly invested in Repente’s technology, in the end paying high dividends in terms of comfort, performance and durability.
At $169, the Spyd 2.0 makes for a remarkable value. There’s one caveat however, given the flexible nature of the RLS system, I found that the saddle didn’t work with some wedge-style seatposts, as the carbon rails would flex under load, causing the seat clamp to lose its torque.
Otherwise, installation was a clinch and reliability was assured.
Specifications:
Selle Repente
You must be logged in to post a comment.
