Selle SMP Saddles Review

The Selle SMP saddle line is a mix of high-end racing saddles and super-wide cruiser-style road bike saddles. This wide range is complemented by different levels of padding, depending on the cyclist's preferred comfort level.

The F30C is a shorter version of Selle SMP's shapely, iconic design; this saddle is a little shorter than their traditional model but still maintains a flat surface, encouraging fore and aft movement. Its quality construction, leather cover and heavy-duty steel rails add up to a saddle that might last longer than you expect on your bike.

SMP's extreme cutout and funky shape are aimed at eliminating the numbness associated with traditional saddles by protecting sensitive tissue up front. Their representatives told me that they've seen an 83% improvement in blood flow to the genitals when riding seated, compared to baseline levels on traditional saddles.

This dramatic relief channel is a big part of why Selle SMP stands out, but it also comes with its own set of concerns. For starters, it's not always as easy to get a perfect fit with this nose-shaped saddle - if your sit bones don't properly align with the seating platform, you're going to have some uncomfortable pressure points along your pelvic floor and genital area.

That's why Selle SMP isn't a great fit for every rider. We found it a bit too long for some of our smaller testers, and it also might not suit riders with larger pelvises - but if you're desperate for relief, this is a premium saddle that will offer you what you need. It also comes in a plethora of colors and a wide variety of different levels of padding, so you'll find a perfect match for your needs.