Selle Italia SLR Tekno Flow Saddle review

Selle Italia says this is the "dream saddle of any athlete." We decided to find out whether this bold statement can be substantiated

Cycling Weekly Verdict

This is a very light minimalist saddle aimed at racing. If you can afford the price tag and have been looking for a saddle with a large cut-out this could be the answer to your saddle woes.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Rigid

  • +

    Light

  • +

    Large cut-out

  • +

    Comfortable

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Price

  • -

    Edge of the carbon base could be smoother

  • -

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

With a large cut out that runs almost the full length of the saddle the SLR Tekno Flow is definitely striking.

Unquestionably this saddle is definitely race focused. With its carbo-keramic oval shaped rails, carbon base and thin synthetic leather upper it is extremely light  — it came in our scales at a sprightly 102g.

I admit I was a little apprehensive about riding a saddle that looked like it could only give a harsh ride. However, after trying many saddles with various different contours, cut-outs and channels, I was keen to give this exclusive option a try.

>>> Buyer's guide to saddles

After over 300 hundres miles of riding on a variety of surfaces and in different scenarios, I can confirm I was pleasantly surprised. As with any new saddle there was an adjusting period, but it didn't take long for me get on well with the SLR Tekno Flow. I found that my sit bones were given ample support and the large cut-out worked for me in all but the most aggressive posiyion— I felt comfortable after several hours in the saddle.

Selle Italia Tekno Flow saddle

The Selle Italia Tekno Flow saddle has oval shaped rails which mean it only fits a seat clamp that tightens vertically

It is worth noting that you'll need to check your seat clamp can fit oval shaped rails. As shown above the SLR Tekno Flow's carbon-keramic rails fit a seat clamp that tightens vertcially.

Save for the price tag my only real gripe is that the edges of the carbon base were a bit sharp. This could potentially damage your bib shorts or skin suit.

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