Toupe to selle italia SLR flow or carbonio flow?

nicknick

I've been using Specialized Toupe's for a few years now and like the shape, but I'm getting sick of the poor quality. If the base hasn't sagged, the rails have come loose, and I'm only 66kg!

I'm now looking at a selle italia SLR flow-not the gel version-has anyone tried this and the Toupe to compare? If not, any reviews for the SLR flow welcome anyway!

Also considering the carbonio flow but looks like the SLR flow with carbon rails? If that's the only difference I'll go with the cheaper SLR.

Thanks!

Bozman

I swapped from a toupe to an SLR flow carbonio 3 or 4 years ago because I found that the Toupe was really uncomfortable and like you said a little shoddy.
I found it that comfortable I put one on another bike, after a recent frame swap I ditched the carbonio due to the colour and I gave the new standard slr flow a go....... I've had it for a couple of months now and I find it ok but it does seem to sag a bit in the middle and the saddle is still very slippy. Maybe that's down to the length of time I've spent using the slr carbonio flow.

nicknick

Thanks for the reply.
The toupe has a natural dip in it which i quite like, but the SLR looks flat, so a little sag won't bother me. Is the sag when you're sat on it or has it deformed?

I used to use the original SLR's and found the nose always wore quickly. The material appears to be different now though.

Bozman

It's just when I sit on it but it maybe in the mind but the comfort is great, the finish of the saddle is a step up from the previous model.
They "were" just over £80 at ribble

nicknick

That's what I've got my eye on £83 at ribble. Tempting. Shame I don't live near a test centre!

BBH

Sorry to jump on, hope it's of use
Anyone know any more saddles similar that r a bit wider?? I have 143 sit bones and although feel comfy on the toupe with a thick pad, find with thinner pads it's really sore after around 25-30m, so am looking for another cut out to try that's in that width (slr is 131mm).
Romin? Phenom? Any others????

robbo2011

The SLR Super Flow is available in 145 mm size.

xixang

i used a toupe until it broke in a crash. Was very comfy. Now I've got SLR gel flows on 2 bikes and they are ok comfort wise on rides up to around 50 miles. After that I start to get a numb ar5e. I found the toupe more comforable, ust a little flimsy maybe.

Next time I think I'd look at something different maybe, but not fizik - never found a comfy one yet

nicknick

Thanks for your opinion. As i'm off to the alps in July I think I might be safer sticking with what I know for now!

I did once have an SLR gel flow and hated it, the SLR flow looks to be a lot different though?

northpole

I had a toupe which eventually gave up the ghost when one of the plastic/ carbon rails snapped. So I agree with comments about build quality.

I thought I would get something different, something which may be a bit more forgiving when scooting around without decent padded shorts on.

I've been through a few saddles, convincing myself I had found the answer - Fizik Aliante; selle italia slr, spesh romin (probably came closest), Fizik Kurve (worst for me so far!).

I think I have now got to the point where I'll put up with any shortcomings in build quality and get myself another toupe.

My advice, after painful lessons learnt, if you can find a saddle which is comfortable, stick with it!!

Peter

nicknick

northpole wrote:

I had a toupe which eventually gave up the ghost when one of the plastic/ carbon rails snapped. So I agree with comments about build quality.

I thought I would get something different, something which may be a bit more forgiving when scooting around without decent padded shorts on.

I've been through a few saddles, convincing myself I had found the answer - Fizik Aliante; selle italia slr, spesh romin (probably came closest), Fizik Kurve (worst for me so far!).

I think I have now got to the point where I'll put up with any shortcomings in build quality and get myself another toupe.

My advice, after painful lessons learnt, if you can find a saddle which is comfortable, stick with it!!

Peter

I think that may be wise advice! Especially as I have an ISP frame which would need cutting to accept anything else! I've always fund the Toupe comfy enough.

I popped into a spesh dealer this afternoon to get my ass measured and it turns out I should be on a 143 as opposed to a 130. I'm not surprised by this but it may explain the reason for the failure of the rail-my weight being on the outer part of the saddle. I think I'll try a 143 and play it safe for now!