The nomenclature of Selle Italia saddles

[orange_julius]

I have used the Selle Italia SLR Gel Flow saddle for years, and I like them. Now I have a few that need replacing as they have started to sag and show wear. Unfortunately, looking at the Selle Italia website it looks like they have done away with the SLR Gel Flow. So now I am confused by their product lineup and I'm hoping for help here.

Is the "SLR Flow" the most similar to the "SLR Gel Flow"? Does "Gel" refer to the material of the saddle, hence, SLR Gel Flow and SLR Flow have identical shape but different material?

What about the "SLR Super Flow" and the "Max SLR Gel Flow"?
* Does the SLR Super Flow 130 have the same outline as the SLR Gel Flow?
* Does the Max SLR Gel Flow have the same outline as the SLR Gel Flow?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[champamoore]

Did you consider sending the same questions to Selle Italia? As a return customer, one would hope they would be more than happy to help you sort out the distinctions.

[JCavilia]

They've changed terms in confusing ways several times. It does appear that "flow" is now their shorthand for "cutout," as "gel flow" used to be (and "super flow" means "really big cutout").

Whether the current slr flow is exactly the same shape as the slr gel flow (my favorite, too) from a few years ago, who knows. Looks very close from the pictures.

The slr super flow comes in 2 widths, the smaller of which (130) seems similar to the slr flow.

[Special Eyes]

It's a friggin' nightmare. I used to ride their seats but have moved to Toupes. Now it's impossible to figure out all the different Toupe models from year to year. It's kinda like trying to compare the same looking refrigerator at two different dealers. No model numbers or names are ever the same.

[Rekless1]

Well, GEL means it has a layer of gel in it, typically around the cut out.

The MAX usually means it's the wider/widest of the model line.

Flow and Super corrolate to the cut out and it's size.

[carveitup]

I think they now call it the SLR Classic Gel. The superflow is a new saddle.

Selle Italia SLR Classic Gel Flow Saddle - Mountain Equipment Co-op. Free Shipping Available

[laffeaux]

It's a friggin' nightmare. I used to ride their seats but have moved to Toupes. Now it's impossible to figure out all the different Toupe models from year to year. It's kinda like trying to compare the same looking refrigerator at two different dealers. No model numbers or names are ever the same.

Remember that the guys in the marketing department need to look busy, and nothing keeps you busier than randomly changing names on products. This also generates lots of outside questions for the tech support department. All of these extra departments require higher prices to be charged for products. And higher prices equate to quality.

[orange_julius]

Did you consider sending the same questions to Selle Italia? As a return customer, one would hope they would be more than happy to help you sort out the distinctions.

Selle Italia being an Italian company, I was skeptical of their customer service, but at the same time I posted this I also emailed their US distributor ProNet Cycling who was timely with their reply.

What they said: "SLR Flow" is the same as "SLR Gel Flow", Gel refers to a gel insert around the soft tissue cutout and in the sit bone area. With new manufacturing process this is no longer necessary, hence "SLR Flow".

"SLR Super Flow 130" doesn't have the same outline as "SLR Gel Flow".
"Max SLR Gel Flow" has similar outline as "SLR Gel Flow".

I think I'll try this last one.