In the world of high-end modern saddles, innovation is now centered around 3D printing. This doesn’t necessarily mean that 3D printed options dominate our list of best road bike seats. They continue to represent a small portion of the market, primarily due to pricing. Pricing is indicative of the fact that production 3D printing still remains a very new concept. This small market is the one that drives real innovation, despite the high price.
Selle San Marco shortfit 2.0 3D Racing Saddle Tech Specs
Price: £319.99 / $379.90
Length: 255 mm
Width: 140 mm
Weight: As measured at 220g
Rail: Round stainless steel
Selle San Marco is the latest company to offer 3D-printed saddles. Selle San Marco announced in November, last year that the Shortfit 2 3D Racing saddle was a new top-of-the line option for its Shortfit 2 saddles. Two options are available depending on the rail shape and weight you prefer. We are only just beginning to see both of them available for purchase. While testing the stainless steel rail, I had the chance to take it on a trip through California. FSA K-Force We 12s – Groupset I am ready to tell you all about it. Keep reading to find out if you should consider a new racing saddle for this summer.
Design and aesthetics
Selle San Marco was not the first brand to introduce a saddle that is 3D printed. Fizik, Specialized and other brands have already moved on to the second generation of products. It’s not like 3D printing is a new process. Selle San Marco uses a similar process to others, namely DLS (Digital Light Synthesis) from Californian brand “Carbon”.
DLS differs in some important ways from other 3D-printing methods. DLS works by first shining UV light at a fluid through a “dead zone” instead of using physical material. The light causes a layer of liquid to form as it hits the liquid. As the object moves from the liquid’s edge, the layer is removed. The liquid will eventually produce a part with minimal layering visible and no internal voids. Heat curing is the final step, which increases strength. It seems to work well for saddles – it’s recently debuted in helmet pads too – but, as mentioned, it’s not unique to Selle San Marco.
Selle San Marco’s designers chose to build from a known quantity rather than focus on a new manufacturing process. The S3 version of the Selle San Marco Shortfit is 140 x 255. The length of this saddle is between the Fizik Vento Argo (265mm) and Specialized Power (242mm). The L3 is 155mm wide, and comes with carbon rails. Both the S3 as well as the L3 come in lighter weights.
You’ll notice a slight wave in the Shortfit 3D 2.0 as you look past the dimensions. If you want a deeper wave, I suggest you look somewhere else. There is instead a prominent rear kick, then a slight rise and dip before a very subtle descent begins. The centre of the saddle has a large depression which starts at the rear kick, then narrows and continues in a teardrop-shaped shape all the way up to the nose. The outer wings have a steep drop-off.
One place where the 3D printing is dominant is the aesthetics of the Selle San Marco Shortfit 2.0 3D. Specialized uses the Power Mirror with a closed-off outer, and Fizik Antares Versus is slightly more open in the first generation. Fizik Vento Argo, the second generation, has a pattern that’s even closer. Selle San Marco rejects both, opting for a more bold design that highlights the 3D printed parts.
You will notice a series three pointed shapes as you examine the padding. It could be a series or triangles, depending on how you look at it. The print is very open, and an up-close look will reveal the different layers. Despite its openness, the matrix does not allow light to pass through. Each section of padding is placed on top of a shell made of carbon reinforced nylon.
The Performance of a
When I first sat on the Specialized 3D-printed saddle, I fell in love. I wasn’t in love with the design, but 3D-printed padding changes everything. With the ability to change the matrix’s structure very precisely, a brand can tune the softness vs. stiffness in a manner that is not possible with traditional foam. Specialized’s saddle is much softer than one would expect of a high-performance saddle.
Fizik was the next company to offer me a chance to try a 3D-printed saddle. Fizik quickly pointed out that the Fizik Argo Adaptive was a second-generation product, and Fizik’s ability to finetune padding is much greater. It’s not my favorite shape, but I have used it for thousands of miles. Fizik did not seem to take as many liberties when it came to the 3D printing capabilities. The padding is more traditional but still very good.
After a few more years of riding, I finally got to try the Selle San Marco Shortfit 2 3D Racing Saddle in S3 size. I am in love. Although I am a big fan of the shorter shape of saddles, I don’t like the fact that narrower saddles are being discontinued. I am not a large person, and my hips tend to be narrow. I always want the narrowest option when testing.
Fizik and Selle San Marco both quote a 140-mm width, but the specs do not tell the whole story. The Shortfit 2.0 features a more pronounced design with a steeper drop on the wings. The section that you sit on is 60mm wide and approximately 30 mm smaller than the space of the Fizik.
Selle San Marco has also mastered the use of 3D printing technology for padding. The traditional foam is not as stiff. With a wide front and a large cutout, you’re essentially balanced on long virtual tubes. This, along with the wave and kick, keeps you in a relatively static position when sitting. The sections could be torture, but they are softer than foam. There is even some give from the nylon shell. It’s the perfect fit for me.
Verdict
No saddle will suit everyone. A saddle is an individual choice. This is true even when discussing a 3D-printed saddle. Only the 3D printing process allows for a much more precise adjustment of padding. The new tool will allow a great saddle company to do the same thing they always did, only with more precision.
This means you have to forget the 3D-printing technology. Selle San Marco Shortfit 2 3D Racing is a good choice if you’re a smaller person who likes a narrower seat. If you like to stand often, a comfortable saddle is important. You can check out the Selle San Marco Shortfit 1.0 and, if money is no object, you could also opt for the 3D-printed version which is more comfortable without chafing.
The carbon version is worth it. The 3D-printed version is a lot more expensive, but the carbon version is only a small amount. They work well, but don’t match the quality and look of the upper. You can go a step further and match the 3D-printed upper with the matching bling if you’re willing to spend the money. The carbon is also lighter, but it’s not a featherweight.
Design and aesthetics | The base is a bit cheap looking, despite the beautiful upper. | 7/10 |
Weight | There’s a very direct correlation between weight and price. This is a middle price/weight option compared to Fizik or Specialized. | 8/10 |
Comfort | The fit is a personal thing, of course. But I can only say that it fits perfectly. Incredibly comfortable and soft where I need it but there’s enough support right under the sit bones. | 10/10 |
Performance | Super comfortable and easy for you to move on it when you wish. Enough support to keep your stable. I’m a big fan. | 10/10 |
Value | Fizik is more expensive, but it offers better value. | 8/10 |
You can also read more about it here | Row 5 Cell 1 | 86% |