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Go on long rides and enjoy every mile with Terry’s widest cutaway saddle. Discover how one of the industry’s foremost women saddle manufacturers offers comfort without sacrificing performance in this Terry Butterfly Century Saddle review.

The Terry Butterfly Century Saddle is perhaps Terry’s most popular saddle. It is the go-to saddle for women who want increased comfort for endurance or long-distance riding. This is all thanks to the thin layer of gel along the saddle top.

Featuring a very low profile, the Buttery Century has the widest cutaway among all the models in the manufacturer’s lineup.

It is engineered to suit women with wider sit bones. If that’s you, this saddle will allow you to enjoy longer mileage during tours. To top it all, it comes with Poron foam that uses the XRD technology for increased shock absorption and extra comfort during endurance cycling.

Terry Butterfly Century Saddle Overview

Renowned Italian bicycle saddle manufacturer, Terry Bicycles, engineered the Butterfly Century Saddle with endurance riding in mind.

Terry strikes a balance between comfort and functionality by adding an extra layer of Poron XRD in the Butterfly Century design. This layer of shock-absorbing material between its foam layers and base dampens road vibrations. The technology accounts for the less padding and somewhat thin profile of the saddle.

If you are a female rider looking for a saddle designed by women for women, you may want to pay close attention to this Terry Butterfly Century Saddle review.

Let’s get started with a few pros and cons.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Bike Saddle

With nearly all bike saddle manufacturers trying to outdo each other with chic and classy saddle designs, it can be an uphill task trying to choose something that will work for you.

One of the “tricks” to narrowing down your options is to look beyond aesthetics or eye-catching designs. Instead, consider the following important factors:

1. The right fit: It is a great idea to measure your sit bones before you go looking at bike saddles. That’s because the right bike saddle for you will depend largely on the size of your sit bones.

As a general rule, wider saddles are more suitable for women because they tend to have wider hip-width. However, you want to choose something that fits your sit bones, while taking note of whether it is for women or men.

You will experience rubbing and chaffing if it is too wide. It will not provide adequate support for your buttocks if it is too narrow. This is why you should work with your measurements to determine which saddle is the right fit for your body type.

2. Type of cycling: A long and narrow saddle with just a little padding is your best bet for road cycling. Wide saddles with springs or plush padding should be on your radar if you mostly do recreational cycling with an upright riding position.

Consider a smaller-shaped saddle with a bit more padding if you do mountain cycling. These types of saddles provide leverage for mountain bike racers when cornering and descending.

Choose a saddle that falls between mountain and road cycling-style saddles if you do long-distance riding. This type of saddle will have a narrow nose and have some cushioning for your sit bones. 

3. Saddle cover: Choose a saddle with a leather cover if you want something that will fit like a glove over time. Many of them have a break-in period of approximately 200 miles, though.

A synthetic cover is lightweight, low-maintenance, and does not have any break-in time. But it may not be as durable as a leather cover.

Another option is a cotton cover. This has a shorter break-in period compared to a leather cover but moves a bit when you ride.

4. Saddle rails: The different materials used in the rails affect the flexibility, weight, strength, and even the cost of the saddle. Your options include:

Steel: Steel rails are strong and dependable, but can be heavy. Consider a lightweight saddle if you want something suitable for racing.

Alloy: These are lighter than steel but have excellent strength.

Titanium: Titanium rails are the preferred option for riders who want lightweight saddles. These have good shock absorption qualities but they can pricier than steel and alloy rails.

Carbon: Consider carbon rails if you want an alternative to titanium rails. Be ready to spend more money, though, because they are generally more expensive.

5. Pressure-relieving design: Bike saddles come with a few different cutaways designed to relieve pressure in the area between the sit bones and to allow airflow.  Decide whether you want a center cutout, small indentation, split seat, or no accommodation at all. This is more a matter of personal preference.
6. Type of cushioning:Choose a saddle with gel cushioning if you are a recreational rider. Foam cushioning springs back to shape quicker, making it a fantastic choice for road cycling. Some saddles do not have any cushioning at all. This may be worth considering if saddles with cushioning have not worked for you in the past.

Some endurance bike saddles come with a combination of gel and foam. The extra gel layer adds a little bit of comfort for longer rides. 

Features and Benefits

What sets the Butterfly Century saddle apart from other models? Why should you consider buying it?

This part of the Terry Butterfly Century Saddle review will shed light on the features of the saddle and what they mean to the rider.

Materials

In keeping its tradition of designing high-quality saddles, Terry assembled some first-rate materials to build the Butterfly Century.

These materials include:

Cover

A slate-colored Fibra-tek cover adorns the Butterfly Century saddle. You can hop on this saddle and ride away right out of the box without any discomfort resulting from an initial break-in period. That’s because the cover is a synthetic material.

You can confidently use this saddle in wet conditions or even wash it without bothering about possible damages from water because it is waterproof. Plus, it is low-maintenance and doesn’t require a conditioner since it is not leather.

Insert

The stiff shell has thin layers of foam that provide just enough cushioning suitable for long-distance riding.

With the female anatomy in mind, the shell construction gives the saddle an overall low profile and increases its flex.

Rails

The saddle shell connects to your bike’s seatpost clamp using two parallel titanium rails. The rail material ensures the saddle maintains a lighter weight while providing excellent support.

The silver-plated titanium rail matches the slate or dark-ash cover. The rails are strong and allow you to easily adjust the saddle a few inches forward and backward on the seatpost.

More: Specialized Power Saddle Review: Is This Product Right for You or Not?

Shape and Size

The saddle has a pear shape with sculpted foam. It also has a wide center cutout – the widest in Terry’s lineup. This design lessens soft tissue pressure in the genital area and also minimizes pressure on the pubic bone arc.

Also, riders will experience better airflow from the wide center cutout for greater comfort during extended cycling.

Shock Absorption

One of the most interesting features of the Butterfly Century is the Proton XRD shock-absorbing layer. This material eliminates the need for any bulky padding, yet it is effective at dampening vibrations from road shock. In addition to absorbing shock, the shock-absorbing material also gives the saddle its thin profile.

The Proton XRD together with a thin layer of gel along the top of the shell provides all the comfort a rider needs for long-distance cycling.

More: Brooks England B17 Steel Saddle Review: All you need to know

Features Summary

Here is a glance at the features of the Butterfly Century Saddle.

What Others Are Saying

In the part of the Terry Butterfly Century Saddle review, I’ll quickly show you what other women say about the saddle.

A few poking around on the internet reveals that most female riders who bought and use the Butterfly Century saddle are happy with their purchase.

Take a look at the screenshots below:

Terry Butterfly Century Saddle Alternatives

No doubt, the Butterfly Century saddle is a great model, but there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all when it comes to bicycle saddles. For this reason, this Terry Butterfly Saddle review will be incomplete if I don’t offer you other alternatives, just in case this model isn’t quite what you’re looking for.

Have a look at these other remarkable saddles from the same manufacturer, perhaps you will find something that suits you.

Butterfly Century Saddle vs FLX Gel Saddle

The FLX Gel saddle comes in a unique split saddle design with an extra gel insert for greater comfort. However, it is stiffer than the Butterfly Century, making it a great choice for performance cycling. 

It features a sleek shape with a very slim profile tailored to female cyclists who move around on the saddle and like to ride fast over long distances. The manganese rails keep the overall saddle weight low.

The perforated leather cover with a white patent accent is durable. The shape of the saddle eliminates numbness in soft tissues, and the slim nose reduces chaffing during long rides. Check our FLX Gel Review

FLX Gel Saddle Summary

• Price: $135.95
• Rails: Manganese
• Area (length x width): 10.2” x 5.5” (260 mm x 142 mm)
• Weight: 9.1 ounces (258 grams)

Click here to check out the FLX Gel Saddle.

Butterfly Century Saddle vs Corta Saddle

Terry’s Corta Saddle is a snob-nose style model built for the competitive female rider. The women-specific saddle features state-of-the-art technology and has a sleek modern design with distinctive graphics and silver-plated titanium rails.

This model has a shorter overall length, meaning there is no excess surface area that can lead to chaffing. With a shape that’s flat at the rear and a dropped nose, the saddle provides enough support for sustained seated climbs. It also offers outstanding relief in the soft tissue and genital area.

Terry Corta might be the right saddle for you if you are looking for a model designed specifically to support climbing and aerodynamic power pedaling. Check our Corta Saddle Review

Corta Saddle Summary

• Price: $189.95
• Rails: Titanium
• Area (length x width): 9.8” x 5.8” (250 mm x 149 mm)
• Weight: 8.2 ounces (235 grams)

Click here to check out the Corta Saddle.

Conclusion

I’m positive that this Butterfly Century Saddle review has helped you decide whether Terry’s lowest profile, widest cutout saddle is the right option for you.

The shock-absorbing Proton XRD material, thin gel layer along the top of the hard shell, and the minimal padding all combine to form a robust saddle design for the longest rides.

In a nutshell, the Butterfly Century saddle might be the right choice for you if you are in the market for a hand-made bike saddle designed for an aggressive or performance riding position. Click here to check out the Terry Butterfly Century Saddle.

For the elite female racer, nothing cuts it quite like a lightweight, lightly padded saddle. Find out why many professional women cyclists are opting for Terry’s latest bike saddle design in this Terry FLX Gel Saddle review.

The FLX saddle is Terry’s latest innovation in the brand’s split saddle design. This model features extra gel padding for greater comfort.

The lightweight saddle comes in a sleek shape with a slim profile tailored to female cyclists who move around on the saddle and like to ride fast over long distances. It features manganese rails that help keep the overall saddle weight low.

In terms of price, the Women’s FLX Gel Saddle is more affordable than some of the more popular options in Terry’s lineup.

If aggressive riding is your style, this Terry FLX Gel Saddle review will give you plenty of reasons to swap your old bicycle saddles out for this performance option.

Terry FLX Gel Saddle Overview

Terry is a well-known brand when it comes to bike saddles, with plenty of its models spotting eye-catching and functional designs.

The Italian manufacturer keeps that tradition alive in its innovative FLX Gel Saddle design. The model takes the lead when it comes to split saddle engineering. It features a slim profile engineered to suit women with narrow sit bones.

A gel insert makes the saddle a fantastic choice for elite riders seeking something that’s not too padded. To give you an idea of what the padding feels like, the FLX Gel falls between the stiffer FLX Carbon and the softer Butterfly model.

In addition to thinner padding, the rails are made from lightweight material contributing to the overall lightness of the saddle.

Before I go further into this Selle Italia FLX Gel review, let’s go over a few pros and cons of the award-winning saddle.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Bike Saddle

There is no end to attractive and sleek saddle designs, so it can be tricky to choose a model based only on aesthetics.

Bicycle saddles are not created equal, which means it is crucial to understand a few factors before choosing one. Whether or not you are eyeing the FLX Gel saddle, here are the most important considerations to keep in mind when buying a bike saddle.

1. Fit: The right bike saddle for you should fit you nicely when you sit on it. Whether a bike’s saddle fits you will depend on the size of your sit bone. As a general rule, wider saddles are more suitable for women.

Still, it is important to measure your sit bone to determine if a narrow or wide saddle will be your best fit.

2. Riding position: Some riding positions require actually sitting on the saddle while others only have the rider perching on the bike. Your riding position is mostly dictated by the type of cycling you do.

Road racers and riders who spend lots of time in the drops typically have aggressive riding positions and will require light saddles with large cutouts. That’s because there is more pressure on their soft tissues as they lean forward while riding.

Conversely, there is more pressure on your sit bone if you ride in a more upright position. In this case, it is better to choose a saddle with more padding at the rear.

3. Saddle Weight: Think about the overall weight of a saddle, as it can affect your pedaling efficiency.

Heavier models with plenty of padding are okay for casual or recreational riding. On the other hand, a lightweight, less padded saddle is your best bet if you are looking to push your performance boundaries.

4. Riding duration: If you spend long hours cycling, you are better off with a saddle that provides a stiffer platform to support your weight. Choose a saddle with less padding if you want something for performance riding.

For mountain bikes, it is best to choose a smaller-shape saddle with a bit more padding. These types of saddles provide leverage for mountain bike racers when cornering and descending.

Opting for a saddle that feels like a fluffy pillow does not necessarily mean more comfort. This is particularly the case if you usually ride over long distances.

If casual cycling is your thing, you can go for a heavily padded saddle. However, keep in mind that excess padding can cause unpleasant chaffing and quickly lead to fatigue.

5. High-Quality materials: You don’t want to compromise your comfort by getting saddles made with cheap materials. The shell, cover, and rails are some of the materials that impact the overall construction quality of the saddle.

Features and Benefits

Reading reviews is great, but the surest way to know whether a particular saddle is the right one for you is to try it out.

Having said that, it is crucial to get clear on what a saddle has to offer before deciding whether or not to try it. For this reason, this part of the Terry FLX Gel Saddle review will focus on the nitty-gritty details that set the model apart from others.

Materials

In designing the FLX Gel Saddle, Terry Bicycles used high-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology to craft one of the most innovative bike saddles on the market.

These materials include:

Cover

The saddle features a top-of-the-line black leather cover with a white patent accent. Evenly-spaced perforations run along the length of the saddle from the nose to the rear.

While this feature enhances the product’s beauty, it is also functional. It allows the leather to “breathe” and increases air circulation.

The material is waterproof, meaning it will stay new for a long time even if you clean it with water. You can confidently ride in wet conditions knowing the accents won’t fade and the leather won’t damage.

Plus, the leather is very durable so it can take a bit of punishment and will serve you for a long time before ever showing any signs of wear.

More: Brooks England B17 Steel Saddle Review: All you need to know

Gel Insert

To the casual rider, the FLX Gel might feel like an un-padded saddle but that’s not the case at all. This bike saddle features a multi-density foam base with a light layer of gel. The gel insert provides just enough cushioning for sit bones to prevent discomfort during long hours of cycling.

The saddle’s unique shape comes from the nylon shell, which is both rigid and light. Performance and endurance cycling is more comfortable with lightweight, stiffer saddles. The FLX Gel model fulfills these criteria with its gel insert and hard nylon shell that help improve pedaling efficiency.

Rails

Like many other models, the FLX Gel Saddle has two parallel rails that clamp to the seatpost. The rails extend from underneath the nose to the rear of the saddle and provide excellent support.

You can easily adjust the saddle a couple of inches forward or backward on the seatpost with the well-constructed rails.

While Terry’s widely popular models, such as the Butterfly Century and Corta, have silver-plated titanium rails, the rails on the FLX Gel are constructed using durable manganese metal. They come in black color to match the overall dark shade of the saddle.

More: The Best Bike Saddle: Top Picks

Shape and Size

Unlike many traditional bike saddles that come in a one-piece rounded or pear-like shape, the FLX Gel dons a unique sleek shape that suits riders with aggressive riding positions. 

Instead of the usual cutout found in many performance- and endurance-style saddles, this one features an almost complete cutaway that stretches from the paddle to the nose. This shape ensures that you can get maximum pressure relief on the full-length channel. It also increases the saddle’s flexibility so that long-distance rides will feel more uncomfortable.

This means you don’t have to worry about numbness or pain in the tissues between your sit bones. Also, the shape at the front minimizes chaffing on thighs during rides.

Shock Absorption

The FLX Gel is designed to deaden vibrations and absorb shock transmitted by the bike’s seatpost and frame to some certain degree. You can enjoy a more comfortable ride on rough trails, such as gravel.

Of course, the padding on the saddle is minimal, but it is enough to prevent pain in the perineal region and sit bones.

More: The Best Bike Seats for Overweight Cyclists

Features Summary

Here is an overview of the features that set this saddle apart from other performance and endurance models.

What Others Are Saying

It makes sense to dig around for what users of the FLX Gel Saddle have to say before you pull the trigger on a purchase.

Luckily, it is not too difficult to find customer ratings and reviews about the product. Interestingly, they are mostly positive reviews.

Here are a few screenshots of what verified buyers and real users think about the FLX Gel Saddle.

Terry FLX Gel Saddle Alternatives

It’s okay if the FLX Gel is not the best saddle for you – after all, everyone has their preferences. Fortunately, Terry has plenty of other great saddles to pick from besides touring and performance models. The brand offers excellent saddles that are great for sports or fitness and even for recreational cycling.

In this part of the Selle Italia FLX Gel review, I’ll quickly highlight a couple of great alternatives to give you an insight into how they compare with the model under review.

FLX Gel Saddle vs Butterfly Century Saddle

The butterfly century is one of the most popular models in Terry’s line. It offers better comfort for endurance riding, thanks to more padding compared to the FLX Gel model.

The saddle has a very low profile and features the widest cutaway in all of Terry’s models. This is a great fit for women with wider sit bones and who prefer touring or endurance cycling.

Consider the Butterfly Century model if you are in the market for a hand-made bike saddle with incredible shock absorption and greater soft tissue relief. Check our Terry Butterfly Century Saddle Review.

Butterfly Century Saddle Summary

• Price: $179.95
• Rails: Ti 316
• Area (length x width): 10.3” x 6” (262 mm x 152 mm)
• Weight: 9.5 ounces (268 grams)

Click here to check out the Butterfly Century Saddle.

FLX Gel Saddle vs Corta Saddle

The Corta Saddle is a snob-nose style model from Terry designed with the competitive rider in mind. The women-specific saddle features state-of-the-art technology and has an aesthetically pleasing design with distinctive graphics and silver-plated titanium rails.

Apart from good looks, Corta has a shorter overall length. This design eliminates excess surface area that can cause chaffing. With a shape that’s flat at the rear and a dropped nose, the platform provides adequate support for sustained seated climbs. It also offers outstanding relief in the soft tissue and genital area.

Terry Corta might be the right saddle for you if you are looking for a model designed specifically to support climbing and aerodynamic power pedaling. Check our Corta saddle review here.

Corta Saddle Summary

• Price: $189.95
• Rails: Ti 316
• Area (length x width): 9.8” x 5.8” (250 mm x 149 mm)
• Weight: 8.2 ounces (235 grams)

Click here to check out the Corta Saddle.

Conclusion

The Terry FLX Gel Saddle is a solid choice, especially for women with narrow sit bones. The saddle works great regardless of whether you are a pro cyclist looking for something to enhance your pedaling efficiency during races or you just want to enjoy road cycling without suffering pain on your tailbone and sensitive areas.

Overall, this minimally padded performance saddle is somewhat stiff but comfortable enough for long-distance rides. The perforated leather cover does not cause chaffing, and the gel padding underneath increases your comfort level. Plus, the manganese rail is rigid and durable for long-term use. Yet, it is lightweight.

If your current bike saddle is causing sore spots on your tush, Terry Bicycle’s FLX model with gel insert might be the best upgrade you can give your bike. Click here to check out the Terry FLX Gel Saddle.

Terry brings a new level of comfort for women performance-oriented riders. Find out why this supportive platform is great for triathlon, gravel, and road riders in this Terry Corta Saddle Review.

The Corta Saddle is Terry’s solution for female elite cyclists with a more aerodynamic riding position. The saddle’s short overall design and low-profile cut off excess surface to minimize chafing on the thigh, and the snub-nose profile ensures little to no front pressure on the genital area.

The saddle comes at an affordable price point, at least, for a performance model. Plus, considering its superior build quality and superb construction, you are getting great value with this model.

Its distinctive graphics are appealing, and the low weight makes it a great choice for those looking to buy an efficient performance saddle.

Terry Corta Saddle Overview

Female performance riders often have limited choices when it comes to bike saddles. They are often forced to choose between comfort features and performance features. Thanks to Terry Bicycles, you don’t have to pick one over the other.

The Corta offers just enough comfort with light padding so it doesn’t compromise the performance of the saddle. It also features light rails to help keep the overall weight down – a factor that improves performance riding.

I invite you to take a closer look at this Terry Corta Saddle review if you are a triathlon, gravel, or road rider. It might be just the right saddle for you.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Bike Saddle

While sleek and eye-catching designs are great, it is not the only consideration when choosing a bike saddle – at least, not if you want to find one that suits you.

It is important to look beyond aesthetics with bike saddles and focus more on a few crucial factors. Here are the most important considerations to keep in mind when buying a bicycle saddle.

1. Fit: First, measure your sit bones before you start looking at bike saddles. The right bike saddle for you depends largely on the size of your sit bones.

Wider saddles are generally more suitable for women since they tend to have wider hip-width. However, you want to choose something that fits your sit bones, while noting the gender specification.

Rubbing and chafing will occur if a saddle is too wide. On the other hand, it will not provide adequate support for your backside if it is too narrow. This is why you should work with your measurements to determine which saddle is the right fit for you.

2. Type of riding: A long and narrow saddle with just a little padding is your best bet for road cycling. Wide saddles with springs or plush padding should be on your radar if you mostly do recreational cycling with an upright riding position.

Consider a smaller-shaped saddle with a bit more padding if you do mountain cycling. These types of saddles provide leverage for mountain bike racers when cornering and descending.

Choose a saddle that falls between mountain and road cycling-style saddles if you do long-distance riding. This type of saddle will have a narrow nose for soft tissue relief and have some cushioning for your sit bones. 

3. Type of cover: Choose a saddle with a leather cover if you want something that will fit like a glove over time. Many of them have a break-in period of approximately 200 miles, though.

A synthetic cover is lightweight, low-maintenance, and does not have any break-in time. But it may not be as durable as a leather cover.

Another option is a cotton cover. This has a shorter break-in period compared to a leather cover but moves a bit when you ride.

4. Type of cushioning:Choose a saddle with gel cushioning if you are a recreational rider. Foam cushioning springs back to shape quicker, making it a fantastic choice for road cycling. Some saddles do not have any cushioning at all. This may be worth considering if saddles with cushioning have not worked for you in the past.

Some endurance bike saddles come with a combination of gel and foam. The extra gel layer adds a little bit of comfort for longer rides. 

5. Rails: The different materials used in the rails affect the flexibility, weight, strength, and even the cost of the saddle. Your options include:

Steel: Steel rails are strong and dependable, but can be heavy. Consider a lightweight saddle if you want something suitable for racing.

Alloy: These are lighter than steel but have excellent strength.

Titanium: Titanium rails are the preferred option for riders who want lightweight saddles. These have good shock absorption qualities but can be pricier than steel and alloy rails.

Carbon: Consider carbon rails if you want an alternative to titanium rails. Be ready to spend more money, though, because they are generally more expensive.

Features and Benefits

This part of the Terry Corta Saddle review does not only highlight the features that set the model apart from the rest; it also shows you the benefit of those features to help you decide if they suit you.

Materials

Terry Bicycles is known for using high-quality materials in crafting its saddles. That tradition holds true for the Corta, too. These include:

Cover

Made from synthetic Dura-tek material, Corta’s premium cover is bonded at the rear with microsuede panels. This design increases the aesthetics of the cover. But most importantly, this combination offers a smooth contact surface that minimizes soreness and irritation from constant rubbing.

Finely screen-printed graphics add detail to the cover design. Plus, strategically placed perforations allow for breathability and increases durability.

More: Check our Guide to Best Bike Seats for Heavy Riders

Insert

In designing the Corta’s shell, Terry maintained its tradition of using rigid shells for its performance and endurance saddles. However, instead of lining it up with gel, this one has a thin layer of foam.

The low-padding makes it great for the competitive female rider who wants to enjoy comfort without sacrificing performance.

Rails

Silver-plated titanium rails adorn the underside of the Corta saddle. In addition to being durable rails, they are also light. This keeps the weight low and makes it a solid choice for women looking for an efficient and lightweight saddle.

More: Selle Royal Respiro Moderate Bicycle Saddle Review

Shape and Size

Corta has a shorter length compared to many other performance saddles in Terry’s line. This design reduces the excess surface area that can increase the chances of rubbing against the thigh and causing chafing. 

Like many other models, it has a pear-like shape with lateral shaping at the rear to provide the most favorable sit bone support. The foam density and center cutaway are optimized for greater relief.

You don’t have to give up comfort in the quest for performance features, thanks to a combination of minimal padding and overall lightweight of the saddle.

Spotting a dropped nose design, there is little to no chance for the saddle to cause discomfort in the genital or soft tissue area. That means you can ride in an aggressive position with your pelvis further forward without any worries.

More: Specialized Power Saddle Review: Is This Product Right for You or Not?

Shock Absorption

This saddle doesn’t have a lot of padding, but it still manages to dampen some of the vibrations from the seat post and bike frame. The shell is rigid enough and provides a solid platform for an overall enjoyable ride when you need to push your performance boundaries.

Features Summary

Here is a glance at the features of the Terry Corta Saddle.

What Others Are Saying

A bicycle saddle might not be a huge investment, but it can affect your overall riding experience. For this reason, it makes sense to check out what other buyers and users think about the model you are eyeing before betting your hard-earned money on it.

I did some digging and found mostly positive customer ratings and reviews for the Corta saddle. Take a look at the screenshots below.

Terry Corta Saddle Alternatives

There is no doubt that Corta is a great performance saddle. But there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all when it comes to bike saddles, regardless of how well the saddle is crafted.

Before I draw the curtains on this Terry Corta Saddle review, here are two great alternatives you may want to look at. These are also great for performance or endurance riding and may suit you better if you prefer saddles with longer profiles.

Corta Saddle vs FLX Gel Saddle

The FLX Gel saddle comes in a unique split saddle design with an extra gel insert for greater comfort. It has an overall stiffer feel, making it a great choice for performance cycling. 

Donning a sleek shape with a very slim profile, the saddle is tailored to suit female elite riders who move around on the saddle and like to ride fast over long distances. The manganese rails keep the overall weight low.

It has a durable, perforated leather cover with a white patent accent for enhanced aesthetics. The shape of the saddle eliminates numbness in soft tissues, and the slim nose reduces chaffing during long rides. Check our Flx Gel Saddle Review.

FLX Gel Saddle Summary

• Price: $135.95
• Rails: Manganese
• Area (length x width): 10.2” x 5.5” (260 mm x 142 mm)
• Weight: 9.1 ounces (258 grams)

Click here to check out the FLX Gel Saddle.

Corta Saddle vs Butterfly Century Saddle

As one of Terry Bicycles’ most popular models, the Butterfly Century is worth considering. This is especially because it works for many women who want a saddle that will offer better comfort for endurance riding.

The Butterfly Century has a bit more padding than the Corta model, but not too much to cause discomfort over long distances. It has a very low profile and features the widest cutaway in all of Terry’s models.

Consider this model if you have wider sit bones and do a lot of endurance cycling. The Poron XRD technology ensures incredible shock absorption and the wide cutaway means greater soft tissue relief. Check out our complete Butterfly Century Saddle Review.

Butterfly Century Saddle Summary

• Price: $179.95
• Rails: Ti 316
• Area (length x width): 10.3” x 6” (262 mm x 152 mm)
• Weight: 9.5 ounces (268 grams)

Click here to check out the Butterfly Century Saddle.

Conclusion

The short-profiled Corta saddle is an ideal choice for women cyclists who ride with the pelvis rotated further forward. The dropped nose design eliminates pressure on soft tissues upfront, and the large cutaway makes for a better relief channel.

While aesthetics doesn’t automatically translate to great performance, Corta’s gorgeous look is a plus. The distinctive graphics on the perforated cover combined with microsuede panels gives Corta an overall appealing design.

It is a lightweight saddle with more than enough support for the sit bone at the rear, giving the competitive rider an efficient model without compromising on comfort.

In a nutshell, Terry Bicycles’ Corta Saddle could be the right saddle for women cyclists looking for a model engineered specifically to support climbing and aerodynamic power pedaling. Click here to check out the Terry Corta Saddle.

Eyeballing Brooks B17 Standard saddle to go on your bike? Confused as to whether it’s the right choice for you? Not sure if its the best bike saddle for you?

B17 Standard Saddle is one of the classic models to exist in Brooks’ production for over a century.

And, Brooks England continues to sweep the market by offering B17 for demanding rides like touring, mountain biking and trekking.

Brooks offers B17 in various versions such as B17 Narrow, B17 Sprinter and what not.

But this Brooks saddle review focuses on B17 Standard Steel Saddle and covers every minute detail about its design, style, features and performance.

Let’s get into its detailed review:

[amazon box=”B000HZA918″ title=”Brooks England B17 Bike Saddle” link_id=”4230″]

Brooks England B17 Steel Saddle Review

Overview

Brooks England has been in the saddle-making business since 1866. It happens to be one of the leading and iconic brands to launch bicycle gear, offering luxurious comfort and style.

With the expertise of more than a century, Brooks continues to manufacture premium products that excel in durability, quality, and beauty altogether.

Here’s where Brooks amalgamates their timeless aesthetics with innovative technology. Brooks B17 Saddle is their flagship model, designed for MTB, sports touring and trekking purposes.

It is one of the finest saddles, featured in Brooks 1898’s catalog.

To emphasize, it has existed in the market for over 100 years now. Still, it continues to allure the customers with its quality, comfort, and performance.

Who is it for?

The B17 saddle is the best choice for long-distance cyclists. Introduced in the 1890s, the design of B17 remains unchanged and is still most suitable for trekking and touring cyclists looking for something durable and comfortable.

​Almost 130 years later, the classic B17 is still amongst Brooks’ best-selling and riders’ most-loved saddles for long distance rides.

Brooks England B17 Steel Saddle Specifications

The simple design of Brooks B17 saddle features stretched leather “hammock” construction. Such unique design ages and break-in over time.

If maintained with care, the B17 will conform to the contours of your body and last for years to come. Usual break-in time is around 160 to 1000 km. Once they break in, the comfort that this saddle provides is to swear by!

Weighing around 520 grams, the B17 Standard saddle is a bit heavier as it is made for demanding rides.

​This standard leather bike saddle measures 275 mm length x 170 mm width x 65 mm height.

Brooks England B17 Saddle: Key Features

Premium Construction

No gel-inserts, no cutouts, no fancy pods.

Classic B17 bicycle saddle comprises of leather stretched over a metal frame to create a hammock for your flexes and buttocks, as you ride.

Over time, the leather will break in and mold to the shape of your body. Thus, it becomes your personalized bike saddle that’s super-comfortable to ride on. Owing to its durability, you can call it a seat for life.

But, you need to maintain and proof the saddle against rain.

Three holes on the top are provided for proper ventilation during rides. Thereby, adding to its comfort level.

For your utmost convenience, B17 has loops to accommodate traditional English-style touring bag.

Adding to its pleasing aesthetics is the “Brooks” logo at the back.

Material

Brooks B17’s top is made out of pure vegetable tanned leather for excellent longevity.

Whereas, the bottom of Standard models features steel rails with black powder coating for added protection.

​Made in England, the copper-plated tubular steel rivets on this saddle are hand hammered to affix the leather top to steel rails.

More: Selle Royal Respiro Moderate Bicycle Saddle Review

Unique Shape

Slim, short nose and wider rear of Brooks England B17 saddle make it more suitable for upright rides. The hide on this saddle feels quite smooth. Hence, shifting around on B17 feels comfortable.

Deliberately made for touring, trekking and even training, this road bike seat excels in providing comfort to the rider.

B17 is quite heavy as compared to new saddles in the market, but the comfort it provides is worth it.

Seeing its design profile, the B17 Standard version is an excellent choice for touring, road riding and trekking. But, might feel uncomfortable for off-roading due to its wider rear.

Performance

In the middle, the leather remains suspended without any base. That is why it tends to flex under rider’s weight.

The transition between rear and nose of the saddle provides good space between thighs. Therefore, there’ll be no scuffing or soreness at your thighs, even after long rides.

As it is made from pure leather, you need to maintain it timely, unlike plastic saddles which require no maintenance.

More: The Best Bike Seats for Overweight Cyclists

Available Versions

Standard B17 model is available for both genders, with B17 being for Men and “B17 S” for women.

Brooks also makes “B17 Narrow” version with just 151mm width, especially for people who prefer narrower saddles.

For a higher price, Brooks England offers “B17 Special” model with similar leather cover, but copper-plated steel rails and hand-hammered copper rivets.

Topmost, expensive Brooks B17 version has to be their “B17 Special Titanium”. It is lighter in weight, has premium titanium frame and copper rivets.

​Pros

• ​2 years of warranty
• ​The wider sit-bone area is supportive
• ​Molds to your anatomy
• ​Traditional design is comfortable and stylish
• ​Premium leather
• ​Ideal for trekking, touring and training

​Cons

• ​Heavy
• ​The break-in period is long

Customer Reviews

The Brooks England Standard B17 saddle has received myriads of positive reviews, all credits to its classic, comfy and durable design.

Many riders agree to the fact that B17 saddle breaks in beautifully over its lifetime. Therefore, it becomes super-comfortable and a breeze to ride on.

One of the riders claims B17 to be worth every penny, due to its durable build. If maintained properly, it seems to last for over 15 years.

Also, riders have loved its performance on long rides and termed it as “most comfortable bike saddle” for the same. No soreness or tenderness at all.

​On the downside, few riders have not liked how long it takes to break in.

Price

Price of Standard B17 bike saddle ranges from $65 to $95 (steel rails). Though a bit pricey, the B17 might be the only saddle, you’ll ever require to buy, if maintained with care.

​If you want to save weight, go for “B17 Special Titanium” priced over $150, as it weighs just about 440 grams.

Q. How long do you have to wait for B17 to break in?

Break-in period for B17 depends on the type of rides.

Standard B17 version features pure, hard leather. That is why it might require quite a few weeks of hard rides for it to break in.

But, I think the B17 saddle is fairly comfortable, right from day 1.

Q. Is B17 comfortable?

B17 saddles come with “hammock construction” and hard leather. And, that’s what makes it so comfortable.

It does not fill up your crevices with fancy gel inserts; rather it offers a stiff hammock for your bum. Such design excels in absorbing shocks and causes less rubbing at thighs.

​Besides, ventilation provided by this leather seat is far better than padded seats.

More: Terry Corta Saddle Review: Worth A Buy?

Q. Why is B17’s nose pointed up?

As you sit on the wider rear of B17, the pointed up nose prevents sliding forwards.

Also, the seat that’s tilted at the back takes pressure off men’s genitals. That makes it extremely comfortable to ride on.

Q. Where to buy Brooks B17?

​You’ll find Brooks England B17 saddle available for purchase in almost any bike shop. If not, you can purchase it online directly from their official website or Amazon.

Maintaining your Brooks B17 Standard Saddle

Leather saddles need special maintenance to deliver the best performance for years.

For around $6, Brooks provides a saddle conditioner viz. “Proofide” to protect leather tops from over-drying and cracking. Apply Brooks Proofide regularly (every few months) to maintain the excellent condition of your B17. You can apply it on top as well as underneath the saddle.

Besides, you can even rub this conditioner onto your new B17 saddle to reduce its break-in time.

After repeated use, the middle leather tends to sag over time. There’s a tension bolt positioned under the nose section of B17. Every six months or a year, give it half a turn for proper tensioning.

​Do not expose B17 to water or rain. Always put on a waterproof cover when not in use or during rainy rides.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for comfort and durability along with style, you cannot go wrong with Brooks B17 Standard Saddle.

Although at first, it might feel hard to touch. But in reality, B17 is very comfortable to ride on and breaks in beautifully over time as miles pile up. If you’re not willing to wait for the break-in period, B17 is not for you!

Classic saddle profile, pure leather top and suspended hide is what makes it stand out from the competition.

Made for longer rides, Brooks B17 saddle won’t cause soreness even after long hours of touring and trekking. This Brooks saddle review signifies that B17 is not designed for racers.

Bottom-line is, the Brooks B17 saddle is sleek, super-comfy and durable enough to last for years. So we give it 4.8 out of 5.

If you love exploring new places on your bicycle, especially mountains and rough roads, you are always in search of a comfortable bicycle saddle.

A comfortable saddle encourages you to keep moving ahead and continue the beautiful journey.

But finding the perfect saddle is quite tough, isn’t it?

It is really difficult to understand which features will suit your wants. The technicalities of material, angle, and design can sometimes be extremely confusing.

To make this task easier for you, we have prepared this Selle Royal Respiro Moderate MTB/Road Saddle Review to provide you with all the facts about the product, explaining why and how they are useful.

​Scroll down to read all you need to know before buying the product.

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Selle Royal Saddle Review

Overview

Selle Royal has been taking care of the needs of bicyclists since 1956. They keep on evolving, listening to the riders’ wants, looking for the latest technologies, and learning lessons from the past.

The Selle Royal Respiro Moderate MTB/Road bicycle saddle is one of best bike saddle in the market. it designed keeping in mind the needs of riders who love the mountains and the roads. The tridimensional Royal gel filling and shock absorbers make your ride much more comfortable. The saddle is moderate, which means that it allows the rider to lean forward a little, almost to an angle of 60 degrees.

The saddle is waterproof and cooler than the traditional black saddles. Being from the Respiro bike seat range, this bicycle saddle is structured to ensure ventilation between the saddle and your body, making the temperature comfortable even during the summer season or for long distances.

The Selle Royal bike saddle is available in two versions for men and women. These differ in size, keeping in mind the body structure and needs of men and women.

Who is it for?

This bicycle saddle has been designed for riders who love adventures on tough terrains. It is a must for those who love riding for long distances and exploring new places regardless of the weather or the terrain.

The saddle is appropriate for mountain bicycles, road bicycles, cruisers, and touring bicycles. It fits most modern bicycles but is best for mountain and road bicycles.

​The saddle is ideal for long trips, owing to the clip system to attach your luggage and the comfortable seat design.

Separate Versions for men and women

The Selle Royal Respiro Moderate saddle is available in two versions.

The Selle Royal Men’s Respiro Moderate MTB/Road bicycle saddle is 277mm long and 182mm wide. It weighs around 535g.

The Selle Royal women’s Respiro Moderate MTB/Road Bicycle Saddle measures 263mm in length and 199mm in width. It weighs about 565g.

​The separate versions for men and women were introduced, keeping in mind that men and women have different body types and preferences. The saddle caters to the needs of the respective gender, thus providing maximum comfort to the rider.

​Selle Royal Saddle: Key Features

Soft Filling

This saddle is filled with RoyalGel and non-toxic foam, which makes it up to 40% softer when compared to traditional bicycle saddles. This filling does not harden or migrate with time, thus staying comfortable in the long run. 

Ergonomic Shape

The saddle is ergonomic in shape, and the narrow tongue makes it easier to ride while the wide back makes it more comfortable. The shape allows you to lean forward to an angle of 60 degrees, which is ideal for riding on steep slopes.

Elastomers or Shock Absorbers

The bike seat has shock absorbers (elastomers) to make the ride free of bumps, no matter how unexpected or sudden they are. It protects against both vertical and horizontal shocks making the ride much more safe and secure.

Xsenium Cool Cover and Ventilation Channel

The bicycle saddle has an Xsenium cover which reflects sunlight and has a UV protectant. This makes the seat almost 25 degrees cooler than the standard black saddles.

The saddle also has a Ventilation Channel that goes through the saddle. This feature is exclusive to the Respiro line of Selle Royal saddles. This ensures the flow of air to your body parts, which are in contact with the seat.

Both these features facilitate bicycle riding in summer, as they reduce sweating and ensure a cool, airy, and comfortable riding experience.

More: Terry Corta Saddle Review: Worth a Buy?

Waterproof

This Selle Royal bike saddle uses the Royal Vacuum Light technology which ensures that the seat is sealed properly from all sides. This implies that no matter how hard the downpour is, water will not seep into the seat, thus enabling you to ride even if it is raining. 

Scuff Guards

​The saddle had scuff guards (protective metal plates) on the sides to prevent it from damage. So you can lean the bicycle against trees or rough walls without worrying about scratches or damage to your bike seat.

More: Specialized Power Saddle Review: Is This Product Right for You or Not?

Clip System

​As it has been designed for touring and hiking, the saddle has a clip system integrated into it. This allows you to attach your bags (especially a Selle Royal saddle bag) to the rear end of your saddle so you can carry your luggage easily over long distances.

Pros

• ​The RoyalGel filling makes the seat much softer
• ​Xsenium cover makes the seat up to 25 degrees cooler
• ​Fully sealed seat, making it waterproof
• ​The clip system at the back helps you to attach your luggage
• ​The ergonomic structure makes it easier to pedal

​Cons

• ​Too soft for some riders which interferes with the speed
• ​Uncomfortable in low temperatures, and in the rainy season
• ​The hard edges of the saddle sometimes cut into the rider’s legs

Customer Reviews

The Selle Royal Respiro saddles for men and women have received a large number of positive reviews and 5 stars from customers owing to the fabulous design.

Most of the customers found the saddle is extremely comfortable, especially during the summer season. They said that they could easily travel over long distances and rough terrains. The ventilation system reduces sweating when the weather is humid.

Buyers have appreciated the fact that the saddle can be fixed easily, and can be adjusted according to your preferences. They found the integrated clip system helpful for trekking and long trips.

However, some of the Selle Royal bike seat users have complained that the seat is too wide at the back which gets in the way of pedaling. This makes it uncomfortable for some riders to ride the bicycle at high speed.

​Some buyers also complained that the ventilation system made it difficult to ride in winter. But they have advised that the tube can be covered with duct tape to avoid this.

Some Similar Products

Every product has some competitors. If you have been searching for a saddle for mountain bikes or road bicycles, you would have come across various other bike saddles with similar features. Let’s have a look at some of them, and what makes them different from the Selle Royal saddle.

The Brooks England B17 bicycle saddle is made of leather and has copper-plated steel rails to protect the seat from damage. The leather may feel a bit rugged in the beginning, but with time, it breaks in to accommodate your wants. It is also a bit expensive and is more suitable for riders who are patient enough to let the leather set in. Check our Brooks England B17 Saddle review

The INBIKE bicycle saddle is made of artificial leather, which is scratch-proof and has a smooth outer surface. It has dual springs and foam-based filling which act as good shock absorbers, thus making your ride much more comfortable.

However, the ventilation system is not particularly efficient as there is only a groove in the middle for airflow. The saddle is also shorter than the standard touring bicycle saddles.

More: Find Out What Is The Most Comfortable Bike Seat

Final Verdict

The Selle Royal Saddle has been designed brilliantly to cater to the needs of cyclists who love exploring. It is comfortable, durable, and is equipped with various features to solve some common problems faced by riders (for example, the clip system for attaching bags).

The company has paid great attention to the small everyday problems of cyclists, like sweating in summer.

The saddle is highly recommended and is one of the best mountain and road bicycle saddles available in the market.