SDG Bel-Air V3 Lux-Alloy
£79.95
Choosing a winner between the SDG Bel-Air and the Specialized Phenom was a tough call, but after a couple of big day-long rides, the SDG seat just took it on comfort. Its victory is cemented by the £15 it leaves in your wallet, too. The Bel-Air saddle name has been around for more than a quarter of a century now, and this latest third-generation model is built around a nylon-glass base with a hidden central cut-out and topped with injection-moulded EVA foam that incorporates a shallow, full-length relief channel. It’s an impressively compact 260mm long and has a shape that rises at the nose and tail for improved support, with the nose also being well-proportioned for good climbing comfort. SDG’s vacuum shaping of the top gives a clean appearance and a seamless edge to the shell, which comes in seven colour options. The alloy rails are mounted on flexible inserts, which, combined with a near-perfect amount of flex from the shell and compliance from the generous – but not overly chunky – padding, contribute to a saddle that remains really comfortable no matter how long you’re on it for. At 239g it’s good and light, and the price is competitive compared to others of a comparable quality. If only the Bel-Air came in different width options to suit varying sit-bone measurements, then it would have come away from this test with full marks. www.silverfish-uk.com