Today, we are interested in the brand new version of the famous Flite saddle by Italian Selle Italia, la Flite Boost. Used by Mathieu Van Der Poel, his reputation is ahead of him, and so it was with great enthusiasm that I carried out this test, with the performance promise of a high-end saddle. Come on, let's go to discover all the details of this very special model !
Presentation
The model I was able to test was the highest end version of this saddle, la Flite Boost Kit Carbonio Superflow, with carbon rails / ceramic. Superflow, a statement used to specify the central opening of the saddle, which makes it possible to adapt to a wider range of body types. We find the sizing system used by Selle Italia, with the letter L or S to determine the width (145mm against 135), for a single length of 248mm. Our model was therefore in size S, therefore with a central opening and a width of 135mm. Weight side, we can already note the good performance of offering a saddle of this type with a very low weight despite everything, 160g on the scale for this version. Note that this model is only available in this black color, embellished with a few touches of red. And now, it's time to try it out in real conditions, and my passionate cyclist soul makes me trample impatiently, like every time I have the chance to try new equipment. Let’s go !
First impressions
The first kilometers driven are rarely the most pleasant on a new saddle., and it is customary to wait a few hundred kilometers to get a precise impression of his qualities. Here, from the start, the feeling is very good. The seat is comfortable, and should be more and more as the saddle is “fact”. From the start, I quickly appreciate the shape of this model, whose T-shaped design keeps a fairly long nose despite the reduced length (-30 mm compared to the classic Flite). A wide choice of positions that will be appreciated by cyclists who often change position during their training sessions or competitions, and which allows to maintain optimal comfort. We feel a very good behavior of this saddle once on the road, and, once set to the desired position, it's a saddle that knows how to be forgotten, providing very pleasant cushioning.
A seat adapted to all body types
The strong point of this model is undoubtedly, besides its contained weight, its ability to adapt perfectly to all types of body types. This point is often the decisive criterion in choosing a saddle, because it is the one that allows you to adopt a more or less comfortable and more or less effective position. With the diversity of widths and the presence or not of this central opening, created to reduce downforce over long distances, it is a saddle that will satisfy the greatest number, and which makes it possible to obtain a seat adjusted as finely as possible. Another advantage, the roundness of the saddle allows you to adopt a very classic position, which contrasts with the very modern design. No lack of length is felt on this type of saddle, despite the extremely small dimensions, flirting with the limit of 240 mm.
From high-end down to the smallest detail
Finishing side, the Flite Boost is there, with an irreproachable rendering, whether on the rails or the junctions between carbon and synthetic material. A finish very consistent with its price level, since the carbon model is available at 285 euros. At this price, we necessarily expect not to compromise, which is clearly not the case here, confirming the reputation of the Italian manufacturer.
Our opinion
Lightness, adaptability, comfort, this saddle has it all. Demanding competitors will find equipment perfectly suited to their regular practice., and cyclists of more modest level will appreciate its comfort and the beautiful range of positions allowed by such a model. It is difficult to find negative aspects as the entire product is successful. We could possibly mention the length of 248mm, which might surprise runners used to longer saddles, but the whole is made in such a way as to limit this effect. The padding is also very good and very homogeneous, which allows optimal comfort whatever the position adopted. Clear, this is a product that I recommend without reservation to competitors, but also to runners with a slightly tighter budget, who can opt for models with titanium or manganese rails, respectively displayed at 215 and 130 euros
We liked :
– comfort
– lightness
– the possibility of finding your position very finely
– availability in several versions, for all budgets
We liked less :
– the unique color, which may not fit all bikes
– rather short length, which may surprise some cyclists
Technical sheet
Mark : The Italia
Model : Flite Boost Kit Carbonio Superflow
Cut : S3 (248/135mm)
Weight : 160g
Price : 285€
Material : Carbone
Rails : carbone ovalisés
