Today, it is the turn of the Slovenian brand specializing in carbon work, Berk Composite, to pass on our test bench. We are particularly interested in the flagship model of their carbon saddle range, the famous Lupine, considered to be one of the lightest in the world. A very particular test, that I present to you without further delay. Let's go !
The visual is excellent, and the design has something to seduce
Presentation
Berk, For the experts, it is this brand that came straight from Slovenia and specialized in carbon work, making saddles, seat posts and other high-end hangers. The key to their success ? The weight ! At their home, Nothing is left to chance, and everything is thought to drive out the slightest gram. And how good it is to live in Slovenia in 2020, it seemed logical to us to take an interest in this atypical manufacturer. Like what, it's not just cyclists who succeed in Ljubljana, you can also find what you are looking for when it comes to bicycle components. The model we have chosen to test, the Berk Lupina saddles, was delivered to us in its matte finish, in 132mm version (for 275mm length), and without padding, hunt for grams requires. A superb object which, visually, already gives a nice slap when opening the package. But what is it worth in use ?
79g, this Lupina is one of the lightest saddles around today
The DNA competition
You will undoubtedly have understood it, a saddle that weighs only 79g is intended to be both exclusive (count 285 euros to give it to you at Christmas), but above all effective. And with this Lupina, extreme carbon work achieves exceptional results, for a performance-oriented saddle. But then, what uses can be envisaged with such a particular model ? Weight being its main argument, it seems obvious that the hilly and mountainous routes suit him wonderfully. The 6.8kg minimum authorized by the UCI in competition being about to be lifted, we imagine that the use of this type of equipment will be more and more frequent at high level, like the Lightweight wheels used by the Ineos Grenadiers team. High-end equipment therefore, which is aimed at competitors, but also for cyclists looking for thrills, or simply for Sunday runners who want to discover the joys of an ultra light bike. We are on weight levels equivalent to what some brands like Bontrager offer with its XXX series, for which it is however necessary to reckon 350 euros (for 10g less). A model that therefore rivals the best on the market in terms of weight, but what is it worth in the field once you get on your bike ? Here are my impressions.
Gram hunt, Yes, but not without comfort !
Inevitably, when we observe such an object, you can't help but think of the pain you feel after long hours of bowel movement, given its very minimalist appearance. Think again, in use, this Berk Lupina turns out to be very pleasant, and adapts quite easily to all types of effort. The level of comfort is certainly lower compared to a classic saddle, like for example the Selle Italia Flite Boost which you can find the test just here, but it turns out to be more than satisfactory and still allows you to consider long outings without fear of regretting your choice of saddle. Once in competition, the sequence of reminders and the level of intensity will make you totally forget its relative hardness. And it's not much saying, because my sprinter build sometimes makes sitting difficult, and yet no discomfort is felt after many kilometers. Too thin chamois skins should be avoided, but overall, no bad surprises, it can be used throughout the year without feeling too much discomfort.
Technical constraints
On a model like this, you must of course know how to proceed with delicacy, because carbon is a capricious material. Mounting, tightening torque should not be exceeded 5NM for these oval rails, in order to avoid premature wear and cracks which could be dangerous. A precaution that, once respected, allows you to have complete confidence in your saddle, because there again, such a particular model can cause some apprehension on the first outings. Rest assured, if the assembly is well done, you can ride with confidence and without unpleasant noises to fully enjoy this jewel.
Some technical constraints to be scrupulously respected
Our opinion
Rarely have I been so excited about a test drive, and yet I am far from being a fervent defender of the hunt for pounds at all costs. But this Berk Lupina is a real success, whether in terms of design, of his behavior and his comfort, or even its price, relatively content compared to its competitors. To retain a fault, since it takes one, I would say that in rainy weather, this saddle may be slightly lacking in grip, carbon is not the most suitable material for this. But it's still very limited, and to avoid this problem, it is possible to switch to a version equipped with light padding, which brings the saddle to 90g, but is available at “only” 245 euros. A detail that may be important, but which will not be decisive in use. Generally, I was seduced by this Berk Lupina, which I recommend to all runners looking for ultra light components.
We liked
- The weight, reduced to the extreme
- Relative comfort despite the lack of padding
- The designs
- The price, interesting compared to its competitors
We liked less
- The very slightly slippery side in wet weather, which can be avoided by choosing the version “padded”
Note
9/10
Technical sheet
Mark : Berk
Model : Lupine
Version : Unpadded
Finish : matte, available in glossy version
Width : 132mm
Length : 275mm
Material : carbone
Price : 285 € (245 for the version “padded”)
