Review

Selle Italia X-LR AirCross Superflow in review – a comfortable and super robust saddle

Every backside is different and the shape of a saddle can be a deciding factor between a great day on the bike and an agonising ride. The robust Selle Italia X-LR AirCross Superflow promises pain-free riding thanks to the idMatch sizing system and several distinct sitting positions.

All of us at ENDURO have tried reducing the weight of our bikes several times by fitting a lightweight carbon saddle. Our test rider, Felix always ended up breaking his sooner or later, whether it was because of a crash, slamming into it when casing a jump or the carbon weave simply disintegrated after a short period of use. Selle Italia designed the robust X-LR AirCross Superflow for just this type of rider in mind. Instead of resorting to lightweight construction, the Italian brand use more durable manganese steel rails and AIRCROSS padding. This special rubber foam is particularly robust and durable while also offering good damping qualities and comfort. The sides of the € 99 saddle are covered by an additional abrasion-resistant layer designed to protect the saddle’s padding in case you crash.

Protection
The protective layer on the sides of the X-LR makes it crashproof. However, the pronounced edges can come uncomfortably close to the insides of your legs on the descents.
The mysteries of human anatomy
Understanding the nomenclature of Selle Italia’s saddles can be confusing. The X-LR AirCross is available without a cutout, or with, as on our test model, hence “Superflow”.
Dropped nose
The nose of the X-LR AirCross Superflow saddle slopes downward . You can slide forward on the saddle on the climbs without the nose poking you in the backside.

As is typical for Selle Italia, the X-LR AirCross Superflow is available in two sizes. The idMatch sizing system allows your local dealer to determine the appropriate size within a couple of minutes without getting too intimate. Additionally, the relatively heavy 217 g saddle offers two different sitting positions. The nose of the saddle slopes downwards to allow you to slide forward when you’re riding up a particularly steep climb without the saddle poking into you. This helps to keep the front wheel planted without unweighting the rear wheel too much and spinning. Bikes with slack seat tube angles will profit most from the special shape of the X-LR on the climbs. The size L saddle is 145 mm wide and relatively compact. However, with an active riding style that you might occasionally make contact with the relatively sharp edges of the saddle.

Saddles polarise. No two backsides are the same and while some saddles will fit you perfectly, others are uncomfortable and can even lead to numbness. Thanks to the idMatch fitment system, the chances that you’ll choose the wrong size saddle is significantly reduced. Yet, there is no guarantee for the perfect fit. Having said that, our test rider Felix didn’t have any issues, either in comfort or durability, during his long-term review.

The Selle Italia X-LR AirCross Superflow is neither lightweight nor cheap but it’s one of the few saddles that has actually survived Felix riding it. No other saddle proved as durable and crash-proof as the X-LR AirCross Superflow. Despite its compact size, it offers two comfortable positions: one for particularly steep climbs and the other for long-distance comfort.

Tops

  • robust and durable
  • dropped nose for steep climbs
  • easy fitting with idMatch

Flops

  • relatively heavy
  • pointy edges get in the way on the descents

Tester Felix
Duration 7 months
Price € 99.90
Weight 217 g
More Info selleitalia.com


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