The saddle is certainly one of the most important points of contact between the rider and the bike. A proper saddle is essential to ensure comfort and performance. The legendary Italian brand Selle San Marco, which was founded in 1935, presents a saddle designed for off-road gravel adventures with an innovative suspension system in its rails as well as all the know-how of its 90 years of saddle manufacturing.
A saddle for gravel adventures
Selle San Marco’s range of saddles is wide and includes different configurations and sizes. The saddle we tested, from the Regal line, has several features that make it stand out from the rest of the line. First of all, it is a short saddle, hence the term short, in which the tip is somewhat shorter than in traditional saddles, which allows you to change position more freely. Another distinguishing feature is that the central part is hollow (Open-Fit, in Selle San Marco terminology), which helps to reduce pressure on the perineum when pedalling. Also, the term Dynamic indicates that the rails that hold the saddle to the seat post are made of manganese, which makes them light and resistant.
Once the terminology is clear, the San Marco Regal Short Dynamic is a saddle specifically designed for gravel adventures and bikepacking trips. This means that it is meant to be comfortable, which is why it features some very interesting technical solutions such as manganese rails capable of pivoting while offering excellent suspension. Thanks to its design and materials, you can tell that, in addition to being comfortable, this is a saddle that does not skimp on performance.
Agility and performance
With its short, very slightly downward sloping nose, the Regal Short Dynamic is a saddle that allows you to move around on the saddle, which is a must for off-road riding. The slightly negative inclination makes you want to sit slightly forward, but without the risk of unintentionally riding too far forward.
This saddle is narrow at the front and quite wide at the back, with a significant curvature. Even though this reduces its width a bit, it makes pedalling ―especially if we pedal intensely― very comfortable and minimises the area of friction on the inside of the legs and glutes.
We find its shape quite performance-oriented ―which its use has proven― but at the same time, the Regal Short Dynamic is described as a gravel and bikepacking specialist, thus a comfortable saddle. But is this really the case?
Comfort is on the rails
When we first get our hands on a new saddle, we check its hardness by squeezing the padded surface. When the Regal Short Dynamic arrived, our first impression was that it is not a particularly soft saddle. However, we realised that the secret to the comfort of this saddle does not lie in the firmness of the padding, but in the connection of the rails to the frame.
The Bow Rail System is the new rail construction designed by Selle San Marco to provide shock absorption. The shape of these rails allows them to flex, so that the saddle structure pivots on them. In practice, it removes most of the vibrations transmitted by the terrain and, at the same time, when we exert force by pedalling, the whole saddle structure moves along with us. We must say that during practice there is no noticeable movement nor instability in pedalling.
The structure ―made of reinforced fibreglass― and the padding ―of low-density foam with variable thickness, which allows the pelvis to follow the movements when pedalling― provide that firm and sort of misleading base we mentioned at the beginning. The saddle surface is made of a synthetic material with a fabric-like texture and, besides being easy to clean, we find that it prevents the saddle from slipping easily.
A firm and comfortable saddle for experienced riders
With the classic design of its rear rivets that evoke the old leather saddles together with the highest technology of its Bow Rail System, the Selle San Marco Regal Short Dynamic is a good option for those cyclists who prefer a firm feel in the padding and a good absorption capacity. Perhaps, this is why it is a saddle that will be appreciated, above all, by more experienced cyclists, who know that a softer saddle does not always mean more comfort and that comfortability must always be balanced with pure performance.
As we are used to shorter, hollow saddles in the central part, we were initially surprised by its firmness, but we were finally convinced by its comfort on long rides over rough terrain thanks to the Bow Rail System. We recommend this saddle to those gravel and bikepacking fans who are looking for a comfortable saddle that will not limit the performance in the most intense pedalling moments.
Pros
Good filtration of ground irregularities.
The cushioning provided by the Bow Rail System.
Classic design with modern technology.
Cons
Not recommended if you prefer soft saddles.
Data sheet
Brand
Selle San Marco
Model
Selle San Marco Regal Short Dynamic saddle pure black
Description
Short nose saddle with a hollow central part, with a cushioning system between the rails and the frame, designed for long distance off-road rides.
Rails
Manganese
Colours available
Black
Sizes
S3 and L3
Price
103€
