More padding for long journeys
According to Selle Italia, the SLR Endurance road bike saddle builds on the ergonomics and distinctive riding feel of the fourth-generation SLR. For long-distance use, the manufacturer has enhanced this design with reinforced and enlarged padding featuring gel inserts. This is designed to allow freedom of movement and maintain seating comfort over many hours.
Added to this are what are known as shock absorbers. These damping elements are designed to reduce vibrations and smooth out bumps in the road. However, only a test drive will reveal just how noticeable these measures are in practice.
As well as choosing the right saddle, the settings are also important. The BIKE guide explains how to adjust the seat height and angle in the How to adjust your MTB saddle correctly.
A wider nose and a longer profile
Another change concerns the nose of the saddle: it is wider on the Endurance model and is designed to offer greater stability and support during long uphill rides. Compared with the standard road version, the saddle also has a slightly longer profile. Both sizes available measure 245 millimetres in length.
As regards width, Selle Italia states that it is sticking to the standard dimensions of the product range. The S3 size is 130 millimetres wide, whilst the L3 measures 145 millimetres. Special graphic patterns on the underside distinguish the Endurance version within the SLR range.
Which width is right for you? The BIKE guide offers advice on choosing the right one Distance between the sit bones and the correct saddle width.
A comparison of the SLR Endurance Elite and Advan
Selle Italia offers the SLR Endurance in two trim levels. Both feature a tubular steel frame with a diameter of seven millimetres. For the Elite model, the manufacturer describes the frame as ‘lightweight tubular steel’, whilst for the Advan it is described as ‘tubular steel’.
The Elite is lighter in both sizes, but at 199.90 euros it also costs more than the Advan, which is priced at 124.90 euros. Key specifications according to the manufacturer:
| Characteristic | SLR Endurance Elite | SLR Endurance Advan |
| Dimensions S3, width × length | 130 × 245 mm | 130 × 245 mm |
| Dimensions L3, width × length | 145 × 245 mm | 145 × 245 mm |
| Frame | Lightweight tubular steel, Ø 7 mm | Tubular steel, Ø 7 mm |
| Weight S3* | 196 g | 216 g |
| Weight L3* | 210 g | 228 g |
| Scope of application | Street | Street |
| Recommended retail price | 199.90 euros | 124.90 euros |
Designed for road cycling, not marketed as a MTB saddle
Although the SLR range is familiar to many mountain bikers, Selle Italia explicitly positions the new Endurance as a road bike saddle. The extra padding and wider nose are therefore primarily intended as solutions for long road cycling rides. According to Selle Italia, the SLR Endurance is available via the company’s own online shop and authorised specialist retailers.
On the other hand, anyone looking for a saddle for off-road riding will find one in the BIKE comparison of 20 MTB saddles including the Selle Italia SLR Boost X-Cross Superflow.
Marc Strucken
Editor
