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review

Fabric Scoop Flat Pro saddle

9
£109.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Magnificently comfortable with a wide range of shapes and base and rail materials to choose from
Weight: 
190g
Contact: 

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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If the Fabric Scoop saddle looks familiar, that's because it's essentially the same as the Charge Bikes Scoop saddle. Charge have launched Fabric as a new standalone brand with a complete new range of saddles, and the Scoop is the first release under the new name.

While the general shape of the saddle is similar, the Charge folks have developed a wider range of saddle shapes to better accommodate different riders. The Scoop is now available in three shapes: flat, shallow and radius.

All three Scoop variants are the same width: 142mm. If you want a wider saddle, Fabric offer the 155mm Cell, while the 134mm ALM is your choice if you want something narrower.

That's a lot of choice, and to help you choose the correct saddle, Fabric have a fit guide on their website. I went through the various steps and came out with a flat preference, which is generally considered the best choice for anyone adopting a deeply tucked position.

No surprise then that is's a very flat saddle, but there is a fair amount of curvature across the rear of the base and a flat nose, with minimal padding. It's the sort of shape that suits me very well, and I immediately found it comfortable pedalling down the road. The rear of the saddle kicks up a bit and that helps you keep you in the optimum position, and the central channel recess provides some pressure relief.

I've knocked out everything from one-hour blasts around the lanes to 200+km rides on this saddle, no problem. Though there isn't much padding, there is loads of flex in the one-piece base and it's this flex that really provides the core of the comfort. The carbon rails do provide a surprising amount of flex, but their shape and size isn't compatible with a lot of seat post clamps, so the best advice is to check your seat post is compatible; you might need to change clamp or post.

The real beauty of the Fabric Scoop is the construction. The waterproof microfibre cover isn't stitched or stapled into place, it's moulded to a one-piece nylon base. It's really very impressive and if you get the chance to fondle one in your bike shop you really should, it's a marvellous bit of design.

That provides the saddle with a sleek look and it is a fine complement for any high-end road bike. It's light too, especially if you plump for this carbon rail and reinforced fibre-nylon base version which tips the scales at 190g. That's very impressive and compares well with other saddles at this price.

For those without such deep pockets, the Scoop range starts at just £40 and rises to £160 for the carbon base and rail model.

Verdict

Magnificently comfortable with a wide range of shapes and base and rail materials to choose from

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Fabric Scoop Flat Pro saddle

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The Scoop is a middle-width saddle designed to provide flexibility and comfort in all disciplines of modern cycling. It is the perfect balance of comfort, performance and simplicity. The Scoop is available in three saddle profiles, a large selection of colours and a range of build specifications.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

All of Fabric's Scoop saddles share the same simple three-part manufacturing process; they comprise a cover, base and rail. This minimal manufacturing technique removes any staples and excess material which is synonymous with traditional saddle design – this further reduces weight, improves comfort and is much easier to clean. Our exclusive new construction technique allows for a more comfortable foam topper and improved flexibility in the base. Every Scoop is encased with a durable and waterproof microfibre cover which is grippy whilst still allowing you to move freely around the saddle.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
10/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
9/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Excellent shape and nice range of sizes and shapes to suit a wider range of bums

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The tall carbon rails don't work with all seat post clamps

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

The only flaw with this particular saddle are the limitations posed by the tall carbon rails that don't fit a lot of seat post clamps, but choose one of the titanium railed versions and you'll be just fine

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

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2 comments

Avatar
MisterMuncher | 9 years ago
0 likes

I've had the saddle in it's old Charge guise on two bikes, for 2 years and six months. They are weathering very well. One shrugged off sliding down the road at 25 mph following an off.

Avatar
domofarmfrites | 9 years ago
0 likes

And seeing as perhaps the major advantage of a leather or plastic cover is durability, how does the saddle stand up to regular abuse?

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