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review
£105.99
VERDICT:
Striking looks, with plenty of flex providing a forgiving ride
Weight:
225g
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.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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The Selle Italia Novus Flow is a firm saddle that's proved comfortable for many miles over some unforgiving terrain. Its smooth surface lets you move around easily and it's easy to clean if things get a little mucky.
With deep wings narrowing to a curvaceous nose, the saddle has a distinctive shape. It's available in two sizes, S and L, our L coming in long and slender at 146 x 278mm, with an airflow channel in the middle. This enables the saddle to flex on the springy side panels without causing pressure on your most sensitive area. It's very comfortable, with the sleek, flowing shape letting you find just the right position.
Find your nearest dealer here
Buy this online here
Reinforced 'corners' on the sides help protect against damage, with carbon inserts to keep the weight down - well, it would defeat the object if your comfortable seat weighed a ton. The Novus Flow comes in at 225g so no worries on that score. To complete the weight-saving setup, the 7mm rails are made from titanium Ti316, with guide markings on them to help you get that important position dialled in.
Looking at the saddle side on you see something akin to a supersonic aircraft, built for speed and very aerodynamic. The Fibra-tec material of the cover provides a smooth top but nothing that causes you to slide around - you can move about without feeling as if you are going to slip off the back.
The Selle Italia Novus Flow combines striking looks with enough flex that long rides won't turn into nightmares. You can sit on it comfortably for hours safe in the knowledge that when you get off the bike you won't be walking like a cowboy.
Verdict
Striking looks, with plenty of flex providing a forgiving ride
road.cc test report
Make and model: Selle Italia Novus Flow saddle
Size tested: L
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?
Having found a brand and model I'm comfortable on, I was slightly sceptical at trying another. However, the Selle Italia Novus Flow was something of a revelation. A good size, offering a degree of flexibility, firm without compromising comfort.
Selle Italia say: "A reborn saddle from the nineties reappears in a brand new version. IDmatch re-defines the market positioning of the earlier special edition with Ferrari engineering.
The saddle is shaped to help the rider move forward in order to achieve an optimum riding position with more effective power transition output."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Technical Features:
The saddle is pre-shaped to ensure greater support for the cyclist at times of maximum effort,
Reinforced protective corners on the sides of the saddle.
Very durable and easy-to-clean Fibra-Tec cover.
Available in two IDmatch sizes S2 and L2 to meet the needs of individual riders.
Technical Data
Novus Flow S
Size: W 137 x L 275mm
Rail: TI 316 Tube 7 mm
Use: Road/Offroad
Colour: Black
Weight: 225g
Novus Flow L
Size: W 146 x L 278mm
Rail: TI 316 Tube 7mm
Use: Road/Offroad
Colour: Black
Weight: 230g
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
The Fibra-Tec covering is easy to clean, and the main body has a flex to the wings which helps generate a position that is ideal for long rides without compromising comfort.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
I found the saddle good for short and longer rides.
Rate the product for durability:
9/10
There has been no discernible sign of wear and tear despite many weeks of use in all conditions.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
7/10
Perhaps not the lightest saddle on the market but by no means something you'll notice once it's attached to your bike.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
9/10
Every rider has an intimate knowledge of what type of saddle they find suitable. The flex in the saddle wings meant I could sit comfortably on rides of any duration.
Rate the product for value:
7/10
You are paying a premium price, and despite the qualities of the Selle Italia Novus Flow there are other brands out there offering comparable products at cheaper prices.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
More than meets the requirements you would expect, apart from the price.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
A firmness to the ride but with enough flex to allow movement and provide comfort.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The price will put some off.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Possibly
Would you recommend the product to a friend? It would be an option
Use this box to explain your score
A saddle that offers enough flex to remove the harshness from the road and provide comfort on any duration of ride, but it is pricey.
About the tester
Age: 45 Height: 178cm Weight: 80kg
I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three My best bike is: As above
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mountain biking, and looking to dip my toe in the world of TT
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