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Genetic STV 143 saddle Genetic STV 143 saddle Genetic STV 143 saddle Genetic STV 143 saddle
Genetic STV 143 Road Saddle

Genetic STV 143 saddle

6
by Stu Kerton
UPDATED Thu, Apr 27, 2017 15:45

First Published Apr 27, 2017

0
£49.99

VERDICT:

6
10
Nice overall shape but could do with softer padding especially at the nose
Weight: 
282g
Contact: 
www.geneticbikes.com
How we test

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The Genetic STV saddle goes a long way to provide comfort for long rides with plenty of flex and a cut out in the middle but it's all undone by overly firm padding and a solid nose. A seat for those who like a firm perch.

Genetic STV 143 Road Saddle - side.jpg

The STV is available in three widths with this test model here being the middle option at 143mm wide at the largest part. You can also get a 130mm or 155mm wide version to suit your preference and sit bones. Length is 278mm and the rails have 50mm of adjustment between the front and rear maximum markers.

Buy Genetic STV saddle
Find a Genetic dealer

I really got on well with the shape as the rear narrows into the nose quite quickly giving loads of room for my thighs.

It's billed as a sportive saddle and to that end STV has been designed to offer comfort by reducing pressure on the perineum by way of a central channel and a cut out of the nylon reinforced base.

Genetic STV 143 Road Saddle - underside.jpg

The cut out only removes material from the base rather than the upper too but it does bring a certain amount of flex to the hull.

The hollow chromoly rails also flex a bit as well so on first inspection you'd think the saddle is going to be pretty comfortable. Unfortunately though the padding is on the firm side and the flat nose section doesn't budge at all which makes for a very solid feeling saddle that – for me at least – is uncomfortable unless you are just out for a short blast.

Genetic STV 143 Road Saddle - back.jpg

On any ride approaching three or so hours I actually found myself in quite a bit of pain which is a shame as in general I actually got on with the overall design. I appreciate saddle shape is a personal thing but I'd be surprised if anyone actually found the STV plush.

The overall finish is okay for the money with the PVC cover being stretched over the top and stapled to the bottom of the hull rather being sandwiched by twin hulls as you find on more expensive offerings.

When it comes to weight it's a similar story, against others that are similarly priced the STV is right in the ballpark.

Personally if I was looking for a saddle for longer rides like a sportive I'd be looking at the Fabric Line; the chromoly-railed option comes in two widths for the same price as the STV.

Verdict

Nice overall shape but could do with softer padding especially at the nose

road.cc test report

Make and model: Genetic STV 143 Road Saddle

Size tested: 143mm

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?

"Modern, lightweight, comfortable sports saddle in a range of widths to suit different requirements of the rider's anatomy."

I found the Genetic STV saddle to be a nice shape but it wasn't very forgiving.

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

Light and strong Nylon Fibre reinforced base.

Lightweight, comfortable PU foam padding.

Sculpted anatomic shape.

Cut-away base to relieve pressure on the perineum

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
6/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
 
6/10
Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

I found the shape pleasant with the narrow nose offering loads of thigh room but the padding is very firm.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The shape

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Overly firm.

Did you enjoy using the product? For short rides yes

Would you consider buying the product? No

Would you recommend the product to a friend? If they wanted a firm saddle.

Use this box to explain your score

The Genetic STV 143 offers pretty much what you'd expect for the money but I just found it too firm especially from a sportive saddle that you'll be spending a lot of time on.

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 38  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: This month's test bike  My best bike is: Kinesis Aithien

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: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,

Genetic STV 143 saddle
Genetic
Genetic 2017
Stu Kerton

Since writing his first bike review for road.cc back in early 2009 senior product reviewer Stu has tested more than a thousand pieces of kit, and hundreds of bikes.

With an HND in mechanical engineering and previous roles as a CNC programmer/machinist, draughtsman and development engineer (working in new product design) Stu understands what it takes to bring a product to market. A mix of that knowledge combined with his love of road and gravel cycling puts him in the ideal position to put the latest kit through its paces.

He first made the switch to road cycling in 1999, primarily for fitness, but it didn’t take long for his competitive side to take over which led to around ten years as a time triallist and some pretty decent results. These days though riding is more about escapism, keeping the weight off and just enjoying the fact that he gets to ride the latest technology as part of his day job.

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