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review

Essax Adrenaline R saddle

9
£105.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Firm, light saddle at a reasonable price
Weight: 
157g
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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Essax have made a splash recently with the release of their curiously shaped Shark saddle, but they have an impressive pedigree with traditional saddles too. A prime example is the Essax Adrenaline R.

It is a saddle designed for racing and comes in at an impressive 157g, which is light compared to others at a similar price range and beats many that cost more than its £104.

It comes in two different widths, 130mm and 142mm; this is the 130mm version. It also has some customisable options; you can change the colour or design and also the rail material. The model that I tested had an attractive black design with a green band running down the centre. It also has titanium rails, so it weighs around 25g more than the version with carbon rails.

On the bike it also sits nicely on the rails, giving a low profile look that works nicely on my Cannondale Supersix. With the customisation available with the saddle, it would also be possible to match colour schemes, which is something I particularly like, as I find that having bright saddles that don't match the bike can be a bit of an eyesore.

When riding, the saddle's flat design is apparent and you notice it's not the most flexible saddle. Although it's not uncomfortable as such, as you get further into a long ride you can feel that it is a saddle that has little flex and padding, but it makes up for in other areas. According to Essax: "padding is added to the key areas where the ischium sitbones contact the saddle to offer comfort where you need it most on a performance saddle". That certainly matches what I found. The padding is minimal across the majority of the saddle, but you can notice a slight increase in certain areas.

Because the saddle is so stiff, it feels like you're not wasting any power in flex. It is worth noting though, that it saves your power, but it is certainly not a seat that is armchair-comfortable over many hours of riding. It includes the AF-Net system,which according to Essax " [has] been proven through totally independent testing to improve performance by an average of 4%". As I was testing this on the roads of Surrey and the Road.cc lab is yet to exist, I cannot verify these claims, but did feel a slight difference in power transfer when riding.

I used this saddle in variety of conditions and surfaces from smooth dry tarmac through to wet cobbles. It is certainly better suited to smoother rides as the flat design and minimal padding means that you can feel the bumps on rough surfaces.

This isn't necessarily a criticism of the saddle, as it is designed for racing and ultimately weight reduction and the improved transfer of power. But it is certainly worth noting that other saddles would provide more padding and comfort for a long sportive or tour. However it works very well as a fast racing saddle.

Overall, the Essax Adrenaline R is a good saddle for those looking to improve their speed and power transfer. However, if you are looking for maximum comfort throughout a 200km ride, this is not the saddle for you.

Verdict

Firm, light saddle at a reasonable price

road.cc test report

Make and model: Essax Adrenaline R 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 Adrenaline R is designed for people who are looking for a saddle that will provide power and efficient transfer to the pedals.

In this sense it works well, you can feel the difference especially when seated during climbs or trying to maximise speed on the flat.

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

Weight - 160 Grams

Width - 130mm

Bio Plastic with carbon reinforcement

AF-Net Construction - a revouluntionary move forward in saddle technology. The AF-Net matrixthat is built into every Essax Saddle have been proven through totally independent testing to improve performance by an average of 4%.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Very sturdy saddle that is the basis for its effective power transfer.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

It performs well during seated climbs and when looking for the extra push on the flat.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Seems like a well made saddle, would predict that it would last for a long time.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
9/10

In terms of others in the same category the weight is fantastic, 157g with a claimed weight of 160g shows that Essax may even be underselling themselves.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
6/10

It is not hugely comfortable over a long period but all things considered, it could be far worse.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

A great saddle for the price, few others have the same performance for the money.

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

It is an effective saddle if you are looking at speed and power which is ultimately what it is designed for.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The additional power gained without the flex that you normally get with saddles at this price point.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

It is not the best saddle for long rides, its firmness is great for power, but not the best for hours on the road.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

A saddle that I really enjoyed using and has stayed on after the initial review period. The minimal padding may not suit more leisurely rides, but is certainly not the most uncomfortable saddle I have used. A well thought out design with a clear purpose that is achieved; very impressive.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 27  Height: 6 ft  Weight:

I usually ride: Cannondale Supersix Evo 6  My best bike is:

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: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed,

 

George is the host of the road.cc podcast and has been writing for road.cc since 2014. He has reviewed everything from a saddle with a shark fin through to a set of glasses with a HUD and everything in between. 

Although, ironically, spending more time writing and talking about cycling than on the bike nowadays, he still manages to do a couple of decent rides every week on his ever changing number of bikes.

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