General Cycling Discussion - textured synthetic leather saddles

Does anybody use saddles with the textured synthetic leather (like the one in the link below)? What are your opinions on this type of material? Most the saddles at the LBS has this type of material and from past experience (with a bell/schwinn saddle), the material doesn’t hold up. Maybe better brands uses a better material….?

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=42062&eid=5007&menuItemId=9302

Link doesn't work.

I fixed the link.
Looks like a crappy saddle. Try another shop if possible or look online.

Geebus, I'm not talking bout this saddle in particular, it was just one of the ones I remembered having that type of material. My post was about the particular type of material, not the saddle itself.


Does anybody use saddles with the textured synthetic leather (like the one in the link below)?

maybe I shoulda said "similar" to the one in the link below.

I personally wouldn't, I like the idea of being able to shift positions easily on my saddle. That type of texture I see mostly on the couches some people call saddles, they are for cruiser bikes.

Geebus, I'm not talking bout this saddle in particular, it was just one of the ones I remembered having that type of material. My post was about the particular type of material, not the saddle itself.......maybe I shoulda said "similar" to the one in the link below.

Anything that says "urban crusier" in the description to me means it's not meant to take the stresses of cycling as a sport or fitness use (as in working out).

Depends on your intended use. If you are cruising around town (also considered exercise) then the material should work. If intended use is demanding on a saddle ( constant brisk efforts), then I'd pass on the material.

That looks a LOT like the Bell saddle I bought at Walmart. It is comfortable, but the material wears through quickly and it doesn't allow my butt to breathe. Sounds funny, but it does matter.

Leather is ideal, and that is part of why Brooks saddles are so popular here.

There are also saddles out there made from a flexible plastic or rubber with lots of holes in them, which some people like. Bottom line is that a good saddle is going to cost a pretty penny, and most would agree that it is money well spent.

I have an old Redline saddle made out of similar material to what most of that one is made from. It has pretty much no resistance to abrasion. It'll tear, the first time it makes unexpected contact with the ground. The one you linked, at least, has a tougher material on the back of it, for better durability. I tend towards seats with kevlar tail sections, these days.