Classic Vetta saddle vs SI Turbo?
11-21-17, 04:53 PM
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Classic Vetta saddle vs SI Turbo?
Hello everyone, here to ask for some advice and seat of the pants impressions.
(First, a disclaimer: I know that saddle selection is highly subjective and personal, so I'm not looking for any black and white declarations, just some general feedback and opinion) ,
So one of my bikes has a classic Vetta saddle on it from 1986 (see link for pic), and I find it to be pretty comfortable and unobtrusive. I'm still in the process of finding my ideal saddle, but a couple of more modern designs from Selle Italia and Selle Royal (flatter, more aggressive shapes) haven't been too comfortable, even over relatively short distances.
This makes me think that I should try a Selle Italia Turbo next, since it at least looks to be somewhat similar to the Vetta. What do you guys think? Are they indeed close to one another? Would I notice the lack of center "channel" on the Turbo?
Both can be found used fairly cheap, but 'm accumulating various bits and bobs at a rapid pace, and would like to avoid too much duplication.
Thanks
https://boulderbicycle.bike/images/products/7389.JPG
(First, a disclaimer: I know that saddle selection is highly subjective and personal, so I'm not looking for any black and white declarations, just some general feedback and opinion) ,
So one of my bikes has a classic Vetta saddle on it from 1986 (see link for pic), and I find it to be pretty comfortable and unobtrusive. I'm still in the process of finding my ideal saddle, but a couple of more modern designs from Selle Italia and Selle Royal (flatter, more aggressive shapes) haven't been too comfortable, even over relatively short distances.
This makes me think that I should try a Selle Italia Turbo next, since it at least looks to be somewhat similar to the Vetta. What do you guys think? Are they indeed close to one another? Would I notice the lack of center "channel" on the Turbo?
Both can be found used fairly cheap, but 'm accumulating various bits and bobs at a rapid pace, and would like to avoid too much duplication.
Thanks
https://boulderbicycle.bike/images/products/7389.JPG
Last edited by robertorolfo; 11-22-17 at 01:36 PM.
11-21-17, 06:52 PM
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Yeah I’d say you’re on the right track. Try a SelleTurbo, or an Avocet Racing (I have one of those and I like it a lot as it’s also what I’m used to- a Vetta like the one you pictured).
Having said that, you can’t always judge by the outward appearance re comfort, as I’ve also ridden a saddle w/ much flatter lines recently and it wasn’t noticeable at all, though it was short distances only...
Having said that, you can’t always judge by the outward appearance re comfort, as I’ve also ridden a saddle w/ much flatter lines recently and it wasn’t noticeable at all, though it was short distances only...
11-22-17, 05:59 AM
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Yeah I’d say you’re on the right track. Try a SelleTurbo, or an Avocet Racing (I have one of those and I like it a lot as it’s also what I’m used to- a Vetta like the one you pictured).
Having said that, you can’t always judge by the outward appearance re comfort, as I’ve also ridden a saddle w/ much flatter lines recently and it wasn’t noticeable at all, though it was short distances only...
Having said that, you can’t always judge by the outward appearance re comfort, as I’ve also ridden a saddle w/ much flatter lines recently and it wasn’t noticeable at all, though it was short distances only...
11-22-17, 06:53 AM
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I second the Vetta over the SI Turbo, but I couldn't get used to either one over the long term. A Brooks and a SSM Regal just fit me better.
Off the rack, so to speak, the Vetta is just more forgiving of a wider range of butts.
Off the rack, so to speak, the Vetta is just more forgiving of a wider range of butts.
11-22-17, 07:37 AM
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Robbie is widely known as a hard ass, so you have to take that into account with his saddle advice.
I haven’t used a Vetta since I was a youngster but the Turbo is one of my favorites now, even compared amongst modern saddles. I’m not sure about the modern re-issue though. If you find a decent price on one I’d say it’s worth a try and if you don’t like it, they are easy enough to resell or trade as they’re pretty popular.
I haven’t used a Vetta since I was a youngster but the Turbo is one of my favorites now, even compared amongst modern saddles. I’m not sure about the modern re-issue though. If you find a decent price on one I’d say it’s worth a try and if you don’t like it, they are easy enough to resell or trade as they’re pretty popular.
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11-22-17, 08:21 AM
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My butt hates both of these saddles, but my brain really digs the looks the Turbo. A classic of its era.
11-22-17, 11:23 AM
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Vetta made sort of a discount priced Turbo, among other seats. Vinyl instead of leather. I think both were actually made by SI. The one in your pic is a little different. Thicker padding I think.
Vetta was a company in the 80s that rebranded seat, racks, helmets, and other accessories, and sold them at a competitive price. They didn't actually make anything themselves.
Vetta was a company in the 80s that rebranded seat, racks, helmets, and other accessories, and sold them at a competitive price. They didn't actually make anything themselves.
Last edited by Salamandrine; 11-22-17 at 11:28 AM.
11-22-17, 01:46 PM
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Hi guys, thanks for the advice (and characterization, Spaghetti Legs).
I just picked up a used Vetta on Ebay for whopping $14 dollars (see link below, and don't believe the price), so I'm happy about that. I'm keeping an eye out for a decent deal on a Turbo, to at least give it a try, and I'm also gonna look around for an Avocet Racing, and Charliekeet pointed out (thanks for that).
Yes, those Turbo's certainly look pretty, especially the brown and white versions, and since they are so popular I figured them must feet pretty nice as well.
About Vetta not making their own stuff, I'm not surprised, and I'm sure there were (are?) quite a lot of small factories in Italy producing nice bike and motorcycle seats. I know that in most of the big cities there are numerous small shops that specialize in re-covering torn scooter and motorcycle saddles, so it might be fun to bring a bike seat over and get something nicely customized.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Vet...72.m2749.l2649
I just picked up a used Vetta on Ebay for whopping $14 dollars (see link below, and don't believe the price), so I'm happy about that. I'm keeping an eye out for a decent deal on a Turbo, to at least give it a try, and I'm also gonna look around for an Avocet Racing, and Charliekeet pointed out (thanks for that).
Yes, those Turbo's certainly look pretty, especially the brown and white versions, and since they are so popular I figured them must feet pretty nice as well.
About Vetta not making their own stuff, I'm not surprised, and I'm sure there were (are?) quite a lot of small factories in Italy producing nice bike and motorcycle seats. I know that in most of the big cities there are numerous small shops that specialize in re-covering torn scooter and motorcycle saddles, so it might be fun to bring a bike seat over and get something nicely customized.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Vet...72.m2749.l2649
