Seattle Forrest

I had a Fabric saddle in the past, I know they're great. My C3 came with a Fizik saddle, and there was nothing wrong with it, I could end long rides feeling good. I mostly made the change for aesthetic reasons. But then I sat down on it and experienced bliss and perfection. Exactly the right shape, just the right amount of padding, etc.

I got the Scoop in "Shallow" and the only way it could possibly be improved is if the color matched the highlights in my frame. (I got black since that wasn't an option.)

aplcr0331

I know a few guys around me that love their Fabric saddles. They're not on the level of annoying like the Brooks Saddle people are, but good on you for finding your saddle "bliss".

I don't think most cyclist ever do. They're probably like me; this one doesn't kill me, cause ED, and I can ride relatively long distances on it. Good enough.

TrojanHorse

You can put the selle anatomica people on that list too, and maybe even Selle SMP. Hey! I get it, you like your saddle! Great!

My new bike came with a fizik Antares and it was so bad I had to take it off to test ride the thing. A friend of mine bought the same bike and loves it. GO figure. I switched from a selle italia back to my old(er) Romin Evo and have been in ass heaven since January

Every butt is different and they don't stay the same over time.

TimothyH

Fabric is the new Fizik.

I changed both my existing bikes to Fabric saddles and used them on my two most recent builds.

surak

Hi Seattle Forrest, did/do you go to an LBS to test out saddles? I'm curious which ones around Seattle offer that, and for how long do they let someone test them.

RockiesDad

Got the same one and swapped for the same reason and also out of curiosity looking for my saddle bliss. It's a bit better than my stock saddle but as mentioned above the stock one was good enough...

DrIsotope

Fabric makes a fantastic saddle, and probably the best $40 saddle there is.

IME, Selle Anatomica makes a more comfortable saddle, but boy do you have to pay for it. Even then, I give the aesthetic edge to Fabric-- if such matters concern you.

My R3 came with a Fizik. I didn't even test ride the bike on it. I've tried Fizik saddles before, and hated every one of them.

Seattle Forrest

Speedy Reedy used to, but they closed.

I don't remember which model Fizik I have but can look that up. It needs a new home. Send me a PM if you'd like it. (I live in Eastlake.)

TimothyH

A few photos for those not familiar with Fabric.

This is a Fabric Ultimate Shallow at 182 grams. Ultimate is carbon rail and stiff carbon shell. Shallow is the middle profile, not the aggressive Flat version nor the more relaxed Radius version.








This is an Scoop Pro Radius Team Issue. 194 grams. Radius is the more curved, relaxed version and the Pro model has a flexible nylon base. The flex can really be felt and at first I thought I had a flat tire. It is amazing on a gravel bike.

I don't care for the logo but the team issue version was on sale.










-Tim-

redlude97

I just switched my scoop radius back to my Antares VS. I can't decide which one is better, neither are perfect in all positions for me. The slight dip in the shallow causes pressure when in an aggressive position or in the drops, and if I level the front of the saddle the rear kicks up and I keep sliding forward. Same problem I had with the Aliante. But the comfort of the frame and padding is nice for more relaxed riding and gravel. Might have to try the shallow or flat. Anyone using Line version with a cutout?

Cyclist0108

My bike came with a Charge saddle (I think it is the "spoon" model -- don't go there). It looks identical to the Fabric Scoop elite shallow. The only discernible difference is it says "Charge" instead of "Fabric" on the same place on the nose of the saddle. Anyone know if they are the same? (BTW, this was shockingly painful.)

Edit: Just answered my own question Charge Bikes launch Fabric saddle range | road.cc

If anyone wants mine, you can have it for the price of postage.

redlude97

I'd be interested since I want to try the shallow. I couldn't PM you though

socalscalatore

Does the lack of a cutout bother people?

I have a Fabric Scoop Flat. On flat, mostly-flat rides it's great. Since I'm always moving around, waiting at the light etc, so not putting too much pressure on the butt. however on longer climbs, my junk goes numb.

Their Fabric Scoop Line saddles have a channel in the center, TBH I don't think it's deep enough.

I don't really have a point to make here. Just that overall the shape of the Fabric works for me, only wish it had a cutout.

Seattle Forrest

That gave me a chuckle, so thanks for that. And your point is well taken too.

Seattle Forrest

Did you get the Enve post simply to match your bars and stem, or was there another reason? What do you think of it? How is it to adjust?

ReneV

I've got a Fabric Scoop flat, too. I love it for all terrain, including all manners of climbing, but only with a saddle to stem drop up to 12cm. More than that and I get a slightly sore lower back, in one particular spot. It feels like I can't rotate my hips far enough forward and I bend in the back instead to get as low as I want to be, which sends all bumps right into the trouble spot without any form of suspension.

A Pro Stealth saddle (short, cutout, wide nose) fixed the problem. Incidentally, I like the Pro for all terrain, as well. I haven't tried it with the lower saddle/stem drop, though.

cthenn

Love my Fabric saddle, also in Shallow. Only thing is why they gotta be so heavy? Even the "Pro" with carbon rails is like 205g, which I know is not exactly heavy, but I have a few old 2010 era mid-range Selle Italia saddles that are about 210g (metal rails). Also, I've used a cheapo Nashbar saddle in the past that was like 220g. I just got another Scoop, with the CrMo rails, and it's a whopping 270g! Maybe the weight is the trade off for the comfort...I dunno.

TimothyH

The Fabric Line is similar to the Scoop but with a cutout.


Yes, to match the bars. Based on my experience I will not buy another ENVE two bolt post and probably won't buy anything else from them.

The four piece wedge system is tedious to adjust. Mine would not rotate smoothly, would not angle up and down as the wedges were tightened or loosened - the clamp mechanism seemed to fit too tightly into the post. I could not get it to rotate freely like in the instruction videos. The whole design hinges on two rubber o-rings between the wedges which is troublesome and it isn't particularly light.

I could go on but the bottom line is their products didn't impress me enough to buy another. There are simply much lighter and more functional parts for less money.


-Tim-

Cyclist0108

I just sent you one with my email address. I think it worked.

Seattle Forrest

Thanks for that.

Every bike I've ever had has been an ongoing project, a work in progress. I'd upgrade a part here or there over the years and have a better and better bike. The saddle was really the only thing needing to be replaced, I felt the metal rails were a bit out of place. The new saddle just feels perfect. My bike is complete. There's nothing left to change.

I have Enve wheels, and they gave me a set of bars with them, same ones you have. I got a discount on a matching stem with the bike. Didn't really want to spend $300 on a seatpost when the bike came with a fine post and when I wasn't going to get anything out of it except a fully matching cockpit. That's slightly temping. But you've helped me with my savings goal.

TimothyH

Edited my post to say "Mine would not rotate smoothly." Yeah, I would not run out and buy the post just so everything matches. Save the money and put it toward a long ski weekend with your wife.

socalscalatore

Have you tried it? It's really not a cutout, it's more a recessed channel.

Also I found the Fabric Line is available only in a narrow 132 width. My Fabric Scoop Flat is a 142.

Pizzaiolo Americano 

​​​​​​https://www.amazon.com/Fabric-Shallo...e+elite+saddle

socalscalatore

I must have been looking at old reviews.

Hmm... tempting. I think the secret to Fabric saddles is they are so cheap(relatively speaking) you always think, "ah why not, it's only $50".

Pizzaiolo Americano 

Yep. I have one on the way based on the comments in this thread...