Hi Guys,

After reading a lot of positive reviews, I ordered the Selle Italia SLK saddle. It was backordered for about 2 weeks. When I finally got the package, they sent me an SLC Gel Flow by mistake. The SLC is similar, but has carbon rails, partial carbon bottom, and a larger center cutout.

I wanted to give it a try before sending it back so I mounted it on the bike and pedaled around a bit. The large cutout is nice, but the padding feels non-existent. I'm also a little concerned about the carbon rails. I'm only 150 lbs, but I'd rather have something tough than save 35 grams.

Question: Any opinions on the SLC vs. SLK? Will the SLK have a little more padding? I want a firmer saddle than the WTB crap I have now, but don't want to ride something designed for a pro sprinter counting every gram. I want something that will be comfortable on rides between 40 - 100 miles. I'm hoping the SLK will fit my needs. Any thoughts?

Anybody?

can't really help on those two models, but i have a selle italia prolink and - for me anyway - it's a major ass hatchet. the Maxflite is slightly better, but my Avatar is way more comfortable than either SIs. of course, i'm a bit of a load. as a lighter person, you'll probably have more luck with them.

All I know is that I ride the SLK on both my bikes and absolutely love it. I don't have the newer gel flow SLK, but the older style.

I believe that the large center cutout is the "Gel Flow" part of it. Most of their saddles come in a Flow and Non-flow model. The flows have a large center cutout; the non-flows don't. I can't help with the SLC v. SLK question.

/cp

My SLKs are split from the rear of the saddle just over halfway down the center. (non gel-flow)

The SLK is the most comfortable saddle I have ever owned. Can't comment on the SLC.

I've got the SLK and would like to try the SLC.

Why don't you try the SLC then trade with me for a couple of rides and we'll see which one we like better.

FYI, I think the SLK is a very firm seat.

Thanks everyone, I've heard enough good things about the SLK that I think I'll give it a try and hope it has a little more padding. Now the tough part.... try selling the SLC on eBay (it's $200+ retail) or just send it back to Performance for the SLK that I ordered.

I'd just do the exchange with performance; less of a PITA in this case, and they did send the wrong item.

*Another* saddle thread with 20 different opinions from 10 replies.

OK, this is more objective, the SLK gelflow is not firm, I push down with my palm on either side of the cutout and it gives. Just by looking at the SLK vs SLC profile, the SLC looks more padded. The SLK is about as minimalist as u can get only trumped by that all-carbon model.

I own the SLC and will warn you that there is a flaw in the design. Because of the extreme nature of the split, the rails tend to separate towards the rear of the saddle. This in turn makes it so when you tighten it into a seatpost clamp and straighten out the rails, it actually brings the "wings" in closer together, thus reducing the effectiveness of the design. the saddle still works OK, but there is not anywhere near as much flex in it as you would expect.

regarding your other question, mine is the non-gel version and the padding is fairly minimal so you should do well with this saddle if that's what you're looking for.

Did you mean this the other way around? That the SLK looks more padded and the SLC is minimalist? That's the impression I get from looking at them online, but wanted to here from people who own either of them.

I have the SLK and it's not very padded. I would think the SLC feels more padded but I have never ridden one.