The saddles in question are the Selle Italia Max Flite Gel Flow (with at least a full centimeter of squish) and the Specialized Toupe Gel (I guess this is the MTB version since it has a Rudolph nose). What would happen if I made a small incision on the side and removed as much of the material as possible? Would I be left with a deformed plastic shell or would I be able to ride for 3+ hours in peace?

And think you should try and find out.

Just buy a plain carbon saddle, no cover.

oh, by the way, the padding is glued over the surface. Its not like pulling out stuffing.

You know they make less squishy versions of both those saddles, right?

Why would I start this thread if I had money? Sheesh!

I have an older Selle Italia Flite (mountain version) on my SS MTB. The cover eventually got so torn up that I just ripped everything off and rode on the plastic cover.

1+ Year now and nothing to report. Feels fine, though I don't really do any mountain riding anymore with it--just commuting. Just make sure your butt really likes the saddle. 3mm of missing padding is surprisingly easy to notice.

It will cost something to replace the saddles if you don't like the "modifications". Isn't there a saddle swap thread around here anyway?