As you all know, trying a new saddle is like going on a date… you don’t know what you are getting yourself into; you don’t know how the other will make you feel or what the after effects will be!

On that note, I always give a saddle at least five rides before forming an opinion.

RIDE #1 (90 minutes mellow) – The first ride is a “get to know you” session. Trying to determine how it compares to what you are accustomed to and thinking that perhaps what you are accustomed to is not exactly what you need. Well, within the first few minutes of riding this saddle I automatically began to form an opinion of “not too bad.” I am a triathlete so I ride in the aero-position as often as I can and a comfy saddle is a must. The saddle is sharp at first glance and has a nicely designed fabric “anti skid” patch at the beginning on the nose extending back. This fabric patch is pretty functional actually in that when you mount it level of even a slight (2-4degrees) downward tilt it actually deters you from sliding forward as readily.

RIDE #2 (Intervals 90minutes) – After the first ride I realized that I needed to adjust the position of my seat post a bit raising the saddle a mere 5mm which seemed to create greater comfort and an optimal knee angle. With each interval on other saddles I have used when producing a good bit of power the body typically moves forward on the saddle but with this saddle, as mentioned before, there is a lack of sliding forward… a good thing in my opinion. So far so good with ride #2 in the books.

RIDE #3 (2.5 hrs steady rolling hills) - The first longer ride on a new saddle is always a big question mark. With the saddle position where I wanted it, I was on my way. Obviously, each athlete’s position on their rig is relative… climbing in aero-position is the most powerful position if the fit is good. Climbing while riding with this saddle worked out well and I had minimal issues with numbness in my nether regions or any signs of saddle sores which can happen with a new seat. The nose of the saddle is in the mid-range for thickness I would say. I’ve ridden the Cobb Saddles, ISM Adamo saddle, Fizik Arione, Selle Italia Tri Saddle and myriad of others and I can honestly say that none, within the first three rides, felt this good.

RIDE #4 (90 minutes lots of hills) – Really getting used to the saddle and it feels as if it’s my own at this point. It has been my experience that a cut out in a saddle is not always needed nor is a big mushy, soft nose. If the bike fits correctly and the saddle fits the contours of your anatomy it may just be the one for you. In this case, I have tried many cut out saddles, soft nose saddles, etc., and I can say that I truly like the design Bontrager has come up with and it is a keeper.

Ride #5 and every ride since. If you’re not happy with your TT saddle, give this one a whirl.

CLOSEUPS AND WEIGHT:

The Bontrager Team Issue TT saddle uses their InForm design technology, which claims to marry the forward tilt and angles of the saddle with your sit bones along the normal angles your hips are in when in the riding position. The nose has a non-slip, gel padded section specifically for cushioning when in the typical triathlon aero position. The rest of the cover is leather with “Zone Density” padding throughout.

It has a carbon-reinforced nylon shell with hollow titanium rails. Despite the visual heft, it’s a fairly light saddle:

Weight is 231g on our Park scale. It’s available in white or black, price is $129.99 US MSRP.