Saddle expert Selle San Marco's Shortfit Supercomfort Dynamic Wide is one of the latest entrants into the stubby seat market and it is a good one too. I like the swooping shape and the extra width at the rear gives you a large platform from which to get the power down.
- Pros: Comfortable shape; supportive padding
- Cons: Nothing really stands out
Short saddles were once the preserve of time triallists, allowing them to get a more forward position over the bike when in the tri-bars without falling foul of the UCI's 5cm rule, relating to the distance between the nose of the saddle and the bottom bracket centre line.
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If you are a road racer, though, getting a more forward position when in the drops is also beneficial, which is why we've seen such an increase in brands offering them. And even if you're not racing, a shorter saddle nose can really add to the comfort levels. I've become a big convert to these shorter designs, and I got on especially well with the Shortfit.
To start with, it doesn't really feel like a short saddle, I think mostly down to that curved shape. A lot of these saddles feel like they've just had the nose cut off, but this one still seems to be totally in proportion.
The slightly dropped nose is unobtrusive, and the upwardly curved tail section and 144mm width gives you plenty of material to push back against when you are really driving the power down on a flat, fast section or for seated climbing.
Selle San Marco says the shape is suitable for both male and female riders.
The Biofoam padding is firm enough to really support you through the pedalling stroke, without about being too firm to take out the bumps and imperfections from the road. The cutout helps as well.
Overall, the quality is pretty decent and it is nicely finished, although some saddles we see at this price have an extra layer underneath to create a 'sandwich' of layers for neatness.
Saying that, though, it would add weight to what is a very svelte 191g – impressive for a saddle with manganese rails and a carbon fibre-reinforced nylon base.
Price-wise it's in the right ball park with other similar models such as the Specialized Power Export at £105.
The Syncros Tofino 1.0 is £129.99, £30 more expensive, but you are getting a full carbon shell and rails, although it doesn't make much difference to the weight, with it being just 7g lighter than the Shortfit.
> Buyer's Guide: 20 of the best saddles
Overall I really rate the Selle San Marco. It's a decent balance of comfort and stiffness for support, with a shape that should suit many.
Verdict
Great shape with comfortable padding that should suit leisure riders as well as the racers
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Make and model: Selle San Marco Shortfit Supercomfort Dynamic
Size tested: Wide (L3), 144mm
Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Selle San Marco says, "The Shortfit Supercomfort is a new saddle taking inspiration from two of Selle San Marco's most successful recent additions. The ergonomic waved shape aide's pelvic rotation and the shorter length can allow riders to move their positions into a more aggressive engagement, closer to the handlebars.
"The special ergonomic shape of this new saddle features reduced length and ensures proper support in the generous rear section and optimum pressure distribution in the front section. The wide nose & shape also makes for a comfortable and lightweight TT saddle and is also suitable for men and women look for a quality high performance saddle.
"The new Supercomfort version benefits from the addition of the Biofoam Plus padding and is a great saddle for both men and women."
It is a good saddle for all types of riding.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Selle San Marco lists:
Rail: Manganese
Shell: Carbon Fibre Reinforced
Foam: Biofoam
Cover: Microfeel
Dimension : 250 x 144 mm
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
8/10
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
8/10
Rate the product for value:
5/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It is one of the best short saddles I've used.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Great comfort and a decent weight.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing really stands out to dislike.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
There are plenty of saddles using similar materials for around the same sort of money.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
It's a very good all-round saddle for a decent price.
Age: 40 Height: 180cm Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: This month's test bike My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed
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Great to read about someone who knows their own mind. Well done Stu!