Selle San Marco Mantra Supercomfort Racing Saddle

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, "Mantra is the result of an ergonomic study aimed at combining the performance requirements of the most demanding cyclists with the need to provide a flat profile for the saddle itself. You will be surprised at the level of comfort of this saddle despite its aggressive features. The areas of support for the ischial bones are substantial with ample comfort for the perineum.

Mantra Supercomfort is the newest addition to the Selle San Marco range and is aimed at cyclists who are looking for all day comfort or looking to reduce the harshness of riding full carbon bikes & wheels.

SUPERCOMFORT stemmed from an in-depth study with aim of finding extreme comfort. Selle San Marco worked on shape, ergonomics and technologies to create this new model, to meet the requirements of extra comfort. This is guaranteed by the open and substantial ridge that runs down the length of the saddle: an ergonomics studied to ensure an optimal relief of the pressure on the perineum and at the same time keeping a suitable support area. Every Supercomfort saddle features an increased level of padding with variable density to guarantee the maximum comfort in all pedalling positions. In addition in the racing price range Selle San Marco introduced a gel layer and an openwork processing technique of the cover that enhance the already exceptional comfort bringing it to a higher level."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

From Selle San Marco:

FEATURES

* Rail: Xsilite

* Shell: Carbon Fibre Reinforced

* Padding: Biofoam Plus + Gel

* Cover: Microfeel

* Size Narrow: 278 x 138mm / ID-Match Ref: S3

* Size Wide: 277 x 146mm / ID-Match Ref: L3

* Weight: 228g / 231g

* Saddle Profile: Open / Flat

* Use: Road / Off Road

* Colours: Black/Black

SHOCK ABSORBER

An innovative system of shock absorption and vibration dampening ensure increased all round comfort.

XSILITE RAILS

It is a material with a high percentage of silicon with particles of titanium and carbon. Light and strong, it turns out to be resistant to all weather conditions. The process through the stealth technology ensures a better strength against fatigue stress.

CARBON FIBER REINFORCED SHELL

Nylon with high properties, enriched with a high proportion of long carbon fibre, in order to reinforce the characteristics of rigidity, stiffness and durability without compromising the weight.

BIOFOAM PLUS + GEL

Biodynamic structure that follows the movements of the pelvis during pedalling, guarantees comfort, reduced weight, lasting resistance and ideal support. The 'closed cells' surface ensures water is repelled from the padding. Slightly heavier than on our standard Biofoam, with a thin layer of gel under the cover.

MICROFEEL COVER

Breathable and hard wearing cover. It is lighter than traditional materials and less deformable. Anti-skid effect with an extraordinary grip on the saddle. Biocompatible material.

NEW ERGONOMY

The perfect balance between the support and relief zone. The "big hole" helps maintain comfort under pressure and offers day long support and comfort. The central relief zone is long enough to work in all riding positions and the structural stability bridge prevents unwanted flex and twist.

Sizes Available:

NARROW (S3)

WIDE (L3)

Colours Available:

BLACK

Neatly made and finished.

I got on well with it: good levels of comfort but still pretty light and racy.

No issues during testing, microfibre cover has taken a bit of scuffing in its stride.

229g is still race-light.

It's not a sofa, but it's more comfortable than most racing saddles.

£134.99 feels a bit expensive given the build quality isn't that different to the lighter Mantra Dynamic; the rails are upgraded and there's more padding but £50 seems like a pretty big hike.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Pretty well: good comfort, light weight, nice build.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

It's racy yet comfortable.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

It feels a bit expensive.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

It's £50 more than the Mantra Dynamic, for better rails and more padding. The Fabric Line gets titanium rails for not much more than half the price, but it isn't as light.

Use this box to explain your overall score

Good overall, with better levels of comfort than most racing-shape saddles. If you need that then it'll be worth the money, although the price feels high for what it is.