San Marco Regale Racing Team saddle

The Regale is an evolution of the Selle San Marco Regal saddle, hence the 'e', a classic that was first introduced in 1984 and has been a favourite of many pro cyclists including Greg LeMond, Mario Cipollini, Tom Boonen. This latest version keeps the same tried-and-trusted shape, but introduces modern materials into the construction to make it lighter (239g versus 369g), and give it a more contemporary look.

Saddles are very much a personal thing. What works for one person won't necessarily do the same for someone else, and this is evident in the vast choice of saddles available in any bike shop. There's more different shapes, sizes, lengths and features than you would ever think possible.

So recommending saddles isn't easy, but I'm willing to bet that the Regale will suit a lot of people. It's a shape that has proved to be popular for over 20 years. I took to it immediately and found it instantly comfortable throughout my first ride which lasted well over 4-hours. Not a bad way to break in a new saddle.

The Regale has a simple shape mostly flat with the tail kicking up slightly, a rounded profile with deep wings. It's very similar in dimensions to the Prologo Scratch which it replaced on the test bike. Viewed from the top, the profile also has some similarity with the Fizik Arione. Tape measure out and the Regale is 278mm long and 150mm wide. So if either of these saddles agree with you, it's likely you'll get on with the Regale as well.

The Biofoam padding is extremely firm but I didn't find it uncomfortable. It may take a bit of getting used to for some people. There's a small amount of flex in the carbon fibre reinforced plastic base and the titanium rails that provides a little damping when hitting holes and divots in the road. The Regale, like the Arione, has a long nose so there's plenty of room to slide forward on it, which comes in handy on very steep hills or riding deep in the drops.

There's no channels or anything like that, but for me at least the Regale doesn't need it, I found the comfort really good mile after mile. It looks a bigger saddle than many svelte race perches out there, but the main purpose of a saddle is to provide comfort and if that's what you're looking for in a saddle, don't let the slightly traditional shape and size put you off.

The Regale's Microfeel upper has proved hard-wearing during testing, and the faux-carbon corners are intended to offer extra resistance to scuffing. My test saddle, after a few months use, is showing the beginnings of scuffing from where the bike has been leant up against walls, but it's not yet enough to detract from the looks. Something to keep an eye on. The plastic rail clip is riveted to the saddle giving the Regale some vintage appeal.

Four versions of the saddle are available, this is the Racing Team, there's also a Carbon FX model which gets carbon fibre rails to help the weight dip down to a claimed 193g. The Racing Team model has Xsilite rails, made from a titanium/carbon/silicon alloy material. It's heavier at 239g than the claimed 220g, but it's still right on the money for a saddle of this type.

This is an extremely comfortable saddle, and for me every bit as good as the Prologo Scratch, which I rate as one of the best saddles currently available.

Verdict

If you want a very comfortable saddle that looks smart and is used by the pros, then look no further than the Regale. A modern classic.