Specialized Toupe Gel

No, Specialized have not branched out into hairpieces, rather the Toupe is a high end minimalist perch brimming with space age materials and surprising levels of comfort.

Available in a choice of durable black or white the micro-matrix weather-resistant faux leather covering, hollow titanium rails and carbon fibre reinforced shell combine low weight with durability. The patented BG cutaway, designed to relieve pressure on the prudendal nerve, improving blood flow to the genital area is further supplemented with a very thin gel layer and the availability of three widths (130,143 &155mm) – the width of saddlle that's right for you is determined by the width of your sit bones (rather than the size of you rear end) and to some extent your style of riding.

Traditionally saddle choice has been based upon word of mouth or trial and error whereas the body geometry concept is concerned with tailoring an anatomically perfect rider fit. Our 143mm test model, far from randomly chosen was based upon my own measurements taken at an earlier BG consultation- a very thorough, holistic analysis of rider dimension and corresponding component sizing.

This is pivotal to getting the best from the Body Geometry range (shoes, saddles, gloves, shorts) and whilst £125 for a 90-minute analysis does seem expensive, it ensures precision and therefore maximum comfort if you were going to buy something from the complete Body Geometry range doing otherwise could be considered false economy especially if you consider the cost of experimenting with high end components.

That said, if you don't want to go the whole hog and you are just after a saddle, your Specialized dealer should be able to measure you up for one (for free) with the Specialized Assometer – a pad of memory foam you sit on which leaves an impression of your sit bones with a chart on the back relating the resulting measurements to saddle sizes.

The Toupe’s low profile demanded I raise my seat post by an inch or so, nearing the limit mark, which might demand a longer seat post for some- especially taller riders aboard compact frames. In contrast to my old BG comp, the toupe felt very firm but as the rides and mileage racked up it has proven immensely comfortable and very supportive-even after several continuous hours.

The titanium rails and carbon reinforcement provide welcome damping over uneven surfaces - I even took it off road with no problems – and I'm no off-roader – which suggests it might be a viable option for ‘cross. The micro-matrix cover is more durable than it looks, shrugging off accidental brushes with brickwork and street furniture.

Water repellence is excellent, minimising any likelihood of slippage, but by the same token it doesn’t present the restrictive sensation of being anchored to a sheet of fly-paper.