Rido R-Lt saddle

The Rido R-Lt saddle is a reasonably lightweight performance choice that's built specifically to avoid numbness.

As we all know, saddles are a very personal thing. What works for one of us might not work for another and over the years there have been loads of design ideas to relieve pressure and numbness in and around the unmentionables. Rido's take on this issue with their 'Pressure Shift Geometry' that concentrates on supporting your bodyweight on your inner sit bones rather than on your perineum. There are some good graphics and explanations on their website which is worth a look.

The R-Lt is a race-orientated design that sits in Rido's range alongside the touring/distance R2 model. Looking at it from a side-on profile you can see how the rear end arcs up from the flatter nose section. This is how it lifts your weight off the perineal area. Rido also claim that the raised rear gives you a platform to push back against during hard efforts.

Once sitting aboard the R-Lt you do notice that shape difference and it does feel very comfortable even without any sort of breaking in period. As you pedal you can feel that you are sitting differently than you do on a lot of other saddles, only feeling any weight bearing on your sit bones as Rido intend. It is very stiff though, so poor road surfaces can transfer through to your rear end over time.

A length of 283mm allows you some fore and aft movement. Easing yourself back slightly while climbing does allow you to use that rear saddle height to push against and the lack of flex means there is no loss of power. The same is true when you are using your handlebar drops; the saddle allows you to get the power down because you have a platform to dig yourself in against. The 40mm nose width shouldn't see any rubbing for those with sprinters' thighs either.

The build quality looks very good and after 700 miles of use there isn't a single mark on it. The titanium rails are standard diameter and will fit pretty much any seatpost clamp, as you'd expect.

The Rido R-Lt is a brilliant saddle. It does what Rido claim with regards to comfort plus the shape and fit are spot on. It is low profile enough to be taken seriously as a race saddle and at only 230g it isn't going to add any unnecessary weight to your race steed. Colour choices of black, white or yellow are available to buy either direct from Rido or via online/local bike shops.

Verdict

I'm really impressed with the R-Lt and taking everything mentioned above, plus a price of £69.99, it's a bargain. If you suffer from numbness or saddle discomfort give one a go. If you don't suffer in this way, well, it's still worth giving it a go. It's perfect for any style of performance riding.