Selle San Marco Regal Short Carbon FX
29.03.24 08:28 1.2322024-03-29T08:28:00+01:00Text: NoPain (translated by AI)Photos: Erwin HaidenOff-road review of the reinterpretation of the classic saddle with the innovative Bow Rail System.29.03.24 08:28 1.9442024-03-29T08:28:00+01:00Selle San Marco Regal Short Carbon FX
29.03.24 08:28 1.9442024-03-29T08:28:00+01:00 NoPain (translated by AI) Erwin HaidenOff-road review of the reinterpretation of the classic saddle with the innovative Bow Rail System.29.03.24 08:28 1.9442024-03-29T08:28:00+01:00
Even during the conversion of NoPain's new Merida Silex gravel bike from 2x11 to 1x12, including an FSA Dropperpost, it became apparent that his previous favorite SQLab saddle did not at all match the robust, vibration-damped FSA stem in terms of looks. So, a new saddle was needed - classically beautiful, light, and comfortable.
Since Merida & Centurion Germany GmbH, shortly MCG, had only last year taken over the distribution of the renowned saddle manufacturer Selle San Marco for Austria and Germany, it made sense to take a closer look at the extensive range of this storied brand. With almost 90 years of experience in saddle production, Selle San Marco stands for craftsmanship and attention to detail. The range spans gravel, road and urban to MTB.
Regal Short Line-Up
Voilà - it didn't take long for us to find what we were looking for in the "Regal Short" model family for Gravel and Bikepacking.
The Regal Short is by no means a mere imitation of a racing bike saddle, but rather a bicycle saddle specifically developed for gravel and bikepacking. It promises high riding comfort with its short dimensions and the patented Bow Rail System.
The newcomer from Selle San Marco is available in a total of eight versions, each in two widths (S3/L3), with Carbon FX or Magnesium rails, and with (Dynamic) or without openings (Full Fit Dynamic) in the saddle cover. All models have recesses in the shell, but some come with a completely closed saddle cover above.
Our choice fell on the Regal Short Carbon FX in S3 - meaning: narrow, carbon, and with an opening.
Regal Short Carbon FX
| Application | Gravel & Bikepacking |
| Comfort Category | Open-Fit |
| Gender | Women & Men |
| Available Widths | S3 Narrow-Version (140 mm), L3 Wide-Version (165 mm) |
| Weight* | S3 220 g (208 g measured), L3 232 g |
| Length | S3 & L3 255 mm |
| Material Rails | CFX Carbon |
| Material Shell | Carbon Fiber Reinforced |
| Material Cover | Texfeel |
| Material Padding | Biofoam |
| Damping | Bow Rail System |
| Price (MSRP) | € 199,90 |
* Manufacturer's specification
Technology
The Bow Rail System, in which the specially designed frame is hooked at the front and rear of the saddle, optimally adjusts the seat shell to the body during rough gravel rides and long bikepacking tours. Thanks to this shock-absorbing construction and additional padding in the saddle's nose, the Regal Short responds noticeably more flexibly than other saddles.
Reference: Texfeel conveys the feel and surface structure of fabric - combined with the classic comfort of a traditional cover. Texfeel is easy to clean, feels very pleasant, and is durable.
Padding: Biofoam is a biodynamic foam with low density and a structure that varies in thickness, following the movements of the pelvis while pedaling. For perfect comfort, low weight, good support, and long-lasting durability.
Rails: Ultra-light full carbon rails with an oval cross-section (9.8 mm x 7 mm) and patented DNA (Dynamic Node Action) technology, which prevents twisting and keeps the front of the saddle narrow to ensure a large range of leg motion while pedaling. This makes the carbon rails even stiffer and provides a long middle section for easy saddle adjustment.
Selle San Marco ID Match
The ID Match concept by Selle San Marco is an innovative system for determining the correct saddle size and shape for every rider. It takes into account the individual anatomical features and the rider's seating position to ensure optimal comfort and efficient power transmission. The concept is based on various parameters such as the width of the sit bones, the thigh diameter, the flexibility of the spine, and the riding position.
Here is a rough explanation of how the ID Match concept works:
1. Ischial Tuberosity Measurement: The rider measures or has their sit bone width measured. This can be done using a special measuring device or through other methods (e.g., corrugated cardboard).
2. Thigh Diameter: The rider measures or has their thigh diameter measured to determine whether they have wider or narrower thighs.
3. Spinal Flexibility: The rider assesses the flexibility of their spine or has it analyzed to determine how much it moves during cycling.
4. Riding Position: The rider determines their preferred riding position on the bicycle. For example, riders who adopt a more aggressive position on the bike may have different saddle requirements than riders who ride in a more upright position.
Based on these parameters, the ID Match concept offers a selection of saddle models and sizes that best fit the individual needs and requirements of the rider.
Conclusion
| Selle San Marco Regal Short Carbon FX | |
|---|---|
| Modelljahr: | 2024 |
| Testdauer: | 2 Wochen |
| Preis: | € 199,99 |
| + | Bow Rail System |
| + | ID Match |
| + | Komfort |
| + | Gewicht |
| + | Style |
| o | Hat seinen Preis |
| - | Gibt nichts zu meckern |
| BB-Urteil: | Komforttipp für stylebewusste Gravelbiker, Bikepacker und Enthusiasten. |
Das Design der verkürzten Version des Klassikers von Selle San Marco gefiel auf Anhieb. Trotzdem blieb ein Hauch von Zweifel, ob die schnörkellose, gerade Form der Polsterung bzw. der Satteldecke wirklich bequem sein würde.
Bei der Größenauswahl schritten wir pragmatisch voran und verzichteten auf die Verwendung des speziellen Messgeräts für das Selle Italia/Selle San Marco ID-Match-System.
Nachdem NoPain erfahrungsgemäß einen sehr schmalen Sitzknochenabstand sowie eine äußerst flexible Wirbelsäule besitzt und keine übertrieben aggressive Fahrposition auf dem Gravelbike einnimmt, entschied er sich ohne eine größere Wissenschaft daraus zu machen für die schmale S3-Version.
Die Einstellung des Selle San Marco Regal Short Carbon FX an der geraden FSA Dropper-Post stellte sich als wahre Wohltat heraus. Aufgrund seiner geraden Form brauchten wir den Sattel nur auf die übliche Höhe, mittig und absolut horizontal einzustellen.
Nach einem kurzen Check mit dem Lot durch das Kniegelenk und die Pedalachse inklusive einer minimalen Korrektur nach vorne war die Sache auch schon erledigt.
Am Trail folgte dann die große Überraschung: Obwohl der Regal Short vollkommen anders designt war als NoPains bisherige SQLab-, Syncros- und die diversen Power-Sättel, erwies er sich als sensationell bequem. Ein absoluter Komfortgewinn, selbst auf langen Offroad-Abenteuern.
Als weiterer Vorteil der klassischen Form stellte sich heraus, dass man je nach Lenkerhaltung (Bremsgriff, Oberlenker oder Lenkerbögen) beliebig am Sattel vor und zurückrutschen konnte, ohne dass sich ein unangenehmes Druckgefühl einstellte. So konnte man in den verschiedensten Positionen längere Zeit verweilen und den hohen Dämpfungskomfort genießen, ohne ständig in die "eine, optimale Position" gedrängt zu werden.
Abgesehen vom bereits erläuterten Bow Rail System, dem edlen Auftritt und der brillanten Farbgebung (schwarz) überzeugt der neue Regal Short Carbon FX auch mit seinem Gewicht. Mit nur 208 Gramm auf der Waage steht er in dieser Hinsicht anderen Top-Carbonsätteln mit innovativen Dämpfungskonzepten um nichts nach.
Vergleichsweise wiegt der 611 Ergowave Active Carbon inklusive des grauen Elastomers exakt 222 Gramm.
