Review from Sprinting For Signs

The UCI weight limit on bikes has changed how bikes have looked in recent times. Once deep section rims would not have been a consideration, even for the strongest of domestiques. Due to the 6.8 Kg weight limit the parts that save energy or give comfort have now been added to the Pro level riders bikes.

So that brings me to the Selle San Marco Regal, or as I call it the Belgian sofa. Why, well take a look at the number of Classics riders and Sprinters that make this their saddle of choice. Because such luminaries as Boonen, Devolder and McEwen inspired me to try this out and wonder why it is so popular.

Some of these riders are not sponsored by San Marco and so opt for a stealthy all black version minus the rivets. These look very non descript and so are unlikely to offend the sponsors, in that way everyone is happy.

Once you start riding lots of saddles you can see the DNA or evolution if you will, even across brands, from some of the older models that are still popular today. Perching your bum on it for the first time is a bit like sinking into a nice Chesterfield. It has that instant comfort factor of 10. Having flitted between lots of saddles over the last 12 months, this has to be a massive bonus. Ironically this was not the same for the Zoncolan, the comapny's leggero of saddles, as this required much more ride time to give that instant comfort that the Regal offered.

So what is it like? I found the shape to very comfortable, I liked the deep sides as they allowed my legs to have free pedal movement. The deeper sides also had an added bonus that they protected my shorts against my saddle bags velcro straps, which was welcome when you are riding £100 plus items. Due to my position I run the saddle far back on the rails, so I don't know if this added to the comfort as I am compressing the saddle more by doing so. In use in felt like the tyres were 10-20 psi lower, so cushioning the rider from the road more. For this reasone on it's own you can see why it is used on the harsh roads of West Flanders (it works as well on the crap roads around the home counties).

I have ridden it on my light carbon bike and also on my winter bike where it now resides. On both bikes it adds comfort, on the winter bike is doesn't look out of place and on the carbon bike it looks kind of funny. But once your bum is on it any cerebration surrounding its look are soon dissolved in the first mile. I have always been of the opinion that the saddle comfort should be at the forefront and aesthetics and weight must be a lower priority.

In conclusion...

Of course the Regal is not going to suit everyone, but if you are looking for a perch that is high on comfort and in the San Marco range a set of palmares second to the Concor, you know that you are buying both a piece of history and a great modern favourite. I am pleased that San Marco continue to produce this saddle, as the original designer managed to create a masterpiece which stands outside time.

Rating: No Rating Given