The SLR Gravel Elite features three extras that set it apart from the standard SLR Elite: the Bow Rail System for vibration damping, a removable protective insert over the Superflow recess, and reflective side edges. Tested on after-work rides and multi-day tours featuring Alpine stages.
Conclusion
First and foremost: a saddle that feels really comfortable for one person may be the complete opposite for someone else. Our tester has previously ridden various Selle Italia saddles, such as the SLR Lady Boost Superflow and the SLR Boost Gravel.
The removable Protective Insert is self-explanatory: pull the tab upwards to remove it, insert it and press down to secure it. On wet surfaces, it protects the cycling shorts’ padding from splashes – if you want maximum ventilation, simply remove it.
On longer rides, the tester noticed a feeling of pressure at the rear edges of the cut-out. It is not possible to say definitively whether this is due to the hardness of the edges, their geometry, the saddle position, the cycling shorts, or a combination of all these factors. Saddles are a very personal matter – what fits one person perfectly may not work at all for another. Anyone experiencing similar issues should first check the saddle position and angle and ride in cycling shorts that have previously proven to fit well. Ideally, this should be done during a bike fitting.
The reflective side edges improve visibility at dusk. The fact that Selle Italia includes this feature on its gravel saddles but not on its road saddles makes sense if you see gravel riding as more of an adventure than road cycling. Nevertheless, the reflective edges only ensure visibility when they are illuminated, for example by car headlights.
At €199.90, the SLR Gravel Elite is in the upper mid-range. The SLR Gravel Advan, which is cheaper at €124.90, also features the Bow Rail System, a protective insert and reflective elements, but weighs 214 grams instead of 195 grams (S3 version).
The saddle at a glance
- Manufacturer / Model: Selle Italia SLR Gravel Elite
- Price (RRP): €199.90
- Weight: 195 g (S3) / 208 g (L3)
- Sizes: S3 (130 × 245 mm), L3 (145 × 245 mm)
- Rails: Steel tube, Ø 7 mm
- Special feature: Bow Rail System, removable protective insert, reflective side edges
- Usage: Gravel
What sort of saddle do you use? Let us know in the comments.
Who is it for – and who isn’t it for?
The SLR Gravel Elite is ideal for ambitious gravel cyclists and adventurous gravel bikers looking for a saddle for long rides and mixed terrain. The Protective Insert makes it a great choice for rides in bad weather and bikepacking. It’s not ideal for people who generally struggle with saddles that have a cut-out.
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
