Classic revivalSelle Italia presents new editions of the Flite and Turbo saddle models

Matthias Borchers

 · 13.12.2024

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Photo: Selle Italia
Two saddle classics reissued: the Flite and the Turbo from Selle Italia

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The two saddle models Turbo and Flite from Italian manufacturer Selle Italia are legendary. The Turbo was launched in 1980 and was Bernard Hinault's favourite model. The more recent Flite model from 1990 was considered the first lightweight saddle.

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Today, decades later, they are part of Selle Italia's Heritage collection as a new edition and their classic design is a reminder of the traditional Italian manufacturer's roots. Made from genuine leather and with saddle frames made from steel and titanium, at first glance the two saddles are no different from the originals from the 1980s and 1990s. We have already ordered a test model of each.

The Turbo 1980

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Photo: Selle Italia
The Turbo 1980 with black saddle cover

The Turbo was the model from the saddle makers in Asolo that became the favourite model of cycling legend Bernard Hinault in the 1980s and thus a saddle legend. The new edition of the Turbo 1980 with its minimalist design, genuine leather saddle cover and steel frame is a reminder of this glorious era of the five-time Tour de France winner. Whether there will be further special models in the future, such as the one with world champion stripes, is not yet clear. Its price: 104.95 euros >> available here at a reduced price.

The Flite 1990

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Photo: Selle Italia
The Flite with titanium frame and yellow Flite lettering
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First launched in 1990, the Flite was a minor revolution among road bike saddles at the time: It was the first model with a very reduced saddle cover, which made the titanium frame underneath visible and thus had a lasting influence on the design of future saddle generations. As a result of this material diet, the Flite weighed less than 300 grams, which was low by the standards of the time. Its price: 119.90 euros >> available here at a reduced price.

About Selle Italia

Selle Italia is one of the largest and best-known manufacturers of racing bike saddles in the world. Founded back in 1897, the long-established company is still active today at its headquarters in Asolo in the Veneto region. According to its own figures, the company produces one million saddles for all types of bikes.



Matthias Borchers is an expert for clothing and accessories in the test department of TOUR. As an amateur cyclist, he has completed the TOUR-Transalp and the TOUR-Trans Austria. His reportage trips from San Francisco to Sakai and 17 trips to the Tour de France with around 30,000 motorhome kilometres are also formative.

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