Review: Specialized Sitero time trial saddle
Our tester does not claim to be a triathlete, but here's his (positive) review of Specialized's new Sitero TT saddle
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
BOULDER, Colo. (VN) — On Sunday, Specialized unveiled its Sitero time trial-specific saddle. The Sitero joins an already expansive Body Geometry saddle offering from the California-based giant.
The Sitero is available in a $225 S-Works model with carbon rails, which we tested, and a $175 Expert model that comes with titanium rails and is also available in white. Both models come with the integrated bottle cage that is secured under the rear of the saddle, which we quickly removed in fear of our friends referring to us as triathletes.
The Sitero bears a close resemblance to similarly marketed saddles, the ISM Adamo and Cobb V-Flow, both of which are intended to increase blood flow when in the aero tuck position. Specialized claims its Sitero still allows for 80 percent blood flow, a metric we were unfortunately unable to corroborate.
The Sitero comes in only one width. However, it gets progressively wider as the rider slides back on the saddle, offering him or her a continuous range of widths depending on the bike’s setup. It took us some tinkering before we found the ideal position, which matched up with our preferred knee alignment and “sit area” width.
Initial ride impressions
Without having a designated time trial bike for testing, we mounted the Sitero to a Specialized S-Works Roubaix that we have in for a VeloLab test — pick up the May issue of Velo for more on this particular bike.
We tried to spend as much time in an aero position as possible (forearms on the bar tops), which was much more comfortable for our bottom than we are used to compared to traditional saddles. We have tested the ISM Adamo on a TT bike; it’s not something we swear by, but that was years ago.
While the Sitero is comfortable, it is for a specific audience. We’re not looking to replace our Fizik Antares for one on our road bikes, but we look forward to trying one out on a time trial rig.