Which Chinese saddle did you end up picking?

[ejump0]

so far my chiners are kinda knockoffs rather than the brand line itself
- racework ace pro4 (bontrager aeolus)
- adamo pl (ism pl 1.1)
- pro stealth

the shell somewhat soft n flexy, but theyre comfortable.
im not sure how the real deal compares, but at 12% of the original price, no brainer to stick with these

[wintermute]

I have a mixed 7d - it's advertised as flat but it's quite curved actually.

I'd like to try the rpahanti version.

I'll buy a 5d to see if that's a bit more flat (ie I can rotate my pelvis on it better).

My other saddles on other bikes are 3x Pro Stealth Carbons (generally v workable but a bit wide and so rubs when you roll forwards, which forces you right to the front of the saddle as it's V shaped not T shaped), 1x Dimension Nack (too narrow at front, only one position), 1x Scratch M5 (front is too narrow, no PAS).

I'd like a Nago EVO R4 or Flite flow to compare.

[jerozilla]

I have a mixed 7d - it's advertised as flat but it's quite curved actually.

I'd like to try the rpahanti version.

I have a Rpahanti I haven't tried yet if we're thinking of the same one (have a Fizik Argos R1 Adaptive right now). Would like to give the Rpahanti a try for its more narrow nose but be forewarned the chemical smell on the Rpahanti still hasn't dissipated after 3 months in and out of the box even leaving smell absorbents in the box. I tried to get a refund but they denied me for it. The rpahanti seems pretty much like a Bjorn copycat when I look at the photos side by side.

[amacal1]

I should also point out a saddle I really like that I keep on my gravel bike. It's not chiner, it's actually Indian. Gusti Leather is a german company
 All their leather goods are made in India and shipped from Poland, I believe. Free shipping to US, also! Some of their stuff isn't *that* much cheaper, but some is. All I know is that I have a $50 buffalo hide saddle that fits me very well. I couldn't be happier. Also got some matching leather bar tape that was super cheap and looked amazing, but was not squishy enough to keep on my gravel bike, and also a little slippery without gloves when my hands got sweaty. Looked and smelled amazing, though.

[Crash217]

I'll buy a 5d to see if that's a bit more flat (ie I can rotate my pelvis on it better).

The 5d is really curved, it’s almost identical to some sella Italia slr models. I actually chuckled when I sat my bike with the 5d next to my buddies $7k Look with a $350 selle Italia saddle on it and saw the seats were practically  identical.

[Merry]

I'm currently trying out the Elita One 96g saddle (mine weighed at 94g). I like the shape so far, but we'll see how it feels after 3 - 4 hours of riding. Currently icy and cold here in Canada.

Despite the lack of padding, my butt seems to enjoy it regardless - imho, the shape of the saddle is more important than the padding.

Update (03/09/25): Saddle seems good so far. I'm adjusting my fit still, but I've ridden 100ks and just rode a quick 50k on the saddle. The only complaint i have is that it seems to rub my inner thigh a bit as I stay seated 95% of the time while climbing and over longer days, however I've solved that issue with chamois cream; this easily might just be a fitting issue. I've recently pushed it back 2 ~ 3mm, so we'll see how it goes.

Either way, it's a hell lot better than my previous padded saddle which just felt like my ass was on fire all the time, while seemingly durable enough. Plus I've got it paired with the Elita One seatpost - that comes to a net total of 213g. Some seriously sweet weight savings!

Here's my bike with the saddle, from this morning: