If you want the lightest saddle platform Selle Italia offers, the SLR Teckno weighs just 90 grams. The 100% carbon shell is paired with the company's Carbo-Keramic rails. Is it stiff? Sure, but with more flex and comfort than looks would indicate. When we say platform, that is truly how you should consider the SLR Teckno. Featuring the classic profile and curvature of the original SLR design, the Teckno has the same dimensions and will appeal to SLR riders who seek the lightest possible offering, and can either tolerate, or simply prefer, the smooth, sleek, light saddle.

While bare carbon shell saddles have been around for a decade or so, few manage to offer rider comfort in addition to cool looks and light weight. While the SLR Teckno may not be a great fit for for everyone, SLR riders will immediately recognize the feel and shape. The carbon shell is designed to give and flex a little, but still provide a base for a powerful pedaling platform. There are a few reasons why this bare carbon saddle may be the right saddle for you. First, you love the standard SLR. Second, chamois pad technology and bib/short design have improved substantially, and with a great pad that works well with your anatomy, saddle padding may be unnecessary. Third, the Carbo-Keramic rails and the carbon shell itself actually defeat road vibration and do offer impact reduction as well. A fourth consideration may be the comfort that modern carbon bikes, wheels, and larger tires offer. It is true that we are still looking at a fairly small number of SLR Teckno riders, but the same can be said for many saddles.

The smooth carbon surface allows your thigh and short to glide seamlessly down to the pedals, reducing friction. Selle Italia could likely have dropped a few more grams, took extra care to ensure that all corners and edges are smooth, so you won't catch your shorts on the saddle. The ultra-light Carbo-Keramic rails are oval in shape 7x9mm, and despite their size, they work with many standard seapost heads. These rails are incredibly strong and resilient, and serve to attenuate vibration, as well as give optimal structural support the Teckno's shell. The rails and shell are bonded to each other. No hardware or mounts required.

Do you need this saddle? Will it be comfortable for you? Those are questions only you can answer. But work through the process: do I want the lightest saddle that will work for me? Do I favor the shape of the classic SLR? Do I wear bibs/shorts that fit me well and provide minimal but dense, effective padding? If you answered yes to all three, it is highly likely you will fall in love with the SLR Teckno Saddle. The cyclist-saddle relationship should always be about love.