Specialized Toupé Expert Gel saddle review

Developed with the aid of bike fit guru Dr Andy Pruitt and his years of experience, the Specialized Toupé Expert Gel saddle has a pronounced cut out and full length groove bisecting its flat profile. This oft-imitated Body Geometry groove is designed to relieve pain and numbness by reducing pressure on nerves, arteries and soft tissue ‘down below’, which can be felt when sitting on a saddle for hours on end.

>>> Buyer's guide to road bike saddles (video)

The saddle is available in three different widths to match your ischeal tuberosities, or as most people call them, the sit bones. Getting measured up for the correct size is a quick process involving sitting on a memory foam pad and then measuring the width of the impression left by your posterior.

Watch: buyer's guide to road bike saddles

The padding on the Specialized Toupé Expert Gel saddle is incredibly minimalist rated a one out of five according to Specialized’s own grading. Contrary to expectations the minimalist Expert is very comfortable in use.

Specialized has designed the carbon reinforced base to flex markedly and it seems to shape to your body and the movements of the bike on longer rides which felt great. The hollow titanium rails also do a sterling job of softening road vibrations before they reach you.

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The Specialized Toupé Expert Gel saddle remained comfortable in all three handlebar positions and the nose unobtrusive even when in the drops. The only downside I could really see was the cover material is very smooth and your body can slip around a little when pedalling. It’s also comforting to know that Specialized offers a 30 day fit guarantee allowing you to exchange for another saddle if it doesn’t suit.

For more details visit the Specialized website.