Saddle covers - any difference between QR & DeSoto?

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m thinking of putting a saddle cover on the stock Selle Italia saddle on my Dual to give it just a little bit of extra padding for use with my tri shorts.

I have a QR Mr. Flitie on my old bike that works just fine, but, with the awesome customer service that I received from Emilio recently, I’m thinking of going with the DeSoto cover this time.

So, I’m curious… Has anyone tried both? Is there an appreciable difference between the two (padding, fit, durability, etc.)?

Thanks.

Steve

2

The only difference I can find (I have both) is that the DeSoto cover is made a bit smaller in the nose section. It may be some work if you were putting it on a Profile tri-strike for example. They have both held up quite well, I would venture a guess it is just extra neoprene from the wetsuit cuts, in which case both companies have fine wetsuits, therefore fine seat covers.

3

Thanks. I actually have my Mr. Flitie on a Tri-Stryke, and, you’re right, it was pretty tough to get on to my satisfaction. The Selle Italia that this one will be going on is much narrower in the nose (and a bit shorter in length, though, so it sounds like either will work. I just wasn’t sure if they were the same thickness (padding). Sounds like they are.

Steve

4

Hey Steve,

They are quite similar in construction, but I think ours is a bit thicker. We use 5mm rubber on the saddle and 2 mm on the part that goes under the saddle.

To anyone that is having trouble putting a seat pad on, here is the trick:

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Turn the seat pad inside out so that the smooth-skin rubber is visible.

  2. Put the nose of the seat pad to the nose of the saddle.

  3. Push the seat pad onto the nose of the saddle as you turn it back outside out (as if you were watching someone peel off a rubber glove or a wetsuit in reverse).

  4. Once you have gone as far as possible up the nose of the saddle, take the wide part of the seat pad and stretch it over the back part of the saddle.

Pardon the crude analogy, but it is kind of like putting on a condom. You have to roll it on.

5

"Pardon the crude analogy, but it is kind of like putting on a condom. You have to roll it on. "

Emilio, try to refrain from making a video of this one…

:slight_smile:

6

You got it…although isn’t internet porn a very profitable business? This could be classified as “obscure fetish.”

7

I have had them both. The QR barely made it a season before it ripped - the Desoto has gone a year plus with no signs of wear. FWIW - I had them stretched to the limit over my Arione so I was not surprised the QR ripped (and am pleasantly surprised the DS has not…)

8

Thanks for the info, guys. I’m going to see if I can track down a DeSoto.

Steve

9

They are available at any of our dealers or directly from us at
www.desotosport.com
.