Pimpin new product preview: 2012 Selle San Marco Concor Carbon FX
For 2012 Selle San Marco have come up with some exciting new options for serious riders. Hot off the heels of the 2011 advent of the Regale-e Carbon, after months of testing in the pro ranks, the prestigious Italian producer has just released their brand new Concor Carbon. Both saddles are redesigns of much loved classics, that along with their popular Mantra cut-out saddle, form a trifecta of three of the finest saddles on the market.
[caption id="attachment_1881" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Carbon rails, low weight, solid stiffness and classic lines = WINNING"]
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The original Concor was an uindeniable classic in the same category of other legendary butt-supporting icons – Flite, Rolls, and Concor are three names that any serious cyclist likely knows, and has probably ridden. Capitalizing on the popularity of a certain Lance Armstrong's bum preference, San Marco redesigned the Concor in the late 90's as the Concor Light, a somewhat odd name for a saddle that still pushed above the 240 gram mark. Stylish and classic at the same time, that model was unfortunately still rather primitive in its design – rounded shape, flared back, but a bit wider than most could handle and certainly rather old-school in its look, making it an odd match for most modern carbon race bikes. For this season San Marco set out to revamp the model in the form of something a little lighter and with a more modern shape. In our eyes, they have hit the mark with the Concor Carbon.
[caption id="attachment_1882" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Profile is just slightly narrower than the classic Concor shape"]
[/caption]
Based on the same basic shape as the Concor Light, San Marco have made several notable changes, while still keeping the same general shape and level of firmness that elite riders have come to expect of the Concor series. What can you expect? First off, San Marco have gone with a much more advanced full-carbon rail system. Unlike some other carbon rails, these babies are nearly indestructible, not at all prone to shredding or delamination, and best of all, lap nearly 80 grams off the old Concor Light, bringing overall saddle weight down to an impressive 165 grams.
[caption id="attachment_1883" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Ah, white, the pro's choice. Looks good on almost anything."]
[/caption]
Other improvements include the slight narrowing of the shape of the saddle towards the centre, much like we have seen both Selle Italia and Fizik produce in recent models, which assists in allowing full movement of the legs throughout the pedal stroke, without any rubbing or chafing to the inner thighs. Additionaly, San Marco have updated the quality of their padding, going with a unique high-density compound that provides adequate support for even heavier riders, while keeping the overall silhouette much more sleek and svelte – certainly more in like with the likes of a Fizik Antares or Selle Italia SLR.
[caption id="attachment_1885" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Team edition ads some flair to the graphics package...otherwise identical."]
[/caption]
Along with the Mantra (huge comfy cut-out), Regale-e (the widest option) and even the Zoncolan (a bit too narrow for us), San Marco has produced a compelling range of saddles for 2012. Come test them out in person down at the shop, or email us at info@blacksmithcycle.com to purchase yours today. Also, check back each Thursday for a new product preview! Next week: THM's
Clavicula and
M3 cranksets.
[/caption]
The original Concor was an uindeniable classic in the same category of other legendary butt-supporting icons – Flite, Rolls, and Concor are three names that any serious cyclist likely knows, and has probably ridden. Capitalizing on the popularity of a certain Lance Armstrong's bum preference, San Marco redesigned the Concor in the late 90's as the Concor Light, a somewhat odd name for a saddle that still pushed above the 240 gram mark. Stylish and classic at the same time, that model was unfortunately still rather primitive in its design – rounded shape, flared back, but a bit wider than most could handle and certainly rather old-school in its look, making it an odd match for most modern carbon race bikes. For this season San Marco set out to revamp the model in the form of something a little lighter and with a more modern shape. In our eyes, they have hit the mark with the Concor Carbon.
[caption id="attachment_1882" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Profile is just slightly narrower than the classic Concor shape"]
[/caption]
Based on the same basic shape as the Concor Light, San Marco have made several notable changes, while still keeping the same general shape and level of firmness that elite riders have come to expect of the Concor series. What can you expect? First off, San Marco have gone with a much more advanced full-carbon rail system. Unlike some other carbon rails, these babies are nearly indestructible, not at all prone to shredding or delamination, and best of all, lap nearly 80 grams off the old Concor Light, bringing overall saddle weight down to an impressive 165 grams.
[caption id="attachment_1883" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Ah, white, the pro's choice. Looks good on almost anything."]
[/caption]
Other improvements include the slight narrowing of the shape of the saddle towards the centre, much like we have seen both Selle Italia and Fizik produce in recent models, which assists in allowing full movement of the legs throughout the pedal stroke, without any rubbing or chafing to the inner thighs. Additionaly, San Marco have updated the quality of their padding, going with a unique high-density compound that provides adequate support for even heavier riders, while keeping the overall silhouette much more sleek and svelte – certainly more in like with the likes of a Fizik Antares or Selle Italia SLR.
[caption id="attachment_1885" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Team edition ads some flair to the graphics package...otherwise identical."]
[/caption]
Along with the Mantra (huge comfy cut-out), Regale-e (the widest option) and even the Zoncolan (a bit too narrow for us), San Marco has produced a compelling range of saddles for 2012. Come test them out in person down at the shop, or email us at info@blacksmithcycle.com to purchase yours today. Also, check back each Thursday for a new product preview! Next week: THM's Clavicula and M3 cranksets.
