So I got an R3 a few months ago that came with the above-mentioned Selle-Italia SLR.  Unfortunately, the damned thing is killing me.  I've tried several different positions, but so far no luck.  In the past I've found that it takes some time to break in a new saddle until it's comfortable (or those areas that it annoys have become completely numb).  I've been switching back and forth between the R3 and my old bike and the R3 continues killing my butt in half an hour and the old one with the fraying saddle is comfortable for hours on end.

So the question is, is the Selle-Italia Gel Flow SLR just a POC that will never be comfortable and I should just bite the bullet and get something else, or is it worthwhile trying to continue to break it in? Does anyone have any experience with the SLR?  Is it me or is it the SLR?

Thanks,

Just my opinion.  The seat isn't a POC, it isn't you, it isn't the seat and they don't break in much.   It is just not the right seat for you.  Go out and find the right one and put that one up on ebay or Craig's.  Many good shops allow a good tryout with returns and even some online sites like Comp Cyclist have tryout programs.

BTW, I have the plain ole plain ole SLR on my R3SL.......best seat for me ever....doesn't mean anything.  :)

 +1.

I've been riding the SLR on both my bikes for years. First time I sat on one, it was like settling into a comfy old chair. 

Fact it, the SLR and your back end are just different shapes.  Works for some people; not for others.

FWIW, Specialized Toupes get a lot of praise. Good luck. 

Alright, I'll bite the bullett.

"Many good shops allow a good tryout with returns and even some online sites like Comp Cyclist have tryout programs."

Unfortunately these good shops also charge an arm and a leg.

 I have actually got quite a bit of experience here!!

My soloist first had a Selle Italia SLR Gel Flow on it and it just about killed me - THEN I switched to the Selle Italia SLR (really sounds like there shouldn't be much difference at all...) and it made a HUGE difference because it just fit right.  They are many different saddles out there - some shops may have gel pads for you to sit on where you can find how far apart your pelvic bones sit and you can pick an appropriate saddle accordingly

Best of luck!

 PM me if you want to trade for a Fizik Arione

Well...what you sit on is a matter of preference. And, I don't think that it takes lond to know whether it will work with you or not.

I had purchased a Fizik Arione and was riding it on my Trek when I ordered Soloist; I was going to put in on my new machine when it arrived. But, one sit on the Selle Italia SLP XP that my black beauty came with, convinced my to leave the Atione where it was.

I need to add, that I tried several seats for my P2C, and the Adamo Racing seat is the greatest invention for the TT-bike. At least for me.

I was using a Toupe that was hurting my right sit bone but had no numbing issues. So I tried a Selle Italia Gel Flow Flite for a month. It felt great when I first sat on it but after 50 miles my bits went numb and my sit bones could take no more, unfortunately I still had 50 miles to ride. So I thought it just needs to break in so I did 56 miles on it the following weekend again same problem the worst thing though is the next day when I had blood mixed in with my semen due to the trauma to my perenium area. Too much info - probably, but it goes to show how important getting the right saddle is. The Flite was on a 30 day trial period so I sent it back and got a full refund. I'm now back on the Toupe. I have 2 Toupes one with gel but the plastic bit at the front broke off so I'm using the non gel version, I can't say there is much difference.

I have tried Fizik Ariones and Aliantes and both caused numbness. I am now considering a Specialised Alias which is a more padded version of the Toupe and cheaper for some reason. The other saddle I'm considering but can't find one is the Selle San Marco Concor Light as used by Lance Armstrong as I'm not mad about putting Specialized parts on a Cervelo. The SLR Gel Flow to my eye looks a bit like a Toupe whether its as good I don't know.