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Erectile disfunction. . . . apparently a lot of cyclists were and are having this issue. Lucky for them, Specialized and Dr. Roger Minkow saw a solution and brought us the "medically tested and scientifically proven" BG saddles. Dr. Minkow and the guys from Specialized worked for a number of years on testing saddle shapes, contours, cutouts and applied this to how they effected the blood flow to your 'under regions'.
- Name/model: Specialized Toupe Team 2008 model
- Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): 2400 CNY, 490 SGD, 2700 HKD
- Weight: 155 grams on our scale
- Company website: specialized.com
- Competitors: Selle San Marco with the huge cut out. . .
The V-shape design removes pressure from your tender arteries
According to what we've read and experienced from time to time, your 'average' saddle puts a lot of pressure on certain nerves and arteries. We read a few studies and according to them this is what causes 'erectile disfunction'.
How does the BG Saddle help?
BG saddles aim to give you some room at the two main areas where you become 'compressed'. Alcocks canal (not just a clever name) and the pubic symphysis. The V-shape in the back of the saddle removes pressure from these arteries as this is where most riders spend most of their time. When riders get aggressive and move forward on their saddles Specialized has also left a cut away in the nose of the saddle to also remove pressure from this area maintaining at least 50% of normal blood flow.
Specialized has also managed to keep all of this science comfortable for your butt by producing three different sizes depending on your pelvic width. What you will notice with Specialized saddles is that they are flat, firm saddles that are customisable to each rider. Of course you will need to go to your friendly neighbourhood Specialized dealer for a correct, and customised fitting.
Where your bones are supposed to sit on your new BG saddle
After riding a whole host of saddles available on the market right now cyclingnewsasia wanted to be able to offer our readers a better resource on what was available on the market currently. To do this we decided to ride saddle, after saddle, after saddle. We started with the Specialized Toupe.
The Specialized Toupe sits at the top of the Specialized line of racing saddles - not surprising for 155 grams, a tough, light Micromatrix cover and hollow titanium rails.
Marketing blurb
'This minimalist road saddle features a tuned flex shell for a compliant ride and patented Body Geometry technology.'
Reality/Bottom Line
At the end of the day, Specialized has designed a saddle that is firm, but flexes, and is designed to ensure you can ride longer, more efficiently, faster, and healthier.
Our torture test of this saddle was the ultimate - we put it on our indoor trainer where we are forced to sit in the same spot for hours on end, spend very little time standing on the pedals, and have little else to think about but. . . . . our butts.
A tiny amount of wear but to be expected after long hours
We rode the saddle for months and without boring our readers with the minor details, the saddle is a massive winner - I can report huge comfort, no issues with numbness and a VERY durable saddle. The saddle saw a tiny bit of wear by way of some of the graphics rubbing off, but this is pretty normal for a friction point.
The Toupe is a good looking saddle and comes in a variety of colours to suit your ride. Yep, this is a flat, hard saddle, but it is a flat, hard, amazingly comfortable saddle that no matter how long I sit on it is stays that way.
Light, firm and fast - the Specialized Toupe
Once again one of the worlds best recognized brands has designed a truly different saddle. It has shown itself to be a durable, fast, and well designed, if a little pricey product. It will make you more comfortable on long riders and more comfort should make you faster or at least happier riding your bike, and this is why we love it. Certainly if you have ever had any issues with numbness you should rush to try this product - ladies version also available.
Pro's!
- Light
- Comfortable
- White!
- It made our bottoms happy!
Not so pros . . .
- Price
- Some of the graphics wore off our saddle after a lot of long miles
Would we recommend it?
Absolutely!! But only if you want to be more comfortable and faster. . .
Would we spend our own money on it?
If it was even slightly discounted. .
The test rider
Height: 185cm Weight: 67kg
Gender: Male Years riding experience: 13 years
Type of riding done mostly: Mountain biking, road racing, road training and CROSS!
Our reviewer has previously ridden saddles from SDG, Selle Italia, Selle San Marco and Serfas - Specialized has opened his eyes.
This product can be purchased in:
China at: Specialized China
Singapore at:
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Hong Kong: Specialized Hong Kong
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