Note: WTB sent two Solano saddles to Guitar Ted Productions at no cost for test and review. WTB has not paid for, nor bribed Guitar Ted for these reviews. All opinions and images, unless noted, belong to Guitar Ted/Guitar Ted Productions.
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| The new WTB Solano saddle |
Today WTB releases three new saddles in their range of Fusion Form based saddles. Two are called "Solano" - The Solano SL and Solano. The third is the familiar Rocket name, but is a completely different saddle than its previous namesake. Guitar Ted Productions received the two Solano variants, so this review will focus on those models.
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| The Solano SL |
What It Is... The new saddles feature WTB's Fusion Form base and padding especially formed to support the sit bones and give the rider enhanced comfort on medium to long rides. The Solano features a bit more padding than the SL, and so it is the model recommended for riders who tend to push hard pedaling in the saddle. Meanwhile the Solano SL is aimed at riders doing shorter, more intense rides.
Both saddles feature a relief contour in the center so there will be less pressure on the perineum and less frontal pressure. The Solano features 4mm of extra padding under the sit bones, compared to the SL, and an extra 2mm of padding in the middle and nose of the saddle. Otherwise both saddle's shapes are the same between models.
Other shared features include the "Love Channel" and "Comfort Zone" relief/comfort features, a Microfiber cover, DNA and DNAx padding, The Fusion Form base, and the available Medium or Wide widths. The Solano is available with Carbon, Titanium, or CroMoly rails while the Solano SL is available in only Carbon or Titanium railed models.
Pricing is commensurate with saddle rail material, so Carbon railed models are $209.95/€209.00/£210.00, Titanium models are $119.95/€119.00/£120.0, and the CroMoly railed saddles are $95.95/€94.90/£95.00. Some OEM models may show up with steel saddle rails and stainless steel saddle rails but the information I was provided shows these saddles are not available separately at this time.
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| The WTB Solano on Guitar Ted's King Fabrications "Honeman Flyer" single speed. |
First Impressions: The Solano and Solano SL saddles were in somewhat short supply when I was offered samples in February. So I received one Solano in a Medium and the Solano SL in the Wide size. It is notable in regard to sizing that WTB offers no "Narrow" size, but the recommendations for sizing are for Medium, a sit bone width of 110 - 125, with the saddle measuring 142mm, and for Wide the suggested range is 125mm - 155mm and the saddle is 157mm in width.
I had to think this over a bit, but my reasoning for choosing the bicycles I did to do this review was based on seated positioning on each bike. I put the wider SL on my Titanium Mukluk. This bike has a more upright seated position and my reasoning was a wider saddle provides a bit more support when more weight is biased on the saddle. So, the narrower Solano went on my Honeman Flyer as this bike has a more even distribution of weight, front to rear, and I am bent over more as a result as well.
The saddles are of the "short nose/broad back" type so prevalent now days. The measurements for length of each saddle is 240mm. So they look a bit stubby and minimalist on the bike. I guess I'm still used to seeing longer saddles on bicycles!
In terms of shape these saddles are not far off from traditional WTB shapes like the Silverado or the similarly stubby Gravelier. Seated on the Solano I found familiarity there as well. The Microfiber cover, a staple in the WTB saddle line now, is smooth and doesn't grab at shorts or other clothing, so movements are made without snagging, which is welcome.
The Solano has a bit more "cush" in the hand if you press your fingers into the DNA padding, but it is firm and consistent. I really felt no big difference between the two sadlles I have here despite the minimal padding on the SL and my more upright position on it.
Overall, I was impressed by the quality of construction, and as far as initial rides went, I found these saddles to be quite comfortable to the point that I forgot about them. Which is a good thing, as longtime readers of reviews know. Now this is all well and fine, but what about multiple hour rides?
Ride Feel: Actually I think both saddles were really good. I do get along with WTB's saddle shapes, for the most part, and so the fact that these two didn't bother me was not a big surprise.
I was pleased most with the narrower of the two, and if I had to go buy one I would get the Medium. A multi-hour gravel ride proved to be no problem, as far as this saddle goes, and I never had any issues with soreness or numbness at all.
The Solano wasn't what I would call "compliant", but it was not too hard or harsh at all. Firm might be a word one would use. Definitely racy feeling. I also could move around at will, which I mentioned before, but this was the case whether I was wearing street clothes or a proper bib short. Now....there are not a lot of places to move to on this saddle. The short, truncated nose prevents a lot of fore-aft movement. I kind of miss being able to do this, but it was not a deal-breaker in my opinion. Just an observation.
So Far... There will be more rides and - hopefully - longer rides to see how I feel after such an adventure on this Solano perch. I suppose I need to say the usual "saddles are a personal thing" bit here, and this is true. But I have noted some saddles might feel fine up to three hours or so. You may think you've found "The One". Then you ride six hours and the last two of those are complete saddle agony. I've experienced this, and it is something I want to explore with regard to the Solano.
Right now? This is a good, well made, fairly priced saddle from a company with a history of producing some classic saddle shapes over the decades. The Solano looks to slot in as the next "hit saddle" in WTB's long history. Time, and distance, will tell. Stay tuned....
Look for this saddle and all of WTB's products at their website here: www.wtb.com
