The new Repente Artax GL gravel bike saddle is ultralight, yet doesn’t skimp on the features and tech. It uses a carbon-blend shell with UD carbon rails, along with a special padding foam and a water-based microfiber cover that can be replaced if it gets torn or worn out.
Starting with the shell, they blend long-fiber carbon with PA12, which is an industrial strength nylon polymer with some interesting properties. It’s both abrasion and chemical resistant, and has extremely low moisture absorption, making it great for applications like saddles that are likely to see all of the above.
It’s also strong, but flexible. Combined with carbon fibers, they’re able to (they say) create a shell that’s tough, but comfortable.
They top that with their lightweight Eva foam, with added thickness in key spots. Combined with the semi-flat (semi-rounded?) profile and slightly extended downward curve at the nose, Repente says it’s able to mute gravel road bumps and help the rider easily transition between standing and sitting. And, it’s comfortable whether you’re sitting upright or down in the drops.
Full specs include:
- COATING: Water-based microfiber
- FOAM PADDING: Super lightweight EVA
- PADDING SUPPORT: PA12 Carbon Reinforced
- SUPPORT STRUCTURE: PA12 Long Carbon Fiber (LCF)
- RAIL: UD Carbon Fiber T700
- DIMENSIONS: 275 mm x 132 mm
- WEIGHT: (± 5%) 165 g (5,82 oz)
- GRAPHICS: Black Mud, Red Mud
Retail price is €145.
