For three decades the Flite has been a top choice across any discipline, now the modern Selle Italia Flite Boost Superflow gets an upgraded off-road treatment with new X-Cross mountain and Gravel models. Both share the same classic profile updated with modern ergonomic fit, now adding off-road specific bump absorption and extra durable materials
Selle Italia Flite Boost Superflow saddles for gravel & mountain bikes
The latest Flite Boost reboot debuted this past spring, as an updated reworking of the classic T-shaped Flite – now with a ~10% shorter nose and the big central Superflow cutout on more than half of all versions offered. Now, X-Cross & Gravel versions boost the updated saddle shape’s off-road cred.
Off-road – Tech details
The secret to improved off-road capability is a new ‘Shock Absorber’ connection the Flite Boost’s carbon-reinforced nylon composite shell and their hollow TI316 titanium rails. What seems to be a simple elastomer, is said to “absorb vibrations caused by pedaling on rough terrain” for improved off-road comfort, and adding just ~9g over the standard ti-railed Flite Boost Superflow saddle.
Taking comfort one step further, the Gravel saddles slides in an extra lightweight layer of gel padding to further damp vibrations, tacking on another 24g over the X-Cross in the end.
Otherwise, both share a similarly perforated synthetic Fibra-tek top as the latest on-road saddles, this time in a dirt-friendly dark gray. The X-Cross mountain bike version further adds on reinforced abrasion-resistant SuperFabric side panels to protect the saddle from run-of-the-mill MTB tumbles & scrapes.
Flite Boost X-Cross & Gravel – Options & Pricing
Both new Shock Absorber-equipped off-road Selle Italia Flite Boost X-Cross & Gravel saddles retail for the same 215€, which is also the same as the slightly lighter on-road version with the same ti rails (also available with the Superflow cutout). Both are also offered in two flat sizes of Selle Italia’s ID match: small S3 135mm wide x 248mm long & large L3 145x248mm.
The differences between the two being the small aqua graphics detailing & gel layer of the Gravel saddle (S3 228g, L3 232g), and the reinforced side panels of the X-Cross (S3 204g, L3 208g).
