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Selle Repente NOMAD Saddle Review: Comfort and Innovation

  • Ron 

I need to repent. Or Repente as the case may be, for I am woefully overdue writing a of the Selle Repente NOMAD saddle ($336 USD/279 €). Yes, there has been a lot going on here at BWN HQ, as well as the day job, but that’s no excuse. All that aside, I think that I can safely say that forgetting about a saddle may be the highest praise that a reviewer can give to it.

The NOMAD has been faithfully serving me on my indoor trainer for nearly a year now. I do feel it under me. However, the level it provides means I don’t need to think about it. Through long sessions where I rarely get off the saddle, and just spin at high cadence, the NOMAD has been flawless.

A full carbon saddle weighing just 155g is not living its ‘best life’ on an indoor trainer. I get it. It it belongs on an ultra-lightweight , cooking down the tarmac at 50km/h. That may be true. However, it’s important to consider ways to reduce discomfort in the indoor trainer “ cave”.

What I didn’t say at the start of this review is that I had hemorrhoid shortly after getting the NOMAD in for review. Ever had a saddle sore? This was next level. I could not even sit straight for a month, so when the came to get back on the bike, I did not want any unnecessary rubbing or discomfort down there.

And the NOMAD delivered.

Its’ deep anatomical channel helped to relieve pressure on the sensitive bits. The otherwise flat profile eased setup. This allowed dialing into the perfect comfort point. calls the NOMAD a “smart” sized saddle, measuring 260 mm in length and 142 mm in width. Not a short nose saddle by most measure but definitely a tighter profile. The Close Fit shape of the reduces ischial pressure while maintaining elevated support at the rear. There is a small amount of EVA padding under the non-slip PU cover. The carbon shell also has a little give to ease pressure on the sit bones.

Making the NOMAD even more practical for the active cyclist is Selle Repente’s RLS technology: the pad and the structure with the rail are independent and can be replaced individually in case of damage. Tear a cover? Replace it. Break a rail (unlikely, though I’ve done it before on other saddles, replace them. It comes down to less cost and less waste.

I also appreciated the minimalist graphics, and that the NOMAD would go well on nearly any bike without clashing.

To conclude, this saddle is well worth your bike dollars. Don’t be like me and put it on your indoor trainer. Find your lightest, fastest bike and treat it to the Nomad. You’ll be glad you did.

Rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

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