Back in August 2008 we began a year-long relationship with a Selle Italia SLR Gel Flow Saddle. And let's just say we've not fallen out. More moved on.There were some very high moments, almost immediately followed by some low ones. But overall, the journey was a rewarding, and positive one. So, with the knowledge that next year will see some testing days in the saddle, we thought it was good time to expand our seat of learning. Ciao Selle.
Enter the Charge Spoon Cro-Mo Saddle.
Charge are a London-based company, borne out of the fixie/single speed scene. They have very high production values, but seem to miraculously tender items at the moderate to economic end of the sales spectrum. The Spoon Cro-Mo is a case in point - retailing in the region of an inexpensive £25.On first introduction, one's reaction is entirely (and wrongly) based on this factor. "So it can't be that good, right?"
Yet, paradoxically, the professional, and consumer, reaction tells a vastly different story. "The Spoon Cro-Mo is staying on my bike in place of the Brooks, it really is that comfortable", say Road Cycling UK, in the process awarding a 10/10."It's comfortable, like an old, familiar armchair in a gentleman's club", declare Bike Radar.
This comment certainly struck a nerve. A perineal one. And seemed entirely concordant with the NÖ ethos.
Therefore, with our purchase of a multi-award winning Spoon Cro-Mo Saddle comes an eagerly anticipated change of wallpaper*. Out the crimson crusading, in the tanned traveller. And having dipped our cleats in the sonorous sportive scene, we're now looking to values of affability, bonhomie, finesse and understated soigne. For us, it's not about how fast you get there, but the manner in which you do it.
Armchair adventures await.
NÖ Analysis - testing cycling products, so you don't have to...
*note our bar tape feature.
