Start with the top, not the frame.

X Series is for riders under 190 lbs who want more flex and a more compliant hammock feel. H Series is for riders over 190 lbs or riders who want a firmer, more supportive leather platform. R Series is our rubber-top option for all-weather riding, commuting, rain, and mountain biking.

Once you choose the right top, choose the build that matches the ride feel you want. Classic Chromoly Frame offers a more traditional all-steel ride character. Performance Alloy + Stainless Frame offers a more modern build and material package.

The most consistent pattern in support is this: riders get better results when they choose the right top first, then choose the build.

Series 1 Frame:

• Chromoly Steel Rails (hardened steel)
• Saddle weight about 520 grams
• Leather riveted to the frame with either copper or steel rivets
• Repairs, if necessary, must be done by SA in California
• Rails and frame are one piece

Series 2 Frame:

• Modular design
• Aluminum frame, tubular stainless steel rails
• Saddle weight about 420 grams
• Leather and frame connected with Nut/Bolt arrangement called a Chicago Screw
• Repairs, if necessary, can be done by you with a 2.5mm hex key
• All parts are separate

As part of the manufacturing process, after we attach the frame to the leather we adjust the tension on the saddle. So, it should arrive in your mailbox pre-tensioned to approximately the correct tension. Weather and humidity play a big part in appropriate tension. But, if it arrives and the tension bolt is loose, go ahead and tighten it until the narrowest part of the slot in the rear of the saddle is 6mm wide. After adjusting the tension pass your 6mm allen key (the one you used to unscrew the bolt) through the narrowest part of the slot to see if it is appropriately tensioned.

Put your hand LIGHTLY on the top of the slot – putting no pressure on the leather. Turn the allen key counter clockwise (to the left) until you feel the leather begin to stretch. Take a look at the narrowest part of the slot. It should be about ¼ inch or 6mm wide. If repeated tensioning does not open the slot to the recommended width, shaving the slot open at the closest point in the rear is within the guidelines of our warranty. Your saddle should also take on a hammocky appearance as it breaks in and becomes acclimated to your body. Looking at it from the side, it should have a definite dip. If it appears straight across, it’s too tight. The narrowest part of the saddle should not be more than about ¼ inch or 6mm wide.

For many leather-saddle cases, support guidance points riders toward a gap in roughly the 6 to 8 mm range. The more important rule is this: do not over-tighten.

Many support issues come from riders tightening the saddle too much to fix flare, width, or early discomfort. That usually makes the saddle feel harder and can create new fit problems.

If the ride feels off, check whether the top is right for your weight and riding style, whether the saddle is still early in break-in, and whether the tension has been increased too aggressively.

Every piece of leather and every rider are a little different. But, generally speaking the leather we are getting today requires tensioning in the first rides you will take. So, be sure to carry a 6mm allen key with you on your ride. If you notice a slight ridge on either side of the narrow part of the slot, that means as you ride the edges are touching. Open the slot until your 6mm allen key passes through the narrowest part of the slot with just a small scrape as it passes through.

When your leather is worn out on a Series 1 saddle, you can send it to us for a NewSkin installation. If you have a Series 2 saddle, it's simple to install yourself.

• Series 1 NewSkin (Service)
• Series 2 NewSkin

Squeaking is one of the most common ownership questions we receive. It is usually a friction or setup issue, not an immediate sign of failure.

Common causes include tension that is too high or too low, leather rubbing at the nose assembly, metal-to-metal friction at a bracket or hardware interface, or rivet and hardware movement.

The usual fix path is to check the tension first, apply a small amount of general-purpose grease or light oil at the contact point, and inspect the saddle for loose or worn hardware. If the noise continues, support can help identify whether it is a normal friction issue or something that needs repair.

These are some of the most common post-purchase questions we receive.

The usual causes are the wrong top for your rider profile, early break-in, too much tension, or saddle position and setup.

Too hard and too stiff often trace back to top choice or over-tensioning. Too wide often shows up as hamstring rub, especially when riders tighten beyond guidance to reduce flare. Numbness can come from model choice, tension, saddle angle, or overall setup.

In most cases, the first thing to review is not whether the saddle is defective. It is whether the saddle was chosen and tuned correctly.

Often, yes.

Support history shows recurring requests for bent rail help, rear bracket replacement, bolts and caps, rivets, laces, and top replacement or re-skinning.

One of the real advantages of Selle Anatomica ownership is that many issues can be handled through parts, service, or repair rather than starting over with a new saddle. If you are not sure whether your saddle is repairable, send support photos of the issue.

In practice, B Stock usually means cosmetic variation first, but support conversations show that some riders also experience a firmer-than-expected ride feel.

What to expect: cosmetic variation does not necessarily mean a functional problem, finish details like rivet appearance may vary, and some B Stock saddles can feel stiffer than riders expect.

B Stock is best for riders who already know what model they want. If you want the lowest-risk purchase, standard stock is the safer choice. If you understand the product line and want value, B Stock can be a strong option.

At Selle Anatomica, we prioritize comfort and durability above all else. Leather has been the material of choice for centuries due to its unparalleled ability to conform to your unique anatomy over time. Unlike synthetic materials, leather breathes, wicks away moisture, and becomes more comfortable with each ride. Our specially treated leather retains its shape and elasticity, ensuring a consistently supportive ride for miles to come.

While many saddle manufacturers use leather, Selle Anatomica stands out for its innovative design and commitment to rider comfort. Our patented slot design provides unmatched flexibility, allowing the saddle to move with your body instead of against it. This unique feature reduces pressure on sensitive areas, minimizing discomfort and numbness during long rides. Additionally, our saddles are handcrafted in the USA using only the finest materials, ensuring quality and longevity that surpasses the competition.

Weight distribution plays a crucial role in your riding experience, especially on longer rides or rough terrain. Selle Anatomica saddles are designed to distribute weight evenly across the sit bones, reducing pressure points and minimizing fatigue. Whether you're a lightweight rider or carrying extra gear, our saddles provide the support and comfort you need to perform your best. Plus, our lightweight construction ensures that you won't be weighed down on the road or trail.

Comfort is not one-size-fits-all, which is why Selle Anatomica saddles are engineered to accommodate a wide range of body types and riding styles. Our ergonomic design considers the anatomical differences between men and women, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a comfortable ride. Additionally, our saddles feature adjustable tensioning systems, allowing you to customize the fit to your specific preferences. Whether you're male or female, casual rider or seasoned cyclist, Selle Anatomica has a saddle to suit your needs.

Proper maintenance is essential to prolonging the life of your Selle Anatomica saddle and maintaining its performance. We recommend regularly cleaning your saddle with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove dirt and debris. Avoid exposing your saddle to excessive moisture or direct sunlight, as this can cause the leather to deteriorate over time. Additionally, periodically applying a leather conditioner will help keep the leather supple and prevent it from drying out. With proper care, your Selle Anatomica saddle will provide years of comfortable riding.

Water and leather do not mix well. Water saturation makes leather stretch. Carry a grocery bag or saddle cover with you at all times to cover your saddle if you encounter serious rain.

WaterShed doesn't mean waterproof. The top of our WaterShed saddles repel water because of a special and expensive additive in the tanning mixture. Our bottom pieces of leather however, are veg, a type of leather that has no water repellent properties. If you get the bottom of the saddle wet, there is a chance water will seep in at the edges and the leather will stretch. We do not warrant leather failure due to excessive exposure to water.

If your saddle gets wet, loosen the bolt, remove all tension from the leather and let it dry naturally.

All leather saddles require waterproofing if they are ridden in wet, damp or humid weather.

Selle Anatomica no longer applies waterproofing to our leather. Our Saddle Sauce brand of waterproofing should be applied to the bottom and raw edges of all saddles, especially if they are going to be ridden in any damp or wet weather. Never apply Saddle Sauce to the top of the leather, that is WaterShed and does not require treatment.

Saddle Sauce is an acrylic based formula that sits on top of the leather and prevents moisture from entering by creating a barrier. It does wear off, particularly where there is frequent rubbing on the saddle and must be reapplied at periodic intervals depending upon how much you ride, and how wet your climate is. Apply a thin layer, especially to the bottom and the raw leather edges, wipe off any excess with a soft, wet cloth and allow to dry at least 4 hours.

Do not use Proofide as it softens the leather. Do not use any waterproofing product that contains silicone or solvents intended to "condition" the leather.

If your bike must remain outside, we recommend a rain cover. In the absence of a rain cover, a shower cap or plastic grocery store bag will do just fine. Cold weather will not damage your leather, but the saddle should not be left out uncovered in any kind of rain.

• It is always wise to lift your weight off the saddle when going over bumps.
• Do not use a setback seatpost with more than 20mm of setback
• Never set the saddle all the way back on the rails. Leave at least ¾ inch of rail in front of the seatpost clamp.
• Use a seatpost with a 1½ inch (38mm) or longer clamp on the rails. Small, individual attachment points at 1 inch (25mm) or less put too much pressure on our rails.

Selle Anatomica now has hardened chromoly rails available for those of you who are prone to bending our super long rails. Please order online if you need a NewFrame - Hardened Rails.

Absolutely! Selle Anatomica saddles are renowned for their comfort and durability, making them an excellent choice for long-distance touring. Our patented slot design reduces pressure on sensitive areas, allowing you to ride for hours without discomfort or numbness. Plus, our saddles are handcrafted in the USA using premium materials, ensuring reliability and longevity on the road. Whether you're embarking on a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, trust Selle Anatomica to keep you comfortable mile after mile.

Many riders with back pain find relief with Selle Anatomica saddles thanks to their unique design and superior support. Our saddles are engineered to promote proper spinal alignment, reducing strain on the lower back and minimizing discomfort. The flexible leather conforms to your body's contours, providing a customized fit that alleviates pressure points and reduces the risk of exacerbating existing back issues. While individual experiences may vary, many cyclists with back pain have found significant improvement after switching to a Selle Anatomica saddle.

We are often asked if we have a "Women Specific" model. Our saddle works equally well for women and men with regard to sit bone issues. But there is a caveat for some women with regard to the front of our slot.

Caveat - female riders sometimes find their lady parts and the front slot aren't well suited to each other. For women, soft tissue must fit inside the edges of the front of the slot. If this doesn't happen naturally, accommodation must be made for these women by widening the slot a bit. This is done with a sharp knife, a dremel or a large rounded file. It also makes sense to bevel the 90 degree edges of the slot at the same time.

See our video tutorial.

A Selle Anatomica saddle has two layers – the full grain, color tanned leather on top. On the bottom, a top grain, uncolored leather we call the laminate. The bottom laminate and raw leather edges of all SA saddles require waterproofing.

Seat packs weighing more than 2-3 pounds should be avoided, especially if they hang off the saddle frame. The weight of these packs create significant additional downward pressure/weight on the saddle and may cause the rails to bend. Call us if you have questions.

Selle means saddle in Italian. So, Selle Royale, Selle Italia and Selle San Marco are also using this great word! We are not affiliated with any of these fine Italian companies. We are an American company with the only saddle made in America!

• Black is our most durable leather. Due to the chemicals in the tanning solution and the methods we use for molding, black is our longest lasting leather. We recommend Black for anyone planning on touring.
• If you are planning to use our saddle for touring, upgrade one level from X to H.
• Frame 2 is superior to Frame 1 for touring. It is modular, lighter weight, and stronger. It can be repaired by you, on the go, if you have an accident and break a part.
• Closeout colors are not suitable for touring.
• All saddles require waterproofing on the bottom and raw edges.