Fabric Scoop Shallow Race Saddle

Product Information

From the first 50 metres riding on the Scoop, I was very taken with it. It felt just right, and this feeling continued for the next month or so and 650 miles of testing. The Fabric Scoop is incredibly versatile. A regular ‘Best in Test’ winner it is available in a wide range of specifications and colours to suit the needs and budget of every kind of rider. I found the titanium rails gave a slightly sprung effect, so that any potholes or rough surfaces felt slightly damped. At no point during testing did I feel that it had been a harsh ride. The item is your responsibility until it reaches us. For your own protection, we recommend that you send the parcel using a delivery service that insures you for the value of the goods.

Maintenance is also super-easy: it’s just an easy wipe down to get rid of dirt or mud to get it looking like new again. The base is simple and easy to clean, unlike some saddles that have more complex undercarriages. Like most saddle brands of note, Fabric have a structured range with a fitting system designed to assist the rider in selecting the most appropriate saddle. Fabric’s fit system is based on a person’s Somatotype which refers to the underlying bone structure of an individual. This is an important point as this measure is not affected by diet, fitness or training so the saddle that suits, will always suit. Interestingly, your Somatotype can be determined not by measuring your lower half, but rather by two simple measurements: height and - believe it or not - wrist circumference! Radius : A more pronounced curve for those with a relatively low differential (sportive or endurance position) or those with a relatively short leg. The Shallow in the name denotes the type of riding this version of the Scoop is intended for. In this case it's sportive or endurance type-riding, where most of your time is spent on the hoods, with the odd blast on the drops. As a rider who spends probably 90-95 per cent of my time on the hoods, I found this to be a pretty spot-on description. However, I did try a one-hour flat-out training session entirely on the drops, and it didn't restrict my ability to do that at all. It was still really comfy.The Scoop Race Shallow is a high quality and durable option that is ideal for the rider seeking a no-frills saddle with great pedaling performance. It has an excellent shape that allows for great freedom of movement and a clean and powerful pedal stroke. While we do think this a versatile and solid option for most riders, it was bested in this test by lighter saddles that offer a higher level of comfort. Other Versions Fabric are a young company based here in the UK. They make saddles mainly, but not like anyone else. As a result theirs is a range that is aesthetically pleasing, light and stiff in good measure and in the right balance; and that fit. They don't have saddles for mountain bikers or roadies specifically, rather their range of saddles is aimed simply at those who ride a bike. Period. Once you know which shape in the range best suits, you're left only with the decision about base, rail and colour – but we'll get to that! The Scoop comes in three profiles: flat, shallow and radius. Flat is for riders who can hold a down-in-the-drops, aero position on the bike. Shallow is for more upright riding, and radius is for those who like to sit even taller. The amount of padding also increases as the riding position rises. The other features that vary within the Scoop line is the material used for the rails and the base. The Race saddle has a nylon base and hollow titanium alloy rails. If you move higher up the line, you see carbon-fibre rails (Pro) and base (Ultimate). All Scoops come in a 142 mm width. The Scoop has been around a fair few years now and has a well-deserved reputation for being a very comfortable saddle for smashing out the miles. This titanium-railed version continues the theme, impressing with its levels of comfort, build quality and value. Maintenance is also super-easy: it's just an easy wipe down to get rid of dirt or mud to get it looking like new again. The base is simple and easy to clean, unlike some saddles that have more complex undercarriages.

Early this season, I got a Scoop Shallow Race saddle to test. It’s made by Fabric, a company based in Great Britain that is part of the Dorel’s Cycling Sports Group (think Cannondale, GT and the Guru fit system). Fabric does grips and bar tape, but the bulk of their offerings perch at the top of a seatpost. I think the thing that impressed me most was that, during the whole time testing it, I didn't really have to think about it much at all – surely the sign of an excellent saddle, one that doesn't give any niggles, or uncomfortable numb feeling during the ride whatsoever.

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I think the thing that impressed me most was that, during the whole time testing it, I didn’t really have to think about it much at all – surely the sign of an excellent saddle, one that doesn’t give any niggles, or uncomfortable numb feeling during the ride whatsoever. The Fabric Scoop Race Flag Shallow Saddleis built on aunique flexible base, has a vacuum bonded upper and a custom designed rail. The Fabric Scoop is proven to be the perfect balance of comfort performance and simplicity. Available for a limited time in 3 new flag inspired designs: England, Wales & Scotland. You should always keep proof of postage and we advise you to use a ‘signed for service’ when returning goods.