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Serfas E-Gel Cruiser Review

No need for padded shorts with this cushy saddle, but don't expect much versatility.
Serfas E-Gel Cruiser Saddle
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Price:  $54 List | $53.95 at REI
Compare prices at 2 resellers
Pros:  Comfortable, good shock absorption
Cons:  Heavy, lacks versatility
Manufacturer:   Serfas
By Curtis Smith ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 9, 2016
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50
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#17 of 17
  • Comfort - 30% 7
  • Performance - 30% 4
  • Versatility - 20% 5
  • Durability - 10% 6
  • Weight - 10% 1

Our Verdict

The Serfas E-Gel Cruiser is true to its name. Lots of thick gel padding and an ultra-wide width of 200mm make for a comfortable saddle well suited to cruiser duty. An anatomical groove in the rear gives way to a full cutout mid-saddle for pressure relief. The E-Gel cruiser is not lightweight at 774g. The padding offers comfort on short casual rides, but is too much for anything more than a mile or two. For short trips or a casual cruise, the E-Gel cruiser fits the bill.


Compare to Similar Products

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Serfas E-Gel Cruiser Saddle
This Product
Serfas E-Gel Cruiser
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award   
Price $53.95 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers		$239.00 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers		$120 List
Check Price at Amazon		Check Price at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers		$159.95 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Comfortable, good shock absorptionCan relieve perineal pressure, nose suits frequent standing and sitting, good for long ridesComfortable on long rides, supportive, affordableComfortable, durable, versatileRelieves pressure, good price, texture prevents slip
Cons Heavy, lacks versatilityPricey, can alter riding form, can focus pressure pointsLimited colors, bull shape can limit positioningSuede like material on nose of saddleSaddle can stick, excess padding, pricey
Bottom Line No need for padded shorts with this cushy saddle, but don't expect much versatility.A unique saddle that minimizes perineal abuse while maximizing speed.A great, affordable saddle for mid- and long-distance rides.A versatile saddle with a rounded shape and slight rise at the rear, loved by both the aggressive racer and the casual recreational cyclist.A sweet cut-out model with generous padding and a sleek racing design.
Rating Categories Serfas E-Gel Cruiser Selle SMP Pro Fizik Aliante Gamma Kium Fizik Aliante Terry Fly TI
Comfort (30%)
10
0
7
10
0
10
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
8
Performance (30%)
10
0
4
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
8
Versatility (20%)
10
0
5
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
8
Durability (10%)
10
0
6
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
7
Weight (10%)
10
0
1
10
0
4
10
0
6
10
0
7
10
0
8
Specs Serfas E-Gel Cruiser Selle SMP Pro Fizik Aliante... Fizik Aliante Terry Fly TI
Dimensions L270mm, W200mm L 278mm x W 148mm L 265mm, W 142 mm L 261, W 141mm L 277mm, W 140mm
Weight (grams) 774g 337g 252g 245g 236g
Target Use (mountain, road, etc.) Recreational, Commuting Road Road Road, Mountain, Cyclocross Road
Rail Material Steel Steel Alloy Kium Alloy 316 Titanium alloy
Seat Cover Material Synthetic Leather Synthetic Microtex Leather
Shell Material Plastic Nylon, Carbon Reinforced Nylon Carbon Reinforced with Twin Flex™ center Carbon Unspecified Composite
Anatomical Cut Out or Channel Yes, groove Yes, full cut out No No Yes, cut out

Our Analysis and Test Results

Comfort


The E-Gel Cruiser has the most padding of any saddle in our review, making padded shorts unnecessary. An anatomical cutout relieves pressure, and rubber bushings at the rear rail attachment point isolate any vibration or bumps in the road. While the padding is comfortable for short rides, it can cause hot spots and chafing on anything longer than a mile or two.

Performance


The E-Gel cruiser is not a high performance saddle. The thick padding and wide width are not well suited to efficient power delivery. Comfort is the goal, at the expense of all other attributes.

Versatility


This is exclusively a saddle for the cruiser bike or town bike with short trips in mind. The Serfas Cruiser is not well suited to performance cycling of any type.

Durability


This bike saddle saw limited use on our performance oriented bikes, and thus was not exposed to the rigors of racing and day-to-day training like other saddles in our review. It was used extensively for short trips around town and spent a good deal of time out in the elements. During our testing we did not experience any significant durability issues. However, this is not a saddle suitable for heavy off road use, and would likely not survive long outside of its intended environment.

Weight


The heaviest saddle in our test group at 774g, this contender does not win any awards for weight. With the massive amount of padding and the rubber bushing vibration dampeners, its weight is not surprising. But does weight matter on a 40lb beach cruiser?

Best Application


The Cruiser is best suited to duty on the cruiser bike or for short trips around town. Weight, shape, and massive amounts of padding make it ill-suited to other cycling disciplines. We recommend it as a viable replacement for the worn out saddle on cruiser.

Value


With an MSRP of $54 the Serfas Cruiser is on the high end of the price spectrum when it comes to cruiser saddles. The Planet Bike ARS Anatomic Relief Bike Saddle offers a similar level of comfort for around half the price.

Other Versions


The Serfas E-Gel cruiser is only offered in our tested model. Serfas does offer a line of similar comfort oriented saddles, for men and women.


— Curtis Smith