Selle Italia SLR 3D Carbon Saddle and Handlebar Tape in Opal White Two years ago I reviewed the Selle Italia SLR Boost 3D TI 316 Superflow saddle, which I loved, but it was black. Helmets, shoes, socks, saddles and handlebar tape should be white and Selle Italia now have an opal white SLR 3D saddle with matching handlebar tape.
Sunny opal white saddle and tape
Selle Italia SLR 3D Carbon Saddle in Opal White
Alastair Hamilton Pez sez: I have been riding the Selle Italia SLR Boost 3D Ti saddle for nearly two years and the SLR is a great shape, but the 3D printed top is the game changer. The 3D saddle top has more give in some places and stiffer in others, yes a ‘normal’ saddle can have the same attributes, but the 3D printing technology allows for more fine tuning by Selle Italia. As the Italian saddle maestros say: “this version is engineered with a firmer, more supportive density compared to the standard model. This specific tuning provides extra sustain, allowing the rider to fully unleash their power without the energy loss associated with softer padding. The differentiated cushioning zones ensure progressive shock absorption and tailored support across the entire surface.”
The new Selle Italia SLR 3D Carbon Opal White and the SLR Boost 3D Ti saddles
When in discussion over which saddle I should test, I was told that maybe the Selle Italia SLR 3D in Opel White would be too solid and maybe too harsh, but I felt to do a proper review and comparison with the 3D SLR Boost in black and the ‘normal’ top SLR, I had to ride the SLR 3D in Opel White. Yes, it is harder and I wasn’t sure if I had made the correct decision. Before going for the first ride, I thought I would feel the edges of the centre gap on my ‘undercarriage’, but no. Where I did notice a difference was at the back of the saddle, not under the sit bones, but right at the back and not in a bad way. It felt like there was more to push against when pedalling hard sitting in the saddle, but if you move forward onto the front tip of the saddle, then you wouldn’t feel it.
Looks and comfort
The shape of all of the SLR saddles does tend to keep you in one position, but if you are ‘full gas’ then you will pull forward, hence the old phrase ‘on the rivet’, but if you have a more ‘pushing’ style then you will certainly feel the extra support and maybe push out some more watts. I would say this is a race saddle, but I’ve been using it for about three weeks on rides of up to two hours and comfort hasn’t been a problem. I would say with all 3D saddles, a good quality chamois/seat pad is important as the saddle surface isn’t smooth.
That lovely carbon
There are twenty different versions of the SLR saddle, twelve in the new design with the Selle Italia name on the new back flap. The SLR 3D Carbon comes in opal white and black. It’s a shame that no one will see the underneath of the saddle and the workmanship of the carbon. Then there is the SLR Elite with lightweight tubular steel rails which is also in opal white and black. There are three other white saddles, the others are black with choices of carbon or lightweight tubular steel rails. Something for everyone.
Light enough
My SLR 3D carbon weighed in at 150gr, but you can knock off at least 4gr for the inaccuracy of my scales. Selle Italia claim 143gr +/- 8%, so that is about right. The SLR Carbon opal white comes in two sizes the S3 which is 130mm x 242mm and the L3 at 145mm x 242mm. The ‘Superflow’ relieves the pressure on the underneath parts, the good sign is that you don’t feel anything, so it must be working.
Pity you will be sat on it most of the time
If you are an SLR rider, then you know and love the shape and of course saddle choice is very personal, but the SLR is a good fit for many riders. The SLR is a short saddle, so if you are the sort of rider who moves back and forward a lot, it might not suit your style. It is a neutral saddle as the top is fairly flat, but the middle section does ‘give’ a bit as it is softer in the central section. If you have not ridden an SLR, then you should try one.
Stiffer at the rear, softer in the middle
The new style SLR does catch the eye. The padding doesn’t go all the way to the rear, there is a flap at the back, which you wouldn’t sit on anyway and had Selle Italia printed on it. The rest of the saddle looks much the same as the previous SLR 3D Boost, but of course it is Opal White. I wasn’t sure if I would like it, apart form the colour and those beautiful carbon rails, but I can honestly say it will be on my road bike for quite awhile along with the matching handlebar tape.
Selle Italia Handlebar Tape in Opal White
So what goes with an Opal White Saddle? Yes, Opal White handlebar tape. The saddle is quite stunning, but when it is matched with the handlebar tape we then have the best possible look for your bike. I’ve always loved a white saddle and handlebar tape, even when I lived in wet and cold countries, but it is easier now that I am in sunny and dry Spain.
Matching tape and saddle
The other advantage of the sun-light here is seeing the colours burst out form the opal white of the bar tape. Yeah you shouldn’t be looking at your handlebars when riding, but it is a sight to behold.
Lots of ‘bling’
OK, enough of the poetic eulogy on handlebar tape, how does it perform? I found the Opal White tape very easy to wrap, it has some stretch so you can pull it nice and tight and get the overlap just right. The tape has some padding gel running up the middle. There is more than enough tape for the biggest of bars and it comes with two short pieces of tape for behind the brake levers, two black finishing tapes for the centre and two end plugs.
Good grip
Taping the bars didn’t take long, it probably took longer to get the old tape glue off the bars, and I fell back on an old pro bike mechanic trick to use a drop of ‘Super Glue’ to hold the tape solid under the black finishing tapes. I was very happy with the finished article, the tape really has a lot of ‘bling’. The tape has a material texture which gives you a good grip on the bars and has a slightly tacky feel, whether that tackiness will last forever, I’ll find out in time. The best compliment I can give the Selle Italia Opal White handlebar tape is that I would buy it in the future, yes with my own money!
A great combination
The Overall Final Opinion: Easy! Both the saddle and the handlebar tape look and feel great. As I said before, saddles are a personal choice, but I’ve not heard of anyone not liking the SLR. In the end you have to try one. The tape looks good, feels good and I think it will last. The two together sets the bike off perfectly.
Selle Italia SLR 3D Carbon Saddle in Opal White
Selle Italia sez: The SLR 3D Carbon Opal White combines world-class aesthetics with the future of cycling technology. This limited-edition 3D printed bike saddle features a stunning new finish. Built with an advanced lattice structure and ultra-light rails, it is the ultimate carbon bike saddle for riders who refuse to choose between breathtaking style and elite performance.
Elevate your dream build with the SLR 3D Carbon Opal White, the most exclusive evolution of our iconic 3D printed bike saddle. This limited-edition variant introduces a striking Opal White finish to a design already celebrated for its record-breaking weight and advanced additive manufacturing.
Utilising Carbon DLS
technology and a proprietary printing pattern, this version is engineered with a firmer, more supportive density compared to the standard model. This specific tuning provides extra sustain, allowing the rider to fully unleash their power without the energy loss associated with softer padding. The differentiated cushioning zones ensure progressive shock absorption and tailored support across the entire surface, while the full carbon rails guarantee maximum stiffness for competitive racing and high-performance endurance.
By blending the legendary SLR shape with a futuristic aesthetic, the SLR 3D Carbon Opal White offers professional-grade ergonomics and a bold new look that stands out in any peloton.
Technical Specifications
- Weight: S3 137g (± 8%) – L3 143g (± 8%)
- Dimensions: S3 130 x 242mm L3 145 x 242mm
- Rail: Carbon Ø7x9mm
- Price: USA $479.90, EU €449,90 and UK £409.99.
Selle Italia Handlebar Tape in Opal White
Designed to elevate your ride with a unique opalescent look, the Opal White Bar Tape offers secure grip, all‑weather control and a refined finishing touch for any bike.
Created for riders who value both style and performance, the Opal White Bar Tape enhances your handlebar with its opalescent finish and iridescent Selle Italia logo. It delivers confident grip, consistent control in any conditions and lasting comfort, completing your bike with a signature premium touch.
Technical Specifications
- Materials: PU – Gel – Lycra
- Thickness: 3mm
- Regular Size: 30 x 2100mm
- Weight: 102g
- Price: USA $49.90, EU €34,90 and UK £32.99.
- More info on the Selle Italia SLR 3D Carbon Saddle HERE.
- More info on the Selle Italia Opal White Handlebar Tape HERE.
- The short videos were made using an AKASO 360, a full preview coming soon on PEZ. More info HERE.
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