Fabric Line Race Saddle Review

Fabric has taken the industry by storm since introducing their flavor of bike ergonomics. Starting with saddles, their lineup has expanded recently, but their bread-and-butter remains saddles. The Fabric Line Race saddle is a classic shape with the addition of a cutout for additional pressure relief.

Fabric Line Race Saddle Features:

• Bonded saddle-to-base process eliminates variances and stitching
• Nylon base
• Waterproof microfiber cover with lightweight PU foam padding
• Center pressure relief zone
• Titanium rails (as tested)
• Width: 134mm
• Length: 270mm
• 60-day fit guarantee
• MSRP: $99.99

Getting matchy matchy with the Line Race

I got a detailed rundown of the methods behind the madness that is Fabric while attending PressCamp in June. These likable British lads are onto something and each product in their line is full of attention to detail. Of course, saddles are a big part of their business, but they also have a full line of tools, pumps, lights and accessories coming out soon.

With a beautiful white Wiggins Pinarello Dogma F8 in the house for review, the arrival of a white Fabric Line Race saddle was an instant match made in heaven. Feeling all matchy matchy is only part of the story here, but aesthetics are always a consideration when it comes to saddle choice. The first consideration should always be personal comfort, but mis-matched saddle can also be an eyesore.

Luckily, Fabric offers their line of saddles in a wide range of colors that vary from standard and subdued to modern and blingy. With the Line Ti model, your color choices are a little more limited, but should match your ride just fine.

Some saddles require a honeymoon period where your backside must re-adjust to its new surroundings. Your results may vary, but for me, that did not happen here. I could instantly find the sweet spot and move around the saddle as needed — all with consistent comfort and feel.

Nobody’s going to call the Line Race saddle “light,” but it is respectable and on par with most titanium-railed, nylon-based saddles on the market. On my scale, it measured 250 grams on the nose. Going lighter would require a significant investment and I’m typically OK with a little more comfortable saddle.

With its nylon base and titanium rails, the Line Race does offer a good amount of natural flex with a natural “saddle” to it. No, it’s not flexy to the point where it is robbing your power with every stroke, but it has enough give to cushion the ride without feeling like you’re on a cruiser. It’s still certainly a race saddle.

I appreciate the relief channel as a visual reminder that my junk is cared-for. And, in the saddle, I’ve had no numbness either. Some saddles are best ridden in a more aggressive position, but the Line Race feels great while riding in the hoods, tops or hoods. And, I’ve ridden it with a variety of chamois types and it feels good across-the-board. I will say that, for me, a 1-degree nose-down position has been my preference, but your backside may think otherwise.

At 134mm, the Line Race is narrow compared to the Scoop which measures 142mm (also in for review). If you prefer a more racy width and thus require a relief channel, this one should be on your list.

The Good

• Standard rails make for easy compatibility
• Unique, bonded construction makes for an ultra-comfortable saddle
• Relief channel offers visual and actual relief
• $99 is a killer value

The Bad

• A bit heavy
• Gotta go with the Elite model for more colors

The Bottom Line: Fabric Line Race

Saddles are entirely personal-preference, but I’ve begun to hone in on the ones I like most. With a traditional shape and a nice relief channel, the Line Race fits the mold of the archetype of saddles my backside prefers.

Buy Now: Available at JensonUSA.com