Williams Cycling started by delivering high-quality road wheelsets using the Web to sell direct-to-consumer. It turns out, it worked, so they have continued to expand into additional components. One of the most recent additions is their saddle line — consisting of 4 saddles. The Aurora SLC is their lightest and most streamlined saddle and it’s built for speed.
Williams Aurora SLC Saddle Features:
- 7x9mm NCCR nano carbon rails
- Flex-tuned carbon injected composite shell
- Superlight foam padding
- Imported Italian microfiber cover
- Null Pressure Zone (NPZ) anatomic cutout
- Stunning graphic design in black or white
- Price: $129
Williams Aurora SLC Saddle
On the heels of the review of the Endura SLC, I was anxious to get some saddle time on the racier Aurora SLC. Built with the same 7x9mm carbon rails as the Endura and also featuring Italian microfiber cover. The Aurora SLC is 130mm wide and 270mm long and tips the scales at 149 grams. It’s got all the specs that make a race-worthy saddle.
When considering a carbon-railed saddle, take a look at your seatpost to determine if it is compatible. In my case, my Ritchey seatpost required a 7x9mm rail adapter, which set me back $17 from Competitive Cyclist. An easy install, this saddle instantly upped the cool factor of the mid-grade components on my Scott Foil 40.
The Foil features a fairly stiff and responsive ride, so I didn’t know just how the NCCR nano rails would feel. With carbon rails, the layup can either be stiff and responsive or flexible and smooth. I feel like the Aurora has a bit of both as it does smooth out road chatter while still remaining responsive under weight.
I’ve ridden a variety of saddles and really have come to prefer those with relief channels and cutouts. The NPZ cutout in the Aurora yielded all-day comfort and bloodflow to my man area for a numb-free ride. The 130mm platform is wide enough to serve as a solid pedaling platform. Not once did I feel like the saddle got in the way or inhibited my power output.
I was able to move around the saddle without much trouble. Only a couple of times did I notice that the black sticky parts of the saddle were grabbing my shorts — not a big deal, but something I noticed. Speaking of shorts, I rode Sugoi, Pearl Izumi and Craft bibs and the variety of chamois designs complemented the Aurora’s design nicely resulting in the same comfort.
Since Williams is direct-to-consumer, they offer a full saddle demo program. You can try any or all of their saddles for ten days, then send them back. Since my butt is very different from yours and very different from the next guy’s, this is a great service that will allow you to test it out on your own bike to see if you agree with me on the Aurora SLC or Endura SLC saddles.
The Good
- Good width for proper support
- NPZ does it’s job as I’ve ridden numb-free
- An amazing deal at $129
- Williams saddle demo program allows you to ride before you buy
- Carbon rails add smoothness
- Very comfortable for long rides
- At 149 grams, it’s one of the lighter race saddles on the market
The Bad
- Grippy material on cover catches on some shorts
- A 143mm width would be nice (Wide width available spring 2013)
Bottom Line: Williams Aurora SLC Saddle
Williams again strikes the perfect balance between performance and value. With the Aurora SLC coming in at $129, you’ll be hard-pressed to find it’s equal. The carbon rails and composite body, topped off with Italian microfiber is untouchable at this point. And, the proof is in the pudding as I’ve enjoyed miles and miles uf numb-free comfort.
Buy Now: Visit WilliamsCycling.com
10 Comments
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I saw your review on the Williams. I am not sure if this is new since then
http://www.williamscycling.com/Aurora-SLC-Wide-Version_p_133.html
Yes indeed… they have introduced 143mm wide versions of all their saddles. That extra width should be perfect for many riders. I’ll likely get one in for a comparison.
Do you know what saddle width is best for your body?
I just received the 143mm version yesterday. This is the first saddle i’ve ever ridden with a relief channel. I do notice a bit more pressure on my “sit bones”, however, I found the saddle to be very comfortable. I bought the black one and it is a very nice, well crafted saddle.
Awesome! Glad to hear that the 143mm saddle is as good as I thought it would be. You’ll get used to the sit bone pressure soon enough — it just means you need to get out and ride more! I’m giving you official permission to do so.
I know this is really old but just bought one because I rode it on a demo bike a few years ago and it was the most comfortable saddle I’d ridden. I have a ritchey seat post too but all I can find for adaptors is 7×9.6. Will this work?
That should work. I’ve used a those adapters on a Ritchey seatpost with a Fizik Airone 00, which also has 7×9 rails. Glad you’ve found a great saddle for you!
How do you level this seat on your bike, what do you use as a point of reference?, I just got a 143 mm for my bike, thanks fr entertaining my question
Thanks for the question. I use a standard level (2 ft. model is ideal) and set it atop the saddle, right in the middle with the bike on a level surface. For a level surface, I use my garage floor or bring the bike indoors into the kitchen or elsewhere.
Start with the saddle level and modify from there. You may find that a 1 or 2-degree nose-downward position is best. That’s hard to get exact, but I usually just have the bubble sitting at the edge of the center mark instead of middle and call that good. I’m sure there are YouTube videos that can show this as well, but that should get you started. Good luck and hit me up with any questions.