129g CADEX Amp Saddle Presents Most Consolation with Minimal Weight

129g CADEX Amp Saddle Presents Most Consolation with Minimal Weight

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The brand new CADEX Amp saddle inherits core options from the acclaimed Enhance saddle (reviewed right here) however goals at a wider viewers. From a fast look, the brand new CADEX Amp shares the same form to many widespread short-nosed saddles. However a more in-depth look reveals that the Amp saddle additionally boasts all of the tech of the Enhance… together with the identical carbon base, built-in rails, and particle movement padding.

So does the brand new CADEX Amp outshine the Enhance?

CADEX Amp saddle creation

CADEX Amp saddle review full saddle

The CADEX Enhance saddle is among the most comfy saddles we’ve ridden. The form, nonetheless, would possibly solely match some, and it could take a while to get the proper angle. Saddles are very private. Lastly — the Enhance is extra of an aero-focused saddle, and a cushty match relies on the place your sit bones hit its restricted padding.

Taking that suggestions (which is fairly common), CADEX developed one other new design with a broader enchantment and nonetheless affords help to a rider with a low, aero place on the bike — touchdown on this new Amp.

What’s it the Amp?

CADEX Amp saddle review nose close up

The CADEX Amp options all the nice that got here with the Enhance whereas giving a barely extra steady perch for pedaling. The form shall be acquainted to most riders, with a really open ergonomic rear curve that CADEX says “helps enhance ischial help.” The brand new form offers extra room for big thighs and the upswept rear helps the planted pedaling really feel.

What sort of rider is the CADEX Amp for?

CADEX Amp saddle review long view

The CADEX Amp is a high-performance race saddle that ought to match the final biking public and extra diversified biking disciplines, barely higher than the narrow-focus Enhance. The form appears acquainted however has some slight tweaks on the short-nose, wide-wing design (extra on that later).

CADEX Amp saddle review header

Now, the lightest CADEX saddle

The Amp knocks the Enhance out of the highest (and solely different) spot for the lightest CADEX saddle. The CADEX Enhance is already respectably mild at 138g, however the Amp rolls in at simply 129g — very spectacular contemplating the extra versatile consolation.

That low weight is helped by the complete carbon base. It’s the identical CADEX Superior Cast Composite (AFC) tech with carbon rails that the designers used for the Enhance. This AFC composite helps the Amp hit a superlight weight and supply some compliance.

The carbon rails’ attachments (just like the Enhance) are positioned on the edges of the saddle shell, properly away from the primary contact factors with a rider’s sit bones. This distinctive rail place permits the saddle to raised dampen highway vibrations and alleviates strain factors, one thing very noticeable when using.

Why a distinct form?

CADEX Amp saddle review

The brief nostril form permits many riders to enter the CADEX model and offers Enhance riders a extra “common” saddle setup. To not say that the Enhance isn’t an off-road saddle, however the Amp’s form is much better suited to off-road match and positioning.

The brief nostril form additionally pushes the rider again into the saddle to realize a robust, but nonetheless aerodynamic using place.

CADEX Amp saddle review in hand

Form-wise, the CADEX Amp has very sculpted wings in comparison with others with comparable shapes. The highest of the saddle has a topped form that drops away on the wings, and the full-carbon, low-seated base eliminates flex, serving to to allow pedaling energy.

Technical Specs — CADEX Amp Saddle

  • Weight: 129g
  • Size: 245mm
  • Width: 145mm
  • Stack Top: 44mm
  • Rail materials: 7x9mm Oval Carbon
  • Shell: Superior Cast Composite Expertise
  • Padding: Light-weight Reactive Foam with Built-in Particle Move
  • Value: $315
CADEX Amp saddle review back side

Cadex AMP Driving Impressions

Saddles are one thing that, admittedly, I don’t actually like reviewing. Match is a private desire, and it may be arduous to explain one thing that may not work for a selected rider. I’m a creature of behavior, and I’ve used the identical mannequin of Specialised Energy (143mm) for the final couple of years — on and off-road.

Nonetheless, I took the possibility to take a look at the CADEX Amp as a result of my impressions of the CADEX Enhance had been already nice. I nonetheless journey the Enhance on my highway bike, however it has by no means made it off-road efficiently.

CADEX Amp saddle review mounted on Canyon

A Form That You Can Belief

The form of the CADEX Amp is inviting, it’s acquainted, and the look of the saddle is pure class. You possibly can see a few of the consideration to element at a fast look, however if you decide the saddle up, you actually respect the craftsmanship.

The bottom of the saddle is uncooked carbon, virtually unfinished wanting. The shiny carbon towards the matte black padding appeals to me; it appears like a racing prototype you’d see within the pits at a World Cup. The padding is slim however beneficiant and comprises far more on the nostril of the saddle than the Enhance. Then, the padding will get extra dense and voluminous as you fade to the rear of the saddle.

CADEX Amp Set-up

CADEX Amp saddle review rails close up

Positioning-wise, I set the Amp up equally to the S-Works Energy Mirror it changed. The size is just like the Energy Mirror, however the thigh glide space is longer on the Amp. Tilt-wise, the Amp was somewhat powerful to dial in, however value it. I discovered the nostril is decrease “feeling” due to the upper rise on the wings. I positioned our demo mannequin at -2° out of the gate and moved from there.

The Amp feels far more like a “common saddle” on the bike than the Enhance. The place the Enhance felt like one thing utterly new, the Amp seems like a greater model of one thing you already know. It didn’t take a lot time in any respect for me to get used to the Amp’s new match. The tall wings within the rear could be barely bizarre initially, however I adjusted after only one journey.

CADEX AMP top

I mounted the Amp on my Canyon Inflite for do-it-all using and to prep for ‘cross-season. #crossiscoming. Mounting the Amp on my cyclocross bike allowed me to expertise it each on- and off-road. After a number of coach classes, I hit the highway, content material with over-analyzing my positioning.

The nostril is a impartial width, not small however sufficient that your legs are slotted, just like the PRO Stealth however slimmer. The large thigh glide space helps keep this sensation. I ended up transferring the Amp ahead 3mm from my common positioning and was happy. The marginally longer thigh space and gradual taper to the wings make it really feel like an extended saddle.

Off-road using on the CADEX Amp is a pleasure, although ideas of snapping a carbon rail had been all the time at the back of my thoughts. However, after just a few arduous days and unhealthy strains, I felt secure — although the substitute value is presumably excessive sufficient to maintain this saddle firmly on the tarmac for the nervous amongst us.

For the few cyclocross classes the Amp noticed, I can say the tall wings within the rear won’t be one of the best for a clear re-mount. However, as talked about earlier than, I’m coming from a barely flatter saddle, so I’d merely want to regulate my method.

CADEX Amp Saddle — Last Impressions

CADEX Amp saddle review rear

After miles on the CADEX Amp, I confidently say it’s pretty much as good because the CADEX Enhance.

Is it higher?

It’s a higher all-around saddle in comparison on to the Enhance. The final brief nostril form matches my physique properly, and I’m accustomed to its match and positioning. Given a selection between the 2, I’ll now select the Amp — primarily based solely on the truth that it’s nearer in form to different saddles I repeatedly journey.

Sure — it’s $315… costly. However just like the Enhance, it’s a premium product with a price ticket to match. Hopefully, CADEX will convey out a line of saddles that mirror the Amp and Enhance form with a extra inexpensive ask. If the worth is your holdback… notice: just like the CADEX wheels, bars, and different choices, the Amp and Enhance saddles include the CADEX Composite Confidence. For those who crash, injury, or no matter within the first 2-year of using the product, CADEX will change or restore it.

CADEX Amp — Conclusion

CADEX Amp saddle review base carbon

For those who’re a performance-focused rider searching for a brand new saddle that can provide max consolation and dampened highway really feel — the Amp is your selection. The colour (matte black) will match all bikes. And the 129g weight is sort of assuredly lighter than what’s at present in your journey. We stay up for extra rides on the Amp — search for a long-term evaluation follow-up early this fall.

The CADEX Amp saddle is out there now, at retailers and on-line in choose markets worldwide.

Cadex-cycling.com/Amp

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