Available in 130mm and 143mm width / Synthetic upper / Abrasion-resistant shoulders / Hollow cro-mo rails
Contact: Specialized 020 8391 3500, www.specialized.com

Spesh’s latest perch is aimed at all-day leisure jaunts. Based around trademark Body Geometry technology, the Rival features a V-groove, like that used by WTB’s Pure V.
According to the blurb the layout is suited to a more upright position where manoeuvres are also frequent. Tuned density padding extends beyond the back of the saddle carcass to avoid painful hook-ups. Even box fresh, the prolonged comfort of our generous 143mm version was spot-on. For delicate derrières there’s the 130mm width. Just a shame it’s not a tenner or so cheaper, as the equally stunning performance of a cro-mo railed WTB Pure V costs just £35.

MBR RATING: 8/10