Test: With the Astute Skycarb VT, we tested the top road model from the Italian manufacturer Astute, which is known for its handmade and high-quality products. At first glance, the whopping price of around €380 catches our eye, but quality has its price, as we know, and the manufacturer promises a number of features that could justify the price. We have tested for you whether a purchase is worthwhile.
The Italian company Astute is not yet well known to us everywhere and quite wrongly so, because the products speak for themselves. Astute develops and produces sports saddles of a different kind with the aim of providing more performance and comfort. All models are handcrafted in Italy to ensure they meet the highest standards. There are different and optimally adapted models and saddle lines for every area.
Astute Skycarb VT - The structure
With the Astute Skycarb VT, you have a high-quality road model in your range, which, in addition to its low weight, should be optimally adapted to the needs of road drivers. The suffix VT designates the hole in the middle of the saddle, the counterpart with a closed surface is called Skycarb SR. Due to the recess, the perineal area in particular is relieved without generating pressure peaks at the edges. In addition, foams of different densities are used on the nose and in the perineum and seat hump area. The material is a bit softer on the nose and perineal area and nice and firm on the seat bumps. The upper material of the Astute Skycarb VT is high-quality microfiber, which allows for a comfortable feel. Below the surface is a layer of so-called memory foam. The underside of the saddle consists of two carbon shells that are connected to each other. The carbon rails connect at the nose and get wider at the back of the saddle where they connect to the saddle.
Astute Skycarb VT – Shock Pad Absorber System
What would a saddle be if it didn't fit properly or if you kept having problems sitting down. The reason for frequent seating problems is, among other things, the bad surface, such as bad, rough roads with potholes. The so-called Shock Pad Absorber System uses a polymer insert to dampen the impacts better, which provides noticeably more comfort than with conventional saddles. We were particularly grateful for this feature on longer rides, as it allowed us to sit firmly in the saddle without any discomfort.
Astute Skycarb VT – How does it drive?
On our test rides we were enthusiastic from the start, the saddle fitted perfectly and thanks to the memory foam you could find and adopt your individual position quite quickly. The upper material gives a good grip even when wet and does not become slippery when it gets wet. Due to the different hardness of the foam in connection with the cut-out in the middle, we were able to fully enjoy the hours in the saddle. We were a bit surprised that the Shock Absorber System is quite noticeable and not only prevents sitting problems, but also offers a significant increase in comfort for complaints in the ISG area. In this case, it is worthwhile for us to dig a little deeper into our pockets, as it is so easy to be on the go without any problems. It has to be said, however, that saddle choice is a personal matter and everyone should try out what suits them.
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