Carbon rails are the lightest and stiffest (a little stiffer than Cromo) so best for race applications such as Crits or short ride where pedalling support is quite important for putting out the watts. Most hardened derrieres can do long rides on these no problem. These have a weight limit of 100Kg. What is the torque setting for the carbon rails? The Shallow profile has a more rounded rear section and medium padding. This profile is for riders leaning forwards, in a more natural riding position; typically the handlebars will be slightly lower than the saddle with the rider's weight being split between the saddle and handlebars more evenly, requiring less padding on the saddle." The Scoop has been around a fair few years now and has a well-deserved reputation for being a very comfortable saddle for smashing out the miles. This titanium-railed version continues the theme, impressing with its levels of comfort, build quality and value. According to my seat to bar drop, which is quite considerable (blame my long legs), I'd probably be more at home on the racier Flat type of saddle (though Fabric doesn't make the Line in this seating position), but in reality I found that the Race Line seemed to work as well sat as upright as possible on the tops as it did when I was down really low in the drops, without the nose getting in the way. Saddle manufacturers employ all kinds of tactics to make their saddles appear and function more ergonomically. We’re talking cutouts, grooves, gel padding, nose removal and more. And, all of those tactics are valid and helpful for many riders. But, for most things in life, simplicity is often best. This has proven true thus far with the Scoop Shallow Race saddle.

I think the thing that impressed me most was that, during the whole time testing it, I didn't really have to think about it much at all – surely the sign of an excellent saddle, one that doesn't give any niggles, or uncomfortable numb feeling during the ride whatsoever. On the whole, the Scoop is a great saddle for pretty much every discipline as long as the shape suits you, and with the three options available that should be most people. Verdict Honestly, it can all get a bit much, and so I'm delighted to save you about an hour of wading through the entire range by telling you that the Fabric Race Line Shallow is a fantastic all-round saddle that will probably suit the majority of bottoms and riding styles; it's the saddle you should probably go out and buy right now. No, really.The Fabric Scoop Pro Flat version that we tested has a flat profile designed for aggressive riding positions and carbon rails with a nylon base. The Scoop has been around for a number of years, having originally being known under the Charge brand (Fabric became an off-shoot of Charge bikes). I've ridden loads of them on various different test bikes over the years and owned a couple myself and the shape of each model has always sat well with me, excuse the pun. Many saddle manufacturers make overly stiff based/ padded saddles so the instant you get a channelled saddle, the difference is noticeable. However, the Scoop is very flexible and forgiving so for some riders used to channels in their old saddles, it will be an easy transition as the nose flexes enough to take pressure away. Choose the right shape to suit your position and those areas of discomfort will completely disappear. The Scoop Race Shallow is a high quality and durable option that is ideal for the rider seeking a no-frills saddle with great pedaling performance. It has an excellent shape that allows for great freedom of movement and a clean and powerful pedal stroke. While we do think this a versatile and solid option for most riders, it was bested in this test by lighter saddles that offer a higher level of comfort. Other Versions The Fabric Scoop has long been a favourite of many riders and this Sport model makes that level of performance and comfort available at a budget price. With three profile options, there is also plenty of scope for whatever type of riding you do.

But… there are some out there who biologically have issues, have had operations or are going through treatment that requires clearance at the perineum which is where the Line will be best and now we have 2 widths to accommodate a larger spread of riders. Your GP or Doctor will best to advise when you need to choose a saddle with a channel. Yes and no. We’ve done our utmost to smooth the edges so they do not cut when behind the saddle but it is a thin/ blunt shape should you hit it hard during a dismount. For this reason, we recommend for road or gravel duties. What is the difference between grips? Flat: The Flat profile has the flattest rear section and the lowest amount of padding, and is designed for the most aggressive riding position. It also has a thinner nose to allow better leg movement. Something extra nice about this saddle is the extra nose width. Compared to other saddles, the nose is noticeably wide and that is a great attribute to have in a saddle. I especially appreciate that extra width when climbing and you’re on the forefront of the saddle. Fabric says, "Go further for longer with the Line saddle. Based on our innovative Scoop saddle, the Line has a single, split piece of waterproof pad with a full-length central relief channel to decrease pressure on the pudendal artery. The Line is specifically designed for comfort on longer days in the saddle.Shallow: The Shallow profile has a more rounded rear section and medium padding and is designed for riders leaning forward in a more natural riding position where the handlebars are slightly lower than the saddle. By far the most common size sold by ourselves and others is 142mm and reflects the majority of people out there. Value-wise, the Scoop stands up well against the opposition when you take into account the build quality. Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it? Ti rails are offered on the Race range and only a little lighter than cromo but they are more flexible and provide the most comfort of all rails. Choose this for long periods of time in the saddle. Heavier riders (over 100kg) can buy this but it will feel a bit too soft for them

Fabric does a complete range of Scoop saddles at other price points and widths, to suit different riding styles, including designs for racier or more relaxed riding positions. Cromo is offered on the Elite range and is ideal for heavy and light duties. Also ideal for heavier riders. Scoop Radius for an upright position such as Urban riding or MTB (all-mtn and dh). Ideal for bars at the same height or above the saddle. The Fabric Line Race Shallow saddle is a bit of a classic. Though it's been around for a few years now, it's still one of the best all-round performing saddles out there: comfortable on long rides, suitable for a range of riding styles, with subtle styling that looks great on any bike. I wouldn't go so far as to say that it's going to be the out and out best choice of saddle for serious mile-munching, but for me it's ideal for my usual training distance of about 50-60 miles. At this mileage I suffered zero numbness in the perineum, and I didn't get soreness anywhere either.Cell and Scoop Women Gel use the Radius shape based on a more upright ride position. How does each saddle profile help with the ride position? Scoop Flat for a stretched out position on a road race bike. Although this shape is really popular for some on trail mtb also and the majority of our women road racers. Perfect for a big drop from the saddle to the bars and if you use the drops a lot. Radius: The Radius profile has the roundest shape through the rear section with maximum padding and is designed for a more upright riding position where the handlebars are slightly higher than the saddle. Materials Summary: Fabric is a design house that has taken on bicycle components as their canvas. Improving saddles, re-thinking water bottle mounts and more are all fair game for these guys. Now a part of Dorel Sports (parent of Cannondale, etc.), Fabric is making bigger waves in the industry. After almost a year with the Scoop Shallow Race saddle, its unassuming looks have masked all kinds of magic on the inside.