Selle Royal Respiro vs Selle Italia SLR Boost
Comparison 2026 — Saddles
VS
Our verdict
Based on our weighted scoring, the Selle Italia SLR Boost edges out the Selle Royal Respiro with an overall score of 82/100 against 78/100. It scores particularly well on comfort (74/100) and durability (78/100), making it the better all-round pick in Saddles.
The Selle Royal Respiro remains a sensible alternative if price is your main concern — it lands at €45.00 versus €65.00.
Comfort winner
Selle Royal Respiro
10% higher than its rival
Value winner
Selle Royal Respiro
8% better value for money
Specifications
| Specification | Selle Royal Respiro | Selle Italia SLR Boost |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €45.00+44% | €65.00 |
| Rating | ★4.3 (2,800) | ★4.2 (520) |
| Overall | 78/100 | 82/100+5% |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width | 245 mm (heren) / 260 mm (dames Moderate Woman)+69% | 145 mm (S3: 132 mm / L3: 155 mm) |
| Length | 270 mm+9% | 248 mm (short-nose) |
| Weight | 615 g | 245 g+151% |
| Material | ||
| Cover | Waterbestendig kunstleder | Fibra-Tek microvezel |
| Padding | Royalgel + elastomeer | EVA foam (minimaal) |
| Rails | Staal | FeC Alloy (chroom-molybdeen staal) |
| Shell | — | Carbon-versterkt nylon |
Pros and cons
Selle Royal Respiro
Pros
- Instant comfort from the first ride — no break-in required
- Royalgel and elastomer damping absorbs Dutch cobblestones and speed bumps
- Central cutout relieves perineal pressure in upright riding posture
- Sharp 45 euro price — most accessible comfort saddle in its class
Cons
- Gel compresses after 2-3 years of heavy use — plan to replace around 8,000 km
- At 245 mm wide it is too bulky for sustained rides above 25 km/h
Selle Italia SLR Boost
Pros
- Short design (248 mm) allows a more aggressive aero posture without nose pressure
- Large Superflow cutout eliminates perineal pressure on longer rides
- FeC Alloy rails are strong enough for intensive use without the carbon price jump
- Light 245 grams — suited to serious performance-minded road riders
Cons
- Minimal padding feels firm without a padded bibshort — beginner pitfall
- Not suitable for upright city-bike or trekking-bike positions