Bent rails on my saddle. Has this ever happened to anyone and any ideas how?

I got this Selle Anatomica Titanico X less than 2 months ago. I've put maybe 500 miles or so on it and the rails are bent. Has this ever happened to anyone? I've never done this to any other saddle in thousands of miles of riding. I don't think I set the saddle too far forward but that seems the most likely cause. But the company's FAQ page specifically says "Clamp the seat post at least 3/4” behind the front of the adjustable portion of the rail. The farther back on the rail (less setback) the better." I can only move it forward another 1/2 inch or so. 

I'm going to see about a warranty replacement but would appreciate any advice on preventing this in the future. 

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Permalink Reply by Rich S on August 28, 2014 at 5:23pm

I don't think it was vandalized but it's possible. This happened last Saturday and the bike was left locked outside at 3 Floyd's and Flossmoor Station. It's my weekend rider so doesn't get locked up in the city much at all. I don't own a car and haven't put it on any else's roof rack or anything like that. 

h' 1.0 said:

Are you sure it wasn't vandalized? Or a tree branch whacked it while on top of the car?

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on August 28, 2014 at 6:01pm

It was either vandalized or you are riding WAY to far forward on the saddle.  

Permalink Reply by Rich S on August 29, 2014 at 2:45am

I did some google searching after posting this discussion and found quite a few reports of other people having the same issue with the SA saddles. Especially heavier riders. The saddle is rated to 250 pounds and I'm about 210. I emailed them last night so hopefully get a response today. 

Dug, I did find myself slipping forward when riding to Flossmoor last Saturday. But not sure if the rails were already bent at that point causing me to slip. We got caught in a huge downpour so I wasn't thinking too much about why I was slipping forward more. But that's when I noticed it. 

I really don't think it was vandalized outside of 3F but yes that's possible. The line was huge and the bike was locked 20 feet from it in plain sight. I tried bending the saddle's nose back up and I don't think it even budged. 

Permalink Reply by Rich S on September 24, 2014 at 3:39pm

Contacted Selle and got a one time warranty replacement. The new saddle is on the left. The said it was rated to 440 lbs of force and that likely I hit a bump while in the saddle. That's possible since this happened during a crazy thunderstorm. 

The new saddle is the 2014 model which has shorter rails and is a bit shorter overall. They said the rails are better designed to withstand bending. I still haven't decided if I want to keep or sell. I have a different saddle now that I really like. 

Permalink Reply by OLB 0.1 on September 24, 2014 at 3:59pm

Rich - What other saddle are you riding now that you like?

Permalink Reply by Rich S on September 24, 2014 at 4:34pm

Picked up a Cambium C15. I'm very pleased with it. 

OLB 0.1 said:

Rich - What other saddle are you riding now that you like?

Permalink Reply by Bob Kastigar on September 26, 2014 at 3:29pm

Not only bent, but a rail BROKE downtown today, just at the start of the Critical Mass Ride.

I could ride on it broken, but it was shaky and I was afraid the other side would eventually break as well.

I know why it broke: too much weight.  I have a spare saddle at home, fortunately.

Any recommendation for a heavy weight-carrying saddle?

Permalink Reply by Tandemonium on September 26, 2014 at 3:38pm
No. It happens and you need to deal. Have the right tools and slam the saddle forward so the broken rail point is between clamp points. You can make it home no problem that way and fix later. Reinforcing rails is another issue... Good luck, it can be tough.

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