Fabric Scoop Radius Seat - Review
Fabric's lineup includes a number of different saddles that each feature a unique shape to suit specific body types. That in itself isn't really news worthy given that many brands offer the same sort of thing, but Fabric's range also includes the radical looking Hex-air with individual air pockets that make up its relatively wide 155m width, as well as the 3D printed, titanium ALM model that's come about through a collaboration with Airbus. There's also the slimmer and lighter weight 134mm wide Line seat, and, finally, the 142mm wide Scoop shown here that Fabric says ''suits an average sized body.'' MSRP is $79.99 USD for the 256 gram, nylon base, steel railed Elite model that's reviewed below. www.fabric.cc
![Fabric seat review test]()
Choosing a seat isn't nearly as simple as it used to be, but there's now a much better chance that you'll end up on something that works well for you. My decision making didn't end when I picked the 142mm Scoop, as it's available in three different profiles: a Flat top for ''an efficient supportive platform for an aerodynamic, stretched position,'' a Shallow model that Fabric says ''suits a performance orientated position that demands comfort and flexibility,'' and finally the Radius version that's ''aimed at a more upright riding position, its shape offers maximum support and comfort.'' I knew that I'd be fitting it my Rocky Mountain Element, a pure cross-country race bike that you'd usually see the spec'd with the Flat model, but also that I run a short 50mm stem on the bike that sees me sitting more upright than I would with a traditional cockpit. I went with the more rounded shape of the Radius for this reason.
![Fabric seat review test]()
The Scoop consists of three separate elements - the microfibre top that Fabric says is both waterproof and easy to clean, the base that's either carbon fiber (on the Scoop Ultimate) or nylon depending on the model, and either carbon, titanium, or steel rails. This three element construction is different compared to a more traditional cover that's sometimes stapled over foam and then attached to the base, and Fabric's modus operandi is to go a different route that results in a simpler, cleaner seat.
![Fabric seat review test]()
Pinkbike's Take
Fabric touts a simple design and construction method, and the finished product is anything but flashy.
Choosing a seat isn't nearly as simple as it used to be, but there's now a much better chance that you'll end up on something that works well for you. My decision making didn't end when I picked the 142mm Scoop, as it's available in three different profiles: a Flat top for ''an efficient supportive platform for an aerodynamic, stretched position,'' a Shallow model that Fabric says ''suits a performance orientated position that demands comfort and flexibility,'' and finally the Radius version that's ''aimed at a more upright riding position, its shape offers maximum support and comfort.'' I knew that I'd be fitting it my Rocky Mountain Element, a pure cross-country race bike that you'd usually see the spec'd with the Flat model, but also that I run a short 50mm stem on the bike that sees me sitting more upright than I would with a traditional cockpit. I went with the more rounded shape of the Radius for this reason.
The Radius version of the Scoop sports a rounded profile and a forgiving, well padded nose.
The Scoop consists of three separate elements - the microfibre top that Fabric says is both waterproof and easy to clean, the base that's either carbon fiber (on the Scoop Ultimate) or nylon depending on the model, and either carbon, titanium, or steel rails. This three element construction is different compared to a more traditional cover that's sometimes stapled over foam and then attached to the base, and Fabric's modus operandi is to go a different route that results in a simpler, cleaner seat.
The simple looking nylon base doesn't feature any reliefs or cutaways.
Pinkbike's Take
 | I know that I prefer a more rounded profile to a seat, so I ended up on the 'Radius' version of the Scoop that sports exactly that kind of shape, which was a good decision. It felt like home to my behind pretty quickly, and while I wouldn't say that it was as quite as comfortable as the less traditional Tioga Spyder Stratum that it shared time with under my ass, the Scoop rates way up there on my list of seats that I could sit on for hours on end. And that's exactly what I did, and one of the last rides on it before writing this review was a 94km mountain monster ride with over 10,000ft of climbing and eight hours of saddle time. If it was going to be a pain in the ass, it would have been then, but, other than some general tenderness that you'd expect after such a day, it was a pretty uneventful epic for my undercarriage. That's obviously a very, very good thing. I can go on and on about how the Scoop's shape seemed tailor made for my behind, but the bottom line is that you should give it a sit at your shop before throwing down any cash for it. Comfort aside, the seat's reliability has been stunning. And I'm not just talking about the lack of bent rails or zero creaking from the shell and rail interface, but also the microfibre cover and how it literally looks as good as the day I put the Scoop on my bike. Sure, I always end up putting a load of miles on different bikes and some other seats, so the wear rate isn't as harsh as if it had been in non-stop use since spring, but I've had it under me for thousands of miles since April. The result is that it appears to only have about fifty miles on it after all that. Even the Fabric logo on the nose of the seat has resisted fading, and there's not even the slightest hint of the cover wanting to separate from the shell. It certainly seems like Fabric's simple-is-better approach has resulted in a very reliable saddle. So there you have it, a comfortable seat, at least for me, that's available in three different shapes to fit a gamut of asses, and it's mega reliable to boot. I'm a fan. - Mike Levy |
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That cell saddle looks interessting, hope they review that too.
Fabric also offers higher spec (nylon / carbon bases - carbon rail and full carbon options)
The custom saddles look sick! I was tempted to do one for my fixed gear, but had to try keep costs down at the time of building :'(