Wokingham Cyclist: Dahon Mu P8 performance tweak 2: a new saddle (Selle Italia C2)

After riding my Dahon Mu-P8 over several hundred miles, I can now reveal the second performance upgrade: I changed the stock saddle for a Selle Italia C2, bought from Wiggle.

The Selle Italia C2 is an entry level saddle in the Selle Italia line up, but it is still one of the best saddles on the market in terms of quality and weight.

A vast improvement in handling

The biggest improvement after fitting this new saddle was the ride quality. The saddle is more comfortable for me on longer rides (5 miles and above), even without cycling padded shorts.
But the biggest difference I noticed on the Dahon Mu P8 after fitting this saddle, is how much more responsive the ride was. The original Biologic Aria is way too soft to provide any real comfort, but it also adds too much cushioning which results in a loss of power transfer to the pedals, not to mention the fact that it makes the bike feel rather spongy and flexy.
After fitting the C2, there is much more feeling through the buttocks as to what the bike is doing, and the overall experience becomes very satisfying. So much so that I enjoy riding my Mu P8 on much longer rides now (20 miles and more).

Comparing Selle Italia C2 to Biologic Aria

I can't comment on its comfort for everyone because saddles are such an individual choice. None the less, I have been riding on a C2 for a few years now, having fitted it to my hybrid in 2008, and more than 12,000 miles later it is still going strong.

Compared to the stock Biologic Aria, the C2 is much slimmer and better made.

Shape wise, it is a narrow saddle and will fit riders with narrow sit bones (130mm width)

It comes equipped with plastic surround trims that ensure the saddle does not get ruined when lifting the bike: holding onto the nose is perfectly safe when carrying the Mu P8 without a carry bag.

If you are thinking about replacing the stock saddle, be reassured the Dahon seatpost fitted to the Mu P8 (as most Tern and Dahon seatposts) is compatible with all standard two rail saddles (the vast majority of saddles on the market)