Specialized's Body Geometry technology has made great strides towards increased ride comfort, and it's arguably in its saddles that the scientific based development is most noticeable.

Its Toupe, the race-orientated offering, has gained many fans, but Specialized's top XC racers Christoph Sauser and Liam Killeen reportedly asked the company for a few changes to the Toupe. So the plastic scuff guards are now recessed along the much trimmed sides and there's a more pronounced 'droop' in the nose along with a more square-edged profile for seated nose-of-the-saddle climbs.

It's available in two widths to match the width of your sitbones, and a gel padded version is available too. A carbon-reinforced shell and hollow titanium rails lowers the weight and the Micromatrix is durable.

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