Selle San Marco anniversary: Legendary saddles reissued for the 90th anniversary

The year 1935 marked a turning point in European cycling. While the Belgian school dominated the continent, Romain Maes wore the yellow jersey of the Tour de France from the first stage all the way to Paris. Only a 21-year-old Italian broke this hegemony: Gino Bartali won Milan-Sanremo and heralded a new era. At this time of great cycling enthusiasm, Luigi Girardo opened his small workshop in Rossano Veneto, in the province of Vicenza.

Selle San Marco is founded in a golden year for cycling

Selle San Marco was founded at a time when cycling was becoming a popular sport. Girardo recognised the potential of high-quality saddles for the growing number of racers and enthusiasts. His vision went beyond pure functionality: he wanted to create saddles that combined comfort and performance. This philosophy characterised the company from the very beginning and set it apart from the competition. The first models were made entirely by hand, with each saddle being individually crafted.

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Selle San Marco Concor becomes a cycling icon

The decades following the company's foundation brought continuous innovation. In 1972, Selle San Marco developed the Concor, which became an icon for entire generations of cyclists. This saddle revolutionised design with its characteristic shape and the materials used. Professional racing cyclists quickly recognised the advantages of the Italian design, which combined weight saving with durability.

The brand established itself as a permanent fixture in the professional peloton. Numerous champions relied on Selle San Marco saddles for their greatest successes. These successes in professional sport carried over to the amateur sector, where ambitious cyclists wanted to ride the same equipment as their role models. The company used this reputation to continuously expand its product range and integrate new technologies. The craftsmanship from Rossano Veneto always remained the foundation of all developments.

Three legendary models in the Bottega collection

For the L'Eroica, Selle San Marco presents the Bottega collection with three historic models. The Regal was the brand's first saddle to introduce suspension for racing cyclists. The characteristic rivet nails make every Regal saddle instantly recognisable and have remained a trademark to this day. Two equipment variants are available: "Le Classiche" for purists and "Le Rino" with selected cover materials.

The Rolls model focuses on simplicity and clear lines. Wide curves and carefully crafted details characterise the design. The standard version comes with black leather upholstery and silver-plated metal elements, while the "Le Rino" version offers golden accents and special covers. The Concor Supercorsa completes the collection as a modern interpretation of the 1980s classic. Each model combines historical design with modern manufacturing techniques and materials.

Bottega saddle series: The details at a glance

Design features

All three models in the Bottega collection are based on proven design principles. The shell is made of high-quality plastic, which ensures flexibility and durability. The padding uses modern foams that provide comfort over long distances. The struts are made of steel and provide the necessary stability at a low weight. This combination of materials has proven itself over decades and is continually being refined.

Equipment variants

The "Le Classiche" version is based on the original specifications of the respective models. Black leather and silver-plated metal parts dominate the appearance. The "Le Rino" version offers more exclusive materials and golden accents. Both versions use the same basic construction, but differ in the surface materials and details. The rivet nails on the shelf model are functional and serve to attach the cover to the shell.

Modern orientation and corporate structure

Riccardo Bigolin, Deputy President of the Selle Italia Group, explains the company's philosophy: "The saddle has never been just a technical detail, but a travelling companion, an element that influences the cyclist's feeling and experience." This view has characterised product development for 90 years. The combination of tradition and innovation is still at the centre of all activities.

Since 2016, Selle San Marco has been part of the Selle Italia Group based in Asolo. This integration brought additional resources for research and development. At the same time, the brand identity that distinguishes Selle San Marco from other manufacturers was retained. Production continues to take place in Italy and follows traditional quality standards. Modern manufacturing techniques complement the tried and tested artisan methods without replacing them.

Presentation as part of the L'Eroica

The L'Eroica in Gaiole provides the ideal setting for the presentation of the Bottega collection. This event combines cycling history with modern enthusiasm for classic bikes and components. Participants ride historic racing bikes and wear clothing from past eras. The focus is on emotions and the pure joy of cycling, not the pursuit of the best times.

Selle San Marco uses this atmosphere to demonstrate the continuity between past and present. The Bottega models epitomise this bridge between the eras. They combine proven designs with modern materials and manufacturing methods. For many L'Eroica participants, these saddles are the perfect complement to their classic racing bikes. The event shows that cycling is more than just sport - it is culture and passion.

Significance for modern cycling

The 90-year history of Selle San Marco reflects the development of cycling. From its beginnings in the 1930s to today's high-tech era, much has changed. What has remained is the importance of the saddle as the link between rider and machine. Modern racers place the highest demands on weight, aerodynamics and comfort. At the same time, there is a growing interest in classic designs and traditional craftsmanship.

The Bottega collection serves both trends. It offers nostalgia for lovers of classic racing bikes and modern functionality for discerning riders. This duality makes Selle San Marco a special brand in the saddle market. While many manufacturers focus exclusively on state-of-the-art technology, the Italian company maintains its roots. This strategy pays off: The brand enjoys a high reputation among collectors and active cyclists alike.