The new Amp saddle from CADEX officially launched today. Before we get into our initial thoughts, here are the things that CADEX wants you to know about it.

KEY FEATURES:
• Integrated Rail Design relieves pressure points and adds compliance
• Advanced Forged Composite Technology base minimizes flex for more efficient pedaling
• Rising rear curve adds ischial support and puts rider in an efficient, aerodynamic position
• Crowned top drops at the wings for added clearance and pedaling space
• High-elasticity Particle Flow padding disperses pressure over a broader area
• Lightweight Reactive Foam for durable comfort and vibration damping
• Truncated nose with a smooth-edge design reduces inner thigh pedaling interference
• Ergonomic center cut-out relieves pressure on soft tissue areas

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Weight: 129g
Length: 245mm
Width: 145mm
Stack Height: 44mm
Rail material: Carbon
Shell: Advanced Forged Composite Technology
Padding: Lightweight Reactive Foam and Integrated Particle Flow

With that out of the way, let’s go into my thoughts about the saddle and CADEX generally.

First off, I’m impressed with what CADEX as a brand is doing generally. Over the last 6-8 months of dealing directly with the brand, I’ve realized one thing: they sort of don’t give a shit. I mean that in a good way. Look at the tri bike (which, hint hint CADEX, we still are waiting to get our hands on) – it’s the funkiest looking thing that has come out in the triathlon world since TJ Tolkanson used cups as aerobar arm rests 11 or so years ago. (Editor’s Note: based on the current generation of aerobars, TJ was onto something.) Yet that bike has won world championships and has a line out the door of people trying to buy it.

When looking at the offerings of CADEX, It almost seems as if CADEX has been given the blessing from Giant to just go try some cool/weird/rad stuff and see what sticks. Outside of the lack of availability for some of these items, they haven’t failed at that mission. That’s what I really like about them. We need more of that right now. COOL SHIT. With that said I am a little surprised that this saddle is a road saddle instead of a tri saddle. But then again, with the current market of the saddle business, it’s probably a smart move to stick to basically a second version of the road saddle they already have versus trying to break into the tri saddle market.

I do however wish that CADEX were a little bit more focused. They as a brand seem to be a little all over the place when it comes to offerings. But then again, maybe that’s the point? But if that’s the point, product needs to be available. Let’s get that bike in the marketplace for people to buy and for us to long-term review.

As far as the new saddle is concerned, my first thought: it’s one of the sturdier all carbon road saddles I have put my hands on. And that shouldn’t be a surprise. Carbon and the manufacturing process has become so advanced, and well-funded companies like CADEX aren't going to go cheap on that. The widths all work well for me in some limited riding. The rest of the claims at this point are simply that – claims – while none of them seem to be out of the realm of possibility. The Amp is slightly more narrow and shorter than the first saddle, the Boost. They reduced weight a bit and have definitely seemed to have added more shaping and curve with the Amp. It reminds me of the old school Selle Italia saddles that every single old guy has on their bike today. But the Amp goes without the metal rails and super long nose that reminds everyone of a holing tool for farming.

My initial riding thus far has been limited to about 6 hours in the saddle. In my riding, I found that it needs to be dialed in position. It simply doesn't offer much give and take. Too far forward and you can feel it pressing on you really quick. Too far back and go numb even quicker. I really enjoyed it on the climbs and I felt zero issues while in the saddle going around some long, winding descents. But once I got the angle dialed in just right, I can see a lot of claims they make may indeed have merit. I’ll be back in a month or so with a longer-term review.