Many saddle manufacturers make overly stiff based/ padded saddles so the instant you get a channelled saddle, the difference is noticeable. However, the Scoop is very flexible and forgiving so for some riders used to channels in their old saddles, it will be an easy transition as the nose flexes enough to take pressure away. Choose the right shape to suit your position and those areas of discomfort will completely disappear. Fabric is a design house that has taken on bicycle components as their canvas. Improving saddles, re-thinking water bottle mounts and more are all fair game for these guys. Now a part of Dorel Sports (parent of Cannondale, etc.), Fabric is making bigger waves in the industry. After almost a year with the Scoop Shallow Race saddle, its unassuming looks have masked all kinds of magic on the inside.

Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it? Scoop Shallow for a slightly more stretched out position such as CX, XC or Sportive/ GranFondo – can we say Gravel now too? This is great for those with bars just below the saddle or those who prefer to ride on the hoods/ flats on road bikes. Shallow: The Shallow profile has a more rounded rear section and medium padding and is designed for riders leaning forward in a more natural riding position where the handlebars are slightly lower than the saddle. The Shallow is slightly flatter than the Radius but still has a dip in the middle, this is more universal and can be used for many applications. The padding is between that of the Radius and Flat. Cell and Scoop Women Gel use the Radius shape based on a more upright ride position. How does each saddle profile help with the ride position?

Filters

First of all, you can get the Scoop in the three shapes. Flat is for the performance rider as it has the flattest rear section and lowest amount of padding, which suits an aggressive position with a high saddle-to-handlebar drop. A thinner nose allows for better leg movement. Even after three years since it launched, Fabric's slightly updated Line Race Shallow is still the sweet spot of saddles in terms of price, comfort and looks, and the good thing is if you want to spend a little less and still get great performance, all you have to do is drop down a rung on the ladder. Verdict

The Scoop has been around for a number of years, having originally being known under the Charge brand (Fabric became an off-shoot of Charge bikes). I've ridden loads of them on various different test bikes over the years and owned a couple myself and the shape of each model has always sat well with me, excuse the pun. Of course, they work really well on mountain bikes. Some carbon bikes have larger moulding around the bb area so the bottles may not fit on all full suspension mtb’s. Can I use the water bottle in normal bottle cages?The Fabric Scoop has long been a favourite of many riders and this Sport model makes that level of performance and comfort available at a budget price. With three profile options, there is also plenty of scope for whatever type of riding you do. Saddle manufacturers employ all kinds of tactics to make their saddles appear and function more ergonomically. We’re talking cutouts, grooves, gel padding, nose removal and more. And, all of those tactics are valid and helpful for many riders. But, for most things in life, simplicity is often best. This has proven true thus far with the Scoop Shallow Race saddle. As mountain bike saddles are concerned, the Scoop Race Shallow is about as versatile as they come. It is suitable for all types of riding, from XC to gravity oriented riding, with a nice shape that allows for great snag-free freedom of movement and a clean and powerful pedal stroke. This saddle isn't specific to mountain biking either. This is a great all-around option that is equally at home on the road or adventure bike too. Riders who like a pressure relief cutout or channel will be better off looking elsewhere, as this saddle has a relatively stiff shell and no real anatomical relief in its design. Weight Value-wise, the Scoop stands up well against the opposition when you take into account the build quality. Maintenance is also super-easy: it's just an easy wipe down to get rid of dirt or mud to get it looking like new again. The base is simple and easy to clean, unlike some saddles that have more complex undercarriages.