Short-nosed saddles address a specific fit problem that traditional saddle shapes can't solve—when your riding position rotates your pelvis forward aggressively, a conventional nose creates pressure exactly where you don't want it. The Ritchey WCS Cabrillo takes this short-nose concept and builds it around a full carbon shell and rails, creating a 145mm-wide platform that supports sit bones without the perineal pressure that drives riders to constantly shift position. The design acknowledges that aggressive road positions and time trial setups demand different support geometry than recreational riding, and the truncated nose lets you rotate forward without fighting the saddle.

The carbon fiber shell provides the foundation for the Cabrillo's ride quality, flexing predictably under load to absorb road vibration while maintaining the structural support needed for efficient power transfer. Ritchey bonds carbon rails directly to this shell, which eliminates the flex point where metal rails typically meet a composite base. The result is a unified structure where the entire saddle responds as a single element rather than separate components with different flex characteristics. Vector Evo padding tops the shell with enough cushioning to take the edge off rough pavement without the mushiness that makes high-volume padding feel vague under power.

Rail dimensions follow the 7x9mm carbon oval standard, which fits most modern seatpost clamps but requires verification if you're running an older two-bolt design or a proprietary clamping system. The 145mm width suits riders who prefer a moderate platform—wide enough for proper sit bone support in aggressive positions but narrow enough to avoid inner thigh contact during high-cadence efforts. At 143 grams claimed, the Cabrillo sits at the lighter end of carbon-railed short-nose options, though real-world weights typically vary slightly from published specs.... Read More