On trail performance is great, with a solid pedaling platform and a tapered tail shape that makes moving around the saddle on steep or technical terrain a snag-free endeavor. It's also impressively lightweight, tipping the scales at just g it's one of the lightest models we tested. While we loved the Undercover Stratum for its impressive comfort, performance, and lightweight, some riders who enjoy a super stiff shell may find the flex of this saddle to be a little on the soft side.
We loved it, but it may not be for everyone. It appears to be a very well made and highly durable product, but it doesn't feature any tail reinforcement protection like many of the other saddles in this review. Beyond that, we feel this is an impressively comfortable, versatile, and lightweight option that's great for any type of riding. It isn't the least expensive model we tested, but this reasonably priced competitor is an incredible value considering the level of comfort and performance it delivers.
Not only is the Volt Race a good value, but its also very comfortable, with a classic design that has stood the test of time. A slightly cradled shape that rises gently toward the tail provides a comfortable and supportive platform, with medium density padding and shallow anatomical groove and "Comfort Zone" cutout in the shell to reduce pressure in the center.
At g for the mm width we tested, the Volt Race is also lightweight considering the price. Testers found this saddle to offer exceptional versatility, with applications ranging from all disciplines of mountain biking to road riding.
The Volt Race is offered in three sizes, mm tested , mm, and mm, to accommodate a range of sit bone widths. We were very impressed with the price to comfort and performance ratio the Volt Race has to offer, and we think you'd be hard-pressed to find a better value in a mountain bike saddle. SQlab takes a very scientific approach to the design of their saddles and the Ergowave Active features the most thoughtful ergonomic design we've ever seen. It provides a high degree of comfort that starts with a proper fit, and SQlab will even send you a fit kit to measure your sit bones, so you get the correct width, it comes in 4 sizes.
The saddle has a unique stepped tip to tail profile with a high tail that positions the rider right in the sweet spot for proper weight distribution on the sit bones. Its also got a generous channel in the center for relief on the perineal area, and an extra-wide and flat nose that feels great when you need to get your weight forward on steep climbs.
It has a stiff shell and minimal padding, plus it features their Active technology that allows for a small degree of side to side rocking of the tail that is intended to match the body's biomechanics when pedaling.
It also seems highly durable with the Ti-Alloy rails molded into the bottom of the shell, and a kevlar reinforced tail to protect it during crashes. The Ergowave Active tips the scales at g with an included elastomer and g without, so it isn't especially lightweight compared to some of the models in this test.
It's also one of the most expensive models we've tested, though this saddle may be worth its weight in gold if it can effectively solve saddle-related pain or discomfort for some riders. We were very impressed with the design, comfort, and performance of this saddle. The WTB Koda Team was initially designed with the female rider in mind, but our testers found this comfortable saddle to be well-suited for male riders as well.
This saddle impressed us most with its unbeatable comfort. WTB has employed their classic slightly cradled saddle shape on the Koda Team, a design that keeps the rider in the sweet spot and provides a little support as it rises gently towards the tail.
An anatomical channel on the top of the saddle and a "Comfort Zone" cutout in the shell help to reduce pressure on the perineal area. This saddle has softer padding than our other top performing saddles, which could reduce pedaling efficiency slightly, although we were too comfortable to notice.
The Koda Team also impressed us with its weight, at g, it's one of the lightest saddles in our test selection. If we had to find fault with the Koda Team, it's that it is only available in medium to wider widths, mm tested and mm.
Riders with narrow sit bones or who prefer a narrower saddle will probably want to look elsewhere, as will riders who prefer a stiffer and less cushy platform. For everyone else, we think the Koda Team is the most comfortable saddle out there and worthy of a look whether you are a male or female rider.
The Tioga Spyder Outland is an attention-grabbing and unique looking mountain bike saddle. The design of this saddle is intended to reduce weight while also distributing the rider's weight over a flexible web of material that is suspended over a carbonite skeleton of sorts. The result of this innovative design is the lightest saddle in our test, weighing in at g with the included anti-slip pads, and a featherlight g when used without.
While it looks like it might not be all that comfortable, the Spyder Outland's flexible web seat cover surprised our testers with a comfortable and suspended feel, different from any other saddle we tested. On the trail, this saddle performed well, with a narrow width and tapered tail that provided excellent freedom of movement.
The Spyder Outland is only offered in one width, and at mm it is the narrowest saddle we tested. This width won't work for everyone, but if you have narrow sit bones or prefer a narrower saddle, then this could be a good option for you.
The Tioga Spyder Outland may scare some people off with its distinctive looks and unorthodox design, but this saddle delivers an impressively lightweight and surprisingly comfortable package assuming you need or want a narrower saddle.
Read review: Tioga Spyder Outland. The Spank Oozy is a reasonably priced mountain bike saddle that impressed us most with its comfort. It comes in mm width that worked well for our testers and should suit a wide range of sit bone widths. It has a shallow pressure relief channel that provides relief to the perineal area and a relatively flat side to side profile. It has a generally classic shape, though with an extra wide nose that feels great when you get your weight forward on steeper climbs.
The wings of the saddle have pressure zone contours that do a wonderful job of cradling the sit bones, and a little rise in the tail gives added support and helps to keep you in the sweet spot. The medium density padding feels just right and stays comfortable on any length ride. Additionally, the low-friction synthetic cover material combines with the snag-free shape to allow for unobstructed freedom of movement.
Our biggest concern with the Oozy saddle is its weight. Its among the heavier models we've tested, and it tips the scales at grams, about 80 grams heavier than the lightest competitors. It's also only available in one width, and while we found it to be supremely comfortable, it might not be ideal for everyone. Beyond that, we found little not to like about this reasonably priced saddle.
Benson has been mountain biking since the early '90s and has called the Lake Tahoe, CA area home for the past 19 years. Benson dabbles in all forms of cycling but focuses on endurance gravel and mountain bike races throughout the year. Whether he's putting test gear through its paces or training for his next event, Benson spends between hours a week in the saddle throughout the season.
This much time on the bike makes him acutely aware of saddle fit, shape, padding, and performance for all applications. In addition to decades of cycling experience, Benson spent hours poring over the internet researching the best and most popular mountain bike saddles before selecting 15 to test and compare side by side. Beyond weighing each model and examining its shape and construction, the majority of our testing was done in the field while mountain biking.
Each saddle was taken on all types of rides from backyard laps to all-day backcountry epics. Saddles were swapped frequently and often between laps for a more direct side by side comparison. Over several months, our testers pedaled their hearts out while testing the various saddles in our test selection. The wealth of trails in the greater Lake Tahoe area, as well as some time spent in the desert southwest, provided a diverse assortment of trail types and conditions to put these saddles through their paces.
Fickle mountain weather also provided an array of weather conditions, from spring rains and snow showers to hot sunny days and everything in between. At OutdoorGearLab it is our goal to find the best and highest performing products in any given test. We feel that it is a bonus when those products are also a good value.
Hands down the best value to performance ratios in our test were the WTB Volt Race and Spank Oozy , with the Tioga Undercover Stratum , not far behind by falling just above the median price with the highest performance score. Your hindquarters and underside will be making contact with your saddle for extended periods, so ensuring that the one you choose is comfortable is of the utmost importance.
A variety of factors play into the comfort of a mountain bike saddle, including width, length, padding, shape, and anatomical cutout or lack thereof. Comfort is subjective, of course, but we did our very best to determine which saddles are the most comfortable and why.
One important factor in the overall comfort of any saddle is the fit, so be sure to get the appropriate width for your sit bones, seriously. The further you bend forwards, the more pressure you put on the forward part of your pelvic area.
And that can lead to pain or numbness. Choose a saddle that suits your riding position and lightens the pressure on crucial parts of your body. That's how to prevent saddle pain. Saddles come in different widths. If you know which type of saddle you're looking for and your riding position, then choosing a saddle is straightforward. But bear in mind that saddles are sold in various widths. The width of your saddle depends on the distance between your sit bones.
By measuring this, you can discover exactly which saddle is best for you. It's very easy to measure the distance between your sit bones. The better bike shops have handy tools to help you. Find PRO Bikegear dealers here. Now you've found the perfect saddle, the next step is to set it to the correct height. This contributes to a more efficient pedal stroke and helps to prevent irritating symptoms from arising. Since determining the correct saddle height is important we advice to do a professional bikefit by bikefitting.
Ensure your saddle is horizontal. If the nose of your saddle is pointing too far up or down, then you may experience discomfort in certain undesirable areas. If your saddle is too far forward or too far back, this can lead to problems with your neck, lower back or arms. If you set both your pedals in the horizontal position, then drop a plumb line from your knee, your saddle is in a good position when the plumb line runs past the shaft of your pedal.
You can then play around with setting your saddle forwards or back. But don't make these changes too large, just make minor adjustments to your position.
Would you like help in the fine adjustment of your bike? Then we recommend arranging a bike fitting. Many professional athletes have done this already. During an extensive dynamic fitting session, your ideal riding position is calculated to the millimetre.
The rail length is about 20mm but they do have gradients along to make repeat positioning easier. With its high tail and slightly shallow shoulders it definitely scores highly in the comfort stakes.
Pros: Neutral shape makes it easy to move around. Cutaway in base enhances comfort significantly. Cons: Slippery cover material.
The PRO Turnix Offroad flies in the face of most modern saddle convention, offering a shape some would deem old school. Just like with an iceberg, the magic happens below the surface.
PRO use a carbon reinforced base with a large central cut out to encourage the saddle to conform to the body and disperse pressure. On top of that, the rails are suspended within the base itself to create a leaf spring effect; furthering its comfort even more. Worth knowing if you have a reasonably wide sit-bone measurement.
Pros: Great choice for long rides. Raised tail aids climbing stability. Cons: Finish is a bit rough underneath. The saddle is comfortable and feels that way even after three to four hours of hard shredding. Read our full test review of the Ergon SM. Pros: Classically curvy shape just plain works. Impressive weight for the price. Cons: Nothing at this price. Rather than offer a super-sleek construction philosophy, the Flux uses a more traditional method, with stitching and stapling underneath.
To keep you smiling, the padding is some of the deepest and squishiest on test, but the cut of the sides and thinner nose ensure the Flux is unobtrusive when pedalling long distances. Despite all this stuffing, the weight is very reasonable for such a cheap saddle. Durability is excellent too, both on the cover and rails. Read our full test review of Madison Flux. Reinforced corners keep the upper from damage and rips.
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