Bicycle saddles in the test: From Tour to Race - 20 MTB saddles in laboratory and practical tests

This article was first published in July 2020 and was revised in June 2024.

There are as many myths about the bicycle saddle as there are about Greek deities: A soft saddle is more comfortable. The hole in the centre relieves pressure on the perineal area. Or: Women sit more comfortably on a special ladies' saddle. Legends that have now all been disproved, or at least are not entirely true. The fact is: the longer a rider sits in the saddle, the harder the saddle can be padded. After just 30 minutes, the body sinks so deeply into padding that is too soft that the pressure on the sensitive soft tissue and deeper muscle layers can increase uncomfortably. A hole in the saddle cover can relieve the sensitive nerve tracts, of course. However, our pressure measurements and a study by the German Sport University Cologne show that high load peaks can occur at the edges of the cut-outs. Off-road, this can lead to painful kicks in the genital area. The truth is: the right bike saddle is as individual as your personal fingerprint. The more sporty you are on your mountain bike, the narrower the saddle should be.

In a stretched sitting position, the pressure increasingly shifts to the narrower pubic bone branches. If the saddle is too wide, on the other hand, the rider automatically slides forwards and has to actively push themselves back onto the seat. However, even if the saddle width suits the rider's build, pressure pain and numbness cannot be ruled out. On a strongly curved saddle cover, the sitting bones may be lower than the perineal area and the nerves are irritated. A depression in the centre of the saddle relieves the nerves and allows the blood to circulate better. Our test reports show the usable width, the firmness of the padding and how well the perineal area is relieved on each model. However, bikers will still only find the perfect saddle after an extensive test ride. Incidentally, we have deliberately refrained from testing special women's models. As long as the saddle suits the rider's anatomy and individual riding position, women will also get on well with unisex saddles.

MTB saddles for touring bikers put to the test:

• Ergon SM Pro Men
• Fabric Scoop Race Shallow
• Fizik Gravita Alpaca X5
• Natural Fit Venec+
• Procraft Tour S
• Pro Turnix Gel
• Selle Italia SLR Boost X-Cross Superflow
• Selle San Marco GND Supercomfort Racing
• SQlab 60X Ergowave Active
• Syncros Tofino R 1.0

MTB saddles for race and marathon bikers put to the test:

• Fabric ALM Ultimate Shallow
• Fizik Tundra M5 VS
• Merida Expert CC
• Pro Stealth Offroad
• Selle Italia X-LR Kit Carbonio SuperFlow
• Selle San Marco Sella Allroad Openfit CFX
• Selle SMP Drakon
• Specialised Power S-Works
• SQlab 612 Ergowave R
• Syncros Belcarra R 1.0

The 10 MTB saddles for touring bikers in the individual test

Ergon SM Pro Men

• Price: 109,95 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 255 gr
• Frame: TiNox
• Adjustment range: 75 mm
• Widths / Usable width: S/M; M/L / 126/140 mm
• Equipment / options: Accessory holder / three colours and two widths available

Pressure distribution The SM Men puts a lot of pressure on the sit bones and noticeably relieves the sensitive perineal area. The pressure is also kept within limits when climbing.

Conclusion: The Ergon hits the golden mean in terms of padding and is therefore comfortable even on long rides. The wide and flat seat surface offers space for changing position, while the slightly rising rear provides support on uphills. The slightly ribbed surface gives the rider support in the saddle, and thanks to the wide adjustment range, the Ergon can be adjusted very well to the individual position. A good choice for touring bikers.

Fabric Scoop Race Shallow

• Price: 89,90 Euro
• Weight: 255 gr
• Frame: Titanium
• Adjustment range: 65 mm
• Widths / Usable width: Flat / Shallow / radius / 100 / 110 / 123 mm
• Equipment / options: Available in three shapes depending on seating position / different frames and colours. frames and colours

Pressure distribution Due to the semi-circular seat, the pressure is more on the pubic bones and suits riders who are sensitive to pressure on the sit bones.

Conclusion: The firm padding of the Scoop requires a well-retracted seat. The slightly curved shape supports position changes and allows for different seating positions. There is no relief channel, so there is already some pressure in the perineal area in the upright position, which increases noticeably when climbing. Depending on the riding position, upright or sporty, there are three saddle shapes to choose from.

Fizik Gravita Alpaca X5

• Price: 79 Euro
• Weight: 224 gr
• Frame: Aluminium
• Adjustment range: 60 mm
• Widths / Usable width: 130 / 110 mm
• Equipment / options: Carbon-nylon shell; accessory holder

Pressure distribution Thanks to the flat seat and hard padding, there is a lot of pressure on the sit bones. However, the pressure on the perineal area increases noticeably when climbing.

Conclusion: The Gravita Alpaca is a short, narrow saddle that allows plenty of movement on the bike thanks to its flat shape and rounded design. The wide saddle nose provides good support on steep climbs. The hard padding and limited usable width focus more on enduro use than downhill riding. The Gravita is easy to get behind the saddle.

Natural Fit Venec+

• Price: 89,95 Euro
• Weight: 291 gr
• Frame: CrMo
• Adjustment range: 60 mm
• Widths / Usable width: Regular / Large / 115 / 120 mm
• Equipment / options: Fibreglass shell; accessory holder / also available as ladies' version

Pressure distribution Good distribution around the sit bones, without excessive pressure peaks, the perineum is still sufficiently relieved in an upright position.

Conclusion: Comfortably padded saddle for touring bikers with a more upright riding position. The padding can sag a little on long rides. The Venec+ is very short and rather wide. Muscular thighs quickly brush against the wide saddle nose when pedalling. The slightly rising rear supports the rider on climbs. The short nose makes it easier to get on and off the bike.

Procraft Tour S

• Price: 26,90 Euro
• Weight: 304 gr
• Frame: CrMo
• Adjustment range: 50 mm
• Widths / Usable width: 158 mm / 132 mm
• Equipment / options: Also available in a version without a hole

Pressure distribution The thick padding distributes the pressure over a large area around the sit bones and prevents pressure peaks. Particularly comfortable for occasional riders.

Conclusion: The extremely inexpensive Procraft is wide and voluminous and is quite high on the seat post. The wide, softly padded seat is well suited to an upright position and for riders who spend little time in the saddle. After longer periods of riding and on steep terrain, the pressure at the edges of the perineal area increases. Comfortable touring saddle for short rides. Small adjustment range.

Pro Turnix Gel

• Price: 94,95 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 303 gr
• Frame: Stainless steel
• Adjustment range: 50 mm
• Widths / Usable width: 142/152 cm / 116/122 mm
• Equipment / options: Glass fibre reinforced shell; accessory mounting option / carbon frame

Pressure distribution The cut-out means that there is little pressure in the perineal area, but if you slide further forwards on the climb, pressure peaks can occur at the edges.

Conclusion: If you want to really step on the gas on the trail, the Turnix is a good choice. The slightly curved shape gives agile riders a good grip on the saddle. The firm padding is comfortable even on long rides. The long, narrow saddle nose and the slightly sloping seat prevent friction on the thighs. The Turnix is well made, but quite heavy.

Selle Italia SLR Boost X-Cross Superflow

• Price: 224,90 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 198 gr
• Frame: Titanium
• Adjustment range: 65 mm
• Widths / Usable width: 130/145 mm / 115/125 mm
• Equipment / options: Fibre-reinforced shell; shock absorber in the frame

Pressure distribution With the SLR, the pressure moves more towards the pubic bone, which relieves the ischial tuberosities somewhat. Significantly increased pressure at the edge of the extra large recess.

Conclusion: Thanks to its short, narrow cut, the SLR allows plenty of movement on the trail. In addition to the firm padding, the flexible saddle shell and a shock absorber on the frame provide some comfort. The pressure is clearly noticeable at the edges of the huge cut-out. Towards the rear, the flat SLR offers hardly any support. The flanks are reinforced against impacts. Expensive model for sporty, flexible riders with little change of position.

Selle San Marco GND Supercomfort Racing

• Price: 159 Euro
• Weight: 204 gr
• Frame: Xsilite
• Adjustment range: 50 mm
• Widths / Usable width: Narrow / Wide / 124 / 134 mm
• Equipment / options: Carbon-reinforced shell; gel insert / numerous versions in this shape

Pressure distribution The curved shape shifts the pressure more towards the pubic bone. Good for insensitive riders who are looking for some relief for the sit bones.

Conclusion: With its slightly curved shape, the GND keeps the rider in a stable position and provides good support on climbs. Despite the gel-padded relief bar and soft, wide nose, there is noticeable pressure in the perineal area. More suitable for riders with a sporty posture but a short tour duration. The adjustment range is very small at 50 mm. The GND is also available as a perforated saddle or with a carbon frame.

SQlab 60X Ergowave Active

• Price: 149,95 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 268 gr
• Frame: S-Tube
• Adjustment range: 60 mm
• Widths / Usable width: 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 cm / 133 / 143 / 150 / 155 mm
• Equipment / options: Kevlar flanks; elastomers in three different degrees of hardness

Pressure distribution The step concept almost completely relieves the perineal area even on climbs and directs the rider's weight completely onto the ischial tuberosities.

Conclusion: The double step of the 60X almost completely relieves the perineal area and gives the rider an enormous amount of support on climbs. The rubberised saddle cover provides additional grip. The flexible saddle shell follows the pedalling movement and thus relieves the back. Once the ischial tuberosities have become accustomed to the firm padding, the 60X is the perfect choice for bikers with pressure complaints in the perineum.

Syncros Tofino R 1.0

• Price: 149,95 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 193 gr
• Frame: Carbon (7 x 9 mm)
• Adjustment range: 60 mm
• Widths / Usable width: 135 mm / 115 mm
• Equipment / options: Accessory mount / also available as a perforated saddle and with various frames. frames available

Pressure distribution The flat seat surface absorbs a lot of pressure and noticeably relieves the soft tissue. Only on steeper terrain is some pressure felt in the perineal area

Conclusion: Sporty, firm and lightweight saddle for frequent riders and long tours. The short, wide nose allows plenty of movement off-road and offers a good contact surface on climbs. The V 1.0 is a good choice for agile riders with a sporty riding position. For a more upright position, the R 1.0 is the better alternative. Both lack a little support at the rear. Convincing concept with a good price-performance ratio.

The 10 MTB saddles for race bikers in the individual test

Fabric ALM Ultimate Shallow

• Price: 349 Euro
• Weight: 146 gr
• Frame: Carbon (7 x 9 mm)
• Adjustment range: 70 mm
• Widths / Usable width: 142 mm / 115 mm
• Equipment / options: Carbon frame and shell with light leaf spring action

Pressure distribution Due to the lack of cut-outs and the slightly curved shape, there is noticeable pressure in the perineal area even when flat. Rather for insensitive riders

Conclusion: Noble and elaborately manufactured race saddle. The carbon frame is laminated directly into the saddle shell. The spartanly glued-on padding reduces the weight to just under 140 grams, but requires hardened sit bones. The slightly rising shape provides support on climbs. The flat and wide profile also suits riders with a wider sit bone distance. The edge on the nose of the saddle can put pressure in the sprint position.

Fizik Tundra M5 VS

• Price: 99 Euro
• Weight: 239 gr
• Frame: Aluminium
• Adjustment range: 50 mm
• Widths / Usable width: 126 mm / 110 mm
• Equipment / options: Accessory holder; Kordura flanks / also without recess; with carbon frame

Pressure distribution The Tundra distributes the pressure over a large area, avoids pressure peaks and tends to relieve the sit bones. Significantly increased pressure at the edges of the recess.

Conclusion: The race classic from the Fizik range is one of the narrow saddles on the market and offers less sensitive riders comfort even on long rides. Despite its flat channel, the Tundra VS hardly relieves any pressure on the perineal area, but can be a good solution for riders with sensitive sit bones. The long, narrow nose provides a lot of control and offers enough space for strong thighs.

Merida Expert CC

• Price: 54,95 Euro
• Weight: 228 gr
• Frame: CrMo
• Adjustment range: 50 mm
• Widths / Usable width: 138 mm / 110 mm
• Equipment / options: Accessory holder

Pressure distribution The Merida can be a good choice for sensitive ischial tuberosities. The pressure is more on the pubic bone and perineal area.

Conclusion: The affordable Merida is a race saddle with a classic shape - long, narrow saddle nose for good guidance and legroom and a semi-circular seat area that distributes the load more on the pubic branches. The padding is not too firm and the flexible saddle shell absorbs minor impacts. The flat cut-out hardly relieves the intimate area, so that there is a lot of pressure there even on flat terrain.

Pro Stealth Offroad

• Price: 139,95 Euro
• Weight: 209 gr
• Frame: Steel
• Adjustment range: 55 mm
• Widths / Usable width: 142/152 mm / 120/130 mm
• Equipment / options: Rubberised flanks; accessory holder

Pressure distribution The large seat area distributes the pressure on the sit bones and pubic bone branches. However, there is significant pressure at the edges of the relief channel.

Conclusion: The short, wide nose of the Stealth offers sufficient contact surface even in an aggressive riding position. The generous cut-out provides good relief. The wide, flat seat surface also offers space for riders with a larger sit bone distance. The seat, which rises towards the rear, keeps the rider in position even when pedalling hard. Quite comfortable for a racing saddle.

Selle Italia X-LR Kit Carbonio SuperFlow

• Price: 274,90 Euro
• Weight: 134 gr
• Frame: Carbon (7 x 9 mm)
• Adjustment range: 40 mm
• Widths / Usable width: S/L / 95/100 mm
• Equipment / options: Rubber bumpers / with and without recess; various frame variants

Pressure distribution The X-LR puts a lot of pressure on the pubic bone, despite the large cut-out in the perineal area. Good for riders with sensitive sit bones.

Conclusion: Due to the strongly curved seat, the X-LR is effectively very narrow and is designed for a very sporty riding position. The flexible saddle cover is tightly padded, but makes it easier to manoeuvre on the bike and offers the thighs plenty of space when pedalling. Despite the water-repellent, non-slip surface, the flat rear provides little support. Extremely light, minimal adjustment range.

Selle San Marco Sella Allroad Openfit CFX

• Price: 199 Euro
• Weight: 145 gr
• Frame: Carbon (7 x 9 mm)
• Adjustment range: 50 mm
• Widths / Usable width: 146 mm / 105 mm
• Equipment / options: Flank protection

Pressure distribution The large recess relieves the perineal area well and directs the pressure onto the bony areas. The edges of the recess remain perceptible.

Conclusion: High-quality, lightweight race saddle. The curved shape places the rider in a slight hollow and provides very good support, even towards the rear. Despite the large cut-out, some pressure can be felt in the perineal area on climbs. The slim shape, with the seat sloping slightly outwards, gives the rider plenty of room to move. The padding is firm but not uncomfortable.

Selle SMP Drakon

• Price: 189 Euro
• Weight: 321 gr
• Frame: Steel
• Adjustment range: 85 mm
• Widths / Usable width: 138 mm / 105 mm
• Equipment / options: Carbon fibre-reinforced shell / optionally with carbon frame; many colours

Pressure distribution The curved seat surface distributes the pressure over a large area and prevents pressure peaks. The perineal area is very well relieved.

Conclusion: Even if the look takes some getting used to and the weight is quite high for a racing saddle, the Drakon is a very good choice for riders with perineal problems. The curved shape means you sit as firmly as in a riding saddle, with excellent support thanks to the raised rear. The adjustment range is huge, allowing the Drakon to be customised. Optionally available with a carbon frame.

Specialised Power S-Works

• Price: 279,90 Euro
• Weight: 159 gr
• Frame: Carbon (7 x 9 mm)
• Adjustment range: 65 mm
• Widths / Usable width: 143/155 mm / 118/125 mm
• Equipment / options: Accessory holder / also available with CrMo frame and as women's version

Pressure distribution Despite the hard padding, the pressure is well distributed around the sit bones without high pressure peaks. The perineal area is relieved cleanly.

Conclusion: Unusually short, but very comfortable saddle despite the hard padding. There is plenty of room for the sit bones on the wide, slightly sloping seat. The flexible saddle shell provides additional comfort. The slightly rising rear supports the rider on hard climbs. On steep climbs, however, the short nose offers little room for manoeuvre. A comfortable but expensive racer for long distances.

SQlab 612 Ergowave R

• Price: 229,95 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 127 gr
• Frame: Carbon (7 x 9.6 mm)
• Adjustment range: 60 mm
• Widths / Usable width: 12 / 13 / 14 cm / 125 / 130 / 135 mm
• Equipment / options: Carbon fibre frame / also available with S-Tube frame

Pressure distribution The step and a large hollow provide optimum relief for the perineal area. No increased pressure is felt in the genital area, even on the rise.

Conclusion: With the 612 R, the Ergo specialists have a thoroughbred and extremely lightweight racing saddle in their programme. The short and highly waisted shape creates a great deal of freedom of movement, while the raised step at the rear provides maximum support when pedalling. The 612 can be the solution for racers with numbness. The limited area for the sit bones and the firm padding take some getting used to.

Syncros Belcarra R 1.0

• Price: 149,95 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 202 gr
• Frame: Carbon (7 x 9 mm)
• Adjustment range: 60 mm
• Widths / Usable width: 130 mm / 115 mm
• Equipment / options: Accessory holder / various frame variants; also available as a perforated saddle

Pressure distribution With the Belcarra, the pressure is almost exclusively on the sit bones, the perineal area is relieved cleanly. You have to get used to the pressure on the bones.

Conclusion: The Belcarra is sportily and comfortably upholstered and is aimed at riders who prefer a little less saddle rise. The seat humps rest well on the flat seat surface and the perineum is well relieved towards the front. The thighs have enough space to avoid uncomfortable contact with the saddle when pedalling. The version with a hole is aimed at riders with a sportier riding position. Good value for money.