Bike Ahead: Testing the Hypersaddle – a saddle lighter than a bar of chocolate

The Bike Ahead Hypersaddle weighs next to nothing. You’ll be utterly amazed the first time you lift this bike saddle. It almost feels as though gravity has momentarily failed. The carbon saddle is fascinating in terms of its weight and shocking in terms of its price. Very few cyclists would be willing to spend 369 euros on a saddle.

That’s fine by me, because Bike Ahead itself sees this high-end model as a performance product for cycling enthusiasts. It’s the radical lightweight construction and the unrivalled handcrafted production in Germany that fascinate fans all over the world with these products from Franconia. The Hypersaddle is incredible. But does ‘incredible’ also mean ‘good’? We put it to the test.

Bike Ahead: The Hypersaddle in detail

• Intended use: Cross-country MTB / road bike / gravel bike
• Material: Carbon monocoque
• Weight: 87 g (BIKE measurement, 146 mm wide, including Alcantara cover)
• Width: 135 (for a distance between the sit bones of 8–13 cm) or 146 mm (for a distance between the sit bones of 10–14 cm)
• Length: 245 mm
• Price: 369 euros
• Special features: made in Germany

The saddle as a vehicle for technology

The Hypersaddle aims to combine a minimalist, elegant design with a high level of comfort, thereby setting new standards in its category. To achieve this, Bike Ahead utilises state-of-the-art manufacturing methods in its domestic production facilities.

This includes what is known as injection-bonding technology, which promises particularly durable bonded joints. These joints are integrated in such a way as to be virtually invisible, helping to create a clean, uncluttered appearance.

The construction of the saddle shell has also been specifically optimised for performance. It plays a major part in the saddle’s minimal overall weight, whilst also ensuring a balance between stability and flexibility.

A generously sized cut-out in the central area is designed to relieve pressure on the perineum, thereby reducing pressure peaks and numbness. The rounded, smooth edges protect clothing from premature wear and tear, whilst also promising to improve freedom of movement and manoeuvrability on challenging trails.

The saddle frame is attached to the flanged edge of the shell – a design feature intended to give the Hypersaddle its characteristic flexibility. According to Bike Ahead, this design is said to effectively dampen vibrations and impacts without compromising on the necessary support. Furthermore, the frame offers an extra-wide adjustment range, allowing the seating position to be individually tailored to the rider’s needs.

The Hypersaddle is designed for use in competitive cross-country mountain biking as well as on road bikes and gravel bikes. It is approved for a system weight of up to 110 kilograms. Customers can order it either with a smooth surface or with an Alcantara faux leather cover.

The issue of weight

For many mountain bikers, the saddle might not necessarily be the first place to look to save weight. However, it’s only a direct comparison that really shows just how dramatic the weight reduction is with The Hypersaddle. A standard saddle easily tips the scales at 280 grams. With The Hypersaddle, you can easily save almost 200 grams in the seat area – that’s a lot!

The carbon experts achieve this dream weight through a particularly thin-walled construction, which is only made possible by innovative manufacturing methods and a precise, hand-laid layer structure. Once the prepregs have been placed in the mould, the saddle is cured under pressure and heat in what is known as an autoclave.

The lack of a paint finish reveals the exclusive carbon fibre surface and saves a few more grams. But is a carbon fibre component like this actually comfortable? After all, The Hypersaddle has no padding whatsoever. That’s what we’ll be finding out in this test.

This is what the Bike Ahead The Hypersaddle is like to ride

In fact, compared to other lightweight saddles, The Hypersaddle can be fitted within a relatively wide range, making it easy to find a comfortable riding position. Bike Ahead has really thought this through.

You can even press the saddle shell in with your hand – an initial indication of its flex characteristics. This is confirmed on rough terrain. Much like a leaf spring, the carbon material effectively dampens vibrations. However, it is essential to choose the correct saddle width, as the carbon only flexes appropriately at the designated points.

On steep climbs, the wide nose of the saddle provides good support and the fit is just right. It is only on very long climbs, and when wearing shorts with particularly thin padding, that seating comfort suffers as a result of the minimalist design. The flex of the nose is noticeably less than that of the rest of the saddle shell.

The minimalist Alcantara cover is particularly effective at preventing slipping in wet conditions. With the dropper post lowered, the bike can be guided easily along the rounded edge of the Bike Ahead saddle. Thumbs up for the overall combination of handling and weight.

Conclusion

As a tech geek, I have to give Bike Ahead a huge compliment for the engineering behind The Hypresaddle. Its absurdly light weight is almost unbelievable. Given that, the seating comfort is good, though it’s certainly not to everyone’s taste. The finish and the fact that it’s locally produced are beyond reproach. Hats off! If only it weren’t so expensive! - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

Pro

• extremely light weight
• surprisingly high levels of seating comfort in many situations
• good handling
• Made in Germany

Cons

• high price
• Comfort issues when wearing a thin bib and tackling long uphill sections

What do you think: would the Bike Ahead The Hypersaddle be a good fit for your bum? Let us know in the comments!

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