​Peaty’s Monarch: New MTB saddle focuses on comfort, service and sustainability

Conclusion: A saddle that aims to do more than just be comfortable

Peaty’s continues to push the boundaries of mountain bike saddle design. The Monarch focuses on comfort, robust materials and, above all, one unusual feature: it can be completely dismantled and serviced. This means that creaking, worn components or damaged rails do not automatically mean the saddle is a write-off.

Added to this are a well-designed shape, a 40-millimetre-wide pressure-relief channel and the new Throne Foam padding. Two rail versions cater for different requirements: 240 grams with titanium or 262 grams with 4130 CrMo.

Peaty’s is therefore focusing less on spectacular weight records and more on everyday practicality and a long service life. The service-friendly design remains particularly exciting. We’ve yet to test whether the Monarch is actually as comfortable as Peaty’s promises.

Peaty’s Monarch: Key facts

• Area of application: Mountain bike
• Dimensions: 145 × 260 mm
• Weight of Ti-MX: 240 g
• Weight of 4130 CrMo: 262 g
• Upholstery: Peaty’s Throne Foam
• Pressure relief: 40 mm duct
• Rails: Titanium or 4130 CrMo
• Reference: seamless, vacuum-sealed PU cover
• Proportion of recycled material: 24 per cent ocean plastic by weight
• Service: Can be completely dismantled and serviced
• Rails: individually replaceable
• Colours: Black, Slate Grey, Turquoise Blue, Red and Mango Orange
• Warranty: 30-Day Rider Comfort Guarantee

Designed for long days in the saddle

Peaty’s has designed the Monarch for cyclists who spend many hours on their bikes. The 145-millimetre-wide and 260-millimetre-long seat is designed to provide ample support without restricting freedom of movement on technical trails.

To achieve this, Peaty’s combines a flat nose with a slightly raised tail. The nose makes it easier to change position, whilst the tail provides extra support when climbing.

At the centre is a 40-millimetre-wide pressure-relief channel. It reduces pressure on sensitive areas and complements the basic ergonomic shape.

Throne Foam is designed to absorb trail vibrations

Peaty’s has developed its own Throne Foam blend for the padding. It is designed to absorb impacts and vibrations, thereby providing greater comfort, particularly on long rides.

The design of the rails and their mountings also plays a part. Flex-Tuned rails and lugs are designed to dampen minor impacts and vibrations. Furthermore, Peaty’s did not develop the saddle solely on a computer or in a laboratory. Test riders with different body types and riding styles fine-tuned the shape under real-world trail conditions.

Put an end to that creaky, disposable saddle

This is where Peaty’s really stands out. The Monarch can be completely dismantled using a 2 mm and 3 mm Allen key. Remove dirt, clean the components, re-grease them and reassemble – the manufacturer has specifically designed the saddle for maximum ease of maintenance.

Peaty’s is thus tackling a well-known nuisance: creaking saddles. Often, the problem isn’t a total write-off, but rather dirt or a worn-out component. With the Monarch, riders can fix the cause rather than replacing the entire saddle.

The rails can also be replaced individually. So if a fall damages the struts, the whole saddle doesn’t automatically end up in the bin. The design also makes it easier to separate the materials at the end of the product’s life.

PU cover made from recycled ocean plastic

For the cover, Peaty’s combines a seamless, vacuum-sealed PU cover with 24 per cent recycled ocean plastic. Reinforced side panels protect vulnerable areas in the event of a fall and increase durability.

Peaty’s also has a small but handy feature hidden under the saddle: an integrated handle makes it easier to lift the bike over obstacles or when pushing it up steep sections.

The matt finish, subtle Peaty’s logos and embossed details give the design a deliberately understated look.

Titanium or chromoly?

When it comes to rail material, Peaty’s offers a choice between two options. The Monarch Ti-MX version uses Titan rails and weighs 240 grams. The 4130-CrMo version It features particularly robust chromoly struts and weighs 262 grams.

The shape, upholstery and features remain the same. The decision therefore comes down to the weight.

Five colours and a 30-day returns policy

Peaty’s offers the Monarch in five colours: Black, Slate Grey, Turquoise Blue, Red and Mango Orange. This means the saddle can be integrated into your bike to create anything from a subtle, low-key look to a striking splash of colour.

When it comes to comfort, Peaty’s is taking a risk and offering a 30-Day Rider Comfort Guarantee. Riders can test the saddle under real-world conditions. If it isn’t comfortable enough, the Monarch can be returned or exchanged via the retailer within 30 days.

Availability in Germany and Austria

The Peaty’s Monarch is now available from specialist cycle retailers in Germany and Austria. Distribution is handled by Silverfish EU. Sales via the Silverfish EU website are aimed at specialist retailers.

Editorial commentary

With the Monarch, Peaty’s isn’t simply launching yet another saddle that aims to stand out solely on the basis of weighing a few grams less or having the most radical shape possible. The British firm is taking a different approach: the Monarch is designed to remain comfortable for a long time, withstand a lot of wear and tear, and, if necessary, be repairable.

It is precisely this ease of maintenance that makes the saddle so appealing. A saddle that can be completely dismantled and has replaceable rails may not sound particularly impressive at first, but it solves a real everyday problem. Anyone who has ever had to replace a creaky saddle because of a minor fault is likely to appreciate the concept.

Peaty’s also takes a sensible approach to comfort. The pressure-relief channel, foam padding and tailored flex zones all work in tandem. Whether this combination really delivers on long rides, however, isn’t determined by the spec sheet, but by how your bum feels after several hours on the trail.

Advantages

• well-designed ergonomics for long rides
• 40 mm pressure relief channel
• special Throne Foam padding
• Can be completely dismantled and serviced
• interchangeable rails
• sturdy side panels
• two rail variants
• 24 per cent recycled ocean plastic in the PU cover
• 30-Day Rider Comfort Guarantee
• five colour options

Disadvantages

• At 262 grams, the CrMo version is no lightweight
• Despite extensive development, comfort can only be assessed on an individual basis
• The service concept requires initiative and tools