Conclusion by Max Fuchs, BIKE editor
Saddles remain a highly personal matter. What fits one person perfectly may pinch in the wrong place for another. That is why we deliberately base our assessment of the fit on an individual basis. Nevertheless, the Peaty’s Monarch is a surprise: despite its flat, rather unspectacular design, it offers a surprising amount of comfort.
The design of the saddle is even more impressive. Peaty’s combines a flexible plastic platform with a generous recess in the centre to relieve pressure, an almost flat underside and a design that can be completely dismantled in just a few simple steps. In addition, the manufacturer reinforces the sides of the seat platform, which are particularly vulnerable to damage from falls
Key facts
- Price: 109.99 euros (Ti-MX), 79.99 euros (4130 CroMo)
- Version tested: Monarch Ti-MX
- Striving: titanium alloy
- Manufacturer's weight: 240 g
- BIKE test weight: 248.4 g
- Alternative: Version with 4130 CroMo struts, 262 g (manufacturer’s specification)
- Dimensions: 260 x 145 mm
- Design: flexible plastic platform
- Upholstery: strictly interpreted
- Recess: generous cut-out in the seat area
- Subpage: virtually flat, low-dirt design
- Service: can be completely dismantled
- Special feature: integrated recessed handle at the rear
- Shelf life: reinforced side panels
Surprisingly comfortable
Visually, the Monarch has a distinctly understated appearance. The flat seat, clean lines and minimalist upholstery initially suggest a sporty saddle for purists rather than a specialist in comfort. But the surprise comes when you sit on it: the Monarch rides far more comfortably than its slender silhouette would suggest.
This is mainly down to the flexible plastic platform. It yields in a controlled manner under load, taking some of the firmness out of the saddle without creating a spongy feel. The padding is relatively firm, yet the seat remains highly comfortable even on longer rides.
The generous cut-out running along the centre of the saddle works particularly well. It provides ample space where pressure is often felt, ensuring that no pressure points or numbness develop, even after several hours in the saddle. Naturally, it remains to be seen how applicable this is to other cyclists – when it comes to saddles, individual anatomy is ultimately the deciding factor.
Well thought out, right down to the underside
If you turn the Monarch over, you’ll discover one of its most interesting features. The underside is unusually uncluttered: instead of numerous ribs, indentations and small edges, it presents a largely smooth surface.
At first, that sounds like a minor detail. After several muddy rides, however, the practical benefit becomes apparent. Mud and fine sand have little chance of getting lodged under the saddle. This makes cleaning much easier and, at the same time, eliminates a potential source of creaking later on. Less dirt at moving contact points simply means less hassle.
The rear end also has a practical dual function. The moulded edge can be used as a handle – a welcome help, particularly with heavy e-bikes, when you need to push the bike. Even there, Peaty’s avoids unnecessary undercuts where dirt could accumulate.
Repair rather than throw away
The Monarch becomes even more interesting once you stop looking at the saddle and start looking inside it. Peaty’s places great emphasis on durability and promises a design that can be taken apart for maintenance and the replacement of spare parts.
At first, that sounds like a typical sustainability claim. We wanted to know what was actually left of it once the saddle was on the workbench – so we took it apart without further ado.
Loosen two Allen screws, and the Monarch can be dismantled into its individual parts in no time. No special tools, no complicated dismantling, no struggle with components that are stuck together. In just a few simple steps, all the components are laid out separately, ready to be cleaned or replaced if faulty.
Peaty’s is thus living up to its promise. Should a strut ever become damaged, the frame start to creak, or a thorough clean be required, the entire saddle does not necessarily have to be thrown away. Individual components can be serviced or replaced.
Extra support where it hurts
When it comes to durability, Peaty’s also focuses on the typical weak points. Peaty’s fits the side sections of the seat platform with a reinforced layer of material. This is precisely where the saddle is most likely to hit rocks, roots or the ground in the event of a fall. This detail increases durability in the exposed areas and thus effectively complements the repair concept.
Ti-MX: ‘light’ is relative
When it comes to weight, Peaty’s has opted for titanium struts on the Ti-MX version we tested. The lighter version is said to weigh 240 grams. However, our test bike recorded a weight of 248.4 grams.
As such, the Monarch is not one of the lightweight saddles. However, given its generous platform, robust construction and additional reinforcements, this is hardly surprising. Those who favour lightweight designs and are keen to save every gramme will have no trouble finding lighter models.
On the other hand, anyone looking for a robust, well-designed saddle for the long term is likely to be less concerned about the extra grams. With the Monarch, what you’re really getting in return is comfort, and a design that can be repaired if the need arises.
Conclusion and editorial commentary
The Peaty’s Monarch does a lot of things differently from what its unassuming appearance might suggest. Once on the bike, it surprises with a high level of comfort, even though the padding is by no means plush. The flexible platform provides a comfortable ride, whilst the large cut-out noticeably relieves pressure on the sensitive perineal area.
However, the Monarch really shows its true strength away from the seat. The largely enclosed underside keeps dirt out of critical areas, the integrated handle makes it easier to manoeuvre heavy bikes, and the modular design solves one of the most annoying problems with many components: a minor fault does not necessarily mean you have to buy a new product.
With 109.99 euros For the Ti-MX version tested, the Monarch isn’t exactly a bargain, but given its durability, it isn’t overpriced either. The version with steel struts costs 79.99 euros and is likely to offer better value for money for many riders.
All in all, what stands out most is the consistency of the concept: with the Monarch, Peaty’s is thinking not only about the moment of purchase, but also about the years that follow. Drive, clean, maintain, repair – rather than use and throw away. Whether the saddle suits your body shape remains, of course, the key factor. However, if you’re happy with the 145-millimetre-wide seat and the design, you’ll find this to be an exceptionally well-designed and surprisingly comfortable MTB saddle.
Max Fuchs
Editor