E-specific products have to contend with prejudices. Critics say it's "pure marketing hype". Half-baked arguments fuel this discussion. Want an example? "E-bikers sit on their bikes longer than organic bikers." That's nonsense, of course. The fact is, however, that e-mountain bikers have different ergonomic requirements in some respects. For us, for example, it was a real aha moment when we sat on the Canyon Spectral:On with its own E-MTB saddle for the first time. The big difference: the saddle is raised at the rear and offers the rider strong rearward support. On steep climbs, where you would fail on a normal bike, this gives you a lot of control and saves power. Whenever we get on test bikes with curved saddles without a rear bend, the difference becomes particularly clear. On steep ramps, you get the feeling of sliding backwards.
Legend to the picture at the top:
1. high rear: steeper climbs, more thrust to the rear, higher cadence: on the E-MTB, more power is directed to the rear. Raised saddle ends make steep climbs more comfortable.
2. more is more: weight tuning is out of place on the saddle. The few grams of weight saved definitely don't make up for the losses you suffer from a slippery, poorly supported saddle.
3. long nose: Extremely steep climbs are the salt in the soup of an E-MTB tour. If you want to test the limits, you have to push your weight far forward. A long, wide saddle nose helps.
And why do you only need the miracle saddles with motor assistance? Firstly, significantly steeper climbs are possible (and common) with an E-MTB than with pure muscle power. Secondly, the extra power of the motor provides thrust to the rear - without maximum muscle tension in the body, which fixes the biker in the centre of the bike when riding at full throttle with pure physical strength. This allows the e-mountain biker to maintain a more relaxed riding position. Control of the riding situation and grip on the rear wheel increase.
However, there is one thing to bear in mind: What good is the best e-bike saddle if longer rides end with buttock pain? To prevent this, saddle manufacturers go to great lengths, offering complex measurement methods for the sit bone distance and saddles in different widths or other customisations. Ergon and SQlab demonstrate this ergonomic approach in this test field. As tastes and biker backsides are as varied as the selection of different saddle models, seating comfort remains a very personal variable. Only extensive test rides can provide definitive information.
Conclusion by Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB test editor
All three models in the test offer noticeable advantages over standard flat saddles - and we'd like to see more of them. Canyon's concept with a raised rear end is the most consistent and works. However, the special seating sensation takes some getting used to. One thing applies to e-saddles just as much as to all other bicycle saddles: the most important thing is a comfortable seat, even on long rides. And this varies greatly from person to person. The only thing that helps here is to try it out!
THE DETAILS
THE DIFFERENCES
Inclination: Especially on normal saddles without a raised rear end, it can be useful to tilt the saddle slightly forwards. This is more comfortable on steep climbs and prevents you from slipping backwards. Saddles that are tilted backwards are counterproductive. Even with specific E-MTB saddles, it is worth tinkering with the optimum angle.
Location: Wide seat posts and soft suspension can bring the rear end to its knees on steep climbs. The shock sags and the front wheel rises earlier. Pushing the saddle forwards counteracts this effect and can improve the climbing ability of your E-MTB. Caution: This makes the bike feel shorter when seated.
Height: If you ride uphill a lot on technical terrain, you can get a little more out of your e-MTB with the right saddle height. EMTB riding technique expert Stefan Schlie advises: "Set the saddle on the E-MTB a little lower than on a normal bike. About one centimetre. This gives you more freedom of movement in tricky passages."
THE TEST RESULTS
CANYON SD:ON
Price 69.95 Euro / www.canyon.com
Weight 272 grams (men)
Sizes Ladies, Gents
EMTB EVALUATION
Support 6 out of 6 points
Saddle nose 5 out of 6 points
Comfort 4 out of 6 points
CONCLUSION: Canyon co-developed the SD:On for the launch of its first E-MTB, the Spectral:On - and hit the bull's eye. When you sit on it, you immediately realise that you are sitting on a special saddle, which takes a moment to get used to. It's almost like sitting in a seat pan and the riding position is clearly defined. The support to the rear is great, no other saddle can keep up. The saddle nose could be a little more comfortable, but overall most testers were very happy with the seating comfort. The saddle is only available in one width as a men's or women's model. Fair price and lightweight.
ERGON SM E-MOUNTAIN
Price 89.95 Euro / www.ergon-bike.com
Weight 305 grams (S/M)
Sizes S/M: 9-12 cm, M/L: 12-16 cm
EMTB EVALUATION
Support 4 out of 6 points
Saddle nose 4 out of 6 points
Comfort 5 out of 6 points
CONCLUSIONS: Anyone taking a seat on the SM E-Mountain will be spoilt with a sofa feeling, as the saddle is very soft. This is somewhat unusual for a sporty MTB saddle and definitely a matter of taste. However, most of the testers found the comfort to be positive. The rear curves upwards and provides a lot of support, but the curvature is also soft. If a lot of pressure is applied to the rear, you can slip over the rear end. The saddle nose is rather narrow. The saddle is prepared for the attachment of Topeak saddlebags.
SQLAB 60X ERGOWAVE ACTIVE
Price 149.95 Euro / www.sq.lab.com
Weight 274 grams (13 cm)
Sizes 13, 14, 15, 16 cm
EMTB EVALUATION
Support 4 out of 6 points
Saddle nose 6 out of 6 points
Comfort 5 out of 6 points
CONCLUSIONS: Some of our test riders swear by the ingenious ergonomics of the SQLab saddles, but that's an individual thing. The 60X is relatively wide and hard, but still comfortable. The rear support is much less pronounced compared to the Canyon, but still very helpful and effective. Our popometers were unable to determine whether the anti-slip pads play a large part in this. Great: The wide saddle nose is very comfortable when you're riding far forwards on the steepest climbs. However, it's not everyone's cup of tea on long rides. The Kevlar reinforcements and the adjustable side flex show the attention to detail - which, however, also comes at a hefty price.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
