There aren't many MTB saddles on the market that have something like history attached to them. A Selle Itaila Flite, perhaps. Or the Cinelli Unicanitor - the first plastic saddle that is now available again in a retro edition.
However, only very few mountain bikers will have a real classic on their radar: the SDG Bel-Air. The original version of the Bel-Air was launched back in 1995. Since then, around one million units have been sold worldwide in a wide variety of designs and modifications. These include the first saddle with an I-Beam frame, numerous special editions with Kevlar covers, animal skin prints or for the factory teams of GT, Santa Cruz or the legendary Honda G-Cross Team. For Rampage legend Kyle Strait, SDG even created a complete collection of the Bel-Air with different designs over the years.
SDG Bel-Air: Saddle classic reworked
In order to meet the current demands of trail bikers and enduro riders, the Bel-Air has now been completely redesigned for its 25th anniversary. The somewhat bulky and bulging saddle has been significantly slimmed down for 2020. The saddle has shrunk in length to 260 millimetres and has been given a slightly shorter, wider nose for comfort on climbs. The 140 millimetre wide seat slopes slightly to the side and should provide a lot of comfort, especially in a less sporty position.
Compared to previous versions, the padding has been significantly firmer so that the sit bones do not sink too much into the saddle, even on long journeys. A slight depression in the centre is also intended to relieve the perineal area. The saddle rails are flexibly mounted to support the pedalling movement, which should also prevent back pain.
The rear end has been pulled up slightly and is designed to give the rider sufficient support on climbs or when pedalling hard. During production, SDG relies on state-of-the-art technologies that make seams superfluous and thus minimise chafing. The new Bel-Air offers sidewall protection even without the use of Kevlar.
The SDG Bel-Air 3.0 is available in numerous frame variants and various colour combinations. The cheapest model has a steel frame and is said to weigh 318 grams. However, if you attach greater importance to low weight, the Bel-Air is also available with an aluminium frame and a weight of 236 grams or with carbon rails. With these, the saddle should only weigh 181 grams.
SDG Bel-Air 3.0 - the facts
- Material seamless upper material with integrated side protection
- Saddle rails Steel, Lux aluminium, carbon
- Dimensions 260mm x 140mm (length x width)
- Weight from 181 grams (with carbon frame)
- Colours black, red, turquoise, orange, green, purple, brown, fuel
Special features:
- Raised rear for better support
- freely movable saddle rails for lateral flex
- Wider, shortened saddle nose
- Lightweight relief channel for better pressure distribution
Prices: 189.99 euros (carbon) / 89.99 euros (aluminium) / 59.99 euros (steel) / www.sdgcomponents.com
First driving report
We have already been able to test the new Bel Air 3.0 with aluminium frame. The new Bel-Air impresses with its clean workmanship right from the assembly stage. The saddle cover is seamlessly attached to the shell, so there are no points of friction. The padding is relatively firm, but the wide, only minimally sloping seat surface still provides a comfortable seat for the bum. Experienced riders should have no problems with the Bel-Air. Less enduring bikers, on the other hand, will want a little more padding, especially as the freely movable saddle rails offer hardly any noticeable flex. The raised rear, on the other hand, keeps the rider securely in the saddle even when pedalling hard and provides noticeable support.
Big saddle comparison test in BIKE 7/2020
Do you suffer from seat discomfort? Then take a look at the next issue of BIKE magazine. In our ergonomics special, we have not only focussed on the optimum seating position, but also tested 20 current mountain bike saddles from the marathon/race and tour/trail categories. With the help of sophisticated measuring technology, we show which saddle models relieve the perineal area and distribute the pressure on the sit bones.
You can find the BIKE saddle test and all the important information about ergonomics in BIKE 7/2020 - in stores from 2 June.
Stefan Frey
Editor
