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There are many different saddle preferences. Some like to sit on their sit bones, others prefer to distribute their body weight more evenly on the saddle. Still others prefer a hard carbon shell instead of soft padding. This poses a problem for this test: how do you objectively evaluate such individual products as saddles? Isn't every shape justified for every anatomy? Perhaps. But there are also parameters that can be clearly evaluated. The damping properties or pressure distribution, for example.
How we tested the saddles
1. pressure measurement
In order to visualise the different pressure distribution on the test models, we worked with sophisticated measuring software. The software and pressure measurement film were provided to us by SQlab. The measurements were taken in our own laboratory. After a roll-in phase of several minutes, each saddle was measured for 15 seconds. At the end, the software calculates an average value from all the individual measurements. The resulting pressure graphs can be found in the test letters for each saddle.
2. comfort measurement
We measured saddle comfort on a test rig developed by graduate engineer Robert Kühnen. A dummy with sit bones and pubic bone was placed on the test saddles and loaded with 500 Newtons to simulate sinking into the saddle. A second measurement with 1500 Newtons determined the comfort when riding over an obstacle. The values show the general hardness of the saddle padding on the one hand, and the ability of the saddle frame, saddle shell and padding to absorb shocks during the ride on the other.
3. practical test
Each saddle was ridden by a total of three testers on a standardised test lap and the practical impressions were compared with the laboratory results. Different sit bone distances and individual differences in the riding position were to cover as wide a spectrum as possible.
You can download the complete comparison test of the 15 MTB saddles from BIKE 4/2021 as a PDF below the article. The test report costs €1.99. You will also find the large BIKE ergonomics special with tests, tips and the correct adjustment on 56 pages (incl. saddle test) in the download area below.
Saddles up to 75 euros
- BBB Spectrum Short
- Cube Natural Fit Venec Lite
- Procraft Tour S
- SDG Bel-Air 3.0
- WTB Volt
Comfort saddles
- Ergon SMC Core
- Gebiomised Area 145 Cut-Out Soft
- Selle SMP Glider
- SQlab 611 Ergowave Active
- Terry Fly Arteria Gel Men
Race saddles
The big BIKE Ergonomics Special with tests, tips and the right setting on 56 pages can be found in the download area below. Price: 4.99 euros.
Downloads:
Adrian Kaether
Editor
