Which saddle is best for MTB tours?

Do you think tyres are the number one tuning part on a mountain bike? Think again. It’s not the grips, inner tubes or gear components either, but that inconspicuous black component hidden beneath the cyclist’s bum. Quite a few customers bring their old saddle with them when buying a new bike. That’s because the model fitted as standard rarely fits the rider’s anatomy perfectly. Tyre pressure? That can be adjusted. The suspension? It can be adjusted in a few simple steps. But the saddle? Either it fits, or it simply doesn’t.

For this reason, we have decided not to carry out a rigorous comparative test on the saddles. Whilst testers often reach a surprising consensus on other products, three testers – who usually scrutinise every MTB saddle in great detail – often end up with three quite different opinions on paper. Anatomy, riding position, flexibility, riding style – no other component is influenced by as many individual factors as the saddle. Nevertheless, to provide you with a guide as to which of the 14 MTB touring saddles in our comparison might be a reliable choice for you, we’ve carried out extensive measurements on every model.

Editor’s note: The saddles tested were from spring 2022. However, the findings regarding the various construction methods remain valid beyond that period.

A special measuring film reveals which saddle best diverts the pressure caused by the rider’s weight away from the sensitive perineal area. Using a comfort measurement system developed in-house, we have determined the padding firmness and the damping properties of the saddles. You will also find details in the test reports regarding the effective width of the saddle, one of the most important specifications of all. This is because the manufacturer’s specification usually refers to the actual width – two figures that often differ significantly from one another. On Fitting expert Franziska Schmidt from Gebiomized explains in our buying guide what other criteria you need to consider when choosing a mountain bike saddle. However, even if you study all the information in this article carefully, you’ll probably still have to go to a shop to ‘try one on’. After all, the right saddle is as individual as a fingerprint.

How we carried out the test: Pressure measurement

To visualise the varying pressure distribution on the test models, we used sophisticated measurement software. The software, together with the pressure-measuring film, was provided to us by SQlab. The measurements were carried out in our own laboratory. To ensure a correct riding position, the testers used their own bikes. The saddle width was selected to match the testers’ sit bone spacing. To compare the laboratory results with real-world impressions, we rode all the saddles on a standardised test route.

How we carried out the test: Comfort measurement

We measured saddle comfort using a test rig specially developed by Dipl.-Ing. Robert Kühnen. For this purpose, a dummy featuring ischial tuberosities and the pubic bone was placed on the test saddles and subjected to a load of 500 newtons to simulate sinking into the saddle. A second measurement, using a force of 1,500 newtons, assessed comfort when riding over an obstacle. The figures indicate, on the one hand, the general firmness of the saddle pad and, on the other, the ability of the saddle frame, saddle shell and padding to absorb shocks whilst riding.

Ergon SM Pro Men's

The SM Pro offers padding ranging from sporty to comfortable and appeals to racers and tourers alike. The flat seating area makes it easy to change position. There’s plenty of room for the sit bones, and you’ll quickly find a comfortable position on the saddle. The slightly raised rear end provides support for the rider on steep climbs. The wide, comfortable nose makes it easy to tackle even long climbs in a relaxed manner. >> e.g. available here.

Pressure distribution: The pressure is distributed evenly across the sit bones, whilst the slight indentation ensures that the perineal area remains unobstructed even when riding uphill.

Fizik Terra Argo X5

With its V-shaped design and wide nose, the Fizik is a good choice for cyclists who tend to sit on their pubic bones. However, the sit bones are also provided with broad support. Riders with thick thighs may find they brush against the wide wings; the padding is rather firm and may, over time, cause pressure against the angular sides of the cut-out. The short nose restricts the climbing position slightly.

Pressure distribution: The wide recess and the gently curved shape ensure that the perineum remains unobstructed even when climbing.

Natural Fit Venec WS

As soon as you sit on it, you sink deep into the soft padding of the Venec – this is comfortable at first, but can lead to increased pressure in the perineal area over time. The test riders’ thighs brushed against the wide wings, whilst the steeply sloping shape restricts the support for the sit bones. Although it is actually a women’s model, the male testers also found it comfortable over short distances.

Pressure distribution: Despite the wide relief channel, the dam does not remain entirely free of pressure, which is mainly due to it sinking into the soft padding.

Pro Falcon Gel

With its firm padding, the Falcon is more of a saddle for sporty mountain bikers. The flat seat surface provides broad, solid support for the sit bones, whilst the long, narrow nose offers space for the thighs and allows for changes of position on long climbs. However, due to the flat rear, the rider has to do the work of maintaining their position themselves – there is no support at the back. This can become tiring on climbs.

Pressure distribution: The flat shape distributes the pressure between the ischial tuberosities and the pubic rami; despite the recess, the centre is not fully relieved of pressure.

Procraft Carbon II Saddle

By far the lightest saddle in the test, and attractively priced too. However, due to its shape, the Procraft is only recommended for very athletic, hardy riders. The narrow shape and pronounced arch offer very little room; you feel as though you’re stuck in place, and changing position is virtually impossible. Unlike the Ergo saddles, there is a lot of pressure on the perineum even on flat terrain. On climbs, the saddle was a little slippery.

Pressure distribution: Almost all the pressure is borne by the pubic rami, and the perineal region is also subjected to considerable strain.

Prologo Dimension NDR

Extremely short and with fairly firm padding. The flat seat and slightly raised rear provide good support and sufficient space for the sit bones. Changing position whilst climbing is restricted by the short nose. Pressure points may develop at the edges of the cut-out. The narrow design accommodates even muscular thighs. Due to its curved shape, the saddle is somewhat difficult to adjust.

Pressure distribution: The rider’s weight is distributed evenly across the sit bones, but the edges of the recess cause pressure points over time.

Ritchey Comp Trail

Although the Ritchey is reasonably well-padded in itself and causes hardly any pressure peaks, its narrow shape and sloping sides mean it is only suitable for riders with a very narrow sit-bone span. Furthermore, the raised centre – which lacks a channel – presses against the perineum even when sitting upright, causing pressure points. In a sporty riding position, this pressure increases even further. The flat shape offers little support towards the rear.

Pressure distribution: Due to the highly arched design, there is a great deal of pressure on the perineum. Our conclusion, therefore, is that this is only recommended for riders who can cope with it.

SDG Bel Air 3.0

The Bel-Air features a tried-and-tested, classic shape that is rather long and narrow. The sit bones are well supported here, but the minimal recess does not fully relieve pressure on the perineum. Thanks to its straight shape without a wave, the SDG is easy to adjust. The raised rear provides good support on climbs; the shell and padding are quite firm and offer little cushioning. The saddle is also available with a titanium or carbon frame >> available here.

Pressure distribution: Although the SDG distributes the weight broadly across the rear, it cannot completely relieve the pressure on the perineal area.

Selle Italia X-Bow Ti316 Superflow

The Italians have pulled out all the stops to maximise comfort in the X-Bow: a large cut-out, a flexible bucket seat, shock absorbers and soft padding. In practice, the concept works well. Thanks to the wide seat and comfortable nose, the X-Bow is equally suitable for riders who prefer to lean heavily on their sit bones or their pubic bone. It’s a bit short if you like to slide far forward on climbs, and the tip of the saddle nose is surprisingly hard. >> e.g. available here.

Pressure distribution: Most of the weight is borne by the sit bones. The saddle is also suitable for riders who put pressure on their pubic bone and for those who ride in a sporty position.

Selle SMP Hybrid

From the moment you sit down, you sink into the cosy padding as if into a plush sofa. Whilst this distributes the weight over a wide area, after just a few kilometres the pressure at the edges of the recess increases noticeably. Due to its strongly curved shape, the Selle SMP is difficult to position correctly, but it does offer good support on climbs. Also, because of its heavy weight, it is not the first choice for sporty touring cyclists.

Pressure distribution: The soft padding distributes pressure over a wide area, but the saddle offers little room for the sit bones. The test subjects found it uncomfortable at the edges of the recess.

Specialized Power Arc Expert

The firmly padded Power Arc Expert is a top-of-the-range saddle for sporty and experienced cyclists. It’s easy to find the right position; the sit bones are well supported, and the rear section provides good support whilst pedalling. Pressure is effectively relieved in the perineal area without causing any pressure points. The slim shape also suits muscular thighs, although the short nose does restrict position changes slightly on climbs. >> e.g. available here.

Pressure distribution: The pressure peaks are due to the firm padding, but only occur at the sit bones. The perineum remains free of pressure.

SQlab 611 Ergowave active 2.1

The Ergo manufacturer’s multi-stage design really works: it completely relieves pressure on the perineum – even when climbing. The updated 611 is beautifully crafted, with protective side panels and firm padding. This means it performs optimally even on long rides. The rear step provides plenty of support, the Active function offers noticeable cushioning, and the lateral flex relieves pressure on the back. Finding the right angle is a bit tricky. >> available here.

Pressure distribution: High pressure peaks, but only on the sit bones; the step and the channel provide ideal relief for the perineum.

Terry Fly Arteria Gel

With the Fly Arteria, Terry offers a comfortable, well-cushioned long-distance saddle. The wide, flat rear provides plenty of space to change position from time to time. Here, too, pressure is distributed almost perfectly across the sit bones, and the perineum remains unobstructed at the nose of the saddle. No complaints were raised regarding pressure at the edges of the cut-out. Thanks to its flat shape, the Terry is easy to position correctly. >> available here.

Pressure distribution: Good support on the ischial tuberosities; even with a rotated pelvis, the perineum remains unobstructed. No pressure marks appeared in the recess.

WTB Volt

This absolute classic in the WTB range offers good support towards the back thanks to its slight wave shape, but is a little tricky to adjust. Even with the correct adjustment, pressure in the perineal area cannot be completely eliminated. The very soft padding smooths out minor bumps, but you sink deep into it as a result. Long, wide nose, but very limited adjustment range on the frame. >> available here.

Pressure distribution: The soft padding prevents pressure peaks and distributes the load over a wide area. However, it does not provide optimal relief for the perineal area.