Which saddle is the best for MTB tours?

You think tyres are the number one tuning part on a mountain bike? Wrong. It's not grips, tubes or gear components, but the inconspicuous black component that hides under the rider's bum. Many customers bring their old saddle with them when they buy a new bike. This is because the factory-fitted model rarely fits the rider's anatomy perfectly. The tyre pressure? Can be adjusted. The suspension? Can be adjusted in a few simple steps. But the saddle? It either fits or it doesn't.

For this reason, we do not carry out a tough comparison test for saddles. While the testers of other products are often surprisingly unanimous, three test subjects, who usually scrutinise every MTB saddle, often end up with three very different opinions. Anatomy, riding position, mobility, riding style - there is no other component where so many individual factors play a role as when buying a saddle. However, in order to provide you with a guide as to which of the 14 MTB touring saddles in our comparison could be a reliable partner for you, we have measured each model extensively.

Note from the editors: The saddles tested date from spring 2022, but the findings on the different construction methods are valid beyond this date.

A special measuring film provides information on which saddle is best at keeping the pressure of the rider's weight away from the sensitive perineal area. We used a specially developed comfort measurement to determine the padding firmness and damping properties of the saddles. You will also find information on the usable width of the saddle, one of the most important values of all, in the test reports. The manufacturer's specification usually refers to the actual width - two values that often differ greatly. On Fitting expert Franziska Schmidt from Gebiomised explains what other criteria you need to look out for in an MTB saddle in our buying guide. But even if you study all the information in this article carefully: You will probably not be able to avoid a "fitting" at the dealer. Because the right saddle is as individual as your personal fingerprint.

This is how we tested: Pressure measurement

In order to visualise the different pressure distributions 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. In order to guarantee a correct seating position, the testers used their own bikes. The saddle width was selected to match the sit bone distance of the testers. In order to compare the laboratory values with practical impressions, we rode all the saddles on a standardised test lap.

This is how we tested: 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.

Ergon SM Pro Men

The SM Pro is padded from sporty to comfortable and appeals to racers and tourers alike. The flat seat area allows easy changes of position. There is plenty of room for the sit bones and a suitable position on the saddle is quickly found. The slightly rising rear end gives the rider support on steep climbs. On the wide, comfortable nose, even long climbs can be tackled in a relaxed manner. >> e.g. available here.

Pressure distribution: The pressure is applied cleanly to the sit bones and the slight depression keeps the perineal area free even in the uphill position.

Fizik Terra Argo X5

With its V-shaped form and wide nose, the Fizik is a good choice for bikers who tend to sit on the pubic bone. But the sit bones are also broadly supported. Riders with thick thighs will easily bump into the protruding wings, the padding is rather tight and can put pressure on the angular sides of the cut-out in the long term. The short nose restricts the climbing position somewhat. >> e.g. available here.

Pressure distribution: The wide recess and the slightly curved shape ensure that the perineum remains free even in the climbing position.

Natural Fit Venec WS

As soon as you sit up, 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 in the long term. The test riders' thighs hit the wide wings and the steeply sloping shape restricts the support for the sit bones. This is actually a ladies' model, but the male testers also got on well with it over short distances. >> e.g. available here.

Pressure distribution: Despite the wide relief channel, the perineum does not remain completely pressure-free, which is mainly due to 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 offers the sit bones broad, solid support, while the long, narrow nose provides space for the thighs and for changing position on long climbs. However, due to the flat rear end, the rider has to do the holding work themselves - there is no rear support. This can be exhausting on climbs. >> available here.

Pressure distribution: The flat shape distributes the pressure between the ischial tuberosity and the pubic bone runners; the centre is not fully relieved despite the recess.

Procraft Saddle Carbon II

By far the lightest saddle in the test and also attractively priced. However, due to its shape, the Procraft is only recommended for very sporty, insensitive riders. The narrow shape and pronounced curvature offer very little space, you sit as if caked, and it is almost impossible to change position. In contrast to the Ergo saddles, there is a lot of pressure on the perineum even on the flat. The saddle was a little slippery on the climbs.

Pressure distribution: Almost all of the pressure is on the pubic arches, and the perineal area is also heavily loaded.

Prologo Dimension NDR

Extremely short and rather tightly padded. The flat seat and the slightly rising rear provide good support and sufficient space for the sit bones. The short nose limits the ability to change position on climbs. Pressure points can occur at the edges of the cut-out. The narrow design also leaves room for muscular thighs. Due to the curved shape, the saddle is somewhat difficult to adjust. >> e.g. available here.

Pressure distribution: The rider's weight rests neatly on the sit bones, and the edges of the recess cause pressure points over time.

Ritchey Comp Trail

Although the Ritchey is quite passably padded and hardly creates any pressure peaks, its narrow shape and sloping sides mean that it only fits very narrow sit bone distances. In addition, the raised centre without the channel presses on the perineum even in an upright position, creating pressure points. This pressure is even greater in an athletic position. The flat shape provides little support towards the rear.

Pressure distribution: The strongly curved design puts a lot of pressure on the perineal area. Therefore our conclusion: only recommended for insensitive riders.

SDG Bel Air 3.0

The Bel-Air has a proven and classic, rather long and narrow shape. The sit bones are well supported here, but the minimal depression cannot fully relieve the perineum. The straight shape without a wave makes the SDG easy to adjust. The rising rear end offers good support on climbs, the shell and padding are quite firm and hardly cushion at all. The saddle is also available with a titanium or carbon frame (e.g. here) available.

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

Selle Italia X-Bow Ti316 Superflow

The Italians do everything they can to tease maximum comfort out of the X-Bow: large recess, flexing saddle shell, shock absorbers and soft padding. In practice, the concept works. Thanks to the wide seat surface and comfortable nose, the X-Bow can be used by both sit bone and pubic bone sufferers. It's a little short if you like to slide forwards on the climbs, and the tip of the saddle nose is surprisingly hard. >> e.g. available here.

Pressure distribution: The majority of the weight rests on the sit bones. The saddle also works for pubic bone users and in a sporty position.

Selle SMP Hybrid

As soon as you sit on it for the first time, you sink into the cuddly cushion like a plush sofa. This distributes the load over a large area, but after 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 align, but offers good support on climbs. Not the first choice for sporty touring cyclists due to its high weight. >> available here.

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

Specialised Power Arc Expert

The tightly padded Power Arc Expert is a top saddle for sporty and established riders. A suitable position is quickly found, there is plenty of room for the sit bones and the rear provides good support when pedalling. The perineal area is relieved without causing pressure points. The slim shape is also suitable for tight thighs, the short nose restricts position changes somewhat on climbs. >> e.g. available here.

Pressure distribution: The pressure peaks are due to the hard padding, but only occur on the sit bones. The perineum remains pressure-free.

SQlab 611 Ergowave active 2.1

The Ergo manufacturer's step concept is a complete success: The perineum is completely relieved - even on climbs. The revised 611 has a high-quality finish, is protected on the flanks and is firmly padded. This means it works perfectly even on long rides. The rear step provides plenty of support, the Active function provides noticeable damping and the lateral flex relaxes the back. The correct inclination is a little difficult to find. >> available here.

Pressure distribution: High pressure peaks, but only on the sit bones, the perineum is ideally relieved by the step and the channel.

Terry Fly Arteria Gel

With the Fly Arteria, Terry has a comfortable and well cushioned long-distance saddle in its programme. The wide, flat rear offers plenty of space to change position from time to time. Here, too, the pressure is almost optimally applied to the sit bones, and the perineum also remains free on the saddle nose. There were no complaints about pressure at the edges of the recess. The Terry is easy to adjust thanks to its flat shape. >> available here.

Pressure distribution: Good support on the ischial tuberosities, the perineum remains free even when the pelvis is rotated. There were no pressure points on the recess.

WTB Volt

The absolute classic in the WTB range offers good rear support thanks to its slight wave shape, but is somewhat difficult to adjust. The pressure in the perineal area cannot be completely eliminated even with the correct setting. The very soft padding filters out small bumps, but you sink deep into it. 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 large area. However, the perineal area is not optimally relieved.