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Oct 17, 2024

Best mountain bike saddles reviewed and rated by experts - MBR

We've ridden the backside out of our shorts to draw up this list of the very best mountain bike saddles available for all types of trail riders. When it comes to saddles, there is a whole lot of

We've ridden the backside out of our shorts to draw up this list of the very best mountain bike saddles available for all types of trail riders.

When it comes to saddles, there is a whole lot of choice out there, which is a good thing because each individual rider will have their own preferences for shape, comfort, form and function. Finding the best mountian bike saddle can be a bit of a process, but ultimately we’re all looking for the same thing – a comfortable ride experience that lets us focus on the ride.

If men’s/unisex saddles aren’t working for you or you’re looking for a female-specific saddle, then head over to our best women’s mountain bike saddles buyer’s guide.

The Specialized Bridge Comp with Minic technology won over our soft Southern behinds!

Weight: 324g | Height: 53mm | Width: 143, 155, 168mm | Length: 262mm | Rating: 10/10

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This is the top model in the Bridge saddle range from Specialized, and despite the high price tag it is absolutely the best of the bunch we’ve tested. Mimic refers to the use of different density foam throughout then saddle to increase comfort and support. Specialized originally introduced it specifically for women’s saddle, but it proved so popular that you can now find it on men’s/unisex options.

And Mimic really works. We found the Bridge Comp to be instantly comfortable, and it remained so even on longer rides. As we remarked in our review, “it’s like sitting in one of those really expensive office chairs; the amount of support and comfort is amazing”. There’s also a stress relieving channel, but being filled in means you don’t get hosed with mud and spray when the trail is wet. Our only complaint is that the cover is glued rather than bonded to the padding and base, which is not as durable.

Read the full review of the Specialized Bridge Comp with Mimic saddle

We love the clean look and shape of the SDG Bel Air 3.0.

Weight: 233g | Height: 45mm | Length: 260mm | Width: 142mm | Rating: 9/10

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We’ve always been fans of the SDG Bel-Air 3.0, and awarded it top marks in the past. The latest model gets a few new colours, but everything else remains unchanged. That includes the distinctive shape with kick-tail and shallow central channel to relieve pressure. Don’t expect deep, luxurious padding, and the SDG Bel-Air 3.0 feels much firmer than the Specialized Bridge Comp Mimic, but we can’t fault the shape and fit. Construction is excellent, and the support on offer is impressive.

If you want the plushest saddle, look elsewhere, but for support, overall shape, and styling, the Bel-Air is still the fresh prince of saddles.

Read our full review of the SGD Bel-Air 3.0

DMR’s Stage 2 saddle is killer value.

Weight: 282g | Height: N/A | Length: 270mm | Width: 147mm | Rating: 9/10

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This is effectively the same saddle as DMR’s Ben Deakin signature saddle, but without the ‘Oi Oi!’ slogan. It also gets a different synthetic leather cover material and a much more subtle look. Being stapled and glued means it’s not as sleek as some models, and might not be as durable, but we’ve not had any issues with our test sample so far.

In terms of padding, shape, and technology, the Stage 2 is unremarkable. But the shape is a good one, keeping you centred without sliding around, and offering enough flex to take the sting out of the trail. And the price is impressive given the build quality and comfort on offer.

Read the full review of the DMR Stage 2 MTB Rail saddle

Nothing looks quite like the SQ Labs 60X Infinergy Ergowave saddle, but it works.

Weight: 269g | Height: 40mm | Width: 130, 140, 150, 160mm | Length: 245mm | Rating: 8/10

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SQ Labs was founded by a motocross racer who suffered an injury and subsequent numbness when riding. He wanted to develop products that were more ergonomic and reduced numbness and discomfort. The brand now has a wide range of components and clothing as well as its own fit systems and measurement tools. This Ergowave saddle is innovative in several ways. The main one being the highly durable foam material, which SQ Labs says is so tough that it doesn’t need a cover – only grip strips to help traction. It’s also a unisex saddle, which is fairly unusual at this level.

There’s a distinctive shape that keeps you from sliding forward, and a flat nose and a deep central channel to reduce pressure. On the bike it looks huge, but feels normal when riding. We were impressed by the comfort, and the lack of pressure and numbness we experienced around soft tissue areas. There were a few cosmetic issues with the rails, and mud did accumulate in the channel, but overall the Infinergy Ergowave 60X is a quirky but effective option.

Read our full review of the SQ Labs Infinergy Ergowave 60X

Fabric’s Scoop Elite saddle is a stunning design, and doesn’t cost the earth.

Weight: 229g | Length: 278mm | Width: 142mm | Rating: 9/10

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The Fabric Scoop Elite is a classic saddle, with a beautiful shape that resembles the old Selle Italia Flite. It’s a super clean design, with a three-part bonding process getting rid of unsightly staples and glue. And the pricing is really keen, with basic models starting at under £40, while exotic-railed numbers are available for upto £200.

There are different widths and profiles depending on body shape and use, so you can find a Scoop to suit everything from DH to XC. We prefer the curvier Radius, where its hammock-like profile keeps you centred and deeper padding helps comfort.

Read our full test review of the Fabric Scoop Elite saddle

WTB has always been a strong brand in the saddle market, and the Volt Race has stood the test of time.

Weight: 316g | Length: 245mm | Widths: 135mm, 142mm, 150mm | Rating: 9/10

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The regular version of the WTB Volt has medium weight cro-mo steel rails, a hardwearing microfibre cover, comfy flex-tuned shell and regular padding with a gel insert. We say regular, as it’s actually pretty thick, and makes the Volt the most comfortable when grinding forward on a hard climb. When you kick back there’s a lot of cushioning there too, and we never had to work hard to hit the sweet spot, it just feels inherently comfortable.

Finish quality underneath is excellent. Everything is neat and tidy and all the glued edges are covered with a plastic bumper. The rail length is about 20mm but they do have gradients along to make repeat positioning easier. With its high tail and slightly shallow shoulders it definitely scores highly in the comfort stakes.

Read our full test review of WTB Volt Race

With a name like Ergon, you’d expect the SM Enduro Comp to fit great.

Weight: 232g | Length: 245mm | Widths: 135mm, 148mm | Rating: 9/10

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As you’d expect from a brand named Ergon, the SM Enduro Comp features a great shape that’s comfortable and supportive. And it still feels comfortable three or four hours into a long day in the saddle. There’s a deep central channel to relieve pressure, and a kicked-up tail, which you can push against when climbing. Unfortunately, there’s a hole here that gives you a wet bum through every puddle.

Ergon’s foam is supportive rather than plush, but there’s plenty of padding under the sit bones, and we got on well with the profile.

Read our full test review of the Ergon SM

Fizik’s Terra Aidon X5 saddle is a well-padded perch.

Weight: 272g | Widths: 145mm, 160mm | Rating: 8/10

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You spend more time seated on an e-bike, so the saddle is a key component to get right. This Terra Aidon X5 is a new saddle from Fizik, and along with the Canyon SD:ON is one of an emerging breed that claims to have an e-bike focus.

Available in two widths (145 or 160mm), the X5’s shape is compact and stubby, which Fizik says aids stability and control by placing the rider in a planted position. It’s also a benefit when you hit your dropper and want the saddle out of the way for a jump or steep chute. The carbon-reinforced nylon base sits on a S-Alloy Mobius rail and unlike a traditional design, which is V-shaped, the Mobius is a closed loop. This boosts strength and there are no anchor points directly under the sit bones.

The X5 has a tough, synthetic cover and is well padded, especially at the rear, but less so under the sit bones. Fizik saddles are well built and our test example has lasted well, so this helps justify the high price tag but overall we felt the X5 wasn’t as comfortable as the Specialized Bridge Comp Mimic, or the Canyon SD:ON.

Read our full review of the Fizik Aidon X5 saddle

Canyon went off-piste with the design of the e-bike-specific SD:ON saddle, but it works.

Weight: 275g | Length: 150mm | Rating: 9/10

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We first rode the SD:ON saddle way back in 2019, as it was initially developed to be fitted to Canyon’s electric mountain bike models. It soon became available as an aftermarket option so we were keen to see how it worked over a long-term test. The SD:ON is only offered in one spec level but there is a women’s version at the same price.

Our tester – a full convert to e-bikes but with decades of experience on unassisted trail bikes – was impressed with the SD:ON saddle. The unique, but not ungainly wing, at the rear of the saddle, is designed to stop you sliding off the back of the seat on both the climbs and descents and is something to push against.

Canyon’s SD:ON saddle really did impress us. On really steep tech climbs, our tester could hunker right forward over the front of the bike without the saddle digging into any delicate parts. He found it very comfortable too, with a similar shape and nose profile as the proven SDG Bel Air 2.0/3.0. The only real downside is the price tag – it’s just a touch high for what is a fairly basic construction with steel rails.

Read our full review of the Canyon SD:ON saddle

Spank’s Oozy saddle doesn’t sound like somewhere you’d want to park your behind, but it’s a great option.

Weight: 273g | Length: 245mm | Rating: 9/10

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Our tester reviewed the Spank Oozy 220 and Oozy 280 side-by-side in a saddle group test and although they look very similar, there are subtle differences which set them apart when ridden. The Oozy 220 outshone the 280 and takes a place in this list. With no women’s-specific options in its range, Spank’s trail-focused saddles are offered in only one (144mm) width. There are options though, with a choice of six base colours, all with a black synthetic cover.

The Oozy 220 is an exceptionally well made saddle, with the synthetic cover co-moulded to the nylon base, adding longevity as well as looking slick. Although pitched as an all-rounder, Spank does speak of e-bike suitability, with a slight kick at the rear, as seen on the Canyon SD:ON and Fizik Terra Aidon X5. Our tester found this to be useful – not a gimmick – aiding stability and giving something to push on when climbing. The Oozy 220’s profile is a touch flatter and wider than the well-regarded Bel Air 3.0 though.

With a simple, clean construction, the Oozy 220 is a fuss-free design which offers excellent support for the sit bones with the wide platform spreading the load evenly. It impressed our tester enough that it stayed on his e-bike.

Read our full review of the Spank Oozy 220 saddle

Saddle choice really does come down to personal preference. Our testers can evaluate the build quality, design details, materials used and durability of a saddle but ultimately the shape and level of padding that works for them may not work for you. Our pick of the best mountain bike saddles above, work for most of our test team, but there are other models we’ve ridden that are worth a look.

The Burgtec Cloud MKII saddle matches up with this UK brand’s well-regarded handlebar, stem and grip options. It’s slim in shape and flat in profile, making it easy to move around on but offers very little support to push on when climbing. With limited padding, it’s a firm saddle but it does have a depression channel to alleviate pressure on the pudendal artery and reduce numbness. The Cloud MKII is well made, with the synthetic cover bonded to a nylon base to boost durability and is excellent value for money.

The Gusset S2 AM saddle is a good value option.

Another budget option worth considering is the Gusset S2 AM saddle. With a very similar shape to the Burgtec Cloud MKII – it’s possibly made in the same factory – it differs slightly, with a longer central relief channel. Like the Burgtec Cloud, the Gusset S2 is slim, with very little flex and a flat profile, making it slippery when seated in muddy conditions. The cutaway rear corners mean there is very little to push against when climbing, so it’s not an ideal choice for an e-bike.

We’re fans of the WTB Volt here at MBR but this brand offers many options, including the WTB SL8 saddle, which is available in three widths. Designed for gravel as well as mountain bikes, this lightly-padded saddle would suit a rider using padded liner shorts, and XC riding in particular. Like the Gusset S2 AM and Burgtec Cloud MKII, the SL8 has a flat profile but with a slight downturn to the nose and depression in the centre – our tester did feel like he was sitting on this saddle rather than in it. The dimpled microfibre cover is robust but we found that it held onto mud and didn’t benefit the performance in any notable way.

The Spank Oozy 280 saddle was narrowly edged out by its stablemate, the Oozy 220.

The Spank Oozy 280 was reviewed side-by-side with the Oozy 220 in one of MBR’s comprehensive saddle group tests. Like the Oozy 220, the 280 is available in a range of base colours and is equally well constructed and finished. Although it didn’t take long for our tester to identify the 220 as the more comfortable saddle, with a better shape and more grip, the Oozy 280 still offers great value for money and its premium build quality should give excellent longterm durability.

With a price tag well over the £100 mark, the Pro Bikegear MSN 1.3 Enduro saddle needed to tick all the boxes to impress us. As its name suggests, this saddle has an ‘enduro bike’ focus, with a dropped nose to boost comfort on climbs and a stubby rear end to improve tyre clearance when your seatpost is slammed down. These are neat touches, as are the stress-relieving central channel and stainless steel rails. Our tester rated the comfort level as average, so although the MSN Enduro 1.3 is feature rich, it was overshadowed by cheaper saddles.

Selle San Marco Ground Dynamic saddle had some strong points but didn’t make the cut for this guide.

The Selle San Marco Ground Dynamic is a mountain bike-focused model from this long-established Italian saddle manufacturer. It’s a very well made saddle and is offered in two widths, S3 (145mm) and L3 (155mm). The Ground Dynamic has some modern design features, such as the raised rear and a bonded cover. There’s plenty of support, and the long, pressure relief ‘cut out’ promises additional long-ride comfort – however our tester found the raised ridge around this channel was noticeable when moving around on the saddle.

Selle Italia is another saddle brand with a rich heritage and is a go-to brand for road riders. The Selle Italia X-Bow Superflow looks very similar to the Selle San Marco Ground Dynamic, with two width options (145 or 155mm), a bonded cover and a pressure relief cut out. This central channel is designed to flex when you sit on it, and to boost comfort further, thin elastomer bumpers are sandwiched between the rails and the base. Our tester didn’t feel like these bumpers did much and also noted this saddle’s relatively heavy weight, narrow positional range and lack of grip.

Reinforced corners keep the upper from damage and rips

There are plenty of elements to consider; what material is the saddle constructed from, how heavy is it, does it have a central pressure-relief channel or cut-out, does it have a long or short nose, does it come in a range of width fittings…. and more besides. Thankfully we’ve tried and tested a whole load of perches to bring you our view on the very best, plus guidance on what to look for.

Our testing involved fitting each saddle to the same bike, using the same tyre pressures and suspension settings and short liners. Obviously, there are a myriad of features to take note of, but the overriding factor with regards saddle performance is comfort. It is somewhat subjective, and can also vary if you tweak the angle or position of the saddle but generally the most comfortable saddles have scored the highest.

Saddle manufacturers make a ton of saddles for all sorts of riders, so what you’re seeing here is just a small percentage of what’s available. Our focus is on trail riding, but we’ve tested gravity-focused seats because they have some interesting features and also the manufacturers say you can use them for trail riding, so we wanted to put that to the test.

Before the widespread adoption of the dropper post, the saddle was a relatively static component, but these days your saddle moves up and down numerous times every ride and, depending on whether you’re rolling along the flat, cruising up a gradual climb, or tackling a steep ascent your weight can be positioned over different parts of it. This means gauging comfort is a little bit harder, especially since we don’t all have the same width sit bones or, obviously, anatomy.

The saddle is also used to control the bike, especially when it’s dropped down and you’re descending. Introduce electric mountain bikes into the mix, which encourage you to sit down and pedal more of the time, and you have a component that subtly switches roles multiple times during a ride.

This is often a synthetic leather, which is hardwearing, breathable and long lasting. To add greater abrasion resistance and grip, Kevlar sections are often used at high-wear areas such as the corners and rear of the saddle.

Underneath the cover is a layer of EVA foam. It’s lightweight and has good shock absorption properties. On some saddles you also get a supplementary gel or elastomer pad under the forward areas. This reduces stress on delicate parts and improves overall comfort.

Correct width can be more important than padding

Most manufacturers now produce saddles in different widths to match a narrower range of sit bones. However, this is not the only thing that affects comfort – the overall shape, length and even the angle you’re sitting at, all play a part. Getting the correct width is a good starting point, but don’t be afraid to try a narrower or wider saddle (you may have to switch brands) if the one you have isn’t particularly comfortable.

And saddle width isn’t to do with the outward size of your bum; it’s to do with the sit bones with are the lower bony elements of the pelvis on which your weight rests when you sit – hence the name! It’s the distance between these that helps determine what size saddle is likely to be most comfortable for you, and most bike shops will have device for measuring them that’s a bit like sitting on a gel-covered board.

Saddles have different heights between the rails and the seat, and low-profile saddles let you run longer dropper posts. Some low-profile saddles are also cut away at the tail to provide extra tyre clearance when the saddle is dropped – useful for long travel 29ers with slack seat angles.

Saddles come in all kinds of wild designs

This is made from an injection moulded plastic. To add comfort and alleviate pressure some manufacturers cut holes or channels into the base. Offsetting the rails on the base, or mounting them on small elastomer bumpers, also introduces greater flexibility and comfort.

Rail material choice affects overall weight

The cheapest saddles have solid steel rails and they obviously weigh the most, but you can save weight with hollow steel, titanium or composite rails. Be aware that manufacturers do mix other elements into the steel and give it a flashy name, but essentially, it’s the same stuff. Regardless of material, most saddles have 7mm rails and will fit most seatposts on the market, it’s one of the few industry standards that hasn’t been mucked about with.