A mountain bike saddle is part of a mountain bike that you sit on while riding. It is also sometimes referred to as a mountain bike seat. The saddle is attached to the seat post, which is in turn connected to the frame of the bike. In this article, we have shared our experience and given you some tips to buy mountain bike saddle.
Mountain bike saddles are designed to be comfortable and supportive, even on long rides over rough terrain. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different riders and riding styles. Some saddles are narrow and lightweight, designed for racing and fast-paced riding, while others are wider and more heavily padded, designed for more leisurely rides and greater comfort on rough trails.
Choosing the right mountain bike saddle is important for a comfortable and enjoyable ride, and it is worth taking the time to find one that fits your body and riding style well.
Types of Mountain Bike Saddles
Mountain bike saddles come in various shapes and sizes to provide comfort, stability, and performance on the trail. Here are some of the common types of mountain bike saddles:
- Flat saddles – These saddles have a flat top and are designed for riders who prefer a more aggressive riding position. They are lightweight and offer a wide range of movement, making them ideal for technical terrain.
- Cutout saddles – These saddles have a cutout or a groove in the center to relieve pressure on sensitive areas. They are designed for riders who spend long hours on the bike or have a tendency to experience discomfort in the perineal area.
- Wide saddles – These saddles are wider and offer more support for riders who prefer an upright position or have wider sit bones. They are ideal for riders who spend a lot of time in the saddle or have a history of saddle sores.
- Narrow saddles – These saddles are narrow and designed for riders who prefer a more aggressive riding position or have narrow sit bones. They offer a more streamlined profile and allow for greater movement on the bike.
- Padded saddles – These saddles have extra padding to provide more cushioning and support. They are ideal for riders who experience discomfort or numbness during longer rides.
- Race saddles – These saddles are lightweight and streamlined, designed for performance-oriented riders who prioritize speed and efficiency over comfort.
Ultimately, the best type of mountain bike saddle for you will depend on your personal preferences, riding style, and anatomy. It is important to try different types of saddles and make adjustments to find the right fit for your body and riding needs.
Tips to Buy Mountain Bike Saddle
When you need to buy a saddle for your mountain bike, you should consider a few things. Here are some tips for you to buy a mountain bike saddle
Find the right width: Saddles come in different widths to fit different sit bone widths. To find the right width for you, sit on a piece of cardboard and measure the distance between the centers of the two depressions left behind. Then, choose a saddle with a width that matches your measurement.
Consider the shape: The shape of the saddle can affect comfort and performance. Some riders prefer a flat shape for more freedom of movement, while others prefer a curved shape for more support. Consider your riding style and preferences when choosing the shape of your saddle.
Look for quality materials: Saddles can be made from a variety of materials, including leather, synthetic materials, and carbon fiber. Look for quality materials that are durable, breathable, and comfortable for long rides.
Consider the padding: The amount of padding in a saddle can affect comfort, but too much padding can also lead to chafing and discomfort. Look for a saddle with enough padding to support your sit bones, but not so much that it interferes with your pedal stroke.
Think about your riding style: Consider the type of mountain biking you do when choosing a saddle. If you ride aggressively and spend a lot of time out of the saddle, a flatter saddle may be more comfortable. If you do longer rides or spend more time in the saddle, a more padded saddle may be a better choice.
Top 10 Mountain Bike Saddle Brands
There are many brands that make high-quality mountain bike saddles. Here are ten brands that are known for making some of the best mountain bike saddle:
- WTB (Wilderness Trail Bikes)
- Ergon
- Fizik
- Brooks England
- Selle Anatomica
- Fabric
- Specialized
- SDG (Speed Defies Gravity)
- Prologo
- Chromag
Each brand offers a range of saddles with different shapes, sizes, and features, so it’s important to choose the saddle that best fits your individual needs and preferences.
Best Mountain Bike Saddle for Big Guys
Finding the right saddle can be especially important for bigger riders, as they may require a wider saddle to properly support their sit bones. Here are a few mountain bike saddles that are well-suited for big guys:
- WTB Volt – The WTB Volt is a popular saddle for mountain bikers of all sizes, with a range of widths available to fit different sit bone widths.
- Brooks B17 – The Brooks B17 is a classic leather saddle that is known for its durability and comfort. It’s wider than many other saddles and has a distinctive look.
- Ergon SM Pro – The Ergon SM Pro is a saddle designed specifically for men and has a wider seating area to accommodate larger sit bones. It also has a cutout to relieve pressure on the perineal area.
- Selle Anatomica X1 – The Selle Anatomica X1 is a saddle with a unique design that allows it to flex and conform to the rider’s body. It also has a wider seating area than many other saddles.
- Fabric Scoop Elite – The Fabric Scoop Elite is a versatile saddle that comes in three different widths to fit different riders. It has a flat shape that allows for easy movement on the bike.
Remember, finding the right saddle is a personal process, and what works well for one person may not work well for another. It’s important to try out different saddles and make adjustments until you find the one that provides the most comfort and support for your body.
WTB Volt
The WTB Volt saddle is a popular choice among mountain bikers, known for its comfort and versatility. Here are some of the features of the WTB Volt saddle:
Multiple widths: The WTB Volt saddle is available in multiple widths, from 135mm to 150mm, to fit different riders’ sit bone widths.
Comfortable padding: The saddle features a variety of foam densities to provide support and cushioning where it’s needed most.
Durable cover: The saddle is covered in a synthetic material that is both durable and water-resistant.
Flex-tuned shell: The shell of the saddle is designed to flex and conform to the rider’s body, providing a comfortable and supportive ride.
Drop nose design: The nose of the saddle drops away to provide better clearance for the rider’s thighs, reducing chafing and discomfort.
Overall, the WTB Volt saddle is a great choice for riders looking for a comfortable and versatile saddle that can handle a variety of terrain and riding styles.
Brooks B17
The Brooks B17 saddle is a classic leather saddle that has been in production for over 100 years. Here are some of the features of the Brooks B17 saddle:
Leather construction: The saddle is made from high-quality leather that is both durable and comfortable. Over time, the leather will mold to the rider’s body for a custom fit.
Wide design: The saddle is wider than many other saddles, providing ample support for the sit bones and reducing pressure on the perineal area.
Classic look: The Brooks B17 saddle has a distinctive, timeless look that many riders appreciate.
Double rails: The saddle features double rails for added strength and stability.
Ventilation holes: The saddle features small ventilation holes to help keep the rider cool and dry.
The Brooks B17 saddle is a great choice for riders looking for a classic, durable saddle that provides ample support for longer rides. It can take some time to break in the saddle and get it to mold to your body, but many riders find the end result to be well worth it.
Ergon SM Pro
The Ergon SM Pro saddle is a high-performance bicycle saddle designed for road and mountain bike use. The saddle is designed to provide maximum comfort and support for the rider, with a shape that conforms to the rider’s anatomy and a pressure-relief channel that helps to reduce numbness and discomfort.
The SM Pro features a carbon composite shell, lightweight foam padding, and a microfiber cover. The saddle also includes a rear-mounted bottle cage mount, a weather-resistant cover, and a design that is compatible with most seat posts and rail systems.
Ergon is a well-known brand in the cycling industry, known for their ergonomic products that promote healthy posture and reduce the risk of injury. The SM Pro saddle is a popular choice among cyclists who prioritize comfort and performance on their rides.
Selle Anatomica X1
The Selle Anatomica X1 saddle is a handmade leather bicycle saddle designed to provide maximum comfort for long-distance rides. The saddle features a unique shape that is designed to conform to the rider’s anatomy and provide support where it is needed most.
The X1 saddle features a full-grain leather top that is treated to resist water and stains, a lightweight and durable carbon fiber frame, and a tension system that allows the rider to adjust the level of support provided by the saddle. The saddle also includes a cut-out design that reduces pressure on sensitive areas and improves blood flow.
Selle Anatomica is a small, family-owned company based in California, USA, that specializes in handmade leather bicycle saddles. Their saddles are known for their high level of comfort and durability, and are a popular choice among long-distance cyclists and touring riders.
Fabric Scoop Elite
The Fabric Scoop Elite saddle is a versatile and lightweight bicycle saddle. It designs the saddles for the all-around uses of all bikers. The saddle features a unique three-part construction that includes a waterproof microfiber cover, flexible nylon base, and lightweight foam padding.
The Scoop Elite saddle is designed to provide comfort and support for a variety of riding positions, with a rounded shape that is suitable for both road and mountain bike use. The saddle also includes a pressure-relief channel that helps to reduce numbness and discomfort on long rides.
Fabric is a UK-based company that produces a range of cycling products, including saddles, handlebar tape, and bags. The company is famous for its innovative designs and high-quality materials. The Scoop Elite saddle is a popular choice among cyclists who prioritize comfort and performance on their rides.
End Words
Every human being is different. Their sitting, hip, riding, and paddling techniques all are different. So, when you want to buy a saddle for your mountain bike, try several different options. Many bike shops have demo saddles you can try out on your bike before you make a purchase. This will give you a chance to see how the saddle feels on the trail and make any necessary adjustments.
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