How To Set Up Fabric Scoop Saddle

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

These days, the very best mountain bike saddles have to be all things to all riders too, because each have specific requirements when it comes to shape and fit, only ultimately we're looking for the same thing – an armchair ride with a bar stool build.

If men's/unisex saddles aren't working for you or you're looking for a female-specific saddle, and so head over to our best women's mountain bike saddles heir-apparent's guide.

How nosotros tested the best mount bike saddles

Our testing involved fitting each saddle to the same bike, using the aforementioned tyre pressures and suspension settings and short liners. Obviously, at that place are a myriad of features to take annotation of, but the overriding factor with regards saddle functioning is comfort. It is somewhat subjective, and can also vary if y'all tweak the angle or position of the saddle just generally the near comfortable saddles take scored the highest.

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

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SDG Bel Air three.0 saddle

SDG Bel Air iii.0 saddle

A saddle fit for a fresh prince

Weight: 238g | Length: 255mm | Width: 142mm | Rating: x/ten

Pros: Best shape. Best support. Cons: Zero really.

The saddle feels solid when seated climbing, yet with the rail being suspended slightly on the base, there'due south enough of flex for taking the sting out of those bigger impacts on the rough, pedally sections. There are no exposed seams, no gum or staples showing or rough edges – this saddle simply looks incredibly sleek and polished.

On the back is a sonic-welded rear bumper, which stops habiliment and doesn't collect mud similar a Kevlar strip. We thought cut away fabric would brand the Bel Air 3.0 experience flimsy, but it's all the same a substantial seat. There'due south loads of condolement and support in this saddle. Where the Bel Air 3.0 real shines though, is in the sleek construction and the fact that it's dead piece of cake to keep clean. The SDG Bel Air 3.0 is a definite step up, and hands deserves top marks.

Read our full examination review of the SGD Bel Air iii.0

Specialized Power Comp Mimic

Best Overall Women's Saddle

Weight: 219g | Length: 240mm | Widths: 143mm, 155mm, 168mm | Rating: x/10

Pros: Radical but effective. SWAT compatible for mounting spares Cons: Divisive – non universally loved, then practise effort before you buy. Quirky looks

Specialized's radical Ability Comp saddle comes with Mimic technology, designed to mimic the trunk. Aside from the unique shape, different density padding across the saddle is deigned to offering the right support in the correct place, minimising pressure level and maximising blood flow. With iii sizes at 143mm, 155mm and 168mm at that place's a neat choice on offer to friction match any width of sit bones, and the wings offering plenty of flexibility without introducing a seasick feeling when pedalling on rough ground.

Up front end, there's no key cut-out as Specialized establish this can crusade pinching. Instead memory foam is used to create a hammock-effect. And the nose falls away at the tip to further reduce pressure and ensure that it doesn't become caught on clothing when descending.The terminate is expert quality and subtle and Specialized has given information technology a practical edge with SWAT uniform mounts nether your seat for mounting accessories.

Specialized boasted on the launch of the Mimic that 'your vagina will cheers' and, from where I'm sitting it was absolutely right. A great combination of aesthetics, durability, price and, above all, comfort.

Read our full review of the Specialized Ability Comp Mimic saddle.

Cloth Scoop Elite saddle

Cute convergence betwixt form and role

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

Pros: Comfortable padding and flexible base of operations. Fits a broad range of riders. Cons: Can be a bit slippery when moisture.

Cloth's sleek, beautifully packaged Scoop is something of a benchmark perch. The smooth, minimal finish is the result of a iii-part bonding process that melds the waterproof comprehend to a coloured base, uninterrupted by any stitching or staples, which makes it a cinch to keep clean.

For £40, the Aristocracy, cro-mo-railed model comes in a trio of profiles, with progressively deeper curves, suitable for everything from Ninety to downhill. The iii shapes are a matter of gustatory modality. Leant-forward for endurance or Xc riding, the flattest (and lightest) shape matches a more rotated hip and pelvis, while the curvier Radius is more trail riding-friendly, with extra padding and deeper-dished geometry.

Over rough ground, all 3 shapes share an extremely cushioned feel, and characteristic a flexible chassis that has a lot of inherent give, without being too twangy when pedalling hard.

Read our full test review of the Fabric Scoop Aristocracy saddle

WTB Volt Race

Keen value costly perch

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

Pros: Great for all-day riding. Plenty of width options. Cons: On the heavier side.

The 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.

Nosotros say regular, as it's actually pretty thick and makes the Volt the about comfy when grinding frontwards on a hard climb. When you kick back there's a lot of cushioning at that place too, and we never had to piece of work difficult to hitting the sweet spot, it just feels inherently comfortable.

Terminate quality underneath is excellent. Everything is groovy and tidy and all the glued edges are covered with a plastic bumper. The track length is about 20mm only they practise have gradients along to make echo positioning easier. With its high tail and slightly shallow shoulders it definitely scores highly in the comfort stakes.

Read our total test review of WTB Volt Race

Ergon SM Enduro Comp

Fantabulous pressure relief properties

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

Pros: Cracking choice for long rides. Raised tail aids climbing stability. Cons: Finish is a bit crude underneath

The first thing you'll observe is the pressure-relieving cutaway downwardly the centre. Underneath the cover, either side of this aqueduct, are inlays fabricated from a special blazon of foam that's very supportive.

The SM Enduro Comp is a lot flatter and there'southward more to sit on, once again improving the back up. This saddle doesn't have deep shoulders, which you commonly push against when climbing but Ergon gets round this by kicking the saddle up at the tail – this keeps your sit bones in the correct place.

The saddle is comfortable and feels that way even after three to four hours of hard shredding. There's more padding under the sit down bones and it has a better overall profile.

Read our full test review of the Ergon SM

Reinforced corners go on the upper from damage and rips

What to look out for in all-time mountain bike saddles:

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

The saddle is too used to control the cycle, especially when it's dropped downward 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.

Cover

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

Padding

Underneath the cover is a layer of EVA foam. Information technology's lightweight and has proficient shock absorption properties. On some saddles you likewise get a supplementary gel or elastomer pad nether the forward areas. This reduces stress on delicate parts and improves overall comfort.

Right width tin be more important than padding

Width

Most manufacturers now produce saddles in dissimilar widths to friction match a narrower range of sit bones. Still, this is non the merely matter that affects condolement – the overall shape, length and fifty-fifty the bending you're sitting at, all play a part. Getting the correct width is a good starting bespeak, but don't be afraid to endeavor a narrower or wider saddle (y'all may have to switch brands) if the one you accept isn't particularly comfortable.

Elevation

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

Saddles come in all kinds of wild designs

Base

This is made from an injection moulded plastic. To add comfort and alleviate pressure some manufacturers cut holes or channels into the base of operations. Offsetting the runway on the base, or mounting them on modest elastomer bumpers, likewise introduces greater flexibility and condolement.

Rails material pick affects overall weight

Track

The cheapest saddles have solid steel rails and they obviously weigh the about, but y'all can save weight with hollow steel, titanium or blended rails. Exist enlightened that manufacturers do mix other elements into the steel and requite it a flashy name, but essentially, it's the same stuff. Regardless of fabric, most saddles have 7mm rails and volition fit near seatposts on the market, it's one of the few industry standards that hasn't been mucked about with.