Saddles
Used MTB saddles from UK sellers. The right saddle eliminates discomfort that no amount of chamois cream can fix. Fizik, SDG, Ergon, WTB, Specialized, Chromag, Deity — filter by brand and condition.
How do I work out my saddle width?
Saddle comfort is personal, and the starting point is your sit bone width. Many bike shops have a measuring device, though a piece of corrugated cardboard and a ruler works too — sit on it and measure the distance between the deepest impressions. Narrow sit bones (100-110mm) suit saddles around 130mm wide, average (120-130mm) suits 143mm, wider (140mm+) needs 155mm. Too narrow and you're sitting on soft tissue rather than bone; too wide and the saddle edges chafe your inner thighs. It's worth the effort, because a bad saddle ruins every ride regardless of how good the rest of the bike is.
Flat or curved profile?
Flat saddles (SDG Bel-Air, Chromag Trailmaster) let you move around easily — sliding forward for climbing and back for descending — so they suit aggressive riding where you're constantly shifting weight. Curved saddles (Specialized Power, Fizik Argo) lock you into a fixed position and work better for riders who stay seated more consistently. Most MTB riders prefer a flat or slightly curved profile for the freedom of movement, matched to the riding position their bars put them in.
How much padding do I need?
Less is more. Thick, soft padding feels comfortable for the first five minutes but creates pressure and chafing on longer rides as you sink through it. Firm padding with a small amount of give supports your sit bones properly. XC and trail saddles typically use thin, firm padding; DH and dirt jump saddles are often minimal, as you're not sitting on them much anyway. If you need more comfort, proper bike shorts with a chamois pad do more than a thicker saddle ever will.
Do cutouts and channels actually help?
A centre cutout or pressure relief channel reduces pressure on soft tissue in the perineal area. This is a genuine ergonomic feature, not marketing — saddles with relief channels (WTB Volt, Fizik Vento Argo, Specialized Power with MIMIC) measurably reduce numbness and discomfort on longer rides. If you experience numbness in the saddle, a cutout saddle should be your first change before adjusting position.