Saddles

MTB Saddle Buying Guide

Saddle comfort is deeply personal — what works for one rider will be agony for another. The right saddle matches your sit bone width, riding position and the type of riding you do. Getting it right is worth the effort because a bad saddle ruins every ride regardless of how good the rest of the bike is.

Sit Bone Width

Your sit bone width determines the saddle width you need. Many bike shops have a measuring device (a piece of corrugated cardboard and a ruler works too — sit on it, measure the distance between the deepest impressions). Narrow sit bones (100-110mm) suit saddles around 130mm wide. Average (120-130mm) suits 143mm saddles. Wider (140mm+) needs 155mm saddles. Too narrow and you're sitting on soft tissue rather than bone. Too wide and the saddle edges chafe your inner thighs.

Flat vs Curved

Flat saddles (SDG Bel-Air, Chromag Trailmaster) allow you to move around on the saddle easily — sliding forward for climbing and back for descending. 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.

Padding

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 — 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.

Cutouts and Channels

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.