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Whether you're a casual rider or a hardcore racer, the most comfortable and ergonomic mountain bike saddle can dramatically improve your riding experience.
Our diverse saddle selection was tested over several months, thousands of trail miles, and hundreds of hours of pedaling. We scrutinized every aspect of each model's design, construction, comfort, and performance, and analyzed how they compare.
Our favorite MTB saddle overall is the WTB Volt. Comfortable, supportive, and versatile, this model earned nothing but praise and no complaints.
If you're after maximum comfort, the WTB Pure Chromoly features a deep V shape with a soft, drop nose and a comfort zone that delights those who have grown weary of minimalist MTB saddles.
The Volt Fusion Form Titanium has been a staple in WTB's saddle range for many years. It offers incredible value in most configurations, and even this “fancy” saddle feels like a bargain after spending a couple of months on it. Not only is the Volt a good value, but it's also very comfortable, with a classic design that has stood the test of time. A slightly cradled shape that rises gently toward the tail provides a comfortable and supportive platform, with medium-density padding, a shallow anatomical groove, and a “Comfort Zone” cutout in the shell to reduce pressure in the center. Testers found this saddle to offer exceptional versatility, with applications ranging from all-mountain riding to road and gravel. As our lead tester, Joshua Hutchens, says, “This is the gold standard of MTB saddles with a fit that seems to get better over time.”
The Volt is offered in three sizes, 135mm (tested), 142mm, and 150mm, to accommodate a range of sit bone widths. We were very impressed with the comfort and performance a saddle at this price point offers, but keep the rubber side down because there are no reinforced corners on the rear. If you like this general shape and form but want greater comfort, check out the WTB Pure Chromoly with more padding and a wider tail.
The SQLab 611 Ergowave MTB Carbon is an outstanding saddle that makes us rethink saddle design. The 611 doesn't derive its comfort from padding or a soft surface, but from an ergonomic shell design that supports the pelvis and alleviates pressure elsewhere. When I first climbed on this saddle, I was struck by how different it felt; it's not plush or what many of us would normally associate with comfort. Somewhat like a race car seat, the comfort and support come from the shape and not the coverings. A stepped design puts your ischials a bit higher in the rear, and a deep channel down the center prevents any pressure on your more sensitive areas as you roll forward. Unlike many other ultralight saddles, it doesn't rely on a slim drop-nose but instead has a broad, slightly curved front.
At 280mm, it's slightly longer than most and provides ample room to creep forward on long climbs. A synthetic cover turns to Kevlar in the rear to give it some abrasion resistance. The only real downside to this saddle is that you can't experience how awesome it is without buying it, and buying one requires measuring your sit bones and wading through their somewhat confusing naming convention. Bottom line, this is outrageously comfortable for the weight, but beware that the padding is minimal.
The SDG Components Bel-Air V3 is an excellent all-around bike saddle that particularly stands out in terms of durability. For a mountain bike saddle, durability is not always on a buyer's radar, but many of us are rough on our bike saddles, depending on how often we crash or how rowdy our bike transportation gets. The Bel Air V3 offers a vacuum-sealed, seamless top with welded edges that stood up to everything we threw at it and came out looking almost as good as it did off the shelf. Most importantly, the Bel Air offers this durability in a package that is still incredibly comfortable, whether on a cross-country ride or a more technical endeavor. Its nylon glass base gifts riders with excellent power transfer in each pedal stroke, and we were very impressed with this saddle's uphill pedaling performance, where its shape allowed for multiple pedaling positions, though some riders prefer to be locked into one.
Our primary complaint with the SDG Bel Air V3 is the available size options or lack thereof. Comfort is still our most important metric, and as one tester put it, “If this saddle doesn't fit your sit bones, you're out of luck.” In contrast, the WTB Volt Chromoly is available in three sizes and is almost as durable. Fortunately, our testers' sit bones worked with the Bel Air's size and subsequently loved the saddle, so we'd recommend this option to any rider searching for an exceptional saddle with an emphasis on durability… as long as this saddle fits you.
The WTB Pure Chromoly is our top choice for all-out comfort. Using a flex-tuned shell, the Pure cradles your pelvis like no other. The use of Gel and HLX padding gives the saddle a luxurious multi-density feel. This is the couch of performance saddles. If you've suffered from saddle sores or are frustrated with the latest carbon spatulas, this is your new throne. We'd call this an all-around saddle, as there is no discipline it's not good for, but it is one of the larger saddles in our test. It measures 275 x 148mm, which doesn't look huge on paper, but the more substantial padding and wide tail make it appear larger on your bike.
Our test saddle tipped the scales at 340 grams with the Chromoly rails, and that's a lot of grams. If you're weight-conscious and still want the couch-like comfort of the Pure, the Titanium-railed version weighs just 239 grams. If you're a technical rider who is often behind the saddle, you might find the Pure too wide, as it catches your thighs on the way back, and it's not available in smaller widths. If this sounds like the ideal saddle, but it's just too wide, check out the WTB Volt; it has similar technology, and it's the racier version of this saddle. Both saddles are available with steel or chromoloy rails starting at $65.
All day comfort from the “couch of MTB saddles” Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Product Comparison Table
Testing saddles in stunning coastal California terrain. Credit: Heather Benson
How We Tested
Our testers drew on their decades of cycling experience when researching products for this review. We spent hours searching the internet to find the best and most popular mountain bike saddles before selecting 11 to test and compare side-by-side. We launched a deep-dive investigation into each saddle's shape and construction, performed a drag test to examine durability, weighed each model, and most importantly, we spent a bunch of time in each saddle while mountain biking. Each option was taken on all rides, from backyard laps to all-day backcountry epics. Saddles were frequently swapped between laps for a more direct side-by-side comparison. We made sure every saddle's comfort was assessed fairly by taking rides on them when our seat areas were fully rested. To take a deeper dive into our testing protocols, take a look at our How We Test Mountain Bike Saddles article.
Our testing of mountain bike saddles is divided across five rating metrics:
-Comfort (30% of overall score weighting)
-Performance (20% weighting)
-Durability (20% weighting)
-Weight (20% weighting)
-Versatility (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Our bike saddle review is led by Senior Mountain Bike Review Editor Joshua Hutchens and Review Editor Zach Lovell. Hutchens is a lifelong bike geek, and the first to nerd out on new technology or advanced ergonomics. Riding, racing, touring, commuting, he does it all. Lovell started mountain biking two decades ago and has been living and pedaling in mountain biking capitals such as Gunnison/Crested Butte, CO, and Bellingham, WA, ever since. While his grade point average was tested, he even went to college in Gunnison, where mountain biking, among other outdoor sports, was a daily necessity rather than beer pong. Whether testing out a bike product or just enjoying a ride, Lovell and Hutchens collectively spend over 22 hours a week in the saddle throughout the season. This much time on the bike makes them acutely aware of saddle fit, shape, padding, and performance across all applications, and able to discern even the most subtle differences between products.
At 243g, the Phenon Comp won't win any awards for its weight, but it's respectable and there are lighter versions available. Credit: Jeremy Benson
Analysis and Test Results
Over several months, our testers pedaled their oversized leg muscles as hard as they could while testing the various saddles in our test selection. The wealth of trails across the Western US provided an impressive variety of rides to put these saddles through their paces, from Lake Tahoe to Crested Butte to the Southwestern Desert. Fickle mountain and desert weather also provided an array of trail conditions to examine each saddle's performance in many contexts, whether on the dry slickrock of Utah or the thunderstorm-soaked alpine trails of the Rockies.
Our gear-obsessed testers thoroughly used and abused each saddle, putting more than one hundred miles on each option, often switching between them mid-ride or between laps for comparison. Every aspect of each saddle's performance was scrutinized to identify strengths and weaknesses, and each model was rated on five predetermined metrics: comfort, performance, versatility, durability, and weight. The scores from these ratings were combined to determine our overall winners and top-performing mountain bike saddles. We also performed a weighted drag test for each saddle to objectively examine durability. Read on to find out how these saddles compare to each other and to find the best one to suit your needs.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
At OutdoorGearLab, our goal is to find the best-performing products in any given test. We feel that it is a bonus when those products are also a good value. Hands down, the best value-to-performance ratio in our test was the WTB Volt. We tested the titanium model; you can get the chromoly-railed version for about half the price, and that's a screamin' deal.
Long rides, short rides — the right mountain bike saddle can make all the difference in the world. Credit: Jeremy Benson
Comfort
A bike saddle must, first and foremost, be comfortable to sit on. While the level of comfort needed will depend on what type of biking you're doing and how much performance you demand, every biker is considerate of their hindquarters. A variety of factors play into the comfort of a mountain bike saddle, including width, length, padding, shape, and anatomical cutout (or lack thereof). Comfort is subjective, of course, but we did our very best to determine which saddles are the most comfortable and why. One important factor in the overall comfort of any saddle is the fit, so be sure to get the appropriate width for your sit bones. Getting the appropriate width saddle makes all the difference in the world. If you're not sure what works best for you, we recommend having your sit bones measured at a shop. You can also do this at home, and there are helpful tips online.
In the end, the most comfortable saddle in our test was the WTB Pure. The Pure is affectionately known as the couch or Lazy-Boy of mountain bike saddles, but it doesn't sacrifice much to provide that level of comfort. The width may be more difficult to get behind but the generous padding, love channel, and deep V design make this saddle a winner.
Comfort is always subjective, and various manufacturers come up with wildly different designs to address it. The Koda Team up top and the Tioga Spyder is below. Credit: Jeremy Benson
During testing, we also discovered that a comfortable saddle doesn't have to be expensive. The WTB Volt was no slouch in the comfort department and costs less than half as much as most of its competition. The Volt Race's slightly cradled shape, medium width, and anatomical groove proved to be quite agreeable, especially for extended periods of seated pedaling. Likewise, the SQLab 611 impressed us with its pressure relief channel, stepped tail design, and wide nose.
The Volt Fusion Form foregoes Kevlar protection on the rear, which makes it easier to get behind but makes it more prone to damage. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Performance
Most saddles perform their duties in a relatively similar way, but in the performance metric, we rate them on a combination of factors, including their shape, padding, and general level of comfort out on the trail. The more comfortable a saddle is, the better, but only as long as that comfort doesn't hinder your pedaling ability and your freedom to move about on the bike as needed when climbing and descending. Some saddle shapes are designed to allow the rider to move back and forth more freely and prevent snagging on baggy shorts, and believe it or not, some perform better than others out on the trail.
The minimally padded WTB Silverado is a popular choice for oem spec. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Another of our top saddles in the performance metric is the WTB Volt, a long-standing model in their saddle range. The Volt has a classic, comfortable shape, with a medium length and width that allows plenty of freedom of movement. One of the best things about WTB saddles is that they also age well and seemingly only get more comfortable over time. The Volt is the kind of saddle that you mount on your bike and never think about again, and that's about as good as it gets.
The SDG Bel-Air is easy to get behind and doesn't grab your shorts. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
We were also impressed by the performance of the SDG Components Bel-Air V3. It has a smaller, shorter profile than other options and features a nylon glass base that delivers excellent power transfer. The V3 also allows for multiple pedal positions, so we got the most out of the saddle on long flats and on the uphill grinds. The Ergon SM Pro also has a great design, and despite its softer feel, it still optimizes power transfer while climbing and seemingly disappears on the descents.
Testing the Scoop Race Shallow on a lovely spring day. Credit: Jeremy Benson
Versatility
Mountain bike saddles are generally made for one purpose, and that is mountain biking. Some saddles proved themselves to be more versatile than others, however, and are much more than one-trick ponies. Certain models are better for enduro, shuttles, or downhilling, while others are great for absolutely everything. Testers wouldn't hesitate to mount a few of the saddles in our test selection on every bike in their fleet — the road bike, gravel bike, trail bike, and shuttle rig. Those select few competitors scored much higher in this metric due to their overall comfort and better all-around performance.
Durability
The durability of mountain bike saddles is an important yet subtle metric to consider. In general, most models offer a similar level of durability, provided you never crash and handle your bike with care. Since crashes and rough transit do happen, many manufacturers of mountain bike saddles have sought to mitigate their effects by incorporating abrasion-resistant materials in key areas. The most common places for your bike saddle to impact the ground in a crash are on the wings or the tail, and the highest-scoring saddles in our durability metric have abrasion-resistant materials sewn in to protect them from potential damage. Outside of the material itself, durability is also impacted by how that material is attached to the saddle - some brands use methods such as stapling, while others use more refined techniques such as vacuum sealing.
Our highest-rated saddle for durability is the SDG Bel Air V3. This is an impressive option with a completely seamless, vacuum-sealed microfiber top with welded edges. We put every saddle through the paces, including a weighted pull test where we dragged each saddle with a weight for 30 feet on concrete. The Bel Air V3 looked nearly brand new, even after all of our test rides, and we were shocked to discover minimal damage after our weighted drag test.
There's not a lot of saddle to see here, but the SQLab 611 weighs next to nothing and was a tester favorite. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Both of the WTB saddles in our test selection, the Volt and the Koda, have the same microfiber seat material, but the Volt Titanium lacks the abrasion-resistant material stitched on the outer parts of the tail on both sides. This material has taken its share of hits, and one of our testers has a two-season-old Koda that has seen plenty of hard crashes and has held up impressively well.
The WTB Volt Titanium has a unique look from the rear without the abrasion protection most trail saddles offer. The SQLab 611 has a similar Kevlar reinforcement that wraps entirely around its tail. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Weight
The weight of a saddle is the least subjective metric we rated for mountain bike saddles. In cycling, everything is subject to weight scrutiny, and saddles are no exception; in general, lighter is considered better. A mountain bike is the sum of its parts, and saving a few grams anywhere you can will help to keep that overall weight down. A saddle is an easy (and often less expensive) place to save weight.
To measure this, we weighed each saddle on our trusty digital scale. Please note that these weights pertain only to the model tested. Most of the saddles we tested come in a range of constructions and price points, which may affect their weight.
At the end of the day, one of the saddles we found most comfortable turned out to be the lightest. The SQLab uses a shape that reminds me of a rally car seat. It's firm and minimal padding unveils how well it is shaped to be supportive without much cushion.
There's no substitute for a comfortable mountain bike saddle. Credit: Jeremy Benson
How to Choose a Mountain Bike Saddle
Years of discomfort and sore bones can make finding the right saddle feel like a daunting task. Instead, we're here to show how a few key considerations can make finding that perfect saddle a piece of cake.
Riding Style/Position
Between cross country, enduro, and downhill, the various disciplines within mountain biking all demand a slightly different saddle. A gravity-hungry rider who spends most of their time pointing down will want a saddle with minimal obstruction and durable materials. A cross-country rider will prioritize pedal performance and look for saddle options that offer stability and proper positioning for climbs and long days on the saddle. Manufacturers typically list a saddle's intended use, which serves as a good starting point for finding suitable options.
Choosing a saddle that compliments your riding style goes a long way toward finding the perfect saddle for you. Credit: Jeremy Benson
Saddle Comfort
Saddle comfort hinges on proper anatomical fit. Too narrow causes pressure points and numbness; too wide leads to chafing and hampers pedaling efficiency. You can measure your sit bone width at home using online calculators and DIY tests, though visiting a local bike shop for a professional fitting yields more accurate results. Once you know your sit bone measurement, you can select from size-specific saddles ranging from narrow to wide. The ideal saddle width should be slightly wider than your sit bones. Companies like SQLab will send you a measuring kit for free.
While material choice and saddle shape do have an effect on comfort, finding the right sit bone width is the most important aspect of finding a comfortable saddle. Credit: Jeremy Benson
Rail Material
The rails of your saddle connect the seat to the seat post and are typically made of chromoly, steel, carbon, or titanium. For weight-conscious bikers, an easy way to shed grams is to opt for carbon or titanium rails, as long as the cost difference isn't a concern. Otherwise, cheaper options such as chromoly will offer similar performance at a friendlier price point. Carbon rails are typically the stiffest and give your saddle the most rigidity. If you want a bit of extra flex in the rails, titanium provides the most flex and lets some saddles conform to your pelvis a bit more.
Materials and Construction
Saddle materials play a crucial role in comfort and performance. Shells are typically made from composites, polypropylene, or carbon fiber, with premium models using carbon fiber for superior strength and lighter weight. Adding small amounts of carbon can “tune” a saddle's flex feel and provide more comfort. Padding quality distinguishes average saddles from exceptional ones. The best saddles strategically place padding to distribute weight and create a precise fit. Counterintuitively, excessive padding can cause pressure points and chafing rather than improve comfort.
The materials that make up your saddle can have a considerable effect on strength, comfort, and, of course, price. Credit: Jeremy Benson
Conclusion
From a comfort standpoint, a mountain bike saddle is one of the most important pieces of equipment on your bike and can dramatically improve your everyday riding experience. Getting one that fits you right, performs well, and meets your budget is significant. Our team of mountain bike testers put in lots of time on the trail riding with these saddles, and we hope our detailed reviews and comparative analysis will help you in your quest to find the best mountain bike saddle for you.
