Compared to bikes, garments and different parts, the gravel-specific saddle market had been sluggish to evolve. However worry not, these days there’s an incredible selection of saddles that mix the very best properties of drop-bar fashions with the shock absorbency and sturdiness of mountain bike variations. This information showcases a number of of our favorites, every boasting totally different options at various worth factors.
Selecting a saddle has all the time been a tough job. There are seemingly countless choices to match all of the combos of anatomy, styling, using model and price range imaginable. In addition to this information, try how to decide on the proper saddle for you which has numerous ideas and issues to look out for.
If that is nonetheless not sufficient, we even have greatest males’s and greatest girls’s saddle shopping for guides.
The fast record
Here is a fast run-through our favourite gravel saddles. There is a hyperlink on every which is able to take you thru to extra element.
1. Selle Italia Flite Enhance Gravel TI 316 Superflow
Finest for tough terrain
The Flite’s gel layer and titanium rails produce wonderful shock absorbency which mix with the massive Superflow cut-out to scale back strain when using within the drops.
Extremely light-weight, extremely responsive and extremely quick. This can be a saddle for individuals who love the liberty and velocity of using arduous with out something to carry them again.
It may not be leather-based, but it surely most positively has traditional Brooks model. It is also extremely snug and has loads of sturdiness in opposition to moist and gritty circumstances.
The Scratch has a bit little bit of a number of issues that mix for an incredible experience no matter your terrain selection. The paneled cushioning supplies wonderful consolation whether or not you are spinning by means of the miles or perched on the saddle’s nostril smashing the climbs.
The Energy Professional combines unrivalled Mirror consolation with a supportive form which nonetheless permits you to experience in numerous positions. This could possibly be an ideal gravel saddle if the matrix building did not maintain the dust fairly so nicely.
Selle Italia Flite Enhance Gravel TI 316 Superflow
(Picture credit score: Rachel Sokal)
1. Selle Italia Flite Enhance Gravel TI 316 Superflow
Finest for damping
Specs
Sizes: 135mm,145mm (widths)
Weight: 228g, 232g
Rails: Titanium
Causes to purchase
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Wonderful vibration damping
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Giant channel for consolation within the drops
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Flat profile and brief size to permit motion across the saddle
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Selection of widths
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Selection of colours
Causes to keep away from
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Comparatively agency really feel will not go well with all
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Brief size will not go well with those that need to weight the tip of the saddle on steep climbs
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Not accessible in black
Given Selle Italia has round 16 variations of the Flite saddle it ought to come as no shock that there’s now a gravel-specific model added to the vary. At first, it is simple to see the Flite Gravel as only a advertising train. Nonetheless, taking a little bit of time to look past this you notice it is a mixture of assorted options which can be greatest suited to longer drop-bar off-road rides, a form of merger of the Endurance and MTB variations of the Flite.
The Superflow channel supplies strain aid to the perineum when within the drops, notably vital on chattery terrain. Extra shock absorbency comes from a mix of gel inserts and titanium rails. The masking materials is Fibra-Tek which presents elevated sturdiness in opposition to gritty abrasion.
We had been actually impressed by the consolation of the Flite, the Superflow form and selection of widths meant that weight was by means of sit bones the place it must be. The shorter size (250mm, commonplace throughout all Flites) allowed good motion across the bike though it means your weight is not up to now ahead if you wish to perch on the nostril of the saddle on steep climbs.
Learn extra:Selle Italia Flite Enhance Gravel TI 316 Superflow full overview
Finest for grip
(Picture credit score: Rachel Sokal)
2. Fizik Terra Argo X3
Finest for grip
Specs
Sizes: 150mm or 160mm widths
Weight: 258g (150mm)
Rails: Hole alloy
Causes to purchase
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Good stability of help and luxury
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Plenty of stability for individuals who need it
Causes to keep away from
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Extra stack top might restrict dropper use
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Arduous to make delicate shifts when using
The Fizik Terra Argo X3 is the off-road model of Fizik’s short-nosed Argo saddle vary. The brief nostril permits for loads of motion across the bike. Combining the brief size with the cut-out channel provides first rate strain aid while you’re down on the drops.
Off-road consolation comes by means of the inherent flex within the physique of the saddle and the one-piece looped rail which flexes to soak up the tough.
The standout function of the Terra Argo is the planted place and grip it provides, a results of its wave form and grippy end. This stops you from sliding round within the saddle and so, in idea, provides a extra stable platform to get the ability by means of the pedals. On the draw back, this limits small changes while you’re using so might not go well with a extra fidgety rider.
Learn extraFizik Terra Argo X3 gravel saddle full overview
A scarcity of padding and agency properties will not go well with all
The Gravelier represents fairly a special strategy for WTB in its saddle design. It has a big central cut-out as an alternative of the same old central despair and has a decrease profile with much less padding. Mixed with its distinguished wave-shape, brief nostril and flex throughout the carbon physique, these design parts optimize consolation and help while using arduous within the drops. The carbon-railed model we rode is astonishingly mild too, a mere 157g.
The svelte Gravelier each seems and rides quick. It is agency and reactive and its lack of padding permits for plenty of motion across the bike and provides loads of suggestions. It is akin to racing in full lycra fairly than donning your baggies for a extra relaxed jaunt.
The front-to-rear curvature of the saddle and flex of the carbon physique ensures consolation. Having mentioned that, after a few hours within the saddle the dearth of padding is noticeable so it’s your decision one thing with a bit extra cushioning in case your rides are on the longer facet. We anticipate our carbon-railed model to have extra of a direct really feel than the lower-priced stainless and chromoly-railed variations.
Finest for traditional model
(Picture credit score: Rachel Sokal)
4. Brooks C17 Carved
Finest for traditional model
Specs
Sizes: L 283 x W 164 x H 52 mm
Weight: 446g
Rails: Metal
Causes to purchase
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Consolation
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Basic styling
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Sturdiness
Causes to keep away from
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Weight
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Just one width accessible
Along with producing essentially the most quintessential leather-based saddles, Brooks can be protecting apace with the gravel bike revolution.
As an alternative of leather-based, the C vary of Brooks saddles contains a sturdy rubber higher. Regardless of the absence of leather-based, the C17 is most positively Brooks, that includes the identical shaping and iconic rear rivets. Gravel hipsters look no additional.
In addition to giving the C17 numerous sturdiness, the rubber higher additionally supplies pure flex and shock absorbency for off-road using. There are two variations accessible, both with or with out a cut-out for strain aid.
Regardless of the rubber’s agency really feel and lack of padding the C17 is (surprisingly) an extremely snug saddle to experience. Its curved form supplies even help on the tops and the drops so we did not get any points with uneven weight bearing. It does a superb job of absorbing all of the chatter of tough trails too. A lot in order that we repeatedly forgot we had been using a special saddle than typical.
The one actual downside of the C17 is its weight, at 446g it is round twice as heavy as many of the different saddles on this information.
Finest for versatility
(Picture credit score: Rachel Sokal)
5. Prologo Scratch M5 AGX
Finest for verstality
Specs
Sizes: 250 (l) x140 (w) mm or 147mm (w)
Weight: 165g (carbon rail), 220g (metal rail)
Rails: Carbon (Nack) or metal (Tirox)
Causes to purchase
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Wonderful vibration damping
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Versatile design
Causes to keep away from
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Small distinction between two widths
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Can get snagged on built-in rear fender
The Scratch M5 AGX is Prologo’s “Journey, Gravel, XC” model of the road-orientated saddle. Because the title suggests, the saddle has nice versatility fairly than suiting one sort of off-road drop bar using over one other.
The Scratch is 140mm broad, has carbon (examined) or metal rails, a carbon shell and distinctive paneled padding. There is a “House” model of the saddle too which is barely wider (+7mm) and has thicker paneling.
Not like a few of the different saddles on this information, the Scratch has a extra conventional flat profile that gives pelvic help in a spread of using positions. Crucially it means it is also snug whether or not you are racing arduous within the drops, or spinning alongside in a extra upright place. The draw back is that there is much less help in any single place which extra static riders might favor. The nostril of the saddle is barely dropped and nicely cushioned so you will not get uncomfortable whether or not you are rotated ahead or perching proper on the tip up a climb.
The paneled design permits differing types and densities of padding throughout the saddle, placing the proper cushioning in all the proper locations. Mixed with the design of the shell, the Prologo supplies wonderful vibration damping.
The shell protrudes barely on the again to type a small fender. If you happen to’re more likely to be using off the again in baggies you might discover this function extra of a hindrance than a assist.
Finest for consolation
(Picture credit score: Rachel Sokal)
6. Specialised Energy Professional with Mirror
Finest for consolation
Specs
Sizes: 143 or 155mm width
Weight: 245g claimed, 256g as examined (143mm model); 251g claimed 155mm model
Rails: Titanium
Causes to keep away from
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Dust simply caught in matrix and troublesome to wash
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Grip makes it troublesome to make small changes to place
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Value
We have but to discover a overview that does not agree that Specialised’s 3D Mirror printed saddles are exceptionally snug. And so the place higher to search for a gravel saddle the place the necessity for consolation and cushioning is at a premium?
The Energy saddle is formed for versatility. It has a delicate fore-aft curve so permits loads of motion however with some help. It is fairly brief (240mm) and the nostril falls away for good consolation within the drops.
The matrix construction of the Mirror is exceptionally snug and does a superb job of damping the vibrations from the tough gravel trails. It actually does will let you experience off-road for longer and in additional consolation.
However, it isn’t with out its downsides (in addition to the well-known price ticket). Firstly, we discovered that the matrix materials is so grippy that it restricts smaller weight-shifting actions which can be mandatory off-road. Moreover, the matrix construction isn’t nice in terms of mud and grit. The open shell below the saddle means muck can work its method in from beneath in addition to from the highest and its a near-on unattainable to wash all these nooks and crannies.
Finest for set-up
(Picture credit score: Rachel Sokal)
7. PRO Stealth Offroad saddle
Finest for set-up
Specs
Sizes: 142 and 152 mm widths
Weight: 203g as examined (142mm)
Rails: Metal
Causes to purchase
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Light-weight
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Agency and responsive really feel
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Easy set-up measurement device included
Causes to keep away from
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Lack of consolation on longer rides
It may not be apparent at first look, however the PRO Stealth is a saddle that is designed for going quick. It is formed for using in an aggressive ahead place with sufficient padding and compliance to soak up the chatter however not prohibit the ability. It is impressively light-weight too (the 142mm model we examined weighed in 203g).
As you may think from this, it fits brief, arduous rides, and provides your place an actual sense of goal. On the draw back, one thing is misplaced to consolation for longer – and maybe much less frantic-paced using when rather less rigidity could be welcome. It is most likely not the only option when you measure your rides by miles fairly than miles per hour.
Moderately than a full central cut-out, it has a decrease center part. We did not have any points with undue strain on tender tissues but it surely is probably not sufficient aid for some riders.
Away from the saddle itself, one intelligent function of the PRO packaging is a brilliantly easy and efficient cut-out a part of the cardboard packaging. Mixed with a tape measure it makes it straightforward to suit your new saddle in the identical place because the one you eliminated.
Shopping for recommendation
Do I really want gravel particular saddle?
You possibly can belief Biking Weekly. Our group of specialists put in arduous miles testing biking tech and can all the time share sincere, unbiased recommendation that can assist you select. Discover out extra about how we take a look at.
No, you do not. If you happen to’re snug utilizing your typical selection of saddle then there isn’t any motive to vary. However there are some good causes that you just would possibly need to experience one thing a bit totally different from what you’ve on a highway, hybrid or mountain bike.
While road-orientated saddles work nicely for the drop bar place, they could lack the shock absorbency and sturdiness to deal with off-road circumstances. Much less shock absorbency might imply shorter, much less snug using. Poorer sturdiness would possibly result in you changing your saddle extra usually than you need.
Compared, a MTB saddle can have significantly better sturdiness and shock absorbency however its flatter form is probably not snug for using low within the drops as they’re designed for use in a extra upright place.
Just like the using itself, a gravel saddle is a hybrid strategy, combining points of highway and off-road designs.
What ought to I search for when selecting a gravel saddle?
1. Form
No matter using you do, saddle shapes will go well with totally different pelvic styles and sizes so there isn’t any single excellent form. However, there are a number of guidelines of thumb that may assist you to select a very good saddle for you. Street-orientated saddles are sometimes formed with a forward-to-back curve to higher suit your pelvis in its anterior rotated place as you attain ahead into the drops. Given the same place your physique is in while you’re gravel using this form could also be higher than a flatter saddle that’s designed for an upright using place.
On the flip facet, an MTB saddle is commonly formed to will let you transfer round extra on and off the saddle to assist negotiate the uneven trails whereas a extra scooped place could make it tougher to shift your self round.
2. Width
In all probability a very powerful consider selecting a saddle is getting one the proper width in your pelvis. Many producers have easy in-shop and at-home gear and guides that can assist you select.
Sadly in terms of gravel saddles the selection of various widths stays fairly restricted, a number of on this information are solely accessible in a single width. We anticipate issues to enhance however, till then, you might favor to stay with a saddle that is the proper width for you fairly than spend cash on a gravel saddle that does not match.
3. Size
Brief, lengthy or one thing in between? One strategy is to decide on a shorter-length (nosed) saddle. In idea, this helps relieve strain in your delicate tender tissue while you’re down on the drops. Some riders additionally favor that they’ve a bit more room to maneuver round with out getting caught on the nostril of the saddle.
Conversely, a longer-nosed saddle might be helpful for tackling steep, tough terrain because it permits you to perch ahead to maintain the ability by means of the pedals and entrance finish of the bike down. Eager about the kind of trails you may be using would possibly assist you to select the very best size.
4. Cushioning and flex
An vital function of a gravel saddle is how nicely it will probably take in the chatter of the path below your wheels. Good shock absorbency will will let you maintain pedaling within the saddle over the tough stuff in addition to maintain you using longer in consolation.
Shock absorbency is not all about fancy gel cushioning. A lot of it comes from the properties of supplies within the rails and shell of the saddle in addition to its total form and building.
Producers favor totally different approaches; you may discover design points resembling totally different shell supplies, versatile ‘wings’ and totally different rail designs along with numerous cushioning varieties.
5. Sturdiness
Gravel saddles are topic to fairly a bit of damage and tear as abrasive grit and water is sprayed up out of your again wheel and mild rubbed in by your bum. Over time this may put on the saddle outer which additional will increase friction, ruins the aesthetic and ultimately wears the outer away. To fight this, some producers use a extra strong outer layer and even strengthened materials on notably weak components.
How we take a look at
‘Bums on seats’ is the straightforward reply. As emphasised within the evaluations, saddle consolation is very subjective, however different parts resembling dimension choices, supplies, weight and sturdiness have been assessed extra objectively to present an incredible start line when contemplating a brand new saddle.
