Choosing a saddle is no easy task. We select the best of the bunch to help you find the right one for you.
Even if you’re a new cyclist, you will likely understand that anatomical differences, riding styles, and disciplines are why there are so many variations in saddle design. However, since it can significantly impact your riding experience—it's important to invest time in selecting the right one. You can read more about selecting the best bike saddle for you in this handy guide.
One thing to note is that Men and women tend to favour different designs. While this guide features both, we also have a dedicated guide to the best women's saddles.
In this guide, we feature 12 saddles designed for various cycling categories. For example, our best overall Fizik Antares Versus Evo is heavily focused on bringing comfort to performance Road Bikes.
Although we offer a comprehensive guide to the best saddles for gravel riding, there is considerable overlap in how we classify specific saddles. For instance, the Ergon SR Allroad also stands out as one of our top picks for long rides, thanks to its high-rebound foam that cushions and supports during both on-road and off-road adventures.
Bargain hunters, we have you covered, too, with my personal favourite saddle, the Bontrager Verse Comp Short. With high-end shapes and ergonomics, the Verse is a great example of trickle-down tech and fit.
Best saddle overall
Best saddle overall
Featuring 3D printed zonal cushioning and a full-length pressure relief channel, the Antares Versus Evo saddle is light, exceptionally comfortable...but expensive.
While the short nose design is suited to an aero-riding position, the pressure relief channel and additional padding make this a good choice for longer rides, too.
Equipped with 'high-rebound' foam, this all-road saddle delivers a comfortable ride on a range of surfaces. Its ability to absorb road and trail chatter makes it ideal for long days in the saddle over various terrain.
With a long shape that allows for different riding positions and a generous cut-out to help relieve pressure, the Romin Evo Pro is comfortable, especially over long distances.
Designed with racing in mind, the S-Works Power model matches a short nose with a large cut-out to aid an aggressive riding position without sacrificing comfort.
With a sleek-looking profile, relief channel and short nose, you would be forgiven for thinking the Verse Comp is much more expensive than it is. Its extra padding makes it great for long days on or off-road roads.
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Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.
The Escher-inspired structure of 3D-printed saddles might not look like much but they can offer incredible comfort and support
Our expert review:
The Fizik Antares Versus Evo R3 Adaptive saddle features the Italian brand's 3D-printed padding, which creates a distinctive honeycomb appearance. This high-tech manufacturing process allows for the creation of what Fizik calls 'zonal cushioning', which is firmer in places and softer in others, allowing it to adapt to the specific cyclist's body.
It also features a full-length pressure relief channel, a carbon-reinforced nylon shell that adds some flex and 7x7 kium hollow rails. The combination adds up to a saddle weighing 217 grams in the 139mm width version we tested.
On review, we found the saddle very comfortable. The zonal cushioning and relief channel performed as you'd hoped. Despite its appearance, the holes in the padding made it easy to clean dirt from the saddle with a quick spray of water.
In fact, the only downside to the adaptive Antares saddle is the price, which sits at the pricier end of the market unless you're lucky enough to find it at a discount.
Another addition to the growing range of short-nosed saddles
Our expert review:
A short-nosed saddle which might feel a bit strange if the stubby genre is new to you, but we found the design incredibly comfortable.
Since you're encouraged to sit in a static position, the set up can take a little longer but it's well worth the effort. There are not many saddles that we've sat upon that offered us so much comfort.
This saddle is well suited to both road and time trial riding, as it really locks the cyclist into a set position, helping them to stay put throughout the effort.
Compared to other short nose saddles, we found that a little additional padding on this version worked well and provided added comfort. The large cut out also added to overall satisfaction, and the squared off nose means you shouldn't experience issues with chafing at the front.
For those who like stubby saddles, and want a large cut out and a little more padding, this could be a winner, and from a value perspective, this one comes in lower than competitors.
High-rebound foam on the SR Allround makes it an excellent companion for all-day mixed terrain rides
Our expert review:
Although you can use a road saddle for riding off-road and many gravel bikes come fitted with a road model, there are benefits in a gravel-specific saddle design.
The Ergon SR Allroad saddle includes a layer of high-rebound foam between the upper orthopaedic foam layer and the base of the saddle, designed to improve shock absorption. Ergon offers two widths and versions with lighter rails and base than the Core line, which is quite weighty at 288g.
Although marketed as a gravel saddle, we rode it on our road bike, where the effect of the extra layer of padding was easier to isolate than on a fatter-tired machine.
A disadvantage of the Ergon saddle, at least for women riders, is that it comes in a men's fit only.
A good saddle for people who like to love around on the bike
Our expert review:
The Romin Evo is a long-nosed saddle, suited to riders who like to move around on the bike, sitting on the nose during efforts and placing their weight back on the climbs.
We're generally fans of saddles with an ample cut-out, and we found that this one did the job, despite being relatively narrow.
Specialized has used 'level 2 padding', and tested over rides of four hours+, we found this to be sufficient. The upper is made from a water-resistant Micromatrix material, which is resiliant and also quite aethetically pleasing.
The saddle comes in three widths (143mm, 155mm and 168mm - we tested the latter), which should provide plenty of choice to suit most bodies.
Initially marketed as a men's saddle, we've had male and female testers get on with this option - suggesting it has a wide appeal.
The Power has proved a hit with many riders male and female
Our expert review:
The Specialized Power was the saddle that kicked off the short and stubby trend that has since seen just about every saddle brand launch their own version. We reviewed the S-Works model but there are other price bracket options available too.
With a wide profile and sizable pressure relieving cutout, we'd suggest this is best suited to those who ride in an aggressive position, or spend a lot of time in the drops. An oft-reported downside of the Power is that the rear fans out, and can rub against some riders' hamstrings; if this is the case for you, then we'd recommend looking at the Power Arc, a variation which avoids this via a more rounded rear.
Overall, the Power saddle has collected a high number of converts across the Cycling Weekly team. It might not be everyone's absolute favourite, but it's rare to hear a rider say they find it uncomfortable. If you like to fix yourself into a set position on the bike, then we believe it's a solid option and well worth a try.
With high-end shapes and ergonomics, the Verse is a great example of trickle-down tech
Our expert review:
I've used Fabric's iconic Scoop saddle for many years with little to no issues. However, after a few longer bikepacking trips, I started to notice some numbness creeping in. At the time, I assumed it was due to being seated much more than usual and just more ride time. After some research, I decided that I potentially needed a shorter nose.
On paper, at least, the Bontrager stood out. Its short 250mm overall length, neutral shape, and inclusion of the cutout suggest a lot of tricked-down tech. After just under a year with the Verse Comp, my numbness has seemingly disappeared. Thanks to the decent level of padding on the saddle, I found I could use thinner, cooler chamois in warmer weather, eliminating some of the soreness I get in those conditions.
It took some time to get used to the Verse, which is a very different shape from the more traditional Scoop. This could also have been because it is the most affordable version, and the materials are slightly less forgiving. The lack of compliance in the base and rails was certainly noticeable compared to my more premium Fabric saddle, and largely why the Verse weighs nearly 300 grams.
The Verse Comp works well on various bikes, particularly all-road and gravel bikes. The extra padding compensates for the lack of compliance and keeps me comfortable all day. I will eventually upgrade to the more premium version, but for now, I am very happy with this budget saddle.
There is a lot to be said for a pressure relief channel
Our expert review:
Given Selle Italia have around 16 versions of the Flite saddle it should come as no surprise that there is now a gravel-specific version added to the range. At first it's easy to see the Flite Gravel as just a marketing exercise. However, taking a bit of time to look beyond this you realise its a combination of various features that are best suited to longer drop-bar off-road rides, a sort of merger of the Endurance and MTB versions of the Flite.
The Superflow channel provides pressure relief to the perineum when in the drops, particularly important on chattery terrain. Additional shock absorbency comes from a combination of the gel inserts and titanium rails. The covering material is Fibra-Tek which offers increased durability against gritty abrasion.
We were really impressed by the comfort of the Flite, the Superflow shape and choice of widths meant that weight was through sit bones where it should be. We found that the shorter length (250mm, standard across all Flites) allowed good movement around the bike although means your weight isn't so far forward if you want to perch on the nose of the saddle on steep climbs.
3D printing can add performance too, not just comfort
Our expert review:
Made up of thousands of 3D-printed struts and nodes to help distribute pressure, Specialized’s beloved long-nosed Romin Evo design is now available with the brand’s Mirror technology. The result is an extremely comfortable saddle which, rather than feeling like you’re ‘perched on top’, you almost feel like you’re ‘sitting in’.
We found that this made for a more connected feeling with the bike, with high-power seated efforts feeling very planted. At the same time, road vibrations were a little more absorbed and not transferred to our rear. The saddle is also very lightweight for one that is so comfortable, at 192g (measured) in a 143mm variant.
The length of the Romin design works well for performance-orientated riders who want to move their weight around as the effort dictates. Although it is an expensive saddle, its price is about the same level as rivals using similar 3D printed tech, but it is still a significant hike over similarly weighted saddles, such as the S-Works Romin Evo (without Mirror).
Fizik is famous for categorizing its saddles based upon flexibility and riding style. The Arione is suited to flexible riders and is quite a narrow perch, so it's best for the racer with a long and low ride position, which is why it's perennially popular with the pros.
The length provides plenty of room for a rider to move around and shift their weight as they climb and descend and to alter their position for comfort on long, fast days in the saddle, but the narrow width means it won't suit everyone. It does make the Arione a bit heavier than other saddles at its price though.
The Arione is an extremely popular saddle that suits a great many riders. There are narrower and slightly wider options, as well as a Versus option with a pressure relief channel and a Donna women's version in the Arione family.
Despite being only 242mm long, the Amp feels like a much longer nosed saddle
Our expert review:
Anyone's initial impression of the Cadex Amp saddle will undoubtedly be its low 131-gram weight. However, its sleek design, raw carbon material, and exquisite craftsmanship are also profoundly appealing.
My scepticism of its “unisex” claims was certainly short-lived. From the very first ride, the Amp was super comfortable. Combined with the carbon fibre construction, the foam forms a great, supportive shape that helps dampen any road vibration. Even after decades of riding and somewhat in part due to some of the challenging events I have taken on, I still find myself getting sore. The Cadex's heavily curved and quick drop-off wings effectively minimised friction. Not once during testing did I think I would need to stop using it.
My only fear is the durability of the rails. I know that integrated rail construction is a big part of why the Amp is so comfortable. However, the combination of low weight and rough or gravel roads makes me wonder about its longevity in the long term when considering the cost of a replacement.
The noseless design is popular among time triallists
Our expert review:
ISM saddles are renowned for serving time trial riders particularly well, due to the split-nose design. In essence, the lower you get on the tri-bars, the better the saddle feels - which is typically the opposite with many conventional saddles. The result allows you to stay in your aero position with greater comfort.
For this reason, we gave the saddle full marks when we tested it a while back. We loved the comfort it gave us, even when suffering through 20-minute FTP intervals on the turbo! It's worth noting that setting up an ISM saddle will be different to setting up a standard saddle as it works better when set further back on the seatpost, so check the instructions. Most dealers offer test saddles if you want to try one out before you buy.
Could the ISM saddle work well on the road? If you're looking for saddle that promotes a tucked aero position and then allows you to hold it in comfort, then yes - although the heavier weight compared to regular road saddles could be off-putting, especially if you're into all-riding and saving grams.
It is certainly worth mentioning the SQ Lab 612 Ergowave R in this guide. The 612 Ergowave is designed to work in tandem with SQ Labs' own cycling short in an attempt to offer perfect harmony between the two. While you are not obliged to go down that route, it is an interesting approach. Simon did test with other brands of cycling shorts with relative success.
However, while Simon gave the 612 Ergowave R a generous 4.5 stars out of 5, it did not come without issues. His initial impressions of the SQ Lab saddle left him wondering what on earth they were thinking after a few tough rides, leaving him with some sore sit bones. According to SQ Lab, this harsh sensation is predicted in most cases as the sit bones start to take the load and the body adjusts.
In conclusion, it seems it will all pay off if you can manage the initial adjustment to this slightly different design. Due to this, it does sit slightly out of the mainstream options and may not be for everyone.
Finding the perfect saddle for you can be a bit of trial and error.
Diagnose the issue: Try to determine what you dislike about an existing saddle. Are there key aspects that don't seem right? If so, use those to determine what needs to change.
Riders who spend more time in an aggressive position often need a pressure relief channel or a shorter nose, while those who desire the freedom to move around frequently favour a longer nose.
Determine your Sit Bone width: This can be done so simply at home with a piece of cardboard and a pen.
Place your corrugated piece of card on a hard chair or surface with your knees at 90 degrees and feet flat on the floor. Firmly imprint. Once you are sure it's imprinted, use a pen to mark the centre points of the imprints and measure. Most brands will offer a conversion of sit bone widths to saddle measurement.
Think about your riding style. Flexibility, how you sit on your bike, and the bike you ride all greatly impact saddle choice. If you ride a Gravel bike with a fairly level bar-to-saddle set-up, you are unlikely to need a saddle designed for a very aggressive position.
Ask a friend: Why not ask to borrow a friend's bike for a short ride? Chat with them about their measurements and see how they differ from yours. Ask what they like about their saddle, and why they chose it.
Shop Around: Look for models suited to your riding style, level of flexibility, and anatomy. Ideally, seek out brands that offer a proper fitting process, such as Selle Italia's Idmatch or Specialized's Retul digital saddle sizing, which can be found in stores across the country.
Alternatively, look for brands that offer test saddles from dealers. Fizik and ISM both offer this service.
Check the returns policy: It is so important - some companies will allow you to buy a saddle to try it out and swap it for another if you are not happy with it within 30 days. This is very useful for testing a few options.
Getting a bike fit can be a great way to get help in the pursuit of the right saddle
Discomfort in the saddle varies between riders, but among male riders is often the result of a saddle that is too narrow.
We all have different-width ‘sit-bones’. The ischial tuberosities are the parts of your body designed to bear your seated weight. Most cases of saddle-related discomfort arise because the load is carried on the soft tissues between the sit bones rather than by the bones themselves.
Also, bear in mind that the perceived width of your rear end has little to do with the actual bone structure. Good bike shops, and some brands, offer test ride programs so you can try before you buy.
A common misconception is that more padding equals a comfier saddle. If this were the case the people who spend the most time on bikes -Tour de France riders - would be using veritable lazy-e boys.
The reality is that padding deforms and creates more contact, so on longer rides, it can be less comfortable. Thick, soft padding may initially seem like a good idea to alleviate saddle discomfort, but often a squishy saddle will just compress down under the sit bones and push up in the middle, shifting the pressure from your sit-bones to the soft tissue in-between.
Can a saddle be too firm though? Some riders (male and female) ride bare carbon saddles and get along fine. This isn't for everyone, but it does highlight that far more important than padding is shape.
To maximize comfort you should aim to get a saddle that is the right shape for your style of riding and sit bones.
Shape is the most important aspect of saddle comfort. Saddles come in a plethora of different shapes, designed to support different riders and different styles of riding.
Narrower, flatter saddles such as the Fizik Arione tend to suit more aggressive riders with a lower position. The Specialized Romin is another example.
A slightly wider saddle with a curved profile, such as the Fabric Scoop, is often the choice of riders who sit more upright. The Fizik Aliante and Specialized Toupé are also examples of saddles designed for a more upright position.
Many bike shops have what we like to call 'bum-ometers' (we just made that up). These are devices that you can sit on and feature a memory foam. Your sit bones leave an impression in foam, the width of which can be measured.
A general rule of thumb is that the saddle width should be sit bone width +2cm. Specialized and Bontrager both produce devices like this to measure your sit bones and these are often available to try in your local bike shop.
Alternatively, if you don't have access to a bum-ometer you could always improvise with some Playdoh and a sheet of paper or a piece of cardboard. It's an important thing to remember that a bigger derriere doesn't necessarily mean you have bigger/wider sit bones.
So you've measured your sit bones, you're happy that your saddle is flat enough and the padding is good, but you still feel discomfort. The solution? You may need a cut-out.
Cut-outs and relief channels come in all shapes and sizes, and the best way to see if you'll benefit is to try one. Cut-outs and channels can relieve stress on soft tissues in your delicate areas. If you repeatedly experience discomfort this might be for you.
Is it bad to have a cut-out if you don't need one? Many people who don't need a cut-out comfortably ride saddles with cut-outs with no problems. However, some people find that cut-outs can increase pressure at the edges, or pinch delicate skin.
The rails of a saddle create a frame under the seating area that fits into the clamp at the top of your seatpost. Most modern bikes conform to the same standard, so any reputable saddle will fit any reputable bike.
Rails are one of the main areas that affect saddle price. Entry-level saddles have steel rails, and the further up the price bar you move, the more you encounter manganese, titanium and carbon. As you progress through the materials, they get lighter and more expensive.
Carbon rails are the most expensive and the lightest. Carbon and titanium are also slightly more forgiving than steel, allowing for more comfort.
The important thing to remember is that the basic steel railed model will often have the same shape as the top end carbon-railed version.
Time trials saddles might look odd but for good reason
Riding in a time trial position requires most riders to be 'on the rivet'. This can mean the rider has a forward rotated pelvis, with the sit bones typically up, off the saddle surface.
In this forward position, the pubic bone and other soft tissues become weight-bearing. Triathletes and time trialists tend to favour special saddles that have effectively had the nose chopped off, like the Fizik Tritone or a double-nosed saddle like the ISM range.
This also enables pro riders to push the saddle further forward on the rails, as there is a current (arguably outdated) UCI rule that limits how far forward the nose of the saddle can go.
Remember, changing your saddle can change your saddle height. If you get a new saddle, it is worth re-measuring your saddle height. It's also a good idea to check that the saddle is sitting at the correct position on the rails - getting this wrong can lead to discomfort elsewhere, such as knee pain.
Hopefully it goes without saying, but the shorts you'll wear on the bike make a difference to your overall comfort, too.
If you are regularly suffering from discomfort on the bike, make sure that you've invested in a good quality, properly fitting pair of cycling specific shorts before you blame the seat.
Cycling Weekly has a team of testers with vast experience in testing bikes, components, clothing and accessories across a wide range of prices and spec levels, so they know bikes and tech inside out and have the experience to know what makes a great cycling product. Our experience means you'll have a consistent, in-depth viewpoint reflected in our product scoring. You can find out more on our How We Test page.
Testing saddles, helmets, shoes, and certain types of clothing is especially challenging, making it hard to provide an unbiased assessment. As I have mentioned several times in this guide, selecting the right saddle depends on your body's anatomy, riding style, and flexibility. This means that a saddle that fits one rider may not be suitable for another.
While testing, our reviewers strive to express not only the specifications of each saddle but also how its shape and design have impacted their experience. They also consider how using a different bike style or having a distinct anatomy could influence your ride.
One thing is certain: the Cycling Weekly team tend to put themselves through a reasonable amount of pain while testing the best saddles. Particularly if that saddle is not suited to them. When selecting the reviews for these saddles, we always try to go through the same process as you would, making sure to select saddles that suit the review. Not just so the saddle receives a good review, firstly not to put them through too much pain, but also as they will then be best placed to illustrate their feels and offer decent comparisons.
In conclusion, we strive to discuss our experiences with similar or identical saddles as a team whenever possible. Our team continually tests various new bikes, including these saddles. This approach helps the reviewer better understand which saddle may be most suitable for different riders.
