All Arround MTB

The almost flat, super-sleek Syncros XR1.0 SL has proven deceptively comfy on longer rides. Thanks to the shallow relief channel that runs along its centre, you don’t feel like you’re squishing your bits while pummelling the pedals during particularly long days in the saddle. There’s also enough give in the carbon base and the padding on top to prevent it feeling harsh when the trail gets bumpy. The microfabric cover doesn’t get overly slippery when wet but isn’t so tacky you’ll feel like you’re constantly catching your shorts either. Padding on the nose is sufficient rather than plentiful when you’re perched right forward on steep climbs but we were never there long enough for it to be an issue. Thanks to the lack of aggressive angles, we’ve had no short-snagging issues. At 167g it’s properly light but you’ll need to be a real weight weenie to stomach the price. Price $300

The SMD2 is Ergon’s downhill-specific perch. With chromoly steel rails and a carbon composite shell, the Comp model weighs 200g. When riding downhill, the saddle’s main role is to help with balance, along with a bit of seated pedalling and the odd sat-down foot-out drift. Ergon’s solution is a robust seat with a flat-ish backwards-sloping profile and no perineal cutout. The narrow, stubby shape (256mm long x 125mm wide) meant we never felt as though our movement on the bike was obstructed, and the padded edges definitely make it comfier on the insides of the thighs than some. The dimpled non-slip pad on top didn’t seem to make much difference. Apart from this, the SMD2 does everything that it sets out to well, but for the price, we think it would be fair to expect titanium rails. Price $115

SDG’s Bel Air has finally been updated and its user friendly, universal fit appeal is definitely still intact. The new shell is thinner and there’s less side skirt too but the rounded nose and raised tail are still present, keeping you naturally centred on the saddle even when grinding a gear round.

Apparently taking styling cues from fighter jets, the Vector AM’s padding is pretty minimal and firm, but there’s a deep (if narrow) pressure-relief channel to keep the blood flowing where it’s meant to.

Selle Italia’s SLR has always been a cross-country racing favourite, thanks, pretty much completely, to its low weight. The X-Cross Flow thankfully isn’t quite as brutal as some of the really pared down SLRs, but it’s still a lightweight (185g) saddle happiest on an XC bike.

The cut out High Tail may have originally been designed for downhill bikes where tyres can buzz the saddle on full compression, but it’s weight and comfort means it adapts well to trail use.

The Fizik Thar is claimed to be the world's first 29er-specific saddle. Yep, you read that correctly, 29er specific. So what makes it so 29er specific?

Saddles are a vastly personal item, as shown by the wide array of shapes and sizes on offer. What works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. Syncros have tackled this by offering two widths - a narrow 132mm version we've tested and a wider 143mm version.

The Tune Speedneedle is a super light and rather curious looking saddle. Ours was the wider ‘Marathon’ variant and it weighed just 103g. Most superlight fully padded carbon fibre saddles are 40-50g heavier. Of course the Speedneedle isn’t ‘fully padded’ but that’s the real talking point. Only the nose and tail of the Speedneedle are covered and the mid-portion is totally devoid of padding. While the shell does offer some flex it’s still stiffer than most nylon or nylon/carbon blended saddles.

Definitely one of the most curious-looking seats on the market, the Outland would definitely be Spiderman’s top choice if he rode mountain bikes. Rather than using foam to provide comfort, Tioga went a completely different route.

By far the longest in the test, the Active MTB allows plenty of real estate to move around on–something that might come in handy for some riders on longer slogs. The Active MTB also incorporates a very aggressive down step from back to front, which is meant to relieve pressure as well as provide a sort of buttress to push against on steep climbs.

The Myth is the only female-specific mountain-bike saddle Specialized sells. While some brands might commit more to the category, the mid-range Comp offers quality at a reasonable price. I rode both the 143-millimeter and 155-millimeter widths, and found the 143 to be better suited to my body (my sit bones measure about 120 millimeters).

The Vulture is short, flat and has a wide nose for climbing comfort–the nose on this saddle is a good 5 millimeters wider than the Thar’s. This made it easily the most comfy seat for me to climb with. Even though it’s only a few millimeters shorter than some of the other saddles tested, I almost felt like I was riding a size smaller bike with all the extra hovering clearance it provided.

I don’t know how it’s possible to make a 29er-specific seat, but that’s apparently what the Thar is. Really though, it just has super-long rails that allow for a ton of foreaft adjustment. The flat section of the rails measure 95 millimeters–at least 15 millimeters longer than any of the other seats tested.

Since saddle comfort is mostly about fit, it’s tough to review them. What I find comfortable might feel horrible to you, so we must stress that finding the right saddle usually requires trying a few out. The Volt is now offered in three widths to increase the odds of a good fit (I liked the 135 millimeter).

SO GOOD Made from just three pieces, the Scoop is a minimalist’s dream. It comes in a choice of profiles, rails, bases and colours.

SO GOOD The Tracker is a sleek proposition with its matt finish and gloss logos. At 257g it’s pretty good weight-wise considering the price.

SO GOOD Sitting on the Lynx DT is like slipping on to your favourite bar stool – it’s that comfy! The padding is softer and thicker than most, which makes long days out a doddle.

SO GOOD The Ti-railed Forge is an attempt at creating the ultimate do-anything saddle.

SO GOOD The relatively light ( 217g ) Circuit is SDG’s all-rounder offering. Originally a road design, off-road refinements make the MTN version an option for everything from all-day enduros to DH use.