Best MTB Saddles of 2022

Updated on December 28, 2021

Have you ever been uncomfortable with your bike fit, and you think you might need a new bike? It just may be your saddle. Luckily, for you, The Adventure Junkies are here to help you find the best MTB saddle.

Finding the right saddle is the best way to ensure proper bike fit. It is the best investment you can make for your bike, and your body will thank you. Even though in mountain biking, you are out of the saddle often, it is still important to find a properly fitting saddle. A touring cyclist crushing long miles would never rely on the stock saddle, they would invest in a proper fitting bike touring saddle. With that said, it is not easy to find the right saddle. But with our help, you can find the right saddle to carry you through all of your biking needs.

For more of our top mountain biking gear recommendations, check out the Best Mountain Bike Saddle Bags.

 

Quick Answer – The Best MTB Saddles

Fabric Scoop Radius EliteView at REIWTB Volt RaceView at AmazonTioga Spyder OutlandView at AmazonSQlab 611 Ergowave Active S-TubeView at REISpank SpikeView at AmazonErgon SMC4 Sport GelView at Jenson USAWTB Speed CompView at REIBrooks England Cambium C15 CarvedView at AmazonBrooks Saddles B15 SwallowView at AmazonErgon SMC4View at Amazon

 

Comparison Table – Best Mountain Bike Saddles

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Name	Weight	Width	Length	Price	Rating	Review
Fabric Scoop Radius Elite	255g	142mm	285mm	$	4.5	Read Review
WTB Volt Race	310g	142mm	265mm	$	4.5	Read Review
Tioga Spyder Outland	180g	125mm	285mm	$$	4.6	Read Review
SQlab 611 Ergowave Active S-Tube	207g	140mm	280mm	$$$	4.4	Read Review
Spank Spike	250g	144mm	265mm	$$	4.2	Read Review
Ergon SMC4 Sport Gel	300g	130mm, 150mm	381mm	$	3.8	Read Review
WTB Speed Comp	369g	145mm	265mm	$	4.2	Read Review
Brooks England Cambium C15 Carved	395g	145mm	270mm	$$	4.6	Read Review
Brooks Saddles B15 Swallow	560g	140mm	270mm	$$$	4.2	Read Review
Ergon SMC4	285g – 290g	135mm, 145mm, 155mm	285mm	$$	4.5	Read Review
Name	Weight	Width	Length	Price	Rating	Review

Reviews – The Best Saddles for MTB

Fabric Scoop Radius Elite

Specs

Length: 285mmWeight: 255gWidth: 142mm

BEST FOR: A CLASSIC SHAPE BEST FOR ALL-MOUNTAIN IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION

PROS: Custom designed flexible base provides balance between comfort and performance

CONS: Only comes in one width

CUTOUT: No

View at REIView at Jenson USA

WTB Volt Race

Specs

Length: 265mmWeight: 310gWidth: 142mm

BEST FOR: A TIGHTER BUDGET

PROS: Durable microfiber cover, remains completely watertight even after extended usage

CONS: Weighs a bit more than others in its class

CUTOUT: No

View at Amazon

Tioga Spyder Outland

Specs

Length: 285mmWeight: 180gWidth: 125mm

BEST FOR: ULTRALIGHT ENTHUSIASTS

PROS: Comfortable for people with narrower seat bones

CONS: Only offered in one width — 125mm

CUTOUT: No

View at Amazon

SQlab 611 Ergowave Active S-Tube

Specs

Length: 280mmWeight: 207gWidth: 140mm

BEST FOR: ERGONOMICS AND COMFORT

PROS: In addition to being comfortable, it’s also a suitable saddle for mountain bike racing

CONS: Price

CUTOUT: Yes

View at REI

Spank Spike

Specs

Length: 265mmWeight: 250gWidth: 144mm

BEST FOR: DOWNHILL AND ENDURO RACING

PROS: Generous center channel

CONS: Does a poor job of absorbing vibration

CUTOUT: Yes

View at Amazon

Ergon SMC4 Sport Gel

View Women’s Version

Specs

Length: 381mmWeight: 300gWidth: 130mm, 150mm

BEST FOR: THE DEEP 9MM CHANNEL CONTINUES TO PROVIDE COMFORT AND PERINEAL RELIEF EVEN ON LONG ALL-MOUNTAIN RIDES

PROS: Large and flat sitting area in combination with the deep channel and gel pads provide pressure relief and dynamic sitting positions

CONS: Does not off a 140-145mm width, average riders may not be comfortable on this saddle

CUTOUT: Yes

View at Jenson USA

WTB Speed Comp

Specs

Length: 265mmWeight: 369gWidth: 145mm

BEST FOR: THE BUDGET CONSCIOUS CAN REJOICE ABOUT THIS POPULAR, ALL-MOUNTAIN SADDLE

PROS: It is a great deal for a classic, durable MTB saddle

CONS: Its rounded shape and ergonomic curve from nose to tail might not work for every body type

CUTOUT: No

View at REIView at Jenson USA

Brooks England Cambium C15 Carved

Specs

Length: 270mmWeight: 395gWidth: 145mm

BEST FOR: HARDTAIL, SINGLE-SPEED AND BIKEPACKING RIDERS, WHO WANT A LOW PROFILE, TRADITIONAL SADDLE IN A LOW PROFILE, EASY TO CLEAN, AND DURABLE MODEL

PROS: Brooks Cambium line has a variety of options, widths, and colors, look for the C13, C15, C17, C19 with or without the “carved” cutout for perineal pressure

CONS: It does not mold like leather and has no padding, so it can take a long time for to get used to or even be too hard for many riders

CUTOUT: Yes

View at Amazon

Brooks Saddles B15 Swallow

Specs

Length: 270mmWeight: 560gWidth: 140mm

BEST FOR: HARDTAIL AND SINGLE-SPEED RIDERS WHO WANT THE SUPPLE LEATHER SADDLE EXPERIENCE

PROS: Leather forms to your unique anatomy

CONS: Leather is hard to keep clean and the saddle is very heavy

CUTOUT: No

View at Amazon

Ergon SMC4

Specs

Length: 285mmWeight: 285g – 290gWidth: 135mm, 145mm, 155mm

BEST FOR: ALL-MOUNTAIN RIDING AND LONG MILES

PROS: Square seat shape provides pressure distribution and excellent range of motion for the thighs, comes in variety of widths

CONS: Relief channel might not be sufficient for some riders

CUTOUT: No

View at Amazon

 

 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MTB SADDLES

WIDTH

When looking for a proper fitting mountain bike, the saddle is the next most important part. Proper fitting saddle width may be the most important factor to consider. Many stores offer measuring for the saddles they offer. Some brands have special sizing and require a fitting. For the most part, once you know the distance of your Sitz Bones, then you can find the right width of saddle. Many models come in various widths to try. Keep in mind that width isn’t the only indicator of comfort. The length, padding, and angle of the saddle can be huge factors in proper fit.

Finding the proper saddle can be especially frustrating for women. While many women have wider hips, it doesn’t mean that the wider saddle is going to fit. A women’s Sitz Bones are not always wider than the average man’s and getting a proper fitting for the measurement is important. Women are not necessarily going to use a women specific saddle. Many professional riders use the unisex or male models because they fit better. Likewise, some men need wider saddles.

Many brands and models are unisex with a variety of widths to appeal to many different bodies. Specialized has great options in a variety of sizes. They have a women’s saddle guide, that isn’t necessarily for women. It is for someone who needs a wider saddle. My best advice is get over the gender of the saddle, and go with the fit. Ultimately, it will depend on your size and riding style whether a wider or narrower saddle is for you.

 

PADDING

The most common material for saddle padding is EVA or foam. Foam comes in various levels of firmness, depending on the saddle or price range. The padding contributes to the shock absorption of the saddle. Another material used is gel and is a squishier layer that conforms to your body. Gel does not have structural support like foam. Gel can be a savior for some, or the worst material for others.

Remember, a softer saddle doesn’t equate to personal comfort. With many riders, a too-soft saddle will create deeper pressure in the fleshy parts (instead of the bone). Thick padding can cut off circulation in your muscles if it’s an ill-fitting saddle.

 

LENGTH

Saddle length matters depending on your riding style. The longer nose can be helpful for multiple riding positions. You can shift your weight forward and back, which can be helpful when climbing. Make sure the longer saddle doesn’t inhibit movement side to side or when out of the saddle. It can create an unwanted obstacle, especially if you are an engaged, active rider.

 

SHAPE

The shape of the saddle’s transition from seat to nose can make a difference in fit. Some saddles have a square shape. Other saddles have a very relaxed curved transition from seat to nose. If you are having numbness in your thighs or glutes the saddle’s curvature might be to blame. It can create a pressure point in your blood flow down your legs. If that’s the case, the square shape might be more fitting or a firmer saddle.

Saddles are either flat or have a curve on the top of the saddle. Some people want a very flat saddle, and others prefer a curved saddle. The curves can be across the seat of the saddle, or lengthwise from nose to tail. Trying several models with different curvatures in your width will be a good starting point for finding the best fit.

 

CUTOUTS

If you are having pressure points, numbness or pain in your soft tissue regions, double check the height of the saddle. If the height is correct and you still having pain, then a saddle with a cutout or deep channel might be a good option.

The cutout or channel can relieve pressure down the center of the saddle, where valuable anatomy resides. Some people notice a positive or no change with the cutouts. However, some people will not find a cutout comfortable because they will feel like they are sinking down or unsupported. If that’s the case, a flat saddle might be best.

 

READ MORE

For more of our top mountain biking gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer’s guides:

Mountain Bikes for Men

Women’s Mountain Bikes

Mountain Bike Pedals

Mountain Bike Tires

Mountain Bike Brakes

Mountain Bike Helmets

Mountain Bike Shoes

Mountain Bike Shorts

Bike Computers

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