Concept comparison saddle finder - In search of the right road bike saddle

Konstantin Rohé

, Matthias Borchers

· 14.06.2018

Concept comparison saddle finder - In search of the right road bike saddle

Photo: Kerstin Leicht

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The range of different saddle models is huge. With three experienced testers, we tested 21 models from seven manufacturers in practice and reveal which manufacturer delivers the most hits.

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The seven manufacturers in the test promise to be able to recommend the right saddle for every cyclist using special selection procedures - online or at a specialist dealer.

Gender, sit bone distance, flexibility or sitting complaints are the parameters that most manufacturers ask about to help find the right saddle. Our three test riders determined how well these calculation models work in practice on the basis of the saddles suggested by test riders on the road.

Birgit Waxenberger

Photo: Kerstin Leicht

Christoph's club colleague rides around 4,000 kilometres a year in the saddle, often in a time trial position on her bike equipped with recumbent handlebars. The very agile 32-year-old all-round sportswoman does not complain about seating problems, but makes sure that her well-trained thighs have enough room. Her sit bone distance of 14 centimetres is average for a woman.

Ergon SR Women Pro S
A bull's eye; the pressure is evenly distributed in every position and always provides good support and the cover is nice and grippy; the saddle dampens well even on rough surfaces; the shape is well waisted so that the thighs can move freely without chafing; the adjustment range of the frame offers plenty of room for manoeuvre Price: 130 euros

Fizik Luce S-Alloy Large
The very wide and flat saddle could not really convince in any position; despite the cut-out, there were unpleasant pressure and chafing points in the pubic area; due to the very wide design at the back, the thighs constantly rubbed against the edge of the saddle and could not turn freely Price: 99 euros

Pro Falcon 152 mm
The Pro fits as an all-rounder in any riding position, once you have found the right setting on the seat post; the saddle cover could be a little grippier and the flat surface sometimes provides a little less support; price 95 euros

Prologo Dimension 143 mm
Fits particularly well in a sporty and stretched position; always provides good support and pressure peaks are hardly noticeable; in an upright position you notice the sit bones on the rather hard padding; chafing was not noticeable even on longer tours; the padding has a good grip Price: 135 euros

Selle Italia SLR Superfow L3
Despite a lot of adjustment work, no suitable saddle position could be found; the very large hole in the centre proves to be more of a trouser eater than a relief aid and causes unpleasant chafing in the sensitive perineal area; the saddle cover could also be more grippy Price: 200 euros

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Photo: Matthias Borchers

Christoph Allwang

Photo: Kerstin Leicht

Christoph Allwang runs the TOUR workshop and laboratory. The 48-year-old licensed rider from RV Sturmvogel München often uses the 50 kilometre commute to work as training for races or marathons. Christoph does not suffer from saddle problems, but he notices minimal changes in his riding position immediately. The traditionalist is rather sceptical about saddles with holes or cut-outs. His sit bone distance is 13 centimetres, an average value for a man of his stature.

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Ergon SRX3 Pro, size M
On short distances, neither pressure peaks nor chafing are a problem, but these become noticeable later on due to the very flat, non-slip and hard saddle cover; in addition, the pelvis finds little support and you slide back and forth; strong thighs quickly rub against the saddle edge Price: 130 euros

Fizik Aliante R3 Solid Large
When adjusting the saddle angle, you have to experiment a little because of the strongly upward running rear section; once the right position is found, the pressure distribution is nicely even; the grippy cover and the round shape always give the pelvis good support; the adjustment range is relatively narrow Price: 149 euros

Pro Griffon 142 mm
Pressure peaks were noticeable in both upright, comfortable and racing positions; in the perineal area you can feel the edges of the long channel, especially in the stretched position; the saddle cover is a tad too slippery and the adjustment range could be longer Price: 95 euros

Prologo Nago Evo PAS 134 mm
Despite its narrow design, the saddle offers even pressure distribution in every riding position; the curved surface in combination with the small rubber flaps (CPS) provide very good support for the pelvis; the central channel relieves pressure without causing chafing Price: 109 Euro

Selle Italia C2 Gel Flow (S2)
Rides very unobtrusively in every position at first, only slight pressure peaks are noticeable at the edges of the holes in the centre; the relatively thick padding is pleasing on short distances, but for longer rides it is a little too soft in the long run; the seat slopes very much to all sides and does not always offer enough support for the pelvis Price: 99 euros

7 Images

Photo: Matthias Borchers

Ergon SRX3 Pro
Fizik Aliante R3 Solid
Per Griffon
Prologo Nago Evo PAS
Selle Italia C2 Gel Flow
Selle San Marco Mantra Racing Wide Steel
SQ-Lab 612 Ergowave Active

Paul Schuler

Photo: Kerstin Leicht

The 27-year-old mechanical engineering student covers around 13,000 kilometres a year, both on bike tours and in amateur races. Paul is enthusiastic about technology, always has his position measurements to hand and pays meticulous attention to a correctly adjusted seating position. He has never had any sitting problems, which is why he has always opted for semi-circular, closed, rather narrow saddles. 11 centimetres between the sit bones is narrow for a man.

Ergon SRX3 Pro, size S
Works best in the lower handlebar position; if you grip the upper handlebar and your pelvis is upright, the pressure on the sit bones increases and the pelvis finds little support on the flat shape; the padding tends to be hard and the saddle cover could be a little grippier. Price: 130 euros

Fizik Arione R3 Versus Evo Regular
The tilt of the saddle must be individually fine-tuned, otherwise pressure points can easily occur at the tunnel edges; otherwise the saddle offers good support in every sitting position, the pressure distribution is pleasant and the saddle cover has a good grip Price: 160 euros

Pro Falcon 132 mm
After a longer ride, slight pressure points are noticeable in the centre of the canal edges in the pubic area; the flat saddle shape gives the pelvis a little less support and the cover is also a little slippery; the adjustment range of the frame is sufficiently large so that the saddle can be moved far back and forward Price 95 Euro

Prologo Nago Evo PAS 134 mm
Pressure distribution and support are actually good in every position, the cover always has a good grip even when wet; noticeable pressure points in the perineal area due to the edges of the cut-out are annoying; the adjustment range of the frame offers little room for manoeuvre Price: 109 euros

Selle Italia SLR TM Superflow S3
The saddle provides good pressure distribution in every riding position and always offers good pelvic support; pressure peaks on the sit bones are hardly noticeable; the saddle cover is always nice and grippy even in the rain, the adjustment range is rather mediocre Price: 130 euros

7 Images

Photo: Matthias Borchers

Ergon SRX3 Pro
Fizik Arione R3 Versus Evo
Pro Falcon
Prologo Nago Evo PAS
Selle Italia SLR TM Superflow
Selle San Marco Aspide Supercomfort Racing
SQ-Lab 612 Ergowave Active

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