The perfect road bike saddle? Ten current short saddles in laboratory and practical tests

Seat problems are annoying and there are many causes. However, a saddle replacement is only advisable if, after a seat position analysis, you still experience constant pressure pain and numbness. Heavier riders and/or those with a sit bone distance of 13 centimetres or more are more likely to be affected by seating problems than slim, lightweight athletes. Our test shows which models have the potential to solve the problem.

You will find these 10 road bike saddles in the TOUR test

• Bontrager Aeolus Pro
• Cube Nuance Road
• Fizik Tempo Argo R3
• Gebiomised Sleak V-Shape
• Prologo Scratch M5
• Pro Stealth Carbon
• Selle Italia SLR Boost Lady Superflow
• Specialised WMN Power W Mimic Expert
• SQ-Lab 612 Ergowave R 14
• Synchros Belcarra V 1.5 Cut Out

Are short saddles better for road bikes?

Overall, we have Ten current short saddles measured. We wanted to know exactly, so we let the experts do the talking and tested the load distribution of ten models using the latest measuring technology and tested them in practice.

<<Also helps with seating problems: 12 seat creams tested >>.

All tested models are available in two to three different widths, some as variants with Trough or RecessThe cheaper versions usually have a round metal frame, while the more expensive models have high-oval saddle frames made of carbon and are correspondingly lighter.

Test summary: What the new saddle models have to offer

The bottom line is that it is not price and weight that decide which saddle suits you best. Even inexpensive models can effectively alleviate seating problems. Whether you opt for a saddle with a hollow, recess or step depends on your individual anatomy. Ideally, manufacturers or dealers should make loan models available. You can find the complete test results with all the ratings in detail in TOUR 8/20 (order here free of shipping costs) and in the complete test article, which you can download for a fee at the bottom of the page.

Matching Cycling shorts for the summer we have in TOUR 7/2020 tested. A large overview of current trouser models you will also find here.

Downloads:
PDF: Load distribution: 10 racing saddles in the test