The best mountain bike saddle will save you from discomfort on long rides, and minimise the risk of sores and pain.Finding the best mountain bike saddle is no mean feat, with everyone having unique anatomy and differing riding styles.This means there is no silver bullet for saddle shape and fit.Best practice would be to try out differing saddles to see what works for you, but this option isn't accessible to everyone, so we have tested some of the leading conteners to help you navigate a competitive market.We also have a best women's mountain bike saddle guide and best list.You can skip to our mountain bike saddles buyer's guide for information on what to look for in an MTB saddle. Best mountain bike saddles 2024WTB Silverado Steel A flat side-to-side profile spreads your weight well. - Our MediaWeight: 306gWidth: 135, 142mmLength: 280mmGender: UnisexPrice: 40 / $48 / 46 / AU$70 as testedWTBs Silverado saddle feels well-made, despite its reasonable price, with a slightly textured upper for grip, tough bumpers on the edges and a base that flexes more in some areas than others.The padding is thin but, combined with cut-outs in the shell, supportive and comfortable. A flat side-to-side profile spreads your weight well, while a slightly hammocked fore-aft shape keeps you stable.Theres plenty of room to move around, and the deep wings are comfortable when clamping the saddle with your thighs.We noted the Silverado isn't particularly light and the pressure-relief channel isnt particularly deep.Ergon SM Enduro Men The edges of the wings are well-padded, which is good for your thighs. - Our MediaWeight: 284gWidth: 135, 148mmLength: 266mmGender: MenPrice: 75 / $90 / 85 / AU$131 as testedThis saddles flat side-to-side profile ensures weight is held by your sit bones, rather than the softer tissue of your perineum, giving good comfort on long spins.The nose doesnt feel too long, and the edges of the wings are well-padded, which is good for your thighs.Not only is the pressure-relief channel effective, but it has a drain hole, so water doesnt pool there during wet rides. Two widths are available to suit different body shapes.The SM Enduro is relatively heavy and, in the wet, we found the cover material a touch slippery under our shorts.Fizik Terra Alpaca X5 The pressure-relief channel isnt the deepest or longest, but it is effective even on long rides. - Our MediaWeight: 234gWidth: 145mmLength: 248mmGender: UnisexPrice: 90 / $110 / 89 as testedThe Alpaca's broad rear gives plenty of real-estate to perch on and the flat side-to-side profile is comfortable. Theres a hint of tail rise to keep you in place during harder efforts.The pressure-relief channel isnt the deepest or longest, but is effective even on long rides. We found the short, broad nose decent to sit on while ascending steep slopes.A neat multi-tool can be bolted to the rear of the saddle (30 if bought together).The Terra Alpaca X5 is the lightest seat on this list, although it only comes in one width.We also found the lower rim of the saddle to be fairly hard and the cover can be a little slippery when wet.Prologo Proxim Nembo Slide Control The Proxim Nembo saddle is designed for all-mountain, enduro and downhill riding and racing. - Andy Lloyd / Our MediaWeight: 224g (135mm width)Width: 135, 145mmLength: 245mmGender: UnspecifiedPrice: 103 / $107 / 116Designed for gravity riding, the Prologo Proxim Nembo Slide Control saddle is small enough to remain unobtrusive when tackling tricky trails.Our tester found the full-length channel, shape and padding led to no numbness or discomfort.When shifting forward on the saddle for steep climbs, the broad nose provides a comfortable base, so it could also be suitable for your trail bike.Itd be great to have a cheaper option available, but this saddle is still reasonably priced.Read our full Prologo Proxim Nembo Slide Control reviewSDG Bel-Air V3 Steel While the padding isnt as firm as some, it blends comfort with support. - Our MediaWeight: 319gWidth: 140mmLength: 260mmGender: UnisexPrice: 45 / $60 / 55 / AU$93 as testedAn upturn at the rear of the Bel-Air V3 prevents you from slipping when pushing hard and contributes to a hammock-style front-to-rear profile, which makes it feel as though youre sitting in the saddle rather than on it.This can add a bit of pressure on long climbs; we tilted the nose down to compensate.The pressure-relief channel is effective, aided by a cut-out in the shell. While the padding isnt as firm as some, it blends comfort with support, even on long rides.The wings feel good to grip with your thighs and are reinforced with Kevlar for durability.The Bel-Air V3 is quite heavy compared to similar saddles.WTB Volt The Volt is WTB's most popular mountain bike saddle. - Russell Burton / Our MediaWeight: 230gWidths: 142, 145, 150mmLength: 265mmGender: UnisexPrice: 109.99 / $142.95 as testedThe Volt has a slightly curved profile, with a dropped nose and a rise towards the rear, complemented by medium-thickness padding.Theres a shallow groove down the centre with a hull cut out beneath, plus dimples across the top and anti-abrasion panels on the back. This Ti-railed model weighs an impressive 230g.WTB uses a clever online fit tool to predict the most suitable width 150mm for us.We found the Volt one of the comfiest saddles on this list, although it's a little tricky to keep clean, with dirt becoming ingrained in the rear panels and dimples.With prices starting from 29.99 (steel rails), its easy to see why the Volt is so popular.Also consider...These saddles scored fewer than four stars out of five, so we haven't included them in our main list, but they are still worth considering. Syncros Belcarra R 1.5 A carbon-fibre-infused shell and titanium rails help keep weight down. - Our MediaWeight: 241gWidth: 130mmLength: 250mmGender: UnisexPrice: 110 / $100 as testedThe flat side-to-side profile of the Belcarra R1.5 is comfortable and the broad, mid-length nose provides something to perch on or lean into.Its narrow width won't suit everyone and there's no upturn at the rear, which means you have to rely on the narrow wings to hold you in place during hard, uphill efforts.A carbon-fibre-infused shell and titanium rails help keep weight down. Padded, slightly flexible wings aid comfort and control.Prologo Kappa Space T2.0 The angular wings arent the most comfortable to grip with your thighs on technical terrain. - Our MediaWeight: 276gWidth: 147mmLength: 273mmGender: UnisexPrice: 69 / $79 / 77 as testedThe Kappa Space T2.0 provides high levels of support, with the rear featuring firm padding that decreases in density towards the nose.A deep central channel with a cut-out in the middle reduces pressure on your delicate bits and the rear of the saddle is broad, offering a wide pad on which to sit.Our tester found the curved side-to-side profile put more pressure on their perineum than other designs we've tried.The angular wings arent the most comfortable to grip with your thighs on technical terrain and the edges of the channel are quite pronounced, while the cut-out lets a lot of spray through.Why you can trust BikeRadarBikeRadar has been an authority on bikes and cycling tech since its inception in 2007, delivering the worlds best riding advice.We have experts testing all types of bikes, parts, clothing and accessories, from road, mountain and gravel bikes to commuting, bikepacking and electric bikes.Our reviews are always editorially independent with no exceptions. Our reviewers comprehensively test all products in the real world, always reflecting on performance, value and the wider market when delivering their verdicts and review ratings.We have more than 15,000 product reviews available at your fingertips, as well as expert buying, maintenance, training, skills, health and fitness advice.Our annual Bike of the Year test is an industry benchmark and the BikeRadar team consists of some of the most experienced riders and testers in the business.Mountain bike saddles buyer's guideFinding the best mountain bike saddle can be a very personal affair. - Finlay Anderson / Our MediaMountain bike saddles come in various shapes and sizes depending on the type of riding you do and the shape of your behind.Like all the contact points you have with your bike, your choice of saddle will come down to personal preference.Below, we outline the criteria to consider to help you find the best mountain bike saddle for you.Mountain bike saddle fitFit is the most important indicator of comfort. - Ashley Quinlan / Our MediaWhen choosing a mountain bike saddle, there is a generally accepted notion that optimum comfort is achieved by putting pressure through your sit bones and away from soft tissue.The issue with buying any saddle is you rarely know if it will be a good fit without riding on it. As a result, many manufacturers offer test saddles that you can use to try out different shapes at participating cycle shops.A professional bike fit can also be helpful in finding the right fit, with many bike fitters having an array of saddles to choose from and some even having equipment to measure your sit bones.Width is the main measurement that will determine if you sit on your sit bones or not. Short-nose saddles are thought to keep you fixed in a single position on your sit bones.Saddles for mountain biking will usually feature a concave shape, rising slightly at the rear for back support and to keep you from slipping off the back when climbing steep trails.They usually feature sides that taper downward to increase the clearance between the saddles edge and your thigh to minimise the chance of chafing.Mountain bike saddles are also less static these days thanks to the wide adoption of dropper posts. Because they are out of the way on the descents, most trail and enduro saddles are now more climbing-oriented.How much padding should a mountain bike saddle have?Padding doesn't mean comfort. - Oscar Huckle / Our MediaWhile it seems logical that more padding should lead to more comfort, its often not the case.Too much padding can lead to chafing because there is more material blocking your movement, while thick padding on the sit bones can lead to your weight being forced toward the front of the saddle.The shape is more important than padding, hence why full-carbon saddles can be comfortable even with a solid exterior.The shape of the saddle usually aids compliance, with many brands building flex into their designs to avoid bulky padding.Rail material can also add comfort, with hollow tubes reducing weight and adding compliance.Many riders will opt for some form of padding, though it's not uncommon to see downhill riders using saddles with little to none, because they only sit on the saddle when waiting in lift queues.Robustness and strengthThe best mountain bike saddles will put up with years of abuse. - Andy Lloyd / Immediate MediaSaddles are essentially made up of four parts: the rails, shell, padding and cover, all of which have to be built to withstand the rigours of mountain biking.While no component is completely crash-proof, good saddles will feature durable covers to fend off scratches and strong metal rails to cope with impacts from you, and from the ground.Some cross-country riders trade robustness for lightness. Many choose a carbon road bike saddle to complement the stretched-out riding position of the best cross-country mountain bikes.Should I buy a saddle with a relief channel?The majority of mountain bike saddles will feature a relief channel. - Warren Rossiter / Our MediaSome mountain bike seats feature relief channels or cut-outs in the centre of the saddle, though some may run through the entirety of the saddle.Relief channels and cut-outs are designed to reduce pressure build-up on your perineum, which can be a common cause of discomfort when riding.The design minimises the chances of groin pain because it allows you to tilt your pelvis forward and open your hip angle more.Whats the difference between mountain bike saddles and road bike saddles?Robustness is one of the main differentiators between road and mountain bike saddles. - Oscar Huckle / Our MediaThe main difference between mountain bike saddles and road bike saddles is their shapes are tailored to the riding positions of the different disciplines.Road bike saddles tend to be flatter than mountain bike saddles to suit the lower, more aerodynamic position road riders assume.Mountain bike saddles typically have more curvature than road saddles to help support the back.Mountain bike saddles usually weigh more than road saddles too, with the need for greater durability resulting in more substantial designs, utilising heavier materials.

With 15 stages down at the 2024 Giro d'Italia, BORA- hansgrohe's Daniel Martinez is holding firm in his fight for a first Grand Tour podium finish. The 28-year-old, who's previous best was 5th at the 2021 Giro, reaches the second rest day sitting third overall."I have to say, I'm feeling pretty goo...

Theres been much attention to new regulations covering e-scooters, which come into force today, but legal changes also come into effect governing a range of electric bikes from e-bicycles to types of bikes that are now clearly viewed legally as mopeds, in other words, light motorcycles and not bicycles.Only low-power electric scooters are now legal on Irish roads the speed limit of 20km/h is widely seen as artificially low, especially when its 5km/h lower than for electric bicycles.Electric bicycles were previously defined in the Finance Acts related to the Cycle to Work Scheme, now clarity is given to their status in the Road Traffic Acts.The explainer table below and the version on Google Sheets are published by IrishCycle.com, based on information published by the Department of Transport. It is an overview of the differences, not an exhaustive list of rules that apply. For example, it does not cover the requirements for lights during lighting-up hours or brakes, which are mandatory for all bicycles.Devices are classed depending on their full requirements. For example, if a bike has pedals but the motor can go faster than 25km, then it will be classed as a higher-powered moped. If a scooter meets all other requirements but doesnt have a manufacturers plate outlining the required detail, it is not road-legal. Similarly, if a bikes motor max speed is 25km/h but it has a throttle, it may be classed as an L1e-B moped.Image version of the explainer table:Text version of the table:Legal categoryPersonal Powered TransportersPedal cyclePedelecL1e-A e (higher-power) pedelecL1e-B speed pedelecL1e-B throttleOther name/sLow power electric or e- scootersBicycle, trike, cargo bike, etcElectric or e- bike, e-cargo bikeMoped, e-mopedMoped, e-mopedMoped, e-mopedAppearance?Scooter which you stand onBicycle, trike, cargo bike, etcBicycle, trike, cargo bike, etcBicycle, trike, cargo bike, etcLike bicycle or light motorcycleLike bicycle or light motorcycleMechanically Propelled Vehicle?NoNoNoYesYesYesRules like a bicycle?Similar to bicycleIs a bicycleExactly the sameMix between bicycle and mopedMore like mopedMopedMinimum user age?16-years-oldNoneNone16-years-old16-years-old16-years-oldCan carry passengers?Expressly not allowedIf designed to (ie extra seat)If designed to (ie extra seat)TBCTBCTBCLegal categoryPersonal Powered TransportersPedal cyclePedelecL1e-A e (higher-power) pedelecL1e-B speed pedelecL1e-B throttleMovementPedaling needed?No pedalsYes, unless freewheelingYes, unless freewheelingYes, unless freewheelingYes, unless freewheelingNoCan move with throttle?YesNoNoNoNoYesMotor cuts out at?20km/hNo motor25km/h25km/h45km/h45km/hFaster with effort?NoDepending on user abilityDepending on user abilityDepending on user abilityDepending on user abilityNo/Depending on user abilityRated continuous output?400WDepending on user ability250W1000W4000W4000WPersonal Powered TransportersPedal cyclePedelecL1e-A e (higher-power) pedelecL1e-B speed pedelecL1e-B throttleLicence, tax, insurance etcLicence needed?Not requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredMotor tax needed?Not requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRegistration needed?Not requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredRequiredInsurance needed?Not requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredMotorcycle helmet needed?Not requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredRequiredHigh vis needed?Not requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredPersonal Powered TransportersPedal cyclePedelecL1e-A e (higher-power) pedelecL1e-B speed pedelecL1e-B throttleRoad use allowedCan use footpathNoNoNoNoNoNoCan use cycle lanes/paths?YesYesYesYesNoNoCan use bus lanes?YesYesYesYesNoNoCan use local to national roads?YesYesYesYesYesYesNon-motorway dual carriageway?YesYesYesYesYesYesCan use motorways?NoNoNoNoNoNoPersonal Powered TransportersPedal cyclePedelecL1e-A e (higher-power) pedelecL1e-B speed pedelecL1e-B throttleCertification and otherEU-Type Approval needed?Not requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredRequiredManufacturers plate needed?Required (see notes)Not requiredNot requiredEU-Type Approval plateEU-Type Approval plateEU-Type Approval plateMinimum wheel diameter?200mmNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneMax weight25 kg (including batteries)NoneNoneNoneNoneNoneALSO SEE:E-Bikes, E-Mopeds and E-Scooters on Gov.ieRelevant legislation: Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023S.I. No. 197/2024 Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 (Commencement) Order 2024S.I. No. 199/2024 Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024S.I. No. 200/2024 Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations 2024S.I. No. 222/2024 Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) Regulations 2024S.I. No. 223/2024 Road Traffic Act 1994 (Detention of Personal Powered Transporters) Regulations 2024S.I. No. 224/2024 Road Traffic (Use of Powered Personal Transporters) Regulations 2024CORRECTION: The table above originally copied the Department of Transports wording regarding max power when what should be listed is rated continuous output, this was corrected within hours of the article being published. As part of the editing process, it was also incorrectly changed to show that L1e-A e (higher-power) pedelec and L1e-B speed pedelec required insurance. This is not the case; only bikes that fall under the L1e-B throttle category require insurance. This was also corrected as soon as it was pointed out.

Our takeaways from the second week of racing as Tadej Pogaar masterclass continues

CyclistPro Log: Giros Stelvio replacement in doubt, Vollering completes Spanish triple, Sam Bennett dominates Dunkerque, and USA nationalsWhile we all take our breath after another day of Tadej Pogaar doing Tadej Pogaar things on the Queen stage of the Giro dItalia yesterday, stretching his lead to a whopping six minutes overall, its time to catch up on all the other stuff going on in the world of pro cycling. Last week wasnt all about Italy, with the Womens WorldTour wrapping up its stint in Spain, the six days of 4 Jours de Dunkerque providing an alternative for those not picked for the Giro, and nationals season getting underway in the USA. Related Posts Cyclists Giro dItalia 2024 predictions 5 storylines to follow at the Giro dItalia 2024 RideLondon Classique 2024: Route, how to watch and everything you need to know Classic climb: Passo dello Stelvio, the worlds greatest climb Giro dItalia 2024: Route, how to watch, start list and everything you need to know Tomorrows Giro route uncertain Giro d'ItaliaThis years Giro dItalia has been relatively unscathed compared to the battering recent editions have taken due to poor weather conditions, however the one victim is tomorrows stage, Stage 16, which takes riders from Livigno to Santa Cristina Valgardena. The original parcours went up the Stelvio from Bormio early on, before descending the classic Stelvio road to take riders to the final climbs about 100km later. That was changed last week due to the snowy conditions on top of the Stelvio as well as some severe damage to the road on the way down. A revised route was announced that would see the peloton do the climb but descend down Umbrail Pass into Switzerland to rejoin the original route further on.However Italian magazine Tutto Bici reported this morning that potential incoming rain and low temperatures has led to rumours that the route could once again be changed, most likely with the stage sticking to the Swiss route but cutting out the Stelvio and Umbrail entirely. That would leave about 80-90km of downhill and flat roads before the final pair of climbs, which add up to about 35km.Demi Vollering reigns in SpainAlex Broadway/Getty ImagesNot content with a dominant victory at La Vuelta Femenina and an SD Worx-Protime clean sweep at Itzulia, Demi Vollering was at it again at the Vuelta a Burgos last week. Vollering won two stages as well as the points and mountains jerseys on her way to completing a clean sweep of Spanish stage races.After a Classics season that didnt quite live up to expectations, shes setting herself up nicely to defend her Tour de France title, which will be in August this year to avoid a clash with the Olympics, which she wants to win as well. After all, Demi doesnt do things by halves.Results powered by FirstCycling.comIs Sam Bennett back?SAM BENNETT (DAT) X4 !!! #4JDD pic.twitter.com/5hbgxHbZNR 4 Jours de Dunkerque / GP des Hauts-de-France (@4JDDunkerque) May 19, 2024 Since his green jersey win in 2020, Sam Bennett has struggled to get back to the same world-beating form. He left QuickStep and had a not very successful stint back at Bora-Hansgrohe before moving to Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale over the winter. And he couldnt have timed it better with the team stacking wins so far this season.He was without a win going into the 4 Jours de Dunkerque, which is confusingly a six-stage race, but he came out with four stage wins, a second place, a third place, the points jersey and the general classification. While it wasnt a Tour de France-level field, its a good sign of form for the Irishman and will certainly boost his confidence going into some bigger races.Nationals season is underway SEAN QUINN YOU LEGEND!!!! A legendary ride by Neilson to set up the sprint for Sean who was able to take it at the line. The team goes 2 for 2 in the road race. What. A. Day. pic.twitter.com/ykHf44RDbZ EF Pro Cycling (@EFprocycling) May 19, 2024 The time between the Giro and the Tour is always marked by national championships. While some countries including Australia and New Zealand get theirs out the way at the start of the year, this is when most happen, so riders can get their jerseys in time for the Tour de France.Most of the action will take place in the back end of June, with the British champs running from 19th-23rd June in Tees Valley and North Yorkshire, but the United States held their races over this past weekend in Charleston, West Virginia. Bagging themselves a year time-trialling in the Stars and Stripes were UAE Team Emiratess Brandon McNulty and triathlete Taylor Knibb, who both earned a spot on the American Olympic squad with their victories. In the road races, McNulty was outsprinted by EF Education-EasyPosts Sean Quinn, meanwhile EF Education-Cannondales Kristen Faulkner carried her form into the race and soloed to a pretty hefty victory. Related Posts Cyclists Giro dItalia 2024 predictions 5 storylines to follow at the Giro dItalia 2024 RideLondon Classique 2024: Route, how to watch and everything you need to know Classic climb: Passo dello Stelvio, the worlds greatest climb Giro dItalia 2024: Route, how to watch, start list and everything you need to know The post Pro Log: Giros Stelvio replacement in doubt, Vollering completes Spanish triple, Sam Bennett dominates Dunkerque, and USA nationals appeared first on Cyclist.

Continuing Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team's impressive season in 2024, the podium is still very much in sight for Ben O'Connor as the Giro d'Italia reaches its second rest day.With 15 stages in the legs, the 28-year-old Australian is sitting 4th in the general classification, 7:43 down on the Magl...

For those of you following the Kona saga. Starting with the flash point at this years Sea Otter Classic with a no show by the iconic brand. There is fantastic news is coming out from the Kona camp, something we all need on a Monday.Just as we in the industry were ready to commit the Kona Bicycles of our past to memory, a co muniqu from the Kona team hit our inbox.Return to Rider Owned Dan Gerhard and Jake Heilbron have purchased the brand back from Kent Outdoors, and along with a team of dedicated, experienced Kona employees, are reuniting to keep the Long, Sweet Ride rolling. Kona Bikes.What does this mean for Kona Bikes? The last few years at Kona have been a little bumpy. This purchase brings much-needed stability and vision to the company. Kona expressed its new vision via a press release to the industry.With this return to being rider-owned and operated, were doubling down on our unique brand legacy and returning to some basics.What does this mean for Kona dealers?Well,currently, Kona has nearly 1,000 North American and European dealers in its network Now it is making them the highest priority. It will pause D2C bike sales for the time being. The newly updated Kona site will show these changes immediately, as will its social and communication channels. The Kona team kindly says, Bear with us, and we will keep you informed as we move through this transition.Bike Inventory On the bike side, new Kona inventory is headed to the Kona warehouse and distributors alongside the freshly released Kona Ouroboros. Kona has been working on some new models as we have, so keep an eye out.How will this affect pricing?Kona explains, Private ownership allows us to be more streamlined, more flexible, and quicker on our feet. This, combined with the support of our suppliers, means we can deliver high-quality bikes in a distinctly Kona flavor at super attractive prices.Well never do a BOGO Sale again, so dont ask, but we promise to offer good value for good money, always.For now, the Kona offices in Ferndale, WA, and North Vancouver, BC, will continue to proudly anchor the brand.Welcome back to the smallest, biggest bike company in the world.Konaworld.comThe post Back to Rider Owned Kona Buys Brand Back From Kent Outdoors appeared first on Bikerumor.

Slovenian has an almost unassailable lead in the general classification but hints he may look to increase it in final week of racing

Completing his set of Grand Tour stage wins, Julian Alaphilippe emphatically returned to form with a thunderous solo victory on stage 12 of the 2024 Giro d'Italia last week. Between that triumph and his last Grand Tour stage win at the 2021 Tour de France however, has been an immense struggle.A for...

Our 123rd consecutive Monday morning edition of Weekend Snapshot shares a further three glimpses of reader-submitted rides around the globe. This time, we're off to Ireland, Spain, and Peru to scope out a mix of overnight getaways and longer bikepacking journeys through some truly spectacular settings. See all three and share one of your shots here...The post Weekend Snapshot appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.