The best mountain bike saddles 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.The 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 contenders to help you navigate a competitive market.We also have a best women's mountain bike saddles 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 2024Fizik Terra Aidon X5 SQUIRREL_TEXT_13093073The Terra Aidon X5 works well for all kinds of mountain biking. Andy Lloyd / Our Media99.95 as testedWeight: 195gWidth: 145mm, 160mmLength: 260mmGender: UnisexPros: High levels of comfort; good support; wears wellCons: Cover can be slipperyThe Fizik Terra Aidon X5 is designed for use with electric mountain bikes and features a concave shape from nose to tail with a long central cut-out to relieve pressure.We found the padding offered an impressive balance of squish and support, with good levels of comfort for long days in the saddle.Flex in the saddle's chassis increases comfort by absorbing larger impacts and its shape allows for unrestricted movement over the rear wheel.We found the cover to be a little slippy in the muddiest conditions.SQUIRREL_13093073Fizik Vento Argo R1 Adaptive SQUIRREL_TEXT_13083637The Vento Argo R1 Adaptive Saddle offers good versatility and is lightweight. Andy Lloyd / Our MediaWeight: 198gWidth: 140mm, 150mmLength: 265mmGender: UnisexPros: Comfortable on long rides; multi-discipline design; lightweightCons: Pricey; holds onto mudThe Vento Argo R1 uses 3D-printed construction techniques that enable function comfort zones to be layered into the cushioning.It performed well on long days, providing plenty of support on steep, technical climbs.Unfortunately, the honeycomb design is hard to clean, hoarding mud in its hexagonal holes.Read our full Fizik Vento Argo R1 Adaptive reviewSQUIRREL_13083637Selle Italia Model Y SQUIRREL_TEXT_13123256The Selle Italia Model Y uses recycled materials. Andy Lloyd / Our Media79.90 as testedWeight: 277gWidth: 142mmLength: 246mmGender: UnisexPros: Good comfort; sustainable option; well-pricedCons: Might be too small for someThe Model Y presents good value for money, with a stubby and sustainable design made from 100 per cent recycled materials.We found it very comfortable, with the padding aligning well under the sit bones, spreading weight efficiently.There's a quality to its construction, and the shape remained comfortable for long durations.It is quite slight, but this helps when manoeuvring around the bike.SQUIRREL_13123256Specialized Power Comp with MIMIC SQUIRREL_TEXT_13083664The Power Comp with MIMIC is great for short spins. Andy Lloyd / Our Media95 / $140 / 110 as testedWeight: 234gWidth: 143mm, 155mm, 168mmLength: 234mmGender: UnisexPros: Good support with plenty of cushioning; snag-free cover; multiple sizesCons: Can be numbing on long rides; no cutoutThis Power Comp saddle features Specialized's MIMIC technology, which uses a multi-layer approach to reduce soft-tissue swelling.We found the saddle great for short to medium-length rides, with longer sessions proving more uncomfortable around the labial area.The saddle comes in a variety of sizes, so finding one that fits should prove easy, and we found it durable when out on the trail.Read our full Specialized Power Comp with MIMIC Saddle reviewSQUIRREL_13083664WTB Silverado Steel SQUIRREL_TEXT_13086352A flat side-to-side profile spreads your weight well. Our Media40 / $48 / 46 / AU$70 as testedWeight: 306gWidth: 135mm, 142mmLength: 280mmGender: UnisexPros: Good value; very comfortable; supportive shapeCons: Pressure-relief channel could be deeperWTBs 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 that deep.SQUIRREL_13086352Ergon SM Enduro Men SQUIRREL_TEXT_13085880The edges of the wings are well-padded, which is good for your thighs. Our Media75 / $90 / 85 / AU$131 as testedWeight: 306gWidth: 135mm, 148mmLength: 266mmGender: MenPros: Effective pressure-relief channel; all-day comfort; good paddingCons: Can be slippery; not the lightestThis 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.SQUIRREL_13085880Fizik Terra Alpaca X5 SQUIRREL_TEXT_13124068The pressure-relief channel isnt the deepest or longest, but it is effective even on long rides. Our Media90 / $110 / 89 as testedWeight: 234gWidth: 145mmLength: 248mmGender: UnisexPros: Good for broad sit bones; comfortable on long rides; relatively lightCons: Can be slippery when wet; pressure-relief channel could be deeperThe 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.SQUIRREL_13124068Prologo Proxim Nembo Slide Control SQUIRREL_TEXT_13085797The Proxim Nembo saddle is designed for all-mountain, enduro and downhill riding and racing. Andy Lloyd / Our Media103 / $107 / 116 as testedWeight: 224gWidth: 135mm, 145mmLength: 245mmGender: UnisexPros: Good size for technical riding; wide nose adds comfort; well-pricedCons: A cheaper option would be greatDesigned 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 reviewSQUIRREL_13085797SDG Bel-Air V3 Steel SQUIRREL_TEXT_13083385While the padding isnt as firm as some, it blends comfort with support. Our Media45 / $60 / 55 / AU$93 as testedWeight: 319gWidth: 140mmLength: 260mmGender: UnisexPros: Durable design; good comfort; plenty of supportCons: On the heavy sideAn 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.SQUIRREL_13083385WTB Deva Titanium SQUIRREL_TEXT_13123261The WTB Deva is available with titanium, chromoly or steel rails. Andy Lloyd / Our Media175 as testedWeight: 195gWidth: 145mmLength: 260mmGender: UnisexPros: Comfortable; lightweight; enables good maneuverability Cons: Can clog with mudDespite being named the Deva, this saddle has a unisex design that is flat and small with a truncated nose.The shape proved comfortable and the narrow wings passed easily between our legs without snagging clothing.We found the shallow middle channel to clog up with mud on especially wet days, although this didn't detract from the riding experience.SQUIRREL_13123261WTB Volt SQUIRREL_TEXT_13085793The Volt is WTB's most popular mountain bike saddle. Russell Burton / Our Media109.99 / $142.95 as testedWeight: 230gWidth: 142mm, 145mm, 150mmLength: 265mmGender: UnisexPros: Well-balanced padding; plenty of size options; good valueCons: Can be hard to keep cleanThe 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 our tester.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.SQUIRREL_13085793Why 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 Media While 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 Media Some 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 Media The 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.