However, carbon is not well suited for mounting the best bikepacking bags as any straps mounted to the rails can wear away the carbon and compromise the saddle. The smooth back makes it easy to slide on and off the saddle and get your weight over the rear on descents. Hopefully this will be a comfortable saddle. The sloped shoulders and flat nose kept out of the way of his legs and the slightly raised rear kept him well centered. A saddle for everyone runs the risk of being a saddle for no one. When you need the nose for control there's just enough. The last point Kevin brings up is height. Cyclingnews is supported by its audience. I imagine time would have loosened it up a bit. Disappointingly Prologo doesn't offer the Scratch AGX in a PAS (cutout) version for extra relief as it does with the other Scratch models. Firm, but soft enough, its semi-curved shape is broad and flat enough that I felt nicely planted but rounded enough that I could move around easily. Komoot Trail View is Google Street View for yknow, trails! The needs of a road cyclist or a mountain biker are different than the needs of a gravel cyclist. Prologo's Scratch saddles crossover multi-disciplines, however, the AGX version has been specifically tuned to excel for gravel riding. Ergon uses Orthopedic AirCell Foam with OrthoCell Pads for comfort and which is molded into a gender-specific shape Ergon offers a women version too around a deep central channel to reduce pressure on the perineal area. Read our review of the Selle San Marco AllRoad Open Fit CFX to find out more. I've riding a B17 for years on my Cannondale T1000 and am very satisfied. The T-shape design meant he could use the long nose to steer lightly using the pressure of his thigh, and the nose's downward curve made it easy to slide on and off the seat when needed. Overall we found the X-LR offers a fantastic sense of freedom, along with a strong feeling of connectedness with the terrain. It's lightweight at 160g, and comes with a waved profile to provide a locked in feel. Fabric saddles offer three profiles for different types of riders and riding. However, if you're the sort of person whose backside seems to agree with every saddle shape and size available, the best gravel saddles can offer something for you too. There's a centre cut out and it's a short nose design that's 5mm longer than the short nose design of the road version. It's one reason mountain bike saddles are a popular choice for gravel cyclists and it might have you choosing a different saddle for a gravel bike. Cambian Scoop (central cutout bit) on a Sonder Camino Ti here. I had to make some adjustments (tweaking angle and front/back) after the first few miles but once I did that it clearly made for comfort with very little break in. Shortnose saddle shape is formed from an in-molded carbon-reinforced polymer and features a deep relief channel that is closed off underneath to avoid any unpleasant splashes to your undercarriage. i wanna try the c17 cambium for my carbonda build. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Love my two Cambiums. CtB apparently owns the market in Cambium saddles. As you move around with a waved saddle your fit will change. A quality saddle is a quality saddle no matter the terrain but you should consider the unique challenges of off-road riding when choosing the best gravel bike saddle. As a dedicated gravel saddle, the Dimension AGX is all about comfort and the Italian company has made a concerted effort to improve foam density by tuning the padding structure which is 10mm thick - all of which help negate high-frequency gravel-road vibrations. Be aware that you will need a seatpost that can take 7x9mm carbon rails, though, and you may get mud creeping up between the shell and the padded section on really filthy rides. That doesn't always mean level with a bubble level. It will also depend on how flexible you are, your levels of core strength, your sit bone width, and your unique soft tissue. Based in Edinburgh he has some of the best mountain biking and gravel riding in the UK right on his doorstep. Seasoned mountain bikers have experience shifting to the rear of a saddle, or the nose, as terrain requires it. Seems like this topic has been closed. To further broaden potential users the Bontrager Verse saddle has four sizes available and an extra-long usable mount area on the rails. The X1 is an easy saddle to keep coming back to its cushioning and compliance do a great job of absorbing vibration while providing support, for gravel and for mountain biking. If you're like our tester and like to shift around as you ride, you may want to consider the Specialized Power Arc instead. The best gravel saddles may offer some gravel-specific features, whether it has covers for the cutout to reduce gritty spray to your undercarriage, luggage fitments to help securely fasten bikepacking bags or sections that offer additional compliance for extra comfort. Very comfy, but amount of flex can feel a big weird until youre used to it. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset the answer will be yes. With only a small spot for water to drain the saddle is stronger and mud and dirt don't have a way to get through from below. Instead of searching for the best gravel bike saddle, it seems logical that your best mountain bike saddle or favorite road bike saddle will do the job perfectly well. In contrast when it was on the Burls of shitness it creaked like ****. There are no seams and it's a flat profile. All rights reserved. B17 titanium on two of my bikes. Just because a particular saddle worked at a particular time does not necessarily mean that it is the only saddle that will ever work. Guy's been riding and writing about off-road bikes for over three decades. The best way to determine what style of saddle you prefer is to simply try different models to find out what works for you. These can be heavier, built to withstand much harder impacts and incidents than a gravel cyclist is ever likely to need. Despite the low weight, the X-LR Kit Carbonio Superflow features double-density padding (softer at the nose and harder at the rear), protective bumpers along the saddle shoulders and a shock absorber built into the carbon rails. It uses a distinctive three-piece design a single-piece carbon fiber rail section attaches to a carbon-reinforced shell and a separate top layer of thin EVA padding under a microfiber cover. Pro has added a proprietary accessory mount that can be used to mount fenders, race number plate or two CO2 canisters and a spare tube. Bike Perfect is supported by its audience. Have had lots of miles on a Brooks B-17. Ill update after I have it and Ive had a few rides. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Not afraid of a challenge, Graham has embraced bikepacking over the last few years and likes nothing more than strapping some bags to his bike and covering big miles to explore Scotlands wildernesses. BA1 1UA. This topic has 26 replies, 25 voices, and was last updated. For more details, read our full Repente Artax GL review. Mind you, a lot of the bike did. The one I have (the Aspin) is much higher quality and more comfortable for me than the Brooks B17's and Brooks Professional that I have. Once you've got the saddle, make sure it's level. Gravel races with long hours of hard riding, where aerodynamics matter, is an ideal use case. Very good actually; little firm to start off with, but my posterior is now the last appendage to complain, rather than the first, on a long cycle. All-road or no road, this is a saddle designed for long rides, Medium padding takes the sting out of rough roads, Rail size may not be compatible with many seatpost clamps, Prologo's popular T-shape saddle gets an Adventure, Gravel, and CX makeover, Wide distribution of weight over the saddle, One of the lightest off-road saddles available, Limited forwards and backwards adjustment on the rails, Popular short-nose saddle with titanium rails and carbon body, Planted seating position wont suit everyone, A super light but comfortable XC/gravel saddle, Gravel specific saddle with great vibration absorption, Road saddle that can double up for aggressive gravel racing, Beefed up off-road version of Pro's popular Stealth road saddle, Surprisingly light for a steel rail saddle, Won't suit those looking for a locked-in riding position, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, How to choose the best gravel bike saddle, Selle San Marco AllRoad Open-Fit Carbon FX, Road superstar Peter Sagan to race this year's e-MTB Worlds in Les Gets, Restrap Bar Bag Small review Ive always had flite style saddles but fancied a change. The unsupported nature of the rubber provides all the necessary shock absorption with more durability. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings. bought the 17 2nd hand from eBay. The Selle Italia X-LR Kit Carbonio Superflow is so light it makes offerings from other brands seem unreasonable. Lovely from the off. As a visual package, the Prologo Dimension AGX gravel saddle looks rather refined and should complement your bike's aesthetic pretty easily. Fabric's Scoop saddle range is the AK-47 of saddles with a shape that seems to work for a huge variety of riders. published 1 July 22, Specifically designed to meet the challenges of gravel riding, these are the best gravel bike saddles to keep you comfortable on long, rough off-road rides. i ride a brooks b17 i love it 500-600 miles on it so far just getting broken in very pleased with my purchase ! The foam feels soft to the touch but provides progressive cushioning so it is still supportive enough. Generally, a saddle with a more curved shape will suit a rider with better flexibility however there are other factors at play. The curved sides meant out tester could easily shift body position on the trails, while the raised back gave degree of security and helped on climbs. It won't suit everyone but if you're looking to shave off a few extra grams from your setup, it could be the saddle for you check out our full review of the Selle Italia X-LR Kit Carbonio SuperFlow. With the Terra Argo X3, Fizik understands that the requirements of traction on loose surfaces calls for a more planted stance. And even within the gravel cycling umbrella, there is a huge range of different types of riding. Not only that, while we have chosen to feature the competitively priced carbon-railed Pro Team, Fabric offers various price points and rail materials including a steel railed version for a bargain of $80 / 35. There's not really a right or wrong choice here unless it's an aspirational one. Most companies who use a relief channel use a deep channel that splits the shell from the nose to the rear of the saddle. (seems like a common theme with the bike) I just ordered an SA H-2 saddle for it, after talking to a guy in my gravel group at a ride. The Cambium C13 is an answer to that need. Although a discussion about saddles applies somewhat to all bikes this is a discussion specific to gravel cycling, so here are some considerations that are unique to that discipline. Please paste your code into the box below: Note: Your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Performance-wise, the Terra Argo X1 is excellent but its super expensive, particularly when comparing it to its cheaper, impressive siblings, which are almost identical apart from the rails. Although this short nosed saddle is actually fairly long at 270mm, it is thoughtfully designed with a wide center channel which goes nearly all the way to the tip, and an overall wedge-like shape. B17 on the Vaya which sees a bit of offroad. A carbon composite shell and carbon rails can make for an expensive saddle. An extensive dealer network helped Bontrager hone what was working for people. I hope so. Selle San Marco says that this special closed foam double density foam adds comfort yet still provides support by moving with the rider's pelvis. I wore padded shorts for the first couple of rides, but didnt really notice any appreciable break in time. Selle San Marco has reinforced the saddle rails with a crossing X shape knot (Dynamic Node Action) to reduce twisting forces from pedaling without affecting compliance. With its light weight and clever build, in testing we found the AllRoad Open-Fit Carbon FX unobtrusive, yet supportive in just the right way. Saddle rails come in a variety of different materials with brands usually offering the same saddle just with different rail materials at different price points. On test, the Power Expert was definitely comfortable and the short nose and narrow tip gave a free-spinning, unencumbered feeling for your legs. Particularly the carved ones. Ive got a C17 Im looking to flog if anyone is interested, swapped for a C15. Selle Italia has been making some seriously light performance saddles for a long time and the Italian brand's X-LR Kit Carbonio Superflow has to be one of the lightest off-road-specific saddles available. Josh hails from the Pacific Northwest of the United States but would prefer riding through the desert than the rain. I've been riding Koobi saddles for years on both my road bike, mountain bike and now the gravel bike. That all combines to create a saddle that's good at taking the sting out of the rougher roads, without causing undue soft-tissue damage. Wanted to see if anyone is riding with a Brooks or Selle Anatomica or any other. Affordable options too. It includes a tough Microtex upper that's smooth at the back. The unusual 9.8x7mm DNA carbon rail size could prove problematic for some seatpost clamps, so it's worth double-checking the saddle will fit before you make a purchase. Heres why you can trust us. You might also look at the Gilles Berthoud leather saddles. I ordered one from him and am waiting for it to arrive. PathLessPedaled on youtube has a good video about alternatives to the Brooks. The AllRoad Open-Fit Carbon FX has been designed by Selle San Marco as a saddle for adventuring both off- and on-road. The saddle uses a more classic shape, rather than a short nose, to give riders the real estate to move forward and back on the saddle to help balance weight distribution on steep climbs. The most important attribute when purchasing a saddle is the width. The Cambium C13 is so durable we can't imagine it ever wearing out, even after a crash. Thanks for all the advice I pulled the trigger on a Cambium C17 from Charlie TBM. Ergon claims this better reflects male pelvis tilt but it also maintains the integrity of the saddle. Im using a Cambium C13. Another point of considerable discussion in the saddle world is flat vs waved/curved. Designed for long-distance riding, the Power saddle locks the rider in place and has been subject to Specialized's Body Geometry research to offer sit-bone support with the wide carbon-reinforced shell which is covered in a medium-density foam. You didnt really notice any extra rigidity from the carbon rails, or the 30g weight saving over the X3, though it all adds up. There's a wide nose paired with a wide midsection and a generous central cutout. The shape is far more personal and harder to determine than width. For gravel riding, this kind of saddle is going to work best for riding that falls into the all-road umbrella as opposed to drop-bar mountain biking. If you want a more locked-in feeling then a waved profile, as viewed from the side, will help keep you in a single position. By the same token, when you have pain in your saddle area that doesn't always mean the saddle is the issue. With the Ergon SR Pro the channel is shallow with a rearward bias. The only thing missing from the recipe, however, is the paucity of saddlebag integration which has almost become a prerequisite on rival gravel-specific perches from Fizik. Been riding on them for several months, and I am very satisfied with these saddles. Thicker leather, and rebuildable if needed. Whether it works for you though depends on how much you like to shift position as you ride. Komoot Trail View uses over 15 million user-sourced photos to show users visually what the trail and terrain will be like. The progressive slope at the sides gave me flexibility and meant our tester felt part of the saddle rather than just on it, and the rise at the back gave me something to leverage against on climbs. Depending on how race vs adventure and all-road vs off-road your gravel cycling is, some features will be more, or less, important to you. Win a pair of Shimano ME7 shoes worth 180! This kind of saddle is going to be best for those who are flexible and have pretty narrow hips. The waved saddle might keep you more locked in sometimes but it's likely you'll still move around. I bought it because I borrowed my buddy's, which was several years old and felt great for the week or two i tested it. Compared to a road bike, gravel cycling might have you moving around on your saddle more. The only problem I have with my Brooks Waterford saddles is that the leather stretches out some and you have to be somewhat diligent on tightening the nut on the saddle. Hope its as comfy as most people say they are. The design keeps you planted but keeps the saddle out of your way. However, a saddle is one of the most personal things on a bike, and the right saddle for you will come down to a multitude of things, including the type of riding you are doing, which is why the best gravel bike saddle will differ from the best road bike saddles. Pro used its already popular Stealth road saddle as the basis for its gravel-orientated Stealth Offroad seat. At the premium end, carbon rails are specced as they are considerably lighter and the carbon weave can be tuned to absorb vibrations. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). The wide flare around the sides and edges help you move back off the saddle when you want to. The Flat version of the Scoop is the most aggressive version Fabric offers and will suit riders who are looking to ride fast and hard. To many, the idea of a gravel bike saddle will sound like a marketing department somewhere jumped onto the gravel bandwagon in order to sell a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. That means the same stiff padding and the same Y shaped cut-out that lets the shell flex with your hips. New York, Instead of a shell with padding and a cover, there's a carbon fibre frame covered with a thick piece of rubber. It may perform admirably, but it will be compromised as gravel riding is not its main application. Especially since I can get up to 65% off retail through a discount program I am part of through my job. I have put in a few rides on my new Selle Anatomic X2. I was concerned the leather wouldnt appreciate the rough treatment or repeated soaking, but after 7 years its fine. The Power Expert features a generous cutout, too, which reduces pressure on sensitive areas and helps blood flow. You just hope you don't have all your memories in the same ride. Check out our Specialized Power Pro Elaston Mimic Saddle review for more information. Ive got a C15 on mine. It may be super lightweight but the Artax GL stayed utterly trouble-free, even when our tester was on multiple, all-day route recce sessions. Gravel bikes put the rider in a far more aggressive position than even the most race-bred cross-country bike, this position is going to change the way your sit bones interact with a saddle. Height: 5'9" The low weight and the replaceable cover feature are also big wins if you're a high mileage racer/efficiency enthusiast too. The Mimic variation of the Power saddle line-up replaces the cut-out with a depression, paired with a much softer padding at the front. The most popular sizes and configurations of previous saddles have come together in a saddle designed for everyone. Mine flexed as designed but was still hard, much harder than my buddy's. I do a lot of miles on it and never notice it so thats a good thing. The SR Pro Carbon uses a design targeted for men who ride in an aggressive position. Thanks to the versatility of the best gravel bikes, riders are covering longer distances and riding increasingly varied terrain so choosing the best gravel bike saddle is vital for comfort. When you need to keep your weight over the rear wheel to hold traction on a steep hill you can't stand to climb. If you are a gravel racer your needs are going to be a lot different than that of a bikepacker. I had a C17 given to me by my brother who couldnt get on with it. Kevin Schmidt, the owner of Pedal PT, and an expert in bike fit has three primary considerations for saddle fitment. When it comes to saddles there are few brands with the name recognition of Fizik. The carbon rails distinguish the X1 from the metal-railed X3 and X5, making it lighter and a little more rigid. CtB apparently owns the market in Cambium saddles. Finally, you need to consider the shape of the saddle as they come in various lengths and sizes. The Ergon SR Pro Carbon is technically a road saddle but it's an excellent fit for aggressive riders and Ergon's 'dynamic sitting' design accommodates the different seating positions that are used off-road to help maintain traction. The Verse line of saddles from Bontrager targets men and women and all surfaces and it works. So at this point I'll have to decide to continue to use the the C17 on my road bike or put it on my Trek mountain bike and go back to the B17 for the Cannondale. If you like to move around a lot on your saddle then a flat saddle is the way to go. Graham is all about riding bikes off-road. It's only available in one size: 146mm wide, which means if you have particularly narrow or wide sit bones, then this won't be for you, but for those it will fit, the AllRoad Carbon FX saddle is a great option. The Angel series of saddles is the highest performance saddles that Velo offers. Rides: Orbea Orca Aero, Cannondale Topstone Lefty, Cannondale CAAD9, Trek Checkpoint, Priority Continuum Onyx. The flattish profile, combined with the upward tilt towards the rear, means it wants to keep you in one 'right' position. Brooks is the best for about any type of riding other than competition. assuming that Im currently riding a charge spoon/ Madison flux which cambium would you buy for gravel bike (escapade) and rigid do everything else bike (longitude)? I've now put on about 50 miles with the Brooks Cambium C17 saddle mounted on my Cannondale T1000 road bike - actually a touring bike. A mountain bike saddle will be a better fit than a road saddle for gravel cyclists, but even these aren't perfect for the job. A unisex saddle, it was actually initially designed as a women-specific model, however, the shape translated across both genders equally. Still, if you can have your cake and eat it there's no reason not to choose a lightweight saddle. been there dun that Zman. There is a slight wave but it's not aggressive and strikes a nice balance between locking the rider in and allowing movement. Sean's an experienced cyclocross and XC racer who's also racked up many miles on gravel bikes over the years. But since then I've put Brooks Cambium C-17's on both my gravel and road bike (waterproof on the gravel bike). A long, thin and flat saddle that allows for plenty of leg movement, Lots of flexibility where your legs meet the saddle, Plenty of grip at the front of the saddle, Ultra-stylish and so durable theres never a need to worry about scraping it, A men's-specific carbon-performance saddle priced very reasonably, Drainage for water in the pressure relief channel, Sharp at the edge of the pressure relief channel, Well-priced saddle designed to cope with the rigors of off-road riding and racing, A high-quality, low-price option with a gentle wave and lots of flexibility in the shell, A versatile saddle for men or women, on-road and off-road, and available in a size for everyone, Thoughtful details specific to gravel come together to form one of the lightest saddles on the market, An incredibly comfortable and supportive saddle that combines the Power shape, Mimic foam, and Elaston technology, Mimic foam perfectly imitates the density of soft tissues, Mimic gradually moulds into shape for long-lasting and personalised support, If you like the short nose saddle trend but want a more flexible rear and low weight, the Velo delivers, A waved profile, short length and wide pressure-releasing cutout with medium padding, A little longer than most short-nosed saddles with a design meant for stability, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, Composite carbon co-injected Nylon WingFlex, Sit-bone width of 9-12cm and sit-bone width of 12-16cm, How to choose the best gravel bike saddle, Specialized Power Pro Elaston Mimic Saddle, three primary considerations for saddle fitment. The gravel bike niche has already developed its own geometry, groupsets and tires so it isnt surprising that as brands have developed a deeper understanding of gravel riding, componentry such as the best gravel bike pedals, saddles and handlebars have followed. The Ergon SR Pro Carbon is a rare offering at just over $100 for top of the line materials and low weight. Find out more in our full review of the Selle San Marco AllRoad Open-Fit Carbon FX. Overall, it may not be cheap or super-light but it's a saddle you can rely on. Most people assume that because they have pain in the saddle area, they need a new saddle. Commonly steel rails are the cheapest and are heavier but are hard-wearing and ideal if you plan on doing a lot of bikepacking as they are resilient to wear.

Sitemap 7

brooks saddle for gravel bike