The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Which Saddles Pinkbike's Editors Put on Their Own Bikes
We review a lot of kit here at Pinkbike. In fact, sometimes it can feel like a constant merry-go-round of helmets, gloves, tires, or if we're extra lucky the latest bikes. It often transpires that we spend little time on the things we actually like most and more time trying to understand why things don't fit, work or feel as good as the manufacturer insists they should.
Pinkbike tech editors spend a lot of time on their ass. It's fair to say that most of our job requires sitting at a desk or pedalling a bike. Touch points on a bicycle are sensitive areas that can be as particular to the bike as they are to the individual riding them, but there’s no arguing that pedaling mountain bikes uphill has undoubtedly become more comfortable in recent years due to steeper seat angles and deeper research into ergonomic saddle designs.
Whether you’re an enduro newbie or a well-seasoned XC veteran, a few minutes in the saddle will let you know if your body agrees with the makeshift chair you’re sitting on.
![Specialized Power Mirror]()
Specialized calls the 3D-printed liquid polymer Mirror Technology that features a "patent-pending matrix of 14,000 struts and 7,799 nodes." They also claim that this construction can't be achieved by using conventional. All I know is that it's so damn comfy.
I took a huge gamble when I first bolted this saddle to a bike the evening before a two-day backcountry adventure. Normally, I’d advise against such risky business, however, the profile, support, and soft padding were unworldly from the get-go. After riding over 100kms of singletrack with a loaded-down pack and no chamois, I was sold.
Whatever tech buzz words Specialized uses, the fact is that the technology works. It's so cushioned that it's almost like a waterbed in a way, where the top layer moves almost independently at a particular point. Underneath, there’s a carbon base made from repurposed carbon scraps that is plenty flexible and the titanium rails keep the weight down to 245g in the 143mm width that I prefer.
I love the flattish top that supports my sit bones and rounded edges that don’t cut into the sides of my legs as I pedal along. The nose is also fairly short, which avoids poking into my quad when I’m moving about the bike on descents. The only downside is that the honeycomb structure can cake up with thick mud.
![Nukeproof Giga 297]()
![Nukeproof Giga 297]()
As for the position, I tend to run the saddle near the forward limits on most bikes so my sit bones land on the widest, most cushioned area. I’ll also tilt the saddle so the nose is flat and the scooped rear half of the saddle is just below a negative rise.
The Power Pro Mirror simply works for me. I’m sure there will be comments made about the $325 USD MSRP, but you can’t put a price on comfort.
![Nukeproof Giga 297]()
![photo]()
Compared to Matt's choice, the Silverado comes across as pretty low-tech, with no struts or nodes in sight. It's a time-tested staple of WTB's lineup, but you'll notice that this one featured in the photos here looks a bit different from the currently available version. The team at WTB have been working on an update to this classic that should be available quite soon, and I'm already a fan. The currently available Silverado is also a favorite, and would have been my choice if my butt hadn't been graced with the smooth comfort of this updated model.
Since last June, I have spent thousands of miles perched atop this little guy, so suffice to say I'm convinced this is the one for me. The ultimate selling point was comfortably riding the entire Colorado Trail on the Silverado, which amounted to 11 full days of pedaling, with a backpack and no chamois. Since then, it's been on a variety of bikes, with no problem suiting each one's unique geometry and use case.
In WTB's ever-growing saddle lineup, the Silverado comes across as something of a Goldilocks, with a seemingly ubiquitous place on many brands' spec sheets. This is likely due to the neutral shape and padding, with neither erring too extreme in any direction. If you're someone who wants the cushiest saddle around, this might not be the one, but I'm of the opinion that shape beats squish in delivering ultimate comfort.
The updates to the Silverado seem to revolve around the construction, with some subtle tweaks to the shape. The microfiber cover is now one continuous piece, removing the side fabric area that would consistently wear down on my older models. With a slightly shorter nose and flatter top, the new saddle is even better suited to modern bikes, where steeper seat tube angles require less of a road-like long nosed shape. The flat top and sloping tail make the Silverado very cozy on long climbs, and there's still enough of a nose for sustained flat pedaling.
![photo]()
![photo]()
As you can see, I tend to angle my saddle down pretty aggressively, with a rough rule of thumb of setting it so that the nose points at the stem. This usually means 5-6° down from flat, but with sag and a steep climb, things feel flat and comfortable. The Silverado has a very long clamp area on the rails, so I'm not quite at the extreme-forward mark, but on most saddle I'm right up to the rear bend in the rails.
The WTB Silverado stands as my high water mark, with nothing else I've tried matching its long-term comfort. With a few different pricing levels and multiple fit options, there should be a variant to suit just about anyone.
![photo]()
![Transition Spur Kazimer]()
The model I've been riding has titanium rails, a carbon fiber shell, and Specialized's soft Mimic foam at the front. The cellulite look at the rear of the saddle is caused by the small beads that are expanded into the foam – Specialized says this is to improve comfort and support on long rides, and based on all the time I've spent on this saddle so far I'd have to agree.
I tend to run my saddles fairly level, or tipped a degree or two downward, but nothing too extreme. The position in the seatpost clamp depends on the bike's seat tube angle; it'll be right in the middle if the seat angle is steep enough for my liking, or slid forward to steepen things up a bit if not.
Like any contact points, saddles are a matter of personal preference, but the profile of the Power saddle does seem to work for lots of riders, and even the less-expensive models are still great options for anyone looking to upgrade from an uncomfortable stock seat.
![photo]()
![photo]()
![photo]()
![photo]()
I appreciate when a saddle makes the rider feel nicely centered over the bike, and this one fits that bill. I run it flat, and the back of the saddle supports my sit bones, so essentially no weight sits anywhere else.
I've talked to several other people over the years who love this saddle, too, so it definitely isn't just me (see Nikki Rohan's test back in 2020). I'm pretty convinced SQ Lab cracked the code on this one, making a saddle that works for a wide range of riders. The saddle is available in four different widths, too, so it seems to be available to suit a wide range of riders.
All in all, SQ Lab as a company strikes me as 'the right amount of nerdy,' which I bet a lot of us here can relate to... just another reason the company has earned its place in my heart and on my bike.
![photo]()
By comfortable, I don't mean it's soft and plush - in fact, it's quite firm - but it keeps your weight off the soft and delicate parts and gives plenty of support for putting down the Watts on steep climbs. Even the narrower version is pretty wide, so it's best paired with a long dropper post to keep it well out of the way. I've tried several versions and I can't say which is comfiest, so I'd recommend whichever suits your budget.
![photo]()
![photo]()
Having said that, I'm not wedded to the Power and still like to try out different perches. Recently I've got on similarly well with the Ergon SM Enduro Comp. Anything with a fairly flat hull and a deep, wide channel can work for me.
![photo]()
Pinkbike tech editors spend a lot of time on their ass. It's fair to say that most of our job requires sitting at a desk or pedalling a bike. Touch points on a bicycle are sensitive areas that can be as particular to the bike as they are to the individual riding them, but there’s no arguing that pedaling mountain bikes uphill has undoubtedly become more comfortable in recent years due to steeper seat angles and deeper research into ergonomic saddle designs.
Whether you’re an enduro newbie or a well-seasoned XC veteran, a few minutes in the saddle will let you know if your body agrees with the makeshift chair you’re sitting on.
Specialized Pro Power Mirror
Specialized calls the 3D-printed liquid polymer Mirror Technology that features a "patent-pending matrix of 14,000 struts and 7,799 nodes." They also claim that this construction can't be achieved by using conventional. All I know is that it's so damn comfy.
I took a huge gamble when I first bolted this saddle to a bike the evening before a two-day backcountry adventure. Normally, I’d advise against such risky business, however, the profile, support, and soft padding were unworldly from the get-go. After riding over 100kms of singletrack with a loaded-down pack and no chamois, I was sold.
Matt Beer
Position: Tech Editor, paragraph texter
Chamois: No
Preferred saddle features: Rounded edges, short nose
Chosen saddle: Specialized Pro Power Mirror
Price: $325 USD
Position: Tech Editor, paragraph texter
Chamois: No
Preferred saddle features: Rounded edges, short nose
Chosen saddle: Specialized Pro Power Mirror
Price: $325 USD
I love the flattish top that supports my sit bones and rounded edges that don’t cut into the sides of my legs as I pedal along. The nose is also fairly short, which avoids poking into my quad when I’m moving about the bike on descents. The only downside is that the honeycomb structure can cake up with thick mud.
As for the position, I tend to run the saddle near the forward limits on most bikes so my sit bones land on the widest, most cushioned area. I’ll also tilt the saddle so the nose is flat and the scooped rear half of the saddle is just below a negative rise.
The Power Pro Mirror simply works for me. I’m sure there will be comments made about the $325 USD MSRP, but you can’t put a price on comfort.
WTB Silverado
Compared to Matt's choice, the Silverado comes across as pretty low-tech, with no struts or nodes in sight. It's a time-tested staple of WTB's lineup, but you'll notice that this one featured in the photos here looks a bit different from the currently available version. The team at WTB have been working on an update to this classic that should be available quite soon, and I'm already a fan. The currently available Silverado is also a favorite, and would have been my choice if my butt hadn't been graced with the smooth comfort of this updated model.
Dario DiGiulio
Position: Tech Editor, pizza lover
Chamois: Never Ever
Preferred saddle features: Flat top, Center channel
Chosen saddle: WTB Silverado
Price: $48-250 USD, depending on rail material
Position: Tech Editor, pizza lover
Chamois: Never Ever
Preferred saddle features: Flat top, Center channel
Chosen saddle: WTB Silverado
Price: $48-250 USD, depending on rail material
In WTB's ever-growing saddle lineup, the Silverado comes across as something of a Goldilocks, with a seemingly ubiquitous place on many brands' spec sheets. This is likely due to the neutral shape and padding, with neither erring too extreme in any direction. If you're someone who wants the cushiest saddle around, this might not be the one, but I'm of the opinion that shape beats squish in delivering ultimate comfort.
The updates to the Silverado seem to revolve around the construction, with some subtle tweaks to the shape. The microfiber cover is now one continuous piece, removing the side fabric area that would consistently wear down on my older models. With a slightly shorter nose and flatter top, the new saddle is even better suited to modern bikes, where steeper seat tube angles require less of a road-like long nosed shape. The flat top and sloping tail make the Silverado very cozy on long climbs, and there's still enough of a nose for sustained flat pedaling.
As you can see, I tend to angle my saddle down pretty aggressively, with a rough rule of thumb of setting it so that the nose points at the stem. This usually means 5-6° down from flat, but with sag and a steep climb, things feel flat and comfortable. The Silverado has a very long clamp area on the rails, so I'm not quite at the extreme-forward mark, but on most saddle I'm right up to the rear bend in the rails.
The WTB Silverado stands as my high water mark, with nothing else I've tried matching its long-term comfort. With a few different pricing levels and multiple fit options, there should be a variant to suit just about anyone.
Specialized Power Pro Elaston with Mimic
Specialized's Power Pro saddle has moved to the top of my list of favorites, and this particular one has been on my personal bike for the last two seasons. It's the shape that does it for me – it's fairly short in length, with enough width at the back to alleviate any pressure points. It's still narrow enough to stay out of the way on the descents, and there aren't any sharp edges – one of my pet peeves is when the back of a saddle has an uncovered hard plastic part that's just waiting to jab into a sensitive area.
Mike Kazimer
Position: Managing Tech Editor, bagel fiend
Chamois: No
Preferred saddle features: Shorter length, no sharp edges at the back
Chosen saddle: Specialized Pro Elaston with Mimic
Price: $206 USD
Position: Managing Tech Editor, bagel fiend
Chamois: No
Preferred saddle features: Shorter length, no sharp edges at the back
Chosen saddle: Specialized Pro Elaston with Mimic
Price: $206 USD
The model I've been riding has titanium rails, a carbon fiber shell, and Specialized's soft Mimic foam at the front. The cellulite look at the rear of the saddle is caused by the small beads that are expanded into the foam – Specialized says this is to improve comfort and support on long rides, and based on all the time I've spent on this saddle so far I'd have to agree.
I tend to run my saddles fairly level, or tipped a degree or two downward, but nothing too extreme. The position in the seatpost clamp depends on the bike's seat tube angle; it'll be right in the middle if the seat angle is steep enough for my liking, or slid forward to steepen things up a bit if not.
Like any contact points, saddles are a matter of personal preference, but the profile of the Power saddle does seem to work for lots of riders, and even the less-expensive models are still great options for anyone looking to upgrade from an uncomfortable stock seat.
I've never been too fanatic about things like saddles, even though a saddle is one of the few contact points between a rider and their bike. However, I've spent enough time on the SQ Lab 611 saddle that I need to credit that one as my favorite.
The 611 came into my life a good six or seven years ago, when I was dating someone who worked at a bike shop and adopted many of the warranty rejects. It's not exactly a great thing for this saddle that many of them were bent badly enough to be warrantied, but that was good for me, as my ex and I both ended up with several, and the apparent bendability of the rails meant we could force them back into shape. I put them on all my bikes and swapped them out before selling the bikes.
The 611 came into my life a good six or seven years ago, when I was dating someone who worked at a bike shop and adopted many of the warranty rejects. It's not exactly a great thing for this saddle that many of them were bent badly enough to be warrantied, but that was good for me, as my ex and I both ended up with several, and the apparent bendability of the rails meant we could force them back into shape. I put them on all my bikes and swapped them out before selling the bikes.
Alicia Leggett
Position: No idea, to be honest. News writer of some sort. Kind of techy sometimes. Not currently working.
Chamois: Yes
Preferred saddle features: Doesn't angle the rider too far forward or backward
Chosen saddle: SQ Lab 611 Ergowave
Price: $153.89 USD / 139.95 Euro
Position: No idea, to be honest. News writer of some sort. Kind of techy sometimes. Not currently working.
Chamois: Yes
Preferred saddle features: Doesn't angle the rider too far forward or backward
Chosen saddle: SQ Lab 611 Ergowave
Price: $153.89 USD / 139.95 Euro
I appreciate when a saddle makes the rider feel nicely centered over the bike, and this one fits that bill. I run it flat, and the back of the saddle supports my sit bones, so essentially no weight sits anywhere else.
I've talked to several other people over the years who love this saddle, too, so it definitely isn't just me (see Nikki Rohan's test back in 2020). I'm pretty convinced SQ Lab cracked the code on this one, making a saddle that works for a wide range of riders. The saddle is available in four different widths, too, so it seems to be available to suit a wide range of riders.
All in all, SQ Lab as a company strikes me as 'the right amount of nerdy,' which I bet a lot of us here can relate to... just another reason the company has earned its place in my heart and on my bike.
Specialized Power
I've tried a lot of saddles over the years and I keep coming back to the Specialized Power. It's got a wide channel which puts all your weight on the sit bones, where it should be. The nose is super short and you sit a little further forward than other saddles. Back in the day, this was a great feature because it effectively gave you slightly steeper seat angle. Now that seat tubes are pushing 80-degrees in many cases this is not always necessary, but I find it a comfortable saddle anyway.
Seb Stott
Position: Tech Editor, porridge connoisseur
Chamois: Always
Preferred saddle features: Wide pressure-relief channel
Chosen saddle: Specialized Power (any model)
Price: From £80
Position: Tech Editor, porridge connoisseur
Chamois: Always
Preferred saddle features: Wide pressure-relief channel
Chosen saddle: Specialized Power (any model)
Price: From £80
By comfortable, I don't mean it's soft and plush - in fact, it's quite firm - but it keeps your weight off the soft and delicate parts and gives plenty of support for putting down the Watts on steep climbs. Even the narrower version is pretty wide, so it's best paired with a long dropper post to keep it well out of the way. I've tried several versions and I can't say which is comfiest, so I'd recommend whichever suits your budget.
Ergon SM Enduro
Having said that, I'm not wedded to the Power and still like to try out different perches. Recently I've got on similarly well with the Ergon SM Enduro Comp. Anything with a fairly flat hull and a deep, wide channel can work for me.
Syncros Tofino
At times I can be needlessly picky but with saddles, I honestly am not invested whatsoever. I don't wear a chamois, and I find very little difference between models. There might be one or two bad-eggs, but I normally just ride whatever is cheap, on a bike or in the parts bin and not broken. In the past little while, I've had this Syncros Tofino saddle on a Bold test bike and, at the very least, it's relatively light and looks nice - which is enough for me.
Henry Quinney
Position: Tech Editor, kettle supervisor
Chamois: Only if it's really really wet
Preferred saddle features: Not looking horrible
Chosen saddle: Syncros Tofino R 2.0
Price: $149.99 (which seems like quite a lot)
Position: Tech Editor, kettle supervisor
Chamois: Only if it's really really wet
Preferred saddle features: Not looking horrible
Chosen saddle: Syncros Tofino R 2.0
Price: $149.99 (which seems like quite a lot)
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Personally, have never thought about riding without a chamois on a ride over 5 miles.
I’m legit thinking about doing my next Bikepacking trip without a chamois. Especially considering my stint on the CT was more hiking than biking uphill anyways.
Where do your cocknballs go?
Recently purchased a reputable brands chamois, I was professionally measured, then ordered online to save some money (big mistake), and have never been in more discomfort in my life. Felt like my urethra was being crushed in a vice. I checked the labels multiple times not understanding how this was a "Mens" product. There's 0 conceivable place for one to store their tackle.
This was an expensive $100+ 5 minute test since you can't return the things after they are worn to most shops.
I also am yet to find a saddle that is comfortable for more than an hour so all my riding is just trying to find the least uncomfortable set-up.
Also side note: doing plenty of 6-12 mile rides has only made me struggle to pick between trying chamois and a different saddle; that debate seems like a good potential article.
I bought another set of cheap Endura chamois, they come in 2 packs for around €30 and have a very minimal cushion. Very comfortable and discrete.
Not to mention $85 for it? those things are made for pennies and sell in aliexpress for a fiver
But seriously, try slips.
Also, BN3TH has the pocket option - it's a good introduction to a chamois for the uninitiated
No ballroom…
I run the SQLab 611 ergo wave on the hardtail and squishy bikes. My first ride this year was good. Usually the next ride is a bit painful but not bad this season. Before the SQLab seats it would take four or five rides to harden up the arse but not this season. I’m impressed.
You duct tape it to your inner thigh
Is a 'boxer' the loose fitting, coton underwear type? And are people in the USA still actually wearing those?
Here most men wear the tight(er) variant, with some stretch to the fabric, and some wear slips. They are not considered very sexy/fashionable I think, but I find those the most comfortable, so I wear those.
The ones I wear while riding are a from a slightly different fabric, that dry quicker and stretch more, so better suited as a first layer for sports. I ditched chamois a few years ago, never liked the diaper feeling.
www.bn3th.com/products/north-shore-bike-liner-short-black?variant=31939076915318
I'm using a SDG BelAir V3 saddle.
To avoid my boxers bunching up, I put some anti-sliding thing that comes in a ketchup-like bottle I bought off Amazon (it's supposed to be used on the sole of kid's socks to avoid them slipping)
I'll keep trying it for the next rides and see how the behind feels...
I still use chamois butter but I will not be going back to a chamois... ever.
I'd say all the bikes we ride fit well when going downhill, but sometimes it's necessary to slide the seat forward to create a more upright and comfortable riding position if the seat angle isn't steep enough to match our preferences. Seats have rails for a reason - that's how you dial in the fit for pedaling.
ircc is an offset dropper I’ve got two of ‘‘em on two different bikes and they’ve been pretty solid for a couple years now.
Overall, I don't mind moving myself forward, temporarily, on steeper climbs. Moderate ones, seat position, in seatpost clamp, works well for me. Would like to have more option to move it forward, if I want, that's all. Seems like most manufacturers have limited horizontal adjustment, maybe??
100% is not accurate.
I do have the saddle all the way forward though on my trail bike which has the same effective reach (more or less)
It's all about finding the right fit,
by measuring sit bone distance, then choosing the right saddle width and saddle model.
If you want to have a lough, see our latest vid, teasing this topic:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nquh2lM75X8&t=10s
You also find long noses on pretty much all OEM builds. Are you all not shifting forward, or just standing on the steepest climbs? Are the manufacturers getting it wrong?
Its even more narrow then Power ARC 143mm, from which sitting area is more narrow then on Power 143mm.
From 2014/2015 is this for sure the saddle (130, 143, 155, 168 ), where most of my customers say: This on is the best! (Im a proffesional bike fitter for years - working mostly w/Spec, Bontrager, Giant, Syncros, WTB, Prologo, but also quite a lot w/ Selle Italia, Ergon, Infinity, Fizik)
Same. I have a power arc collecting dust, it is super comfortable, but it bruises the hell out of the inside of my legs on spicy descents.
It makes me curious about other spec saddles because it is definitely comfortable.
More shops need demo programs for seats.
If it was as transformative as some people say. I'd buy a $300 saddle if I knew it would be the case for me, but I cant buy one as an experiment, that's just crazy.
It depends on leg length and actual seat tube angle as well, but it seems like steeper than 79 or so starts to go too far.
I am on a crossworx Dash 290, 79 degree seat tube and the actual seat tube angle is also quite steep.
It's good, but I actually have my saddle pushed rearwards all the way. I don't think I'd want steeper. It's still much steeper than my rascal was with the seat all the way forward, and that's despite 155mm travel vs 130mm travel (sags more). I love that it's never feels saggy and the front end always feels planted.
"Since last June, I have spent thousands of hours perched atop this little guy"
Seems pretty unlikely. Assuming the bare minimum number to qualify for "thousands" (2000) that would require an average of >6 hours a day, every day, for 11 months straight.
If it is true, you might want to read up on the concept of overtraining.
Best part is you can find them for cheap as take offs.
1) separating the porridge connoisseur and kettle supervisor roles are vital to avoid a conflict of interest in you web business.
2) My WTB saddle was a bargain
I've been really happy with it and the only reason I don't run it on all my bikes is because I've got wide Specialized Phenoms elsewhere that are still really good.
Unfortunately the only saddle I've had to bin (or rather resell) mutliple times is the WTB Silverado. I've acquired 3 now on various bikes and they all lasted one ride. I blame the lack of adjustable width. I'd probably like WTB saddles if they made them 155mm or wider.
1. Industry leaders need to colab! Adopt a set of standards for chamois thicknesses and seat padding, so you can design saddles and liner shorts in unison. Make the padding levels in both thinner but better material. Offer a few options that make sense to consumers that don't know any better yet. This is 2023 not 2003, go to a material trade show once in while TLD and FOX I'm talking to you.... People that don't ride chamois, don't because they loose bike feel and hate the over thickness. This will never change until saddles change.
Hargood tips:
2. Stop using HD foam in your high end saddles and move it to your low end saddles but combo it with memory or open cell foam. Put thinner layers of GEL in your high end saddles and compensate for the weight with carbon bases, rails and titainium rails. Just make the rail height appropriate to compensate for padding height. I ride sensible saddles, but feel like WTB could make a better saddle with the ingredients it already has... WTB you either sell 450 gram saddles that feel like a dream, but are made of the heaviest materials in the industry or 120 gram saddles that I like to call taint killers... Where is my 200 gram carbon and TI PURE wide with Gel dream saddle? Not the lightest but I would take the 80 g hit for gel in an ultra light swoop nose saddle any day of the week. If your lightest saddle and the Pure gel chro-mo got together and f*cked, the offspring of those two saddles would be the best saddle you ever birthed....
Finally Finally Finally someone on this Earth who understands me in not wanting to crash my 'washers' on every - literally every - XC bump encountered. In other owrds:
- If You are going downhill
- sit on the back of Your saddle
- using Your ass
- instead of Your balls.
Helps a lot. Also the saddle angle.
GTFOH.
BAM!
Are they all sitting on Henry for long periods of time?
also Dario: "pizzarhea" sticker on bike
hmm...