We’ve selected 15 best road bike saddles for your reference.
Finding a saddle for your bike is always a struggle, and there are many different types of saddles of different shapes and materials on the market to choose from. However, many people spend a high price on a saddle only to find out that it is not comfortable. Today, I’m going to show you exactly how to find the perfect road bike saddle for your needs.
In this article, we have sifted through the layers to find 15 excellent road bike saddles of different types in 2023. By making recommendations for you through the pros and cons of various saddles, I’m sure you can pick the right saddle for you according to your needs. If you are a mountain biker, you can check out 15 of The Best Mountain Bike Saddles You Can Buy [2023]. If you want to see more articles from us, welcome to follow our website.
2023 Best Road Bike Saddles List
- Novus Super Flow Endurance TI316 ($217.7)
- Fizik Arione ($149.99)
- PrologoScratch M5 PAS T2.0 ($84.73)
- Selle Royal Respiro Soft Athletic ($69.99)
- Daway C99 ($36.97)
- Selle Italia Diva ($159.9)
- Selle SMP Pro ($269)
- Ergon SR ($99.95)
- ISM PN 3.1 ($229.88)
- Fizik Aliante Gamma ($129.99)
- Prologo Scratch 2 ($234.29)
- Terry Men’s Fly Ti ($179.59)
- Fabric Scoop Elite ($61.95)
- Planet Bike Mens A.R.S. ($50)
- Pioneeryao Professional ($24.99)
1. Novus Super Flow Endurance TI316 ($217.7)
- Width: 138mm/149mm
- Length: 282mm
- Material: Titanium Alloy
- Clamp: 7mm
- Weight: 288g/293g
- What we like about it: Comfortable endurance type, breathable and cool.
- What we don’t like about it: It’s a little pricey.
The Novus Super Flow Endurance TI316 is a great choice for those looking for a comfortable and durable saddle. It has a lightweight, sturdy titanium frame and a large, comfortable seat. The center of the saddle is cut out to reduce compression while keeping you cool and comfortable in hot weather. In addition, the rear is equipped with a storage pocket to store your essentials.
Although it seems a bit expensive, like most of Selle Italia’s products. If that price is out of your budget, maybe you can go for the Fizik Arione below. But for me, the versatility of the Novus is very appealing, not only does it give me a comfortable long-distance riding experience, but short commutes are not a problem at all.
2. Fizik Arione ($149.99)
- Width: 126mm/140mm
- Length: 304mm/300mm
- Material: Glass fiber
- Clamp: 7mm
- Weight: 210g
- What we like about it: Light and stiff, with a direct response suitable for competition.
- What we don’t like about it: It’s not suitable for long rides.
Knowing that Fizik has always had a good reputation in the world of bike saddles, the Arione is the perfect choice for those riders looking for a comfortable and lightweight saddle. The all-fiberglass shell with titanium rails makes it one of the lightest saddles on the market, the saddle also features pressure release channels that extend along its length and the stiff, thin profile makes it very easy to power. It is priced slightly lower than Fizik’s other offerings, making it popular among enthusiasts on a tight budget.
This saddle is not very suitable for long-distance riding as it is thin and light at the expense of comfort. If you’re looking for a comfortable long-distance racing saddle, go for the Novus Super Flow Endurance TI316 above. All in all, this stiff, thin saddle is perfect for the short sprint rider, with stiff support to better transmit the power sent. At this price, it’s one of the best saddles you can buy.
3. PrologoScratch M5 PAS T2.0 ($84.73)
- Width: 140mm
- Length: 250mm
- Material: Tirox
- Clamp: 7mm
- Weight: 189g
- What we like about it: Comfortable long distance, PAS technology to reduce compression.
- What we don’t like about it: The weight is far from the nominal.
The long and comfortable saddle PrologoScratch M5 PAS T2.0, with its ergonomic “T-SHAPE” shape allows for natural rotation of the pelvis, creating stability and support for the lumbar region. It also facilitates the distribution of pressure over a larger surface area.
PAS-patented technology prevents pressure spikes and numbness in the perineal area, allowing you to pedal at low frequencies without feeling uncomfortable.
The weight is not as light as the official claim. When I weighed it, I found it to be at least 202g, which is a big error from the official claim and makes it not one of the lightest saddles. But there is no doubt that it has an extremely comfortable ride and good shock absorption performance. It is a good choice for long-distance riders and even for enduro race riders.
4. Selle Royal Respiro Soft Athletic ($69.99)
- Width: 163mm
- Length: 277mm
- Material: Plastic
- Clamp: 7mm
- Weight: 360g
- What we like about it: Unisex, sporty ultra-cushioned material.
- What we don’t like about it: The weight is a little heavy.
This is a comfortable saddle for both men and women, with a somewhat sporty fit, making it one of the most comfortable bike saddles on the market. In other words, it’s perfect for long rides. The skeletonized, breathable design keeps you cool, and the waterproof design allows your saddle to remain dry and largely waterproof even after rain. The royalgel™ improves level and comfort with its unique formula that outperforms other pads.
The price of comfort is the increase in weight. It’s almost twice the weight of most saddles, and that keeps it from being mounted on a race road bike. This is because a soft saddle can affect the handling of the bike. If what you need is a stiff power saddle, then you can look at the stiff and straightforward Fizik Arione. But if you are a casual rider, perhaps a soft and comfortable saddle would be a better choice.
5. Daway C99 ($36.97)
- Width: 229mm
- Length: 269mm
- Material: Plastic
- Clamp: 7mm
- Weight: /
- What we like about it: Inexpensive, rugged, taillight design.
- What we don’t like about it: The saddle is too soft for fast riding.
The Daway C99 is the best bike saddle for beginners on a budget, sturdy and well-made. There is just the right amount of padding and the memory foam does a great job of keeping you comfortable, even on long rides for hours. The taillight is impressive, with six beads of high brightness keeping the ride safe, while also meaning you don’t have to spend an extra penny on a taillight for it. And, the whole saddle will cost you just under $37.
A comfortable saddle is too soft for those race riders to go for. Because a soft ride loses most of its power and does not finish the race efficiently and quickly. If you are a race rider, perhaps the equally comfortable yet efficient Novus Super Flow Endurance TI316 can help you better.
6. Selle Italia Diva ($159.9)
- Width: 135/152mm
- Length: 270/275mm
- Material: Plastic
- Clamp: 7mm
- Weight: 275/285g
- What we like about it: Designed for women and the right weight.
- What we don’t like about it: Comfortable saddle, not suitable for fast riding and racing.
This is by far one of the best saddles for women in our opinion. The large cutout increases circulation and reduces numbness, while the self-shaping padding comfortably supports the sit bones, and the breathable, full-grain leather-covered saddle with Vanox rails puts the weight at the right 275g.
This is the perfect saddle for ladies, but not for racing. However, the comfortable shape makes it well-suited for road commuting and touring environments. If you need a women’s race saddle, check out the Ergon SR next, but it has to be said that a physiologically correct saddle for female riders will greatly increase the enjoyment of riding touring.
7. Selle SMP Pro ($269)
- Width: 126/150mm
- Length: 278mm
- Material: Carbon-reinforced nylon 12
- Clamp: 7mm
- Weight: 295/350g
- What we like about it: The sunken ergonomic design and rich colors.
- What we don’t like about it: The width selection is not easy.
Professional riders give high marks to the design of the Selle SMP Pro. The beaked front end and sunken design of the front are very ergonomic. The foam elastomer padding provides the right amount of support and comfort during the ride. The saddle is also available in a variety of colors, so if you like a colorful saddle, you can choose from leather or synthetic finishes.
The width of the saddle is protested by riders of some sizes. Although there are two sizes to choose from, there is a very large gap between 126mm and 150mm. The middle part of the seat bone width of the crowd is not well taken care of. If you happen to be in the 130-140 range, then perhaps the Novus Super Flow Endurance TI316 width will be more flattering to your body curve.
8. Ergon SR ($99.95)
- Width: 90-120mm/120-160mm
- Length: 278mm
- Material: Microfiber cover
- Clamp: 7mm
- Weight: 265, 275g
- What we like about it: Designed for women, with a wider saddle nose and more forward-leaning shape, lighter for racing.
- What we don’t like about it: Not for commuter rides and comfortable weekend excursions.
The Canyon/SRAM women’s racing team asked for the perfect saddle for women, and the Ergon development team took on the challenge. This is a saddle designed for women’s racing, with a wider nose and a more forward-leaning posture to suit the posture of women riders. The ramp at the rear of the saddle is also designed to provide excellent pressure relief.
It’s light and race-ready, but in exchange, it isn’t suitable for long rides. The stiff profile does seem a bit uncomfortable in non-racing moments. If it’s a comfortable commuter or endurance saddle you want, I’d recommend the Selle Italia Diva above, but if you’re a female race rider, I think it’s a comfortable partner that can help you boost power.
9. ISM PN 3.1 ($229.88)
- Width: 120mm
- Length: 255mm
- Material: carbon fiber
- Clamp: 7mm
- Weight: 265, 275g
- What we like about it: Designed for time trials and very comfortable for long cruising rides.
- What we don’t like about it: The poor steering and restricted thigh movement when pressing corners.
This is a saddle suitable for use in time trials and triathlons, and the double-nose saddle is very popular in cycling circles. Because of the forward tilt, the sit bones feel very comfortable and the arms do not feel excessive pressure. The cutout at the center end eliminates the problem of pressure on the perineum and the wide nose makes it easy to control the thigh swing.
But it is not suitable for road bike racing, the wide nose makes steering difficult. I often felt that it got in the way of my cornering and it always impeded my leg’s range of motion when going through corners, so it’s said that straight-line acceleration is its strong suit. If it’s a road racing saddle you need, the Fizik Arione will be very strong.
10. Fizik Aliante Gamma ($129.99)
- Width: 141mm
- Length: 266mm
- Material: carbon-reinforced nylon
- Clamp: 7mm
- Weight: 255g
- What we like about it: Unparalleled comfort with a wider saddle for riders with wider sit bones.
- What we don’t like about it: It’s hard to buy.
You can enjoy unparalleled comfort with it. This saddle has one of the widest shapes on the market and can be used on both road and mountain bikes. If you happen to have poor spinal flexibility, the Fizik Aliante Gamma’s shaped curvature allows you to ride at peak power while remaining comfortable.
Unfortunately, we don’t seem to find them in stock on the various websites. Perhaps you can wait a bit or it would be a good choice to buy the equally comfortable PrologoScratch M5 PAS T2.0. But it’s more suited to comfortable casual riding, as well as people who don’t exercise much and have poor ligaments and can give you a nice long ride.
11. Prologo Scratch 2 ($234.29)
- Width: 134/143mm
- Length: 280mm
- Material: Nylon
- Clamp: 7mm
- Weight: 255g
- What we like about it: Very good value for money, the type that balances competition and every day.
- What we didn’t like about it: Not as soft as the Comfort saddle, and not exactly suited to very intense competition.
This is the ultimate value-for-money component. Although you’ll pay $104.99 for it, you get a lot more than that for the experience. First, you can choose from two different options depending on the width of your sit bones. The front-to-back has a curved shape that dips down in the middle, which I think works well. The upward-lifting tail end provides tail support, and the narrow nose and rounded edges provide plenty of room to move around when pedaling.
It doesn’t stand out and is suitable for daily workouts for cyclists and some beginner races, and can’t be placed in high-end racing events. If your needs are for professional races, the Fizik Arione might be more suitable for you. But I have to say, if you are just an entry rider or a daily commuter rider, this cost-effective saddle couldn’t be better.
12. Terry Men’s Fly Ti ($179.59)
- Width: 140mm
- Length: 277mm
- Material: Nylon
- Clamp: 7mm
- Weight: 266g
- What we like about it: Good choice for endurance riding, lightweight design.
- What we didn’t like about it: Overly supportive a bit stiff on long rides.
Great saddle for endurance, distance, and TRI riders. Lightweight foam padding with a center cutout in the nose and midsection for a flexible and comfortable fit to the cutout of the body. The low-profile flat top design and multi-density injection foam keep the rear stiff for more power when pedaling, and the thin gel layer on top provides long-lasting riding comfort.
Very supportive, but long rides made me feel some pain in my sit bones. However, it is still very comfortable for short-distance riding. If you need a long-distance endurance saddle, you can choose the super cost-effective Daway C99, but for regular workouts and commuting of less than 200km, this saddle shows its unbeatable advantage.
13. Fabric Scoop Elite ($61.95)
- Width: 142mm
- Length: 282mm
- Material: Nylon
- Clamp: 7mm
- Weight: 244g
- What we like about it: Nice structural cushioning, easy-to-clean bottom.
- What we don’t like about it: The hard shape is not for the mass rider, but more for those racing riders.
The advanced saddle design provides comfort on every ride, with a unique three-part construction that eliminates the compression and tension of a traditional rigid saddle. The “flat” profile reduces wind resistance and overall weight, with just the right amount of cushioning and support for better power during the ride. Less noticeable is the waterproof microfiber bonded directly to the soft base, making the bottom very easy to clean.
It’s so stiff that it’s not quite suitable for those mass riders but very suitable for hardened competition riders. If your riding habits are comfortable for commuter riding, the Selle Royal Respiro Soft Athletic is what I would recommend for you. But if you are a professional race rider who needs to combat aerodynamics and lightness, I highly recommend the Fabric Scoop Elite.
14. Planet Bike Mens A.R.S. ( $46.95)
- Width: 178mm
- Length: 307mm
- Material: Nylon
- Clamp: 7mm
- Weight: 430g
- What we like about it: Comfortable ergonomics, wear-resistant design on the outside
- What we don’t like about it: It’s heavier in weight.
The comfortable ergonomic saddle is suitable for people who are new to cycling and those who are looking for comfort. The long central groove and the cutout through the saddle comfortably reduce the pressure on the perineum. The rear sides are made of wear-resistant material so that the saddle will not be scratched when the bike is leaning on the roadside.
I think the weight is too much, up to 430g more than even three racing saddles. For a bike saddle, it really should only be mounted on those commuter bikes and comfortable hybrids. If you want a sporty, comfortable saddle, I think the Selle Royal Respiro Soft Athletic is a good choice. But thicker padding will bring a more comfortable experience.
15. Pioneeryao Professional ($24.99)
- Width: 155mm
- Length: 275mm
- Material: Nylon
- Clamp: 7mm
- Weight: 465g
- What we like about it: The very low price, rugged and very comfortable.
- What we don’t like about it: The weight is very large.
Can you believe it, for just $24.99, you get a very comfortable saddle. The hollow center is more breathable and provides excellent relief from heat and sweat. The foam padding in the middle with gel padding on the top keeps it durable and soft for a long time. Reflective patches on the front and back ensure safety when riding at night and let you enjoy your ride immediately.
The weight seems a bit too heavy, but they don’t care much about weight for beginners. If you want a lightweight saddle for long-distance riding, the PrologoScratch M5 PAS T2.0 is very good. But this saddle makes the list with its extremely cheap price and it is also suitable for kinetic cycling as well as indoor riding.
Road bike saddle purchase advice.
- Saddle material
- Which padding is best for you?
- Which bike saddle is most comfortable for your riding style?
- Width of the sciatic bone
- Men’s and women’s bike saddles
- Your sitting position can also determine the shape of your saddle
Material of the saddle base
Carbon Fiber
With wrapped carbon fiber
This setup is mostly used in race road bike saddles. Carbon fiber is used as the bottom base of the saddle, supplemented with gel as well as foam padding on top to make the whole more comfortable. The carbon fiber base provides more strength and some shock absorption, which is undoubtedly the most suitable material for the saddle. But the high price still makes most riders hesitate. Perhaps the Fizik Arione fiberglass saddle on the list is also a good choice.
Unwrapped carbon fiber
Some extreme performance-oriented saddles have no wraps and use only a carbon fiber frame. These saddles are suitable for riders who want to minimize the loss of power caused by the elasticity of sponge leathers, etc., and the design also allows for significant weight savings. However, most of these saddles are very comfortable as long as they fit right, but the opposite can be very uncomfortable if the size is not chosen properly.
Nylon
This material is very wallet-friendly and is covered with padding. This material is the most widely used saddle material and is affordable, stiff, and lightweight, including the nylon base plate that is still used as the base of the saddle in some of the top saddles.
It is indeed very good. Despite not having the extreme stiffness and some of the cushioning of carbon fiber, and not being as light as carbon fiber, the durability and cheap price make it the best choice for the mass of riders, bar none.
Material of Saddle frame
Saddle frame material is almost the same as the choice of road bike frame material, generally having carbon fiber, titanium, and chromium-molybdenum steel material (aluminum alloy is not used due to insufficient strength).
Chromium-molybdenum steel
This is the choice of most cost-effective saddles, steel saddle frame has very strong rigidity, while durable, low maintenance characteristics make it the majority of riders praise. The majority of saddles used in our daily riding are chromium-molybdenum steel saddle frames, but the only drawback is that the weight is heavier compared to the other two materials, sometimes even double.
Titanium and carbon fiber
These are two expensive materials that are often found in high-end saddles. Carbon fiber has more rigidity and lighter weight, but the concern is that if you tighten the seat tube clamp too much, it may make the carbon fiber saddle frame crack and directly lead to unusable.
On the contrary, the titanium material is located between the two materials in weight, and the shock absorption performance may not be as high quality as the carbon fiber saddle frame. But the nature of the metal allows it to allow you to screw on the seat tube more roughly and is easier to maintain.
Which padding is best for you?
Most modern saddles come with padding, but this varies greatly between brand models. For example, cheaper padding tends to use foam, which is very comfortable, but not as promising in terms of longevity. Gels have become more popular in recent years, and they shape the anatomy and provide a more personalized fit, along with a reboundable design.
It is worth mentioning that more and more saddles will have a cutout section in the middle and a groove extending along the cutout. This is usually done to increase airflow and make sitting for long periods more comfortable, and the cutout design allows for improved blood flow and helps reduce the “numb bum” feeling that I bet you’ve tried.
Which bike saddle is most comfortable for your riding style?
The prerequisite for choosing a saddle is to confirm your riding style.
For road bikes with a lot of road riding, you will need a lighter and more aerodynamic saddle. For longer road rides, touring bikes or even hybrid bikes, a comfortable and supportive saddle will be more appropriate. And for mountain bikes, you may need a comfortable and durable cushioned saddle that can handle rougher terrain.
Width of the sciatic bone
The next thing that needs to be taken into consideration is the width of the sit bones. This is very important, the right saddle width can make the sit bones just get the right support, while not suitable will make the sit bones area soft while other parts supported will feel pain.
Most saddles offer two-width options, so riders who don’t know the width of their saddle can simply measure it themselves at home using cardboard on the chair. However, we recommend going to a professional store for a fitting. A seat that is too narrow or too wide will be uncomfortable and will not perform as well as the saddle.
Men’s and women’s bike saddles
Because of the differences in physiology, you must choose the right saddle for your gender. There have been significant advances in recent years in developing the most comfortable saddles for both men’s and women’s bikes, allowing riders to have a more precise choice.
Women’s saddles have shorter noses (i.e., shorter front ends of the saddle) than men’s regular saddles, and there are obvious differences in the placement of the padding. Again some saddles are set up for both men and women, which is well worth a look, but not as appropriate as gender-focused saddles. One more thing to note: some saddles contain both men’s and women’s models, so careful observation is needed to avoid mistakes when buying.
Your sitting position can also determine the shape of your saddle
Yes, if you look closely at a variety of saddles you will find that some saddles will be flatter compared to others. And the best way to choose a flat or curved saddle is to determine your riding habits.
If you are a dropped rider, you tend to lean more forward, and therefore your seat position changes. If you tend to drop the handlebars, a curved saddle will suit you better. And if you don’t have a large drop in handlebars and saddle, or if you are a commuter rider with a very upright riding position, then a horizontal saddle will be more appropriate.
Summary
A sore hip sucks. Just very short rides also become very bad if there is no comfort in the hips while riding.
With our shortlist, we believe you can find and know how to choose the best saddle for you. Because indeed, choosing a saddle is something that takes time to understand to do well. By the way, if you want to go riding in well-known terrain or special terrain, you can book your accommodation on IHG Hotels & Resorts. It is not only rich in variety but also easy to operate.
In this list, we have selected several types of road saddles. There is the Novus Super Flow Endurance TI316 road saddle for endurance riding, the Fizik Arione saddle for fast racing, the very comfortable Selle Royal Respiro Soft Athletic saddle, and also the very affordable and efficient Pioneeryao Professional, there is always one for you.
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