Are you sitting comfortably? Best bike saddles 2025 ridden and reviewed

Even if you’re a new cyclist, you will likely understand that anatomical differences, riding styles, and disciplines are why there are so many variations in saddle design. However, since it can significantly impact your riding experience—it's important to invest time in selecting the right one. You can read more about selecting the best bike saddle for you in this handy guide.

One thing to note is that Men and women tend to favour different designs. While this guide features both, we also have a dedicated guide to the best women's saddles.

In this guide, we feature 12 saddles designed for various cycling categories. For example, our best overall Fizik Antares Versus Evo is heavily focused on bringing comfort to performance Road Bikes.

Although we offer a comprehensive guide to the best saddles for gravel riding, there is considerable overlap in how we classify specific saddles. For instance, the Ergon SR Allroad also stands out as one of our top picks for long rides, thanks to its high-rebound foam that cushions and supports during both on-road and off-road adventures.

Bargain hunters, we have you covered, too, with my personal favourite saddle, the Bontrager Verse Comp Short. With high-end shapes and ergonomics, the Verse is a great example of trickle-down tech and fit.

The quick list

Our pick of the best bike saddles

Best saddle overall

The Fizik Antares Versus Evo R3 Adaptive saddle features the Italian brand's 3D-printed padding, which creates a distinctive honeycomb appearance. This high-tech manufacturing process allows for the creation of what Fizik calls 'zonal cushioning', which is firmer in places and softer in others, allowing it to adapt to the specific cyclist's body.

It also features a full-length pressure relief channel, a carbon-reinforced nylon shell that adds some flex and 7x7 kium hollow rails. The combination adds up to a saddle weighing 217 grams in the 139mm width version we tested.

On review, we found the saddle very comfortable. The zonal cushioning and relief channel performed as you'd hoped. Despite its appearance, the holes in the padding made it easy to clean dirt from the saddle with a quick spray of water.

In fact, the only downside to the adaptive Antares saddle is the price, which sits at the pricier end of the market unless you're lucky enough to find it at a discount.

Read our full Fizik Antares Versus Evo R3 Adaptive saddle review

Best short-nosed saddle

A short-nosed saddle which might feel a bit strange if the stubby genre is new to you, but we found the design incredibly comfortable.

Since you're encouraged to sit in a static position, the set up can take a little longer but it's well worth the effort. There are not many saddles that we've sat upon that offered us so much comfort.

This saddle is well suited to both road and time trial riding, as it really locks the cyclist into a set position, helping them to stay put throughout the effort.

Compared to other short nose saddles, we found that a little additional padding on this version worked well and provided added comfort. The large cut out also added to overall satisfaction, and the squared off nose means you shouldn't experience issues with chafing at the front.

For those who like stubby saddles, and want a large cut out and a little more padding, this could be a winner, and from a value perspective, this one comes in lower than competitors.

Read more: Fizik Tempo Argo R1 saddle full review

Best for long rides

Although you can use a road saddle for riding off-road and many gravel bikes come fitted with a road model, there are benefits in a gravel-specific saddle design.

The Ergon SR Allroad saddle includes a layer of high-rebound foam between the upper orthopaedic foam layer and the base of the saddle, designed to improve shock absorption. Ergon offers two widths and versions with lighter rails and base than the Core line, which is quite weighty at 288g.

Although marketed as a gravel saddle, we rode it on our road bike, where the effect of the extra layer of padding was easier to isolate than on a fatter-tired machine.

A disadvantage of the Ergon saddle, at least for women riders, is that it comes in a men's fit only.

Read more: Ergon SR Allroad Core full review

Best long-nosed saddle

The Romin Evo is a long-nosed saddle, suited to riders who like to move around on the bike, sitting on the nose during efforts and placing their weight back on the climbs.

We're generally fans of saddles with an ample cut-out, and we found that this one did the job, despite being relatively narrow.

Specialized has used 'level 2 padding', and tested over rides of four hours+, we found this to be sufficient. The upper is made from a water-resistant Micromatrix material, which is resiliant and also quite aethetically pleasing.

The saddle comes in three widths (143mm, 155mm and 168mm - we tested the latter), which should provide plenty of choice to suit most bodies.

Initially marketed as a men's saddle, we've had male and female testers get on with this option - suggesting it has a wide appeal.

Read more: Specialized Romin Evo Pro saddle full review

Best women's saddle

The Specialized Power was the saddle that kicked off the short and stubby trend that has since seen just about every saddle brand launch their own version. We reviewed the S-Works model but there are other price bracket options available too.

With a wide profile and sizable pressure relieving cutout, we'd suggest this is best suited to those who ride in an aggressive position, or spend a lot of time in the drops. An oft-reported downside of the Power is that the rear fans out, and can rub against some riders' hamstrings; if this is the case for you, then we'd recommend looking at the Power Arc, a variation which avoids this via a more rounded rear.

Overall, the Power saddle has collected a high number of converts across the Cycling Weekly team. It might not be everyone's absolute favourite, but it's rare to hear a rider say they find it uncomfortable. If you like to fix yourself into a set position on the bike, then we believe it's a solid option and well worth a try.

Read more: Specialized S-Works Power saddle full review

Best Budget

I've used Fabric's iconic Scoop saddle for many years with little to no issues. However, after a few longer bikepacking trips, I started to notice some numbness creeping in. At the time, I assumed it was due to being seated much more than usual and just more ride time. After some research, I decided that I potentially needed a shorter nose.

On paper, at least, the Bontrager stood out. Its short 250mm overall length, neutral shape, and inclusion of the cutout suggest a lot of tricked-down tech. After just under a year with the Verse Comp, my numbness has seemingly disappeared. Thanks to the decent level of padding on the saddle, I found I could use thinner, cooler chamois in warmer weather, eliminating some of the soreness I get in those conditions.

It took some time to get used to the Verse, which is a very different shape from the more traditional Scoop. This could also have been because it is the most affordable version, and the materials are slightly less forgiving. The lack of compliance in the base and rails was certainly noticeable compared to my more premium Fabric saddle, and largely why the Verse weighs nearly 300 grams.

The Verse Comp works well on various bikes, particularly all-road and gravel bikes. The extra padding compensates for the lack of compliance and keeps me comfortable all day. I will eventually upgrade to the more premium version, but for now, I am very happy with this budget saddle.

Best saddle for gravel

Given Selle Italia have around 16 versions of the Flite saddle it should come as no surprise that there is now a gravel-specific version added to the range. At first it's easy to see the Flite Gravel as just a marketing exercise. However, taking a bit of time to look beyond this you realise its a combination of various features that are best suited to longer drop-bar off-road rides, a sort of merger of the Endurance and MTB versions of the Flite.

The Superflow channel provides pressure relief to the perineum when in the drops, particularly important on chattery terrain. Additional shock absorbency comes from a combination of the gel inserts and titanium rails. The covering material is Fibra-Tek which offers increased durability against gritty abrasion.

We were really impressed by the comfort of the Flite, the Superflow shape and choice of widths meant that weight was through sit bones where it should be. We found that the shorter length (250mm, standard across all Flites) allowed good movement around the bike although means your weight isn't so far forward if you want to perch on the nose of the saddle on steep climbs.

Read more: Selle Italia Flite Boost Gravel TI 316 Superflow full review

Best 3D printed saddle for racers

Made up of thousands of 3D-printed struts and nodes to help distribute pressure, Specialized’s beloved long-nosed Romin Evo design is now available with the brand’s Mirror technology. The result is an extremely comfortable saddle which, rather than feeling like you’re ‘perched on top’, you almost feel like you’re ‘sitting in’.

We found that this made for a more connected feeling with the bike, with high-power seated efforts feeling very planted. At the same time, road vibrations were a little more absorbed and not transferred to our rear. The saddle is also very lightweight for one that is so comfortable, at 192g (measured) in a 143mm variant.

The length of the Romin design works well for performance-orientated riders who want to move their weight around as the effort dictates. Although it is an expensive saddle, its price is about the same level as rivals using similar 3D printed tech, but it is still a significant hike over similarly weighted saddles, such as the S-Works Romin Evo (without Mirror).

Read more: Specialized S-Works Romin Evo with Mirror saddle full review

Best for narrow sit bones

Fizik is famous for categorizing its saddles based upon flexibility and riding style. The Arione is suited to flexible riders and is quite a narrow perch, so it's best for the racer with a long and low ride position, which is why it's perennially popular with the pros.

The length provides plenty of room for a rider to move around and shift their weight as they climb and descend and to alter their position for comfort on long, fast days in the saddle, but the narrow width means it won't suit everyone. It does make the Arione a bit heavier than other saddles at its price though.

The Arione is an extremely popular saddle that suits a great many riders. There are narrower and slightly wider options, as well as a Versus option with a pressure relief channel and a Donna women's version in the Arione family.

Read more: Fizik Arione R1 Versus Evo Regular saddle full review

Best Lightweight Saddle

Anyone's initial impression of the Cadex Amp saddle will undoubtedly be its low 131-gram weight. However, its sleek design, raw carbon material, and exquisite craftsmanship are also profoundly appealing.

My scepticism of its “unisex” claims was certainly short-lived. From the very first ride, the Amp was super comfortable. Combined with the carbon fibre construction, the foam forms a great, supportive shape that helps dampen any road vibration. Even after decades of riding and somewhat in part due to some of the challenging events I have taken on, I still find myself getting sore. The Cadex's heavily curved and quick drop-off wings effectively minimised friction. Not once during testing did I think I would need to stop using it.

My only fear is the durability of the rails. I know that integrated rail construction is a big part of why the Amp is so comfortable. However, the combination of low weight and rough or gravel roads makes me wonder about its longevity in the long term when considering the cost of a replacement.

Read our full Cadex Amp review

Best saddle for time-triallists

ISM saddles are renowned for serving time trial riders particularly well, due to the split-nose design. In essence, the lower you get on the tri-bars, the better the saddle feels - which is typically the opposite with many conventional saddles. The result allows you to stay in your aero position with greater comfort.

For this reason, we gave the saddle full marks when we tested it a while back. We loved the comfort it gave us, even when suffering through 20-minute FTP intervals on the turbo! It's worth noting that setting up an ISM saddle will be different to setting up a standard saddle as it works better when set further back on the seatpost, so check the instructions. Most dealers offer test saddles if you want to try one out before you buy.

Could the ISM saddle work well on the road? If you're looking for saddle that promotes a tucked aero position and then allows you to hold it in comfort, then yes - although the heavier weight compared to regular road saddles could be off-putting, especially if you're into all-riding and saving grams.

Read more: ISM PN 3.0 saddle full review

Honourable Mention

It is certainly worth mentioning the SQ Lab 612 Ergowave R in this guide. The 612 Ergowave is designed to work in tandem with SQ Labs' own cycling short in an attempt to offer perfect harmony between the two. While you are not obliged to go down that route, it is an interesting approach. Simon did test with other brands of cycling shorts with relative success.

However, while Simon gave the 612 Ergowave R a generous 4.5 stars out of 5, it did not come without issues. His initial impressions of the SQ Lab saddle left him wondering what on earth they were thinking after a few tough rides, leaving him with some sore sit bones. According to SQ Lab, this harsh sensation is predicted in most cases as the sit bones start to take the load and the body adjusts.

In conclusion, it seems it will all pay off if you can manage the initial adjustment to this slightly different design. Due to this, it does sit slightly out of the mainstream options and may not be for everyone.

How to choose a saddle

Finding the perfect saddle for you can be a bit of trial and error.

Diagnose the issue: Try to determine what you dislike about an existing saddle. Are there key aspects that don't seem right? If so, use those to determine what needs to change.

Riders who spend more time in an aggressive position often need a pressure relief channel or a shorter nose, while those who desire the freedom to move around frequently favour a longer nose.

Determine your Sit Bone width: This can be done so simply at home with a piece of cardboard and a pen.

Place your corrugated piece of card on a hard chair or surface with your knees at 90 degrees and feet flat on the floor. Firmly imprint. Once you are sure it's imprinted, use a pen to mark the centre points of the imprints and measure. Most brands will offer a conversion of sit bone widths to saddle measurement.

Think about your riding style. Flexibility, how you sit on your bike, and the bike you ride all greatly impact saddle choice. If you ride a Gravel bike with a fairly level bar-to-saddle set-up, you are unlikely to need a saddle designed for a very aggressive position.

Ask a friend: Why not ask to borrow a friend's bike for a short ride? Chat with them about their measurements and see how they differ from yours. Ask what they like about their saddle, and why they chose it.

Shop Around: Look for models suited to your riding style, level of flexibility, and anatomy. Ideally, seek out brands that offer a proper fitting process, such as Selle Italia's Idmatch or Specialized's Retul digital saddle sizing, which can be found in stores across the country.

Alternatively, look for brands that offer test saddles from dealers. Fizik and ISM both offer this service.

Check the returns policy: It is so important - some companies will allow you to buy a saddle to try it out and swap it for another if you are not happy with it within 30 days. This is very useful for testing a few options.

If you want to learn more about this topic, check out Digital Editor Michelle's guide on choosing the right saddle.

FAQs about bicycle saddles

How we tested saddles

Cycling Weekly has a team of testers with vast experience in testing bikes, components, clothing and accessories across a wide range of prices and spec levels, so they know bikes and tech inside out and have the experience to know what makes a great cycling product. Our experience means you'll have a consistent, in-depth viewpoint reflected in our product scoring. You can find out more on our How We Test page.

Testing saddles, helmets, shoes, and certain types of clothing is especially challenging, making it hard to provide an unbiased assessment. As I have mentioned several times in this guide, selecting the right saddle depends on your body's anatomy, riding style, and flexibility. This means that a saddle that fits one rider may not be suitable for another.

While testing, our reviewers strive to express not only the specifications of each saddle but also how its shape and design have impacted their experience. They also consider how using a different bike style or having a distinct anatomy could influence your ride.

One thing is certain: the Cycling Weekly team tend to put themselves through a reasonable amount of pain while testing the best saddles. Particularly if that saddle is not suited to them. When selecting the reviews for these saddles, we always try to go through the same process as you would, making sure to select saddles that suit the review. Not just so the saddle receives a good review, firstly not to put them through too much pain, but also as they will then be best placed to illustrate their feels and offer decent comparisons.

In conclusion, we strive to discuss our experiences with similar or identical saddles as a team whenever possible. Our team continually tests various new bikes, including these saddles. This approach helps the reviewer better understand which saddle may be most suitable for different riders.