MID-PRICE ALL-ROUND SADDLES
£69.99-£99.99 › Six seats for the serious cyclist
FABRIC SCOOP RACE £69.99
The Shallow version of the Scoop Race has titanium rails, a nylon base and a waterproof microfibre upper. The 232g smooth-lined affair is very easy to keep clean, has a reasonable weight and the shallow profile delivered the ‘all-day riding’ position it promised, with the plushest padding here and no cutout. Great comfort from a fine all-rounder.
SPECIALIZED POWER EXPERT £95
It looks as if the 233g Power Expert’s nose was stolen. The theory is that spending a lot of time in an aero tuck can get uncomfortable. So, this wide, truncated design is claimed to combine an enhanced bloodflow with efficient pedalling. It works – and not just if you hammer it. If you don’t shift back and forth much this is very comfortable.
SAN MARCO REGAL WOVEN £74.99
Regals in various guises have been peloton favourites for ages. This woven and riveted 367g retro model is a wide and flat saddle, with a ‘hammock’-like dip in the centre. In spite of its racing background, this slightly weighty medium-padded perch is probably best suited to a more upright riding position, sportives and day-to-day fitness rides.
PRO TURNIX FLOW £99.99
PRO’s Turnix is a flattish saddle with a carbon base that trims the weight down to 219g. Ours came with a long central cutout (though you can get it without) and more padding than most, which is well suited to the slightly less aggressive rider. Available in three widths, this has the welcome advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee.
BONTRAGER MONTROSE ELITE £89.99
Our 138mm wide version weighed 235g, has hollow titanium rails, an extended cutaway and wings that drop down quite sharply. It’s designed for aggressive riders, and has much less ‘give’ in its padding than the rest here. Our tester found it overly firm, but it does come with a 30-day comfort guarantee, so it’s well worth a try.
SELLE ITALIA SLR TM £99.99
Manganese rails and a carbon shell keep weight down to 232g while extra padding means there are no comfort compromises on a saddle that is part of Selle Italia’s IDMatch system. This measures your sit bones and thighs (‘anthropometric data’) to ensure you get the correct fit from the numerous widths and lengths available.