FIZIK TERRA AIDON X5 SADDLE

£99.99

Weight: 272g • Widths: 145mm, 160mm • Contact: extrauk.co.uk

Like most saddle manufacturers, Fizik has a massive range, including this Terra Aidon X5, which is designed for e-bikes. It’s debatable whether there’s such a thing as a specific e-bike saddle, but I’m keen to give this one a try.

First thing to note is that this saddle is stubby in length, which apparently puts the e-biker

"in a more planted position, making for greater stability and control when riding heavier pedalassisted bikes." It also comes in two widths – 145mm and 160mm – to match different sit-bone measurements.

Fizik says you spend more time in a seated position on an e-bike, which is true, so has included an ergonomic cut-out, to relieve pressure. There’s also a mud flap in the bottom of the channel to stop splatter, while also allowing water to drain away. Clever.

The synthetic leather is partbonded to the carbon-reinforced nylon base, and this sits on a

S-alloy Mobius rail. Unlike a traditional design, which is V-shaped, the Mobius is a closed loop. It adds strength and there are no anchor points directly under the sit bones, but you can still spring the rail in a crash. It's a design that leaves plenty of space under the shell, which makes seatpost adjustment and cleaning slightly easier.

If I had to design a saddle for an e-bike I’d make it super comfy, because you do indeed sit down more. The proprietary Type-2 padding is extra thick at the back end, but it’s pretty firm under the sit bones, and despite there being a channel, I could feel the ridge where this transitions into the top. I found the Terra Aidon X5 to be nowhere near as comfortable as my favourite e-bike perch, the Specialized Bridge.

What I do like about the Terra Aidon X5 is that it’s compact, so when you hit your dropper it’s right out of the way and is not going to whack you in the nether region when hitting a jump or rolling into a steep chute. The shoulders are pretty deep and also have Wingflex technology, so you can still grip the saddle to control the bike. Fizik saddles are also superb quality and are tough and hard-wearing. You obviously pay a bit more for them, but they’ll go double the distance, which is handy on e-bike because that’s what you tend to do.