Conclusion

When we picked the saddles for this group test, one of our criteria was that they had to have cro-mo rails because they’re generally the best value. We also wanted a spread of brands, but some manufacturers only produce one or two models, while others have a vast range. For example, WTB has several saddles that are suitable for trail riding, not just the SL8, whereas Burgtec only produces one saddle, The Float. You could argue it’s unfair to compare a large manufacturer with a big range to a small manufacturer with a single option, but thankfully the cream rises to the top, and the saddles that have done well in this test are from the bigger players that have spent time and money on R&D.

Not that Ragley’s sole option – the Tracker – is a bad saddle, it’s cracking value, but if you shop around, you can find this generic saddle with a different name at a cheaper price. The same is partially true of Gusset, Burgtec and Spank, but having spoken to the companies, we know certain choices were made about the shape, padding and styling. Oddly for two of them, those decisions seem to have aligned, and The Cloud from Burgtec and Gusset’s S2 AM are virtually identical.

If you’re after a slimmer and sleeker saddle either one will fit the bill, but we haven’t marked them any higher because the amount of support and comfort is not quite there, for trail riding anyway. The Spank Oozy 280 is a little broader, but we still had issues with grip and comfort.

Selle Italia and Selle San Marco both have huge product ranges, but we think that counts against them because there are dozens of trail saddles when you scroll through the website; without or without holes, long or short, thin or thick.

Both are different takes on a saddle with a hole, but again allday trail comfort was lacking.

WTB also has a massive line-up, and actually sent three saddle options – we just picked one that we hadn’t tested before. The SL8 is a good all-rounder, but the Volt is still

WTB’S best trail saddle.

SQ Labs is totally ploughing its own furrow when it comes to design and technology, and it has a range of Ergowave saddles starting around £120. The 60X Infinergy Ergowave is the flagship model and it is truly comfortable, but it’s expensive and has, dare we say it, a challenging aesthetic. The Bel Air 3.0 is easily the best trail saddle in SDG’S range, which partly explains why we’re on the third edition.

It’s evolved over the years and if you want a slightly firmfeeling trail saddle, maybe for an analogue bike, that’s well built and looks clean and stylish, this is it.

All of which leaves the Specialized Bridge. We rotated all the saddles on our test bikes and every time we fitted the Bridge and did a run it was like a favourite chair. It’s conventional looking compared to some, and the finish is not quite there, but it’s super-comfortable, supportive and a trail saddle you’d easily ride all day, every day.