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Everything You Need To Know About Saddles – Part 4: Road vs Mountain Bike

what is the difference between road bike and mountain bike saddles
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Ever wonder what all of the different materials, shapes, sizes and features really do on a saddle? We partnered with Prologo to explain all the features in this five-part video series.

For part four, we show you the differences between road and mountain bike saddles. And there are a lot of differences, from shapes and widths, to shell thickness and the amount and type of foam used. And more. It’s all here in this video, plus a look at the CPC tech that’s exclusive to Prologo (and even that is different between road and mountain).

For roadies, having a little kick at the tail is a good thing. But MTB riders may want a flatter saddle, particularly if you’re using a dropper post, as that makes it easier to slide off the back of the saddle…and, just as importantly, get back on it, too! Foams can vary between road and mountain because the types and frequencies of vibrations they need to tame are different. This is because the tires are different and create their own frequencies, and the terrain is different, too. Those are a couple of the key things, check the video for the full story!

Check out the other videos here:

Huge thanks to Prologo for supporting this series. Prologo makes a massive range of saddles, with different shapes, widths, curvatures and features to fit every rider and every budget. Check them out next time you’re looking to upgrade. And be sure to subscribe to Bikerumor’s YouTube channel so you won’t miss a single episode!

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Jason Etter
Jason Etter
5 years ago

I’m here to whinge about Prologo. I had a fancy shamancy Prologo carbon saddle that came with my Cannondale Scalpel. Both carbon rails broke just behind where it clamped to the seatpost (as delivered). Cannondale sent me to Prologo for the warranty claim. It was denied because of “abuse”. The saddle didn’t have a scratch on it. I’ll never buy a Prologo product and whinge about them as much as I can.

Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot
5 years ago
Reply to  Jason Etter

I had a similar issue with a Cannondale frame I bought in 2015. Will never buy one if their products again, not because of the manufacturing defect (shit happens) but their worthless warranty on a product that cost what my first car did. Also continue to whinge

Frank
Frank
5 years ago
Reply to  Jason Etter

Sometimes the seatpost is more to blame than the saddle. Sharp clamp edges can initiate cracks in the rails. One-bolt designs in my experience are especially risky with carbon rails.

AK_Ben
AK_Ben
5 years ago

I use my Specialized Powe saddle on all my bikes: road, gravel and MTB. Selling something as “MTB specific” is disingenuous on the manufacturer’s part. When pro downhillers and enduro riders recommend a saddle like the Power, you know the only reason companies like Prologo make an MTB saddle is for the $, not because it’s necessary.

Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot
5 years ago
Reply to  AK_Ben

The power can go both ways to be honest. Still I find MTB saddles to be more durable which is a shame because I really would like to run the same saddle on all my bikes (Fizik antares)

Trent
Trent
5 years ago

Umm. Sqlabs is the best (imo). I’ve tried them all. Wtb, specialized, fizik, ergon (pretty good),

SQ had figured something out (like revgrips did). Give it a try. You won’t be disappointed (unless you get the wrong size… Get the sizing kit, it’s free.

con
con
5 years ago

whats that? road and mountain saddles? never felt uncomfortable with my “road” selle italia slr ti on my mountainbike.

Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot
5 years ago
Reply to  con

I love my Fizik antares on the road and used it for CX along with XC since it was so comfy on the bumps. I ended up buying a whole bunch or beat up and test ones on Ebay for 10 bucks a pop since they would snap over time or after minor and common CX and XC crashes. I definitely find my Specialized henge to be far more crash resistant.

Danno
Danno
5 years ago

Cool series, though I hate to say I didn’t learn much. Thanks to Prologo in any case. I have a Scratch (I) Nack (carbon) that’s one of the comfiest – and lightest – saddles I’ve ever owned. It was on my road bike for over 5,000 miles and is now on my XC ride. Carbon rails have held up. Didn’t fit my Ritchey side-clamp post – until Ritchey offered new clamps to fit the rails (thanks!). Tried a non-Nack (carbon) version and I didn’t find it to be as comfortable

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