Guides

The 10 Best Road Bike Saddles for a Comfortable Ride

It goes without saying that we all want to be comfortable when riding our bike – especially over long distances and during competition. A good saddle can make the difference between an enjoyable ride, and an extremely unpleasant one. So what makes a good bike saddle? Personal preference plays a big part because not everybody is the same shape or size. A saddle that is perfect for one cyclist may be uncomfortable for another. Quality and design also play a huge part; choosing a saddle that is built with the best materials and suits your riding style is essential to comfort.

What to look for when choosing a Saddle:

If you suffer from pain or discomfort then chances are your saddle is not supporting you in the right places. Contrary to popular belief, going for a more padded seat will not necessarily help your bum. The key to comfort is position and support. Identify what causes you pain and where the pain is coming from. This can then help you choose the right saddle.

Recommended Road Bike Saddles:

  1. Selle Italia SLR TM Superflow Saddle - Black
    £85.99 Buy now with Probikekit

    Selle Italia SLR TM Superflow Saddle - Black

    This saddle from Selle Italia is great for riders who are new to road cycling and are looking for a comfortable ride while in new a position on a bike. EVA padding helps to relieve pressure while a carbon composite shell. The shape gives full support to the sit bones so helps you adapt to those long distance rides.

    Buy now with free delivery
  2. Fizik Antares R1 Carbon Braided Saddle
    £131.49 Buy now with Probikekit

    Fizik Antares R1 Carbon Braided Saddle

    The Antares shape saddle from Fizik is wide and slightly curved in profile which is ideal for riders with medium spine flexibility. The shape allows freedom for the thighs and is better for riders who like to feel full support on the sit bones.

    The Antares R1 model and R3 model are also available at ProBikeKit in Fizik’s new ‘Open’ design for riders who require a central relief channel.

    Buy now with free delivery
  3. Selle San Marco Full-Fit Carbon FX Saddle
    £77.69 Buy now with Probikekit

    Selle San Marco Full-Fit Carbon FX Saddle

    The Selle San Marco Full-Fit Carbon FX is the perfect all-round saddle at an affordable price. A carbon fibre reinforced shell and carbon rails keep the weight to a minimum, 147g, while a Biofoam padding ensures maximum comfort. The biodynamic structure allows the pelvis to move freely during pedalling which guarantees comfort and support when it’s needed most.

    Buy now with free delivery
  4. Selle Italia Novus TM Flow Saddle - Black
    £44.99 Buy now with Probikekit

    Selle Italia Novus TM Flow Saddle - Black

    Short road saddles with a central channel are becoming popular amongst both professional and amateur cyclists. One of the biggest causes of discomfort is caused not by a lack of padding but an excessive amount of movement. The Novus TM Flow from Selle Italia ensures you remain planted while pedalling by distributing weight evenly across your sit bones. This improves pedalling efficiency and reduces shuffling/movement when seated.

    Buy now with free delivery
  5. Prologo Scratch 2 134 CPC Nack Rails - Grey
    £159.99 Buy now with Probikekit

    Prologo Scratch 2 134 CPC Nack Rails - Grey

    The Prologo CPC Scratch 2 with carbon rails features a unique connect power control (CPC) system to keep you firmly seated in the most comfortable position. Empty cylinders atop the padding grip your shorts and ensure you don’t slide up and down the nose of the saddle when climbing in the saddle or pushing hard on the flat. The CPC system also increases shock absorption and stimulates blood flow which eliminates tingling and numbness.

    Prologo has a great range of saddles in both black and white colourways so you can choose a model that matched the colour scheme of your bike.

    Buy now with free delivery
  6. Fizik Arione R1 Carbon Braided Saddle
    £119.99 Buy now with Probikekit

    Fizik Arione R1 Carbon Braided Saddle

    The Fizik Arione is another extremely popular saddle and is designed with a longer nose than most saddles with the most flexible of cyclists in mind. If you’re able to touch your toes and like to move around to find your optimum power spot then the Arione is for you. Available with or without a central channel and multiple rail material options, the Arione from Fizik will allow you to cycle for mile after mile in total comfort.

    Buy now with free delivery
  7. Selle Italia SP-01 Superflow Saddle
    £71.99 Buy now with Probikekit

    Selle Italia SP-01 Superflow Saddle

    The SP-01 is Selle Italia’s flagship new model and has been designed for the most discerning riders who are looking for a lightweight saddle with high levels of performance. It ensures maximum relief and provides the perfect balance of support and comfort while riding thanks to it’s unique suspension link movevment design.

    For a detailed review of the SP-01 range check out this great piece from BikeRadar.

    Buy now with free delivery
  8. SMP Evolution Saddle
    £159.99 Buy now with Probikekit

    SMP Evolution Saddle

    Perfect for cyclists who like to ride long distances and want to prevent vascular compression, the SMP Evolution has been proven to increase comfort and decrease perineal pressure. Many cyclists are sceptical of the design, but SMP has been in the saddle business for over 70 years. The cut-out of the Evolution relieves pressure from sensitive areas and the unique shape creates a flat base while riding and stops you slipping forwards and backwards.

    Buy now with free delivery
  9. PRO Stealth Carbon Rail Saddle
    £118.49 Buy now with Probikekit

    PRO Stealth Carbon Rail Saddle

    The PRO Stealth saddle from PRO/Shimano and is ideal for cyclists who prefer a fixed, aggressive position on the bike. The ergonomic shape evenly distributes pressure and ensure proper support to your pelvis for all-day comfort on the bike. The Stealth saddle is extremely comfortable whether you’re riding on the hoods, drops or in an aero tuck.

    If you’re looking for a road bike saddle that reduces compression and sit bone pressure when in an aggressive position then the PRO Stealth is for you.

    Buy now with free delivery
  10. Fizik Aliante R3 K:IUM Saddle
    £90.49 Buy now with Probikekit

    Fizik Aliante R3 K:IUM Saddle

    The Aliante R3 K:IUM from Fizik is another extremely affordable saddle that has been designed to provide a great deal of comfort over long periods of riding. The Aliante are the widest saddles from Fizik and feature the greatest longitudinal wave. Alloy rails provide comfort and compliance which reduces road vibration.

    Buy now with free delivery

Feature image: Fizik



Johnny Bowles

Johnny Bowles

Writer and expert