Posted April 14, 2012 by Adam in mountain bike parts

Bike Saddle Reviews – 9 saddles under $200

On this page we have conducted 9 bike saddle reviews under $200.

To learn how to size up your saddle, get the height right and other saddle tips, check out this saddle guide

I personally think the best piece of advice you can receive when buying a new saddle is go first class – you owe it to your ass!

Fi'zi:k Aliante Gamma

Price	$179.95
Review	This saddle makes use of Fi’zi:k’s Twinflex system that tries to balance weight, comfort and performance. It has got a pretty good balance working but may be a bit hard if you aren’t a regular rider. If you do 3 or more rides per week you will appreciate the smooth feel, perineal comfort zone and reliable performance. This saddle has plastic protective edges around the back and an integrated clip system that adds functionality.
Summary	Suited to regular riders, this saddle is durable, functional and a good performer.
Comfort	7 / 10
Mobility	8 / 10
Durability	9 / 10

Fi'zi:k Nisene HP

Price	$159.95
Review	For a flat saddle this saddle is nice and stiff. It also has plenty of padding. Of the saddles tested here this is the only one to feature a truncated rear shape that helps you to get back over the top of the saddle after hanging off the back on steep descents. Similar to most Fi’zi:k saddles, this one has plastic guards at the back to help prevent rips to the cover and an integrated clip system.
Summary	A very durable saddle that works excellently in technical conditions, you will want to keep it to short rides or risk testicle numbness.
Comfort	8 / 10
Mobility	10 / 10
Durability	9 / 10

Price	$88
Review	This lightweight saddle (249g) is one of the most comfortable around. The whole centre panel is very compliant which minimises pressure without loosing the saddles shape due to a more rigid outside structure. There is a lot of padding and this is optimised by the saddles direct support of your butt muscles. The long nose is very distinct and helps you to get back in the saddle quickly after some out-of-the-saddle pedalling. The back on the hand makes it a bit difficult to get back over the top after hanging off the back.
Summary	Very comfortable, lightweight and durable all for a great price.
Comfort	10 / 10
Mobility	6 / 10
Durability	9 / 10

Price	$50
Review	This saddle is made by Italy’s Selle Italia and is one of the heaviest here. Some of that weight comes in the form of extra padding. The flat profile saddle is comfortable because is supports the bone in your hip. It feels like you are sitting right on top and despite the lack of a cut-out there is little chance of chafing.
Summary	A good saddle if you don’t spend too long riding each time. It lacks enough flex to be suitable for epic rides. But at this price you can’t complain too much.
Comfort	9 / 10
Mobility	7 / 10
Durability	8 / 10

Price	$109
Review	This saddle has a very curvy shape and when you 1st lay eyes on it you think it will be very comfortable. However I found this saddle to be too flexy giving it a lumpy feel that has a rigid proportion at the front. Not ideal for testicle activity! If you are going for short rides of a few hours this a fun saddle with a great feel and comes in lots of different patterns and colours.
Summary	A fun saddle that is great for short rides. Definitely not for epics.
Comfort	6 / 10
Mobility	6 / 10
Durability	5 / 10

Price	$105
Review	At 425g this saddle is the heaviest from these bike saddle reviews and also the widest (148mm). It is however a very comfortable and has a great feel. If you are frequently hanging off the back then it isn’t the saddle for you but if you like cruising along and sit own a lot then this is definitely your saddle. It will suit bigger riders who are after plenty of flex, a forgiving region for their butt and lots of softness for their other bits. A wide nose also helps to spread the pressure (although the wide nose may not suit everyone).
Summary	An excellence saddle for bigger riders who like to site down a lot.
Comfort	10 / 10
Mobility	6 / 10
Durability	7 / 10

Price	$179.95
Review	A very distinctive saddle with lots of colour it measures 130mm wide, 270mm long and weighs 216g. Like the other WTB saddles here it is very difficult to fault. It feels great, flexes well and it reasonably comfortable. A thick rear end will limit you mobility of getting over the back as will the corner panels which tend to grab you.
Summary	Great comfort but limited mobility at the back due to its flared rear.
Comfort	8 / 10
Mobility	6 / 10
Durability	8 / 10

Price	$179.95
Review	The Shadow also has a 130mm rear end but unlike the Rocket it is a low profile shape giving this saddle much better mobility. However this also means that it has less padding and will be more suited to you if you ride every week. At 210g this saddle is the lightest from these bike saddle reviews and would be an ideal saddle for long XC marathons or 24-hour events where weight saving can make a big difference. Durability is low with no crash protection.
Summary	A reputable saddle that will appeal to the weight conscious.
Comfort	7 / 10
Mobility	9 / 10
Durability	5 / 10

Price	$119.95
Review	Virtually identical in shape and build to the Shadow V Stealth this saddle weighs 206g. It isn’t as flexy as the stealth model but has a nifty reflective panel at the rear which adds to safety during 24 hour events and night riding. It isn’t the most comfortable saddle but if you are a regular rider you won’t notice it. Unfortunately like many WTB saddles it doesn’t have too much in the way of crash protection – not a problem if you rarely crash.
Summary	Cheaper than the Stealth version this saddle is an attractive alternative with a clever reflective panel at the back.
Comfort	7 / 10
Mobility	9 / 10
Durability	5 / 10

Adam