Dion Lewis
Searching for the best women’s mountain bike saddle in the market? After testing and researching several women’s mountain bike saddles, we prefer the Ergon SM Saddle – Women’s saddle as our overall top pick.
Buying Guide: What women should consider while buying an MTB saddle
Taking your bicycles off-road especially over rough terrain is Mountain Biking. For this type of cycling, you will need Mountain Bikes. They share similarities in features with other bicycle types, but their design enhances their durability and performance in rough terrains. Mountain biking can be categorized into multiple types: Cross Country, “Enduro” (all-mountain), Freeride, Dirt Jumping, and other types. This type of sport requires endurance, core strength, and balance. It also requires contribution for many years to get used to this kind of cycling and that makes it quite challenging not only for women but also for men. Therefore, they need the perfect saddle to master this type of ride.
It is very important for a woman that she has chosen the right saddle for mountain biking. It is a little bit complicated. Because while a saddle is perfectly suitable for one woman can be a horrible saddle for another woman. So, when choosing the best mountain bike saddle, you should be concerned about some specific things like your measurements, the saddle’s measurements, whether the saddle has a cut-out channel or not, the materials of the rail, etc.
Make a choice between Unisex and Women’s Specific Saddles
In the saddle industry, a “women-specific” saddle actually means more than a Unisex saddle. Unfortunately, this is not the case every time. Some companies or sellers use the term “women-specific” just to make a marketing platform, while the saddle does not really carry the specifications of a women’s saddle. Again some saddles are unisex, but it has found more useful to women rather than men.
The seat bones of a woman are much wider than a man and they have more pelvic rotation (The orientation of the pelvis in respect to the thigh bones and the rest of the body). Because of these differences, women do need saddles that are designed differently for them. Women’s mountain bike saddles have wider rear and have a cut-out or may have a groove in the middle sometimes.
Although some women might find unisex saddles pleasant, suggest they should try some “women-specific” saddles also to figure out if they really comfortable with a unisex saddle or they just do not care about the difference between “women-specific” and unisex saddles.
Measure yourself first
“First things first”, no matter what kind of cycling you prefer or whether you are a boy or a girl, it is wise to measure your seat bones first. The right saddle depends on the distance between your seat bones especially if you are a woman. When you are certain about your measurements, it will be a piece of cake for you to find the right saddle that is wide enough to support your weight and also narrow enough so it doesn’t cause too much chafing.
You can easily measure the distance between your seat bones at home. For that you will need 1) A Chalk, 2) A Tape measure and 3) A piece of Corrugated Cardboard. Now the following video will instruct you how to do this:
When you are doing this, try to measure in millimeters as the saddles are usually measured in this unit.
Check the size
You must check the size of the saddle that you are going to buy. Check if the size adjusts with your hips. Female cyclists need wider rear and not so narrow at the front. Sometimes oversize saddles padded with premium quality memory foam will work great for large women while mountain cycling or off-road riding. Usually, the saddles made for women are much wider than the saddles made for men. Usually, women’s saddles are close to 240mm in length and 170mm in width.
Try a number of saddles before buying
It is always a good idea to try a couple of saddles before buying one. You can try from some local shops where they arrange programs for trying out saddles before purchasing one. You can also give a test ride by borrowing a saddle from one of your lady riders who usually rides with you. By doing some test rides with a couple of “women-specific” as well as some unisex saddles you will get some sort of idea of what you are really looking for.
Get a saddle judging by your lady part
Although saddle selection is an individual issue some women may find “women-specific” things helpful. Some women cannot get comfortable on a regular bike saddle. Again some women find comfort in unisex saddles.
There is always an issue with lady parts. A woman who has pronounced lady parts may have trouble finding a comfortable saddle. She will require a wide saddle with a center cut-out and the saddle must be padded in a moderate way. Saddles built specifically for women may help to alleviate pain from female private parts. There can also be holes for natural ventilation.
What people face most is a lack of proficiency in the saddle world. It is common that no matter what you do, you will experience discomfort even for a little when you are new to the cycling world. Give your time for the tissues around your private parts to get used to it.
Our Top Pick
- Weight: small/medium 265 gm, medium/large 275 gm
- Rails: CroMo material
- Size (mm): Small: 261 x 143, Large: 261 x 155
- Best for All-Mountain, Downhill, Touring, Enduro, Trail, Cross-Country
This saddle is made for women keeping in mind that women have wider sit bones and higher flexibility. Heavy foam cushioning all over the sitting area makes this saddle a perfect choice for comfortable riding. If you’re looking for a performance or racing saddle, this is not for you.
Remember, a wrong saddle can cause chafing and discomfort to the inner thighs. This can give you a terrible experience with mountain cycling. For different body shapes and riding styles, you should always choose a saddle very carefully.
How our selected women’s MTB saddles compare
Here is a quick view of our chosen women’s mountain bike saddles:
6 best women’s specific mountain bike saddles in the market
1. Ergon SM saddle: Best MTB saddle for women
General Features:
- Weight: 265 gm – 275 gm
- Size (mm): Small: 261 x 143, Large: 261 x 155
- Best for All-Mountain, Downhill, Touring, Enduro, Trail, Cross-Country
What we got while we reviewed this saddle:
• They feature CroMo rail which is comparatively cheap but it does the job.
• They provide Nylon composite shells.
• It also features a microfiber cover.
• Has a center cut-out for air ventilation.
• Padded with orthopedic comfort foam for maximum relief in sensitive areas.
• Reasonable in price.
Some drawbacks:
• The Ergon SM comes in just black in color.
• CroMo rails are not stronger than Titanium rails.
• The front is a little narrow for large women.
2. Selle Italia Diva seat: Lightweight saddle
General Features:
- Weight: 275gm – 285gm
- Size (mm): Small: 135 x 270, Large: 152 x 270
- Best for Sports Touring, MTB
Why it is our best choice:
• Saddle features Tubular Vanox rails.
• Ensures high levels of comfort because of the presence of gel in the padding and doesn’t even neglect performance.
• Abrasion-resistant, breathable leather keeps you comfortable, especially women.
• Perineal pressure is relieved by the center cut-out.
• The saddle is constructed from a carbon composite shell (10%).
• The shock absorber reduces bumps and vibrations giving you super comfort.
Some drawbacks:
• A narrow saddle for large women.
• There is only one color.
• Not waterproof.
3. Planet Bike saddle: The Best Value for Your Money
General Features:
- Weight: 407 grams
- Size (mm): 255 x 173
- Best for Cross-country (XC), Downhill, Enduro
Features that attracted us:
• ‘V’ shape cover perfectly fits the hip of a female rider.
• Combination of gel and foam padding relieves pressure on soft tissue.
• Anatomic design with full-length center recess and cut-out.
• The seat cover is weather resistant with abrasion-resistant side material.
• Strong and durable rails made of Steel.
• Reasonable in price
Drawbacks:
• Even if the cover is weather-resistant, but it is not waterproof.
• The front nose of the seat can jam up into your private parts.
• Can cause pain as the pressure points on the seat are not line up correctly.
4. Bikeroo seat: Comfortable Choice
General Features:
- Weight: 698 grams
- Size (mm): 259 x 198 x 60
- Best for: MTB, Indoor Cycling, Road Cycling
What makes it so comfortable?
• For short or longer rides the saddle will ensure comfort on the seat bones for women.
• The saddle offers dual suspension makes it a great choice for off-road.
• Extremely thick padding for women who have wide hips and medium weight.
• Its deep center cut-out can help to alleviate pain from female private parts.
• Protects soft tissue areas because of its wider design.
Drawbacks:
• Horrible installation as the adapter comes uninstalled (May need to watch the video that the seller provides).
• Some users find the saddle unattractive.
• Much heavier (weighs about 698 gm).
• Quality and durability are substandard.
5. Selle SMP saddle: Ergonomic design for pain-less riding
General Features:
- Weight: 395 grams
- Size (mm): 275 x 140
- Best for MTB, Recreational Cycling, Commuting
Selle SMP’s special features:
• Durable saddle with elastomer padding for maximum women’s comfort.
• Dropped nose with center cut-out design takes off pressure from Prudential Nerve and surrounding tissue.
• Prevents Nerve compression and buttock pain which makes it ideal for women.
• No more worries about private areas going numb, this saddle will leave you with zero numbness.
• Rails are made of Steel reinforced with Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber shell.
Drawbacks:
• “EXTRA” lettering on both sides of the cover can cause chaffing.
• Has narrow front with a dropped nose which can sometimes be uncomfortable for inner thighs.
• These saddles are very specific, will not accommodate all types of riders.
6. Brooks B17 seat: Leather saddle for professional women cyclists
General Features:
- Weight: 460 grams
- Size (mm): 242 x 176 x 58
- Best for Long-distance sports touring, Trekking, MTB
Some features that fulfill the purpose:
• Features a traditional design following 100 years old technique.
• The center cut-out relieves all perineal pressure.
• The cover is handmade with vegetable tan leather in England.
• Promotes different colors (usually Black & Brown) according to women’s tastes.
• Features chrome-plated Steel rails. Provides a 2 years warranty and an extended 10 years warranty is provided for customers who have registered their product on their official website.
Some drawbacks:
• There is an issue with the break-in period.
• Need proper maintenance and need to apply Proofide (Brooks leather conditioner) from time to time.
• Not waterproof.
• Saddle comes at a high price.
Related: Some more leather saddles for your considerations
Overall Verdict
“I am a woman, what is the best saddle for mountain cycling for me?” Well, the answer to this question depends entirely on you. There is no specific answer. It depends on a lot of things like your body structure, your weight, your age, the type of material the saddle is made of, how easily you can adapt the seat, and a lot of other things. The price range and availability of the saddle are also important things to consider.
This article is only to give you the preconditions to be a suitable saddle for a woman for mountain biking. From the above saddles, you can choose one or you can also try a saddle for mountain cycling from your own preference.
