beste racefiets zadel

What is the Best Road Bike Saddle? Experience extra comfort!

Written by: R2B Store

|

Time to read 8 min

Choosing the right road bike saddle is crucial for every cyclist. A saddle isn’t just another part of your bike; it’s the foundation for a comfortable, efficient, and pain-free ride. The right saddle can make the difference between a satisfying day on the road and an uncomfortable experience that leaves you longing for the end of your ride. In our quest to find the best road bike saddle, we tested a range of saddles, taking into account a variety of factors that contribute to comfort, performance, and durability. Our goal was to find a saddle that would not only handle the physical challenges of long rides, but also respect the individual needs of the cyclist.

Our goal was to find a saddle that provides an optimal riding experience, combining comfort and performance, so that every cyclist can get the most out of their rides.

The Top 5 Best Road Bike Saddles Featured:

1. Best Road Bike Saddle of 2024: R2B Bicycle Saddle Suitable for Road Bike

A racing bike saddle is crucial for every cyclist. There is nothing more annoying than getting pain while cycling because of your saddle. But do you choose a soft or a hard saddle? These are questions that we answered during our test.


The best saddle in our test is the road bike saddle from R2B Store. Whether you are training for a race or enjoying recreational rides, this saddle guarantees an improved riding experience.


Rugged and ready for action
From the moment we fitted the R2B saddle, the excellent build quality was apparent. The saddle is made from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of road cycling. The finish and craftsmanship suggest that this saddle is designed to last for many miles without sacrificing comfort.


Comfort put to the test
During our test rides, we placed an emphasis on comfort, given the long hours we spend on the bike. The R2B Bike Saddle provided exceptional support and pressure distribution, significantly reducing the usual discomforts on longer rides. The padding and ergonomic shape of the saddle played a key role in this comfortable riding experience.


Lightweight and performance-oriented

One aspect we particularly liked was how the saddle contributed to the overall efficiency of the bike. Its light weight allowed us to increase speed without unnecessary strain. This made the R2B Bike Saddle a perfect choice for both training rides and competitive events.


Value for money: A smart investment
Considering the quality, comfort and performance of the R2B Bike Saddle, we felt it was an excellent investment. It offers a perfect balance between price and quality, making it accessible to a wide range of cyclists looking to improve their riding experience without breaking the bank.

2. Best Road Bike Saddle Men: Voltano Road Bike Saddle - Black / Silver

When the Voltano Race Bike Saddle arrived at our place, we were immediately impressed by the sleek black and silver finish. The saddle exuded quality and promised a combination of style and functionality.


Especially the gentlemen of the test panel found this the perfect saddle, the saddle is still comfortable even during long distances. A combination of softness without feeling the robust materials.


Construction and Materials

When installing the Voltano saddle, we were struck by its sturdy construction. It felt light, but without sacrificing strength - a crucial balance for any serious cyclist. The use of gel in the saddle immediately appealed to us, given our preference for comfort on long rides.


The Test Course: Comfort and Performance in Action

We tested the Voltano Race Bike Saddle on both rough terrain and on the road. The comfort level was remarkable, thanks to the gel padding that effectively absorbed the shocks on rough paths. At the same time, the ergonomic shape of the saddle ensured optimal pressure distribution, allowing us to ride for longer without discomfort.


Lightweight and Manoeuvrable

One aspect that stood out during our rides was how the light weight of the saddle contributed to the agility and speed of our bike. Whether we were climbing a steep hill or navigating through turns, the Voltano saddle helped us move efficiently and quickly.


Made for the Long Ride

The Voltano Bike Saddle offered excellent ventilation, a feature we appreciated during intense rides on hot days. Furthermore, the saddle seemed to be designed with durability in mind; the materials and workmanship are of high quality, so we expect the saddle to last for many kilometers.

3. Best Road Bike Saddle Women: BOTC Bike Saddle - Sport Trekking Bike Saddle

When the BOTC Bike Saddle first passed our door, we were struck by the promise of an exceptionally comfortable riding experience. Designed for both sport and trekking bikes, this saddle promised to be a solution to those long and often uncomfortable rides.

The women of the test panel were particularly impressed with the saddle, it is a slightly wider saddle which was an advantage compared to other bicycle saddles.


Quality and Installation

Installing the BOTC Bike Saddle was surprisingly easy, a welcome change from the often complicated assembly processes. The saddle itself felt solid and well-made, with materials that promised both durability and comfort.


The Comfort Testing

From our first ride, the difference was noticeable. The BOTC Bike Saddle offered an unprecedented level of comfort, thanks to its generous padding and ergonomic shape that seemed to be designed to minimize pressure points. Even after several hours on the bike, we remained comfortable.


Smooth and Stable

During our test rides, from smooth asphalt to rougher trekking trails, the BOTC Bike Saddle performed excellently. Your bike gets a big upgrade compared to the old saddle. By riding a fraction lighter, you can improve your performance.


Comfortable saddle for ladies.

For female cyclists it is often more difficult to find a good saddle. It is a fact that there are more male cyclists. By including extra women in our test panel we have ensured that the perfect saddle has been found for them as well. They often needed a wider saddle, this is due to the wider pelvis that women generally have.

4. Best Waterproof Road Bike Saddle: Contec Elliptic+ Sports Bike Saddle – 100% Waterproof

In rainy Netherlands it is not entirely unimportant to choose waterproof accessories. Think of a waterproof phone holder for on the bike or a waterproof racing bike saddle.

Of course, the real die-hard cyclists won't let the rain stop them. But a waterproof racing bike saddle can also come in handy when leaving your bike outside. Check out our extensive review here.


Waterproof Wonder

One of the most striking features of the Contec Elliptic saddle is its 100% waterproofness. This has revolutionized our riding, especially on those unpredictable days when the weather could change at any moment. The comfort of knowing our saddle was protected from the elements changed how we planned and enjoyed our rides.


Comfort on Long Distances

The true heart of the Contec Elliptic experience lies in the gel padding. From the moment we first sat down, we felt a level of comfort that was both new and profound. This gel padding, combined with the elliptical shape, provided optimal pressure distribution and support, making long rides significantly more comfortable.


Universal Appearance

Its design and comfort make it an ideal choice for all types of cyclists, regardless of the type of bike or intensity of the ride. The saddle was a perfect fit for our holiday adventures, but we could easily imagine it shining on a racing bike or city bike as well.


Price-quality ratio

Compared to other bicycle saddles in our top 5, this bicycle saddle is a bit more expensive. But most saddles do not have the unique quality of this ideal saddle. The waterproofness is of course something that another bicycle saddle from this top 5 does not have. You pay a bit more, but you certainly get more quality in return.

5. Best Ergonomic Road Bike Saddle: Road Bike Saddle - Women and Men DesoMax

A good ergonomic bicycle saddle is often difficult to find. It is not a soft saddle, but also not too hard. A good bicycle saddle consists of a combination of ergonomics and quality. You want to maintain an upright position while cycling and for this you need a bicycle saddle that supports this. Read below why this bicycle saddle is perfect for this.


Ease of installation: Quick and easy

Mounting the Desomax saddle on our bikes was a breeze. Its compatibility with both MTB and road bikes gave us the flexibility to test the saddle on different bikes, a versatility we really appreciated. The simplicity of installation allowed for a quick transition from unboxing to actually testing it on the road.


Sporty Designed: For the Active Cyclist

The sporty design of the Desomax Gel Saddle particularly appealed to us. Not only did it look good on our bikes, but it also offered the ergonomic advantages that are essential for intensive cycling.


Universal Appeal: A Saddle for Everyone

One of the most impressive aspects of the Desomax Sport Saddle, compared to a bad saddle, was its universal appeal. The saddle seamlessly met the needs of both male and female cyclists, offering a level of comfort rarely found in unisex models. This versatility made it an ideal choice for couples or teams who value uniformity in equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Road Bike Saddle

How much drop between saddle and handlebars?

The amount of drop (the difference in height) between a bicycle’s saddle and handlebars can vary greatly depending on the type of bike, riding style, and personal preference or body type of the rider. Drop has a major impact on riding position, comfort, and efficiency while riding. Here are some general guidelines:


Racing bicycles


  • Competitive riders: For those focused on speed and aerodynamics, the drop between the saddle and the handlebars can be quite significant, sometimes as much as 10cm or more. This creates a more forward-leaning position, which reduces drag.
  • Touring riders: Recreational riders often opt for a less extreme drop, ranging from 2 to 5 cm, to maintain a more comfortable position that can be maintained for extended periods of time.

Why does a racing bike have a hard saddle?

A road bike typically has a harder saddle for a variety of reasons, all of which contribute to the performance and efficiency of the rider. While it may seem counterintuitive, especially to new cyclists or those who associate comfort with softness, there is a clear logic behind choosing a harder saddle on a road bike:


- Better power transmission

- Reduction of friction

- Weight saving

- Improved positioning

- Long-lasting shape retention


How far forward should the saddle be on a racing bike?

Leave a comment