Showdown
Women’s saddles
Since females have a different anatomy to men, it makes sense that saddles should take this into account. Here are three options
01 S-Works Power with Mirror £390
THIS SPECIALIZED SADDLE uses 3D printing technology to ‘perfectly reflect your anatomy’ (hence the name). Instead of the traditional foam, the Mirror’s 3D printing of liquid polymer creates a honeycomb lattice that provides varying density and elasticity. This is to ensure blood flow to sensitive areas, plus provide support and comfort to your sit bones.
This technology plus carbon composite rails and a FACT carbon shell mean the short, aero Mirror weighs just 203g on our scales. Threaded mounts on the rear allow you to fit rear lights or a saddle pack.
On test, the saddle did a far better job of absorbing road vibrations than any saddles we’ve used before, with enough outer grip to keep us in place, too. The comfiest position for our sit bones was in full aero mode on the drops, but we found the central pressure-relief channel too shallow to fully relieve pressure on long rides.
The only unisex saddle on test, it’s the widest at 155mm (143mm also available).
02 Selle Italia Diva Gel Superflow £114.90
DESIGNED FOR ENDURANCE road cycling and cycle touring, this female specific saddle maxes out on gel cushioning throughout, with extra padding for enhanced shock absorption.
The extra-long central cutout that’s wider towards the rear relieved soft-tissue pressure, allowing us to ride comfortably in a range of positions, from relatively upright during shorter city commutes, to a low profile on the drops.
Despite a bulky appearance and lots of cushioning, the Superflow comes in at a fairly light 276g on our scales, thanks in part to the titanium rails.
Most women have larger sit bones and more pelvic rotation than men, so we welcomed the extra-cushioned rear, especially during longer rides.
We like Selle Italia’s ‘idmatch’ sizing system, which takes into account such things as your build, pelvic tilt and riding type to help you choose the perfect saddle, but there are just two widths (135mm or 152mm) available for this saddle.
03 Ergon SR Sport Gel Women £84
WITH ROAD, GRAVEL and cyclocross in mind, this saddle uses orthopaedic foam with gel inserts along the entire microfibre surface, even up to the wide, box-like nose, with the aim of spreading out pressure points for increased comfort.
While perfectly adequate, the nylon composite shell and ‘CroMo’ (chrome molybdenum alloy) rails may add to the Ergon’s weight, which at 288g (M/L size) is the heaviest on test.
Like the Specialized, the Ergon performs best when riding in a low-profile position on the drops, thanks to the upwards angle of the rear and similar positioning and size of the central cutout. I found the Ergon’s deeper, tapered channel was much better at relieving pressure though.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option with as much R&D for a sub-£100, female-specific saddle. Unfortunately though, this saddle felt a tad too firm and uncomfortable for us during long, leisurely rides – our favourite type of outing.