\u00a360 \/ $80 \/ \u20ac80 as tested <\/li>

Brilliant shape and comfort<\/li>

Top value<\/li><\/ul>

The Fabric Line-S Elite Flat is one of the best-value short-nose saddles we’ve ridden.<\/p>

Our tester found the saddle’s padding, which is deeper than most racy saddles, and recessed central channel very comfortable. <\/p>

At a short 235mm, the Line-S Elite gives your legs plenty of clearance when you’re tucked forwards.<\/p>

The chromoly rails’ 55mm of fore\/aft adjustment should suffice for most riders.<\/p>

Read our full Fabric Line-S Elite Flat review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Fabric Line-S Pro Flat <\/h3>

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"Fabric$
Carbon rails reduce weight and absorb road buzz. – Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3150 \/ $180 \/ \u20ac180 as tested<\/li>
Comfortable and light<\/li>
Two widths: 142mm and 155mm<\/li><\/ul>
The Fabric Line-S Pro Flat is a carbon-railed version of the Line-S Elite Flat, saving 49g in its narrowest 142mm width.<\/p>
Performance-wise, there’s little difference, with the Line-S Pro Flat providing excellent comfort from its medium-density foam, pressure-relief channel and sawn-off nose. <\/p>
So, the weight saving might not be worth spending nearly \u00a3100 \/ $100 more for.<\/p>
Read our full Fabric Line-S Pro Flat review <\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Prime Primavera Shorty<\/h3>

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"Prime$
The Primavera Shorty presents impressive value for money. – Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3119.99 as tested <\/li>
Light and well-padded<\/li>
Excellent value<\/li><\/ul>
The Prime Primavera Shorty saddle includes tech usually found on saddles twice the price: you\u2019ll get a carbon-fibre base and rails plus firm, high-density polyurethane padding under its very tidily bonded cover.<\/p>
Its combination of a stiff base through its centre and firm yet forgiving padding is superb. The saddle wings flex just enough, while the up-kick at the back aids stability.<\/p>
The Shorty weighs a tidy 165g in its 240x143mm size (a 155mm width is also available). <\/p>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Prologo Scratch M5 AGX Tirox<\/h3>

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"Prologo$
The Scratch M5 AGX is nominally an off-road saddle, but works as well on tarmac. – Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3120 \/ \u20ac139 as tested<\/li>
Good pedalling freedom<\/li>
Sit-bone support<\/li><\/ul>
The Prologo Scratch M5 AGX became our tester’s favourite off-road saddle. It has thicker padding, a more flexible shell and a grippier surface than the road-focused Scratch M5, but still rides well on tarmac.<\/p>
The short nose gives ample pedalling freedom. Our tester found the central cut-out in the shell enabled the padding to dip in the middle, relieving pressure while proving more supportive than a padding cut-out. <\/p>
Measuring 240x140mm, with alloy rails and a carbon hull, the Scratch M5 AGX weighs a decent 220g. <\/p>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Selle Italia Novus Boost Evo 3D Kit Carbonio Superflow<\/h3>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"Selle$
A lavish investment is required for this much comfort. – Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3399.99 \/ $449.90 \/ \u20ac429.90 as tested<\/li>
Excellent shape and 3D-printed padding<\/li>
Very expensive <\/li><\/ul>
Measuring 245x145mm, the Selle Italia Novus Boost Evo 3D Kit Carbonio Superflow is a short-nose saddle with 3D-printed padding. <\/p>
The carbon hull and rails balance compliance and support, while a long central cut-out prevents soft-tissue irritation.<\/p>
3D-printed padding makes the Novus Boost Evo 3D Kit Carbonio Superflow comfortable to ride for hours in an aggressive position. However, it contributes to an extravagant price tag. <\/p>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Specialized Power Expert <\/h3>

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"A$
The Power Expert is one of the original short-nose saddles. – David Caudery \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3110 \/ $160 \/ \u20ac130 \/ AU$180 as tested<\/li>
All-day comfort<\/li>
Long, wide pressure-relief channel<\/li><\/ul>
The Specialized Power Expert is an excellent short-nose saddle that should suit a wide range of riders.<\/p>
Firm enough for racy types and comfortable enough for those who ride a bit slower and longer, the Power Expert uses a 130mm-long cut-out to prevent soft-tissue numbness. <\/p>
A carbon-reinforced hull and hollow titanium rails contribute to its competitive 238g weight in a 155mm width. <\/p>
Read our full Specialized Power Expert review<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Cadex Boost<\/h3>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"Cadex$
The Boost is one of the lightest, padded saddles around. – Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3300 \/ $300 \/ \u20ac250 \/ AU$400 as tested<\/li>
Very light<\/li>
Brilliant comfort<\/li><\/ul>
The 139g Cadex Boost is one of the lightest saddles available that you’d want to sit on for hours at a time.<\/p>
Its comfort and low weight come from the excellent padding (a combination of traditional foam and springier ETPU) and innovative rail design. The rails run right to the back of the base, boosting compliance and cutting grams because there’s no need for the excess material of a joint. <\/p>
However, for a short-nose saddle without 3D padding, the Cadex Boost is very pricey.<\/p>
Read our full Cadex Boost saddle review <\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Repente Latus M Carbon <\/h3>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"Repente$
The dimensions suit a tilted-forwards riding position. – Dave Caudery \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3210 \/ \u20ac210 \/ AU$389 as tested<\/li>
Carbon rails with plenty of adjustment<\/li>
Very comfortable for the weight<\/li><\/ul>
The Repente Latus M Carbon is a flat, wide and short saddle that facilitates an aggressive riding position.<\/p>
Carbon rails reduce weight to an impressive 140g, while damping road vibrations and enabling lots of setback adjustment. <\/p>
A central pressure-relief channel enhances the comfort of the well-cushioned cover. <\/p>
Such performance doesn’t come cheap though. <\/p>
Read our full Repente Latus M Carbon saddle review<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Specialized S-Works Power with Mirror<\/h3>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"Specialized$
‘Mirror’ refers to this saddle’s 3D-printed padding. – Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3350 \/ $450 \/ \u20ac400 \/ AU$700 as tested<\/li>
Bountiful comfort<\/li>
Staggeringly expensive<\/li><\/ul>
The Specialized S-Works Power with Mirror is a 3D-printed version of the brand’s Power short saddle.<\/p>
Laying a polymer lattice of variable density over the winning Power shape produces an extremely comfortable saddle.<\/p>
But our tester took umbrage at the enormous additional cost and the difficulty of keeping the saddle cover clean. <\/p>
Read our full Specialized S-Works Power with Mirror saddle review <\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Selle Italia Novus Boost EVO Superflow\u00a0<\/h3>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"Selle$
Selle Italia’s Novus Boost EVO Superflow is a reasonably priced short-nose saddle. – David Caudery \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a375 \/ $75 \/ \u20ac84.90 \/ AU$85 as tested<\/li>
Good value<\/li>
Wide pressure-relief cut-out<\/li><\/ul>
The Selle Italia Novus Boost EVO Superflow provides impressive performance for a short saddle at this price.<\/p>
At 247g, its weight is decent too, while the build quality seems high. <\/p>
The Novus Boost EVO Superflow’s nylon hull is on the firm side. But the saddle’s padding and cut-out generally make it a supportive and comfortable perch. <\/p>
Read our full Selle Italia Novus Boost EVO Superflow saddle review <\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Selle Italia SLR Boost 3D Kit\u00a0Carbonio Superflow<\/h3>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"Selle$
The SLR Boost 3D Kit Carbonio Superflow is light for a 3D-printed saddle. – Dave Caudery \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3410 \/ $479.90 \/ \u20ac449.90 \/ AU$449.90 as tested<\/li>
Low weight<\/li>
Excellent comfort<\/li><\/ul>
The Selle Italia SLR Boost 3D Kit\u00a0Carbonio Superflow is a wonderfully comfy short saddle thanks to the plush, 3D-printed padding covering its compliant base.<\/p>
Weighing just 174g, it’s very light for a saddle this comfortable.<\/p>
But a formidable price tag accompanies the SLR Boost 3D Kit\u00a0Carbonio Superflow’s premier performance.<\/p>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Selle Italia SLR Boost Tekno Superflow\u00a0<\/h3>

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"Selle$
The SLR Boost Tekno Superflow is surprisingly comfy for a bantamweight saddle. – Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3409.99 \/ $529.99 \/ \u20ac469.90 \/ AU$469.90 as tested<\/li>
Super-light<\/li>
Impressive comfort<\/li><\/ul>
Despite weighing a ‘barely-there’ 97.2g, the Selle Italia SLR Boost Tekno Superflow proved remarkably rideable in testing. <\/p>
The carbon hull is sufficiently flexible to counteract the gossamer-thin padding. The cut-out prevented any soft-tissue discomfort while tilting forwards on the saddle. <\/p>
But the slick, matt finish is a bit slippery in the wet and then there’s the astronomic cost to consider.<\/p>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Short-nose saddles buyer\u2019s guide<\/h2>
What is a short-nose saddle?<\/h3>
$\"Red$
In 2015, the Power saddle stood out with its cut-out, wide wings and stubby front. – James Huang \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
A short-nose saddle is shorter and wider than a conventional saddle, and can make riding in an aggressive, aerodynamic position more comfortable.<\/p>
A typical short-nose saddle is about 245mm long, 30mm shorter than a standard saddle.<\/p>
Unlike a conventional saddle with a narrow, pointy tip, the front of a short-nose saddle is usually square.<\/p>
$\"Fizik$
Cut-outs or pressure-relief channels are common on short saddles. – David Caudery \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Because you can comfortably adopt an aggressive position, short-nose saddles were common on time-trial bikes<\/a> long before their adoption on the road.<\/p>
Short-nose saddles often but not always have a cut-out. This is a channel running through the saddle that’s designed to relieve pressure on soft tissue in contact with the saddle.<\/p>
A typical road bike saddle will measure 145mm wide, although some short-nose saddles are available in wider sizes, up to 155mm wide.<\/p>
Depending on whether they have carbon saddle rails, a short-nose saddle can be lighter than many longer road bike saddles.<\/p>
How do short-nose saddles work?<\/h3>
$\"Repente$
The sawn-off nose is designed to support your weight as your pelvis tilts forward. – Dave Caudery \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Short-nose saddles are designed to load the pelvis at the square-shaped front of the saddle. This area supports your anatomy as you lean forwards into a low and flat position.<\/p>
\u201cAs you roll the pelvis forward, the shape of the pelvis becomes narrower towards the pubic bone at the front of the pelvis,\u201d says Dan Smith from UK Bike Fit.<\/p>
\u201cThat’s the shape that the saddle is trying to mimic and support.\u201d<\/p>
$\"MADRID,$
If you spend a lot of time in the drops, a short-nose saddle might work for you. – Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>
As a result, Smith finds that people who anteriorly tilt through the pelvis and get into a more aggressive position are best suited to short-nose saddles.<\/p>
In his view, riders who sit a little bit more upright or posteriorly tilt the pelvis and have a flattened back shape will be better on a longer-nose saddle.<\/p>
Smith says the cut-out (found on most short-nose saddles) will run almost from the nose but not right to the back \u2013 that\u2019s because you\u2019re meant to sit in the front half of the saddle.<\/p>
$\"PRO$
A wide cut-out can reduce soft-tissue discomfort from sitting close to the tip of the saddle. – Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The shape of the cut-out varies from narrow to wide, as on the Pro Stealth<\/a>, for example.<\/p>
For some people who load more weight forwards, compressing soft tissue at the front of the saddle, a wide cut-out is necessary to avoid numbness from nerve compression on the perineum, according to Smith.<\/p>
$\"MADRID,$
Padding on the nose is important because some riders sit right forwards on short-nose saddles. – Tim de Waele\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>
According to Schneider, a critical feature in a short-nose saddle is padding at the front of the saddle.<\/p>
The idea is you sit squarely on a short-nose saddle. However, during hard efforts, he says some riders still creep forwards in a bid to maximise pedalling efficiency.<\/p>
\u201cIf it is shorter, you have to compensate by adding different or additional padding to the front of the saddle,\u201d he says.<\/p>
What are the benefits of a short-nose saddle?<\/h3>
$\"Trek$
Longer saddle noses can hinder you from getting low over the handlebars. – Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Short-nose saddles are best for riders who tilt their pelvis forward into a low, aggressive position.<\/p>
Fizik’s Alex Locatelli says the longer nose of a traditional saddle can catch against soft tissue because you rest more weight towards the tip of the saddle.<\/p>
On a short-nose saddle, you have less room to move about, which encourages you to sit in a fixed position.<\/p>
Excessive movement in the saddle can trigger the most common types of pain caused by cycling<\/a>, especially lower back pain<\/a> and saddle sores<\/a>.<\/p>
Bike fitter Smith explains that a UCI rule<\/a> governing saddle position influenced the development of the Specialized Power saddle.<\/p>
However, this type of saddle also benefits riders who are not subject to UCI regulations.<\/p>
$\"Miachael$
The centre of a short-nose saddle is closer to the bottom bracket, which can enhance pedalling efficiency. – Jack Luke \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Removing the tip of the saddle effectively brings the middle closer to the bottom bracket<\/a>.<\/p>
Smith says: \u201cThis positions the body a little bit further forward over the bike into a more aero and powerful position and opens up the hips.\u201d<\/p>
A more open hip position often alleviates hip pain from cycling<\/a>.<\/p>
As we found during some wind tunnel testing, a wind-cheating body position is one of the cheapest and most effective aero upgrades<\/a>.<\/p>
What are the disadvantages of a short-nose saddle?<\/h3>
Fixed, aggressive position on the bike<\/h4>
$\"FiftyOne$
If you move about more on a gravel bike, a short-nose saddle might not work as well. – Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The fixed, aggressive position a short-nose saddle creates can limit riders who like to move around on the saddle.<\/p>
Jeff Schneider notes that riders who like a short-nose saddle on their road bike<\/a> may not feel the same about their gravel bike<\/a>.<\/p>
\u201cThey feel they need to move around more [off-road] to adjust their body position,\u201d he explains.<\/p>
More upright cyclists, who put more weight on their sit bones, are unlikely to find short-nose saddles comfortable, according to Smith.<\/p>
\u201cAs you pedal in that position on a short-nose saddle, because the wings of the saddle normally flare out quite widely from where you’re designed to sit on it [from the middle to the front] you chafe and catch the back of your thighs on the saddle,\u201d he explains.<\/p>
On the other hand, when you tilt your pelvis forwards and sit on the front of the saddle, you shouldn\u2019t catch your thigh on the back of the saddle.<\/p>
Cut-outs<\/h4>
$\"Best$
Specialized’s line of Mimic saddles come with the cut-out filled in to prevent chafing. – Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Most short-nose saddles have cut-outs, which don\u2019t suit everyone.<\/p>
Although he recommends a wide cut-out in general, Smith adds: \u201cIt can cause other issues, such as chafing of soft tissue in females and males.<\/p>
\u201cThe edges of a wide cut-out can get in the way.\u201d<\/p>
Short-nose saddles with a cut-out filled in with soft material, such as the Specialized Mimic<\/a>, have been marketed to women.<\/p>
This is because some women find sharper edges of other cut-outs cause soft-tissue discomfort.<\/p>
\u201cBut there\u2019s a large crossover between men\u2019s and women\u2019s saddles, which I think is why a lot of brands don\u2019t call their saddles \u2018women-specific\u2019,\u201d he adds.<\/p>
During bike fits<\/a>, Smith says some women prefer the Specialized Power<\/a>, the men\u2019s version of the Mimic. Men, meanwhile, can sit better on unisex or women\u2019s saddles. <\/p>
Potentially less compliance<\/h4>
$\"Cadex$
Cadex has made the Amp’s carbon rails as long as possible for comfort’s sake. – Dave Caudery \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Short-nose saddles can be less compliant than longer saddles because they have less rail to absorb vibrations, according to Schneider.<\/p>
Therefore, on the new Cadex Amp saddle, the rails run right to the front of the saddle, maximising their length, which Cadex claims improves comfort.<\/p>
A number of short-nose saddles are 3D-printed<\/a>. This should mean they have more compliance, but it tends to increase the price.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Our top-rated short-nose saddles for road and gravel riding, plus how to pick the best short saddle for you <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":58793,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"14"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/02\/best-short-nose-saddles-2024-12-of-the-best-short-saddles.jpg",2560,1706,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/02\/best-short-nose-saddles-2024-12-of-the-best-short-saddles-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/02\/best-short-nose-saddles-2024-12-of-the-best-short-saddles-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/02\/best-short-nose-saddles-2024-12-of-the-best-short-saddles-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/02\/best-short-nose-saddles-2024-12-of-the-best-short-saddles-1024x682.jpg",800,533,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/02\/best-short-nose-saddles-2024-12-of-the-best-short-saddles-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/02\/best-short-nose-saddles-2024-12-of-the-best-short-saddles-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Our top-rated short-nose saddles for road and gravel riding, plus how to pick the best short saddle for you","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/58792"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/58793"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58792"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58792"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

Short-nose saddles buyer\u2019s guide<\/h2>