[Closed] Saddles - WTB or Ergon?

Saddles are a totally personal thing. I don't get on with the rounder-topped Fabric saddles, but have run WTBs for years in different guises and they just work for me. All my bikes are now set up with the Volt in 142mm width and I've not had any issues.

Keep meaning to try Ergon or some of the Specialized saddles, but am working on the old "if it ain't broke/sore/chafed to bits..." theory.

In true STW fashion, I'll advise neither. 😀

That WTB Volt look just like a Charge Spoon. The Spoons are uber-comfy and cheap as chips. I used to use WTB saddles before discovering Charge Spoons. Also available in loads of mental colours if thats your bag

That WTB Volt look just like a Charge Spoon.

I'd (respectfully, of course) disagree! I tried the Spoon and didn't get on with it. It's a lot rounder over the top than the Volt is, didn't work for me. Others mileage many vary significantly, mind 🙂

Saddles are very personal, really hard to suggest what will work for someone else.

Personally, I really liked the SM Enduro, and have since bought three more Ergon saddles since (2 more SM Enduro and an SR Road)

The cheapest model on special offer here, if any use to you, basically the same as the more expensive one but using slightly different padding material.

https://www.bike-components.de/en/Ergon/SM-Enduro-Men-Saddle-p75446/

If you look at the angle of the saddle where the sit bones sit you will see that a WTB Volt is very flat (when looked at from the back), it is at the opposite end of the spectrum of your Fabric Radius...which is an evolution of the classic Spoon. Some people like very flat saddles, some don't, it can help to relieve some pressure from the biffins bridge.

The Ergon saddles are more conventionally middling in shape, rather than at the extremes which your other two were...they have a just right level of padding if you prefer a bit of squish (much softer than Specialized). I have the Ergon SM Mtb Pro and it's the most comfortable saddle I've ever had (in 30 years of riding for what it's worth). Obviously your butt may differ etc..

Pyro

I’d (respectfully, of course) disagree! I tried the Spoon and didn’t get on with it. It’s a lot rounder over the top than the Volt is, didn’t work for me. Others mileage many vary significantly, mind

+1.

The WTB Volt is nothing like the Charge Spoon.
As mentioned the Volt is pretty flat on top, while the Spoon curves sharply away.

I used WTB saddles for years, but was swayed by the media love of the Spoon years ago while building up a new bike. It was horrendous. I persevered for several months, thinking it was because the new build was a hardtail & I'd only ridden a full sus for the previous 10 years or so. But nope, as soon as I put an old, knackered, thrown to the bottom of the pile WTB saddle on, arse comfort was restored.

I keep meaning to try one of the Ergon saddles.

Thanks, I used WTB back in 2010 and always liked it, a bit solid, but looking at my old one, it is much flatter than the Fabric, which does fall off a fair bit. I had a Felt saddle that came with my old Complusion that also seems to be flatter with more padding.

I may just go with a Volt and see how it fair. A massive pain in the butt (pun intended) that I can't try a few out.

Thanks again!

I have the Ergon SM Pro and I don't find it as comfortable as I had hoped.

That said, I was between sizes and went for the S/M instead of the M/L.

It should have gone larger as my sit bones sometimes hang off the edge of the seat which isn't great.

According to the Ergon website, I'm well in the S/M size. I can't seem to get a Volt, so may try Ergon and see what happens.

I have WTB Volt. Measured my sit bones at 135mm and went with the 150mm wide. I am well suited. Did a 94 mile gravel ride on mtb last week sat down most of the time and my backside was fine. I have changed from Ergon over the last year. I had SMC4 which was really good but then wasn't? . As with Merk^ above I have tried a SM Pro and found it less comfy than previous SMC4 and much less than current Volts. Stealth ad. The SM Pro M/L is just sat in shed at mo.

You say the Fabric Radius feels 'hard'. It's actually got a lot of padding.

How long have you had it? The foam can tend to weaken on them, and you end up riding your sitbones on the plastic underneath.

I'd suggest getting a new Fabric if it works for you. Or riding more often, as your butt will toughen up.

The Ergon saddles are harder foam, and a but flatter, then Volt is a bit flatter than the Fabric, but not by much, and has a slightly denser foam.

When I'm buying a new saddle I'll buy a few, wrap the rails in electric tape and install it on my bike, ride it around the street for a bit to see how it suits my sit bones.

That way you get to actually try the saddle before buying it.

I've done this same journey as you and I'd say don't forget your arse is personal so everyone is different.

For me I found going from the Fabric to WTB and Ergon didn't work and ended up with a SQLab active 611 after agonising about it (not cheap and hard but not impossible to find 2nd hand) but bit the bullet and (for me and my arse) it's been the best and happily ride 5+ hours and all good but you might be different.

Sorry to add another into the mix but if this one ever wear out I'd pay full RRP for the next one, it's that good.

James

After being a long time Fizik Gobi user I have recently swapped to the Ergon SM. As I've got older I think my own padding has got thinner and I was starting to get uncomfortable after 3 hrs on the Gobi. The Ergon is a totally different shape so felt weird at first but does seem to work for long term comfort.

rickon

The Ergon saddles are harder foam

They vary, differnt foam in the base mode versus Comp/Pro

I had a Wtb Volt, felt comfy enough but the foam eventually stayed compressed and then the vinyl split. Maybe six months of use four hours a week.

I get confused with the variations between pro, comp etc, the descriptions never seem to give the full picture.
Gel vs foam decision is one I struggle with. I'm guessing gel is firmer but lasts longer than foam.....

I think it's more the shape, I've dug out my Felt saddle (which looks very much like an older WTB shape) and am going to give that a go on the next ride.

I've had the saddle maybe 10 weeks or so, but been getting in maybe 100 miles on it a week.

It's only after around 3 hours or so.

Good idea on the tape, I'll give that a go.