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3D Printed Saddles on AliExpress

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I was going to buy a WTB Volt (Wide based on their fitment guide) but I keep seeing adverts for Chinese 3D printed saddles and they've piqued my interest. The Ryet branded ones in particular.

Has anyone tried one?


 
Posted : 17/07/2024 3:13 pm
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Not tried one but willing to give one a go, so if you buy one and dont like it, let me know.  They're £30 for a full carbon at the moment plus taxes btw.


 
Posted : 17/07/2024 8:31 pm
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Having been involved with the original 3D printed (ALM) saddles with Charge.  I’m not sure I’d want a Chinese CRFP saddle that close to my nads.


 
Posted : 17/07/2024 8:42 pm
 Ewan
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I bought one the other day. Yet to fit it to the turbo. Will report back. Seems well made.


 
Posted : 17/07/2024 8:43 pm
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I have a Specialized Power Pro Mirror on the gravel bike, and a Ryet 3D on the road bike.

The Specialized is undoubtedly better, but given the Ryet is a tenth of the price that is not surprising.  It's more comfortable than a cheap conventional saddle for sure.

I would go for a more 'Power Pro type' version next time, the Ryet 3D seems to be a Selle Italia copy - I think the open structure reduces comfort a bit as it is quite grippy.


 
Posted : 17/07/2024 8:46 pm
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I'm sure there was a thread on this a while back


 
Posted : 17/07/2024 10:07 pm
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Yeah I started a thread a while ago, I got the Ryet Power Arc clone but not 3D printed, just carbon rails with microfibre cover and reasonably plush padding. For the money it was a thing of beauty, 135g, very neat tidy construction, lovely looking sort of raw carbon finish.

I did about 200km on it on my road bike, not really much of a test although I am heavy. No creaks or concerns other than deciding the shape wasn't for me, same for the posh Specialized Power Arc elaston on the gravel bike sadly, I need flatter and wider!

(none too stealth for sale ad for some Power Arc/clone saddles there by the way...)


 
Posted : 17/07/2024 10:34 pm
 DrJ
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I saw a video just now where the YouTuber had a custom made saddle. Apparently the manufacturer sends out a cushion of plasticine (or something) for you to sit on and uses the mould to make a saddle. Anyone tried that, or have any more information?


 
Posted : 18/07/2024 9:09 am
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I bought two RYET printed saddles for my road and gravel bike. One is a PRO Stealth copy (so quite square, flat with a wide nose) and a Specialized Romin copy - both about 140-145mm wide to match my previsous saddles.

Postives - Very light (140-150g) and very nicely made. Look really smart and expensive. Have been robust in muddy conditions and clean up easily. Cheap - were about £35-40 delivered.

Negatives - the 3D printed mateiral is super grippy - almost tacky. In makes shifting position quite a conscious movement and while it's been confortable for up to 4-6hrs rides, on a recent multiple day trip in the Pyrennes (x3 100km, 5hr days) i did nd up with some nasty sore on day #3. Not necessarly the saddle (the Romin Copy), but i've not had this issue before. Compared to a real Specialzed Mirror 3D printed saddle or Fizik Adaptavive saddle, it's just a mesh cusion stuck on a carbon base. The Mirror saddle is like a Mattress by comparison! The RYETs aren't that sophisticated, but there is more cushioning than a regualr Specialized saddle and it's 50% of the weight.

Worth experimenting with, but be wary of the tacky grip!


 
Posted : 18/07/2024 1:37 pm
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Do they not (a) fill up with mud and (b) shred your shorts really quickly?


 
Posted : 18/07/2024 2:15 pm
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The base is solid carbon, which keep trail/road spray out from below. A muddy backslide will grind mud in i suppose, but it's easy to blast out and the top dries out very quickly.

Hasn't shredded shorts, but i haven't worn baggies when using these saddles. The tackiness might be a problem...


 
Posted : 18/07/2024 2:56 pm
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Cheers, thinking I will have a go at some point if I can find one similar in shape to an Arione.


 
Posted : 18/07/2024 3:29 pm