What is the best Ergon Saddle for MTB ? (Or any other options)

I see there are many different options for ergon saddles which ones do you use or what ones are your favourite?

I just don’t know what the difference is between the likes of the SM / SMC / SM Enduro what would you choose or is there better options out there?

I moved to an Ergon SMC medium/ large with CrMo rails. I spend most of my rides in the saddle due to a dodgy hip/ leg so I really appreciate the support. After two VERY full days riding this weekend I have no complaints whatsoever. Good support that fits my rear but allows me to change position easily, I especially like the flatter, broader rear.

I bought an Ergon SMC Core Mens Saddle after loads of positive comments on Bikepacking.com, etc.  I normally rode a Brooks C19  but got a sore arse on the Pictish Trail having fitted a brand new one that was much harder than my other broken in ones.

Anyway I thought I’d try the Ergon.  Long story short… it didn’t work for me at all.  Went back to the C19 until I tried a WTB Pure which I rode fresh on the bike for a three week tour and had no virtually no backside pain.

in short, as you know, saddles are a really personal thing and an Ergon may be the best seat you could ever imagine… but then again…

Another Ergon SMC m/l user here – not had it long, but I find I prefer the flatter nose causes me less discomfort around the perineum / ballsack area. I’ve only used it one one longer ride – 67km, but it was enough that I’m toying with getting one for my other bike as well.

I tried a Core but didn’t get on with it. Seemed like a nice saddle but shape just didn’t suit me. Saddles are so personal, and I’ve still to find one that works well for me. But that’s not to say it won’t be the perfect option for you!

I get on really well with the SQlab saddles, which I discovered recently. Similar principles to the Ergon ones I think, carefully calibrated sizing. The 611 variant for general mountain biking, but have also tried the super posh expensive 60X with super trick running shoe foam and that was also impressively comfortable for me. The standard ones aren’t sofa plush, but put all your weight on your sit-bones and off your soft tissue, the foamy ones is more conventionally comfy, but very expensive.

Comprehensive info including measuring and sizing at:

https://www.sq-lab.com/en/products/saddles/

I’ve tried so many saddles over the years and not been really happy with any, including a few Ergon models as well.

The best saddle I have ever used is actually an Amazon knock-off of the Specialized power saddle…I had them on all 3 of my bikes for a while. For some reason it works for me better than the actual Spesh one. Only thing is I don’t really like supporting these dodgy industries, and they don’t last particularly well so not great environmentally.

I’m trying out a Bontrager Aeolus saddle now and it is very good indeed for me. I think I just like these roadie boost saddles a lot.

It’s kind of pointless recommending saddles, arses seem to be as unique as fingerprints.  I have Ergon SM Enduro saddles on four different MTBs, they suit me perfectly., but you might hate them.

SQLab and Ergon both have instructions (with guides you can print or even buy) for saddle sizing, worth trying those to get an idea on what size your sit bones are and what might suit you, but right size is just one aspect, ultimately it will be your personal taste.

Ergon SM Comp for me, found the Enduro far to firm!

I wanted to love Ergon, in theory the SM pro that I bought should have been perfect.

Chafed like hell. No idea why, felt lovely to ride on right up until the point it didn’t

I got on really well with the SDG Bel Air 3 until I had a coccyx flare up and now ride on a WTB Koda. It’s great for a few hours and the deep channel all the way to the rear means no coccyx issues. Sadly it turns out the koda is not a full day in the saddle kind of thing – ended up with some discomfort after a recent six hour trip.

I would love to finally settle on the right saddle one day!

I’ve got an ancient Ergon saddle but I’d need to check what it is. It’s very comfortable unlike the Selle Italia SLR that was on it before which was like sitting on the proverbial razor blade.

Also have a Spesh Romin on the road turbo bike which is good.

Edit – Jenny Graham says something about a saddle library in her book?

I tried Ergon, but couldn’t get on with them. If I had my wish, Koobi saddles would be back in the UK. However, I’ve been using SQLabs saddles for the last few years and they do seem to be a lot better for my bahookie. If I’m feeling flush, I may but one of those fancy ones with the running shoe foam as the saddle for my next bike.

Finding the right saddle is literally a pain in the arse until you find a good one. I’ve even bought the same saddle again and then not been happy with the newer one! Always seen to come back to Specialized saddles though.

Everyone is different bones and tissues but for me tried a couple of Ergon’s and didn’t suit my arse but SQlab mentioned above 611 has been a gift for me, and I’d buy another at full price if I had to – they’re that good (for me at least).

James

I seem to be one of the few people who got in with the Bel Air 2 so my comments probably count for very little but I have an SM Probs/m on my MTB hardtails and an SR Core All road s/m on the gravel bike and very happy all day in both.looking to switch the Bel Air 2 for another SM Pro simply because the Bel Air 2 seems more slippery.

Having said that, half a turn on the saddle clamp bolts can turn it from a great saddle to a terrible one with just that slight change in angle

I’ve avoided the Ergin Enduro after wonder what the real difference was after an Ergon employee commented on an MTBR post saying the Enduro was less saddle, designed to be easier to move around during race conditions.

If I’m feeling flush, I may but one of those fancy ones with the running shoe foam as the saddle for my next bike.

I was sort of given one by a mate who didn’t get on with it, so didn’t make a massive financial investment, but it seems to combine all the plus points of the standard SQlab saddle with a bit more cushioning. It’s acloser to the plush end of the continuum that ranges from plank hard at one end to sofa plush at the other, than the standard foam saddles but still more supportive than soft, if that makes sense. I get on fine with the standard, lightly padded SQlab 611 and 614, but I can imagine that if you liked the basic ergonomics, but found the sit bone support a little hard, the BASF foam version would make sense.