Finding the perfect bike saddle can feel like a never-ending quest, a search for the elusive balance of comfort and performance. This review details my journey through various saddles, from the Ergon and Aragon to the popular Fabric Scoop, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. My experiences with overly firm saddles and those with uncomfortable pressure points led me down a path of experimentation, ultimately culminating in the discovery of a truly exceptional option.This review focuses on the WTB Volt 142mm saddle, a medium-cushioned model that surprised me with its exceptional comfort and performance, even during challenging climbs and extended rides. I'll discuss what makes the WTB Volt stand out from the crowd, comparing it to other saddles I tested, such as the Fabric Scoop Shallow. I’ll also consider its value for money and weigh its pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right saddle for your cycling needs.
Pros And Cons
- Comfortable for long rides
- Good cushioning
- Short length, doesn't interfere with shorts
- Good profile
- Relatively inexpensive (~$70)
- May become uncomfortable after extended use (pressure on inner hamstrings/adductors after several climbs)
Read more: The 5 Best Bike Saddles for Triathlons
The Hunt for the Perfect Saddle
My quest for the ideal bike saddle has been a long and winding road. I've tested countless models, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some were too firm, others had uncomfortable pressure points. The search for the perfect balance of comfort and performance has been challenging.
Early contenders included the Ergon and Aragon saddles, but neither quite hit the mark. The Ergon, while good, had too small a comfortable seating area. The Aragon saddle felt too firm for extended rides.
Fabric Scoop Shallow and WTB Voltron
I then tried the Fabric Scoop saddle in its 'shallow' variation. I borrowed this from Whippets Workshop, a shop that offers demo saddles. The shallow version was a significant improvement over previous options. It provided much better comfort than the others.
Another saddle I tested was the WTB Voltron, which came on a Rocky Mountain Instinct demo bike. While comfortable, the bike's pedaling position wasn't ideal, so it was hard to fully assess the saddle's performance.
Introducing the WTB Volt
Ultimately, I settled on the WTB Volt 142mm, a medium-cushioned model. After several rides, including four laps at Waterfall Gully, I found it exceptionally comfortable. The price point was also a plus.
The initial ride was so comfortable it surprised me. The comfort continued even on challenging climbs, defying my usual expectation that saddles start to feel uncomfortable after a couple of climbs.
Comfort and Pressure Points
One surprising aspect was the prolonged comfort. Usually, after a few climbs, pressure points begin to bother me, particularly on the inner thighs. With the WTB Volt, this wasn't an issue.
The cushioning is superb; it's soft and evenly distributed, eliminating pressure points. This is a significant improvement over saddles that concentrate pressure on the inner thighs or hamstrings.
Final Verdict and Comparison
While I initially considered the Fabric Scoop Shallow a strong contender, the WTB Volt ultimately proved superior in terms of overall comfort and performance, especially during longer rides and intense climbs. The Volt’s shorter length is another plus, preventing it from interfering with my shorts.
The WTB Volt, at around $70, offers excellent value. It's slightly heavier than some competitors, but the comfort and performance far outweigh this minor drawback. The Fabric Scoop Shallow remains a great option, particularly for its availability through demo programs.
