3D-Printed Saddles | In Search of Comfort and Performance

Are 3D-printed saddles the way to get better comfort for your butt and improved performance from your unique anatomy?
You can order these saddles using links to stores I’ve vetted and recommend. When you do, In The Know Cycling may earn a commission that helps cover our review and technology costs
FIZIK ANTARES ADAPTIVE
►BTD (BikeTiresDirect) - tinyurl.com/fecwuszk
►Performance Bike - snp.link/d9a40b8b
►Merlin Cycles - prf.hn/l/w9QwJR1
►Sigma Sports - tidd.ly/3UzsMdx
►Amazon - amzn.to/3waLaQq
FIZIK VENTO ARGO ADAPTIVE
►BTD (BikeTiresDirect) - tinyurl.com/rurfepkf
►Performance Bike - snp.link/948080b0
►Sigma Sports - tidd.ly/4dfsL5s
►Amazon - amzn.to/3waLaQq
SPECIALIZED ROMIN MIRROR
►Performance Bike - snp.link/096d3eb4
►Sigma Sports - tidd.ly/4daF6rR
SPECIALIZED POWER MIRROR
►Performance Bike - snp.link/cd2daa22
►Sigma Sports - tidd.ly/3vZxY0P
SPECIALIZED PHENOM MIRROR
►Performance Bike - snp.link/8e9b4b72
Posedla Joyseat saddles
►Posedla - posedla.com/en-us
Read the written complete review on the In The Know Cycling website:
► intheknowcycling.com/3d-print...
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Video chapters:
00:00 3D-printed saddles and the search for comfort
00:25 The challenge of finding the “best saddle”
01:30 The potential of 3D-printed saddles
02:21 3D-printed saddles we tested
05:58 Added comfort? Yes, but
08:24 Possible explanations for comfort experiences
10:48 Fit still matters
12:24 Comfort doesn’t always improve performance
14:24 Do you need a 3D-printed saddle
15:25 Posedla Joyseat - The best option
16:06 What are you looking for from a 3D-printed saddle?
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Disclosure
In The Know Cycling is ad-free, subscription-free, and reader-supported. If you want to help keep it rolling without any added cost to you, buy your gear and kit after clicking the store links on the site and in the videos. When you do, we may earn an affiliate commission that will help me cover the expenses to create and publish our independent, comprehensive, and comparative reviews. Thank you, Steve.

[@intheknowcycling]

You can order these saddles using links to stores I’ve vetted and recommend. When you do, In The Know Cycling may earn a commission that helps cover our review and technology costs FIZIK ANTARES ADAPTIVE ►BTD (BikeTiresDirect) - tinyurl.com/fecwuszk ►Performance Bike - snp.link/d9a40b8b ►Merlin Cycles - prf.hn/l/w9QwJR1 ►Sigma Sports - tidd.ly/3UzsMdx ►Amazon - amzn.to/3waLaQq FIZIK VENTO ARGO ADAPTIVE ►BTD (BikeTiresDirect) - tinyurl.com/rurfepkf ►Performance Bike - snp.link/948080b0 ►Sigma Sports - tidd.ly/4dfsL5s ►Amazon - amzn.to/3waLaQq SPECIALIZED ROMIN MIRROR ►Performance Bike - snp.link/096d3eb4 ►Sigma Sports - tidd.ly/4daF6rR SPECIALIZED POWER MIRROR ►Performance Bike - snp.link/cd2daa22 ►Sigma Sports - tidd.ly/3vZxY0P SPECIALIZED PHENOM MIRROR ►Performance Bike - snp.link/8e9b4b72 Posedla Joyseat saddles ►Posedla - posedla.com/en-us

[@Jarek.]

Probably most honest and comprehensive review of 3D printed saddles I found in whole KZbin. Many thanks! 👍👍👍

[@BrianMcDonald]

Another option to look into is Reform saddles, which uses a heat molding process. I've tried a few 3D printed saddles that were ok but not great, and my narrow ish sitbones have made it tricky to get a saddle of any material that I felt 100% supported by, but the Reform saddle even before heat molding felt much better for me off the bat. Not saying it will deliver the result for everyone, but something to think about as we search for actual custom fit options like the butt print one. One thing I'd like to see from companies who offer butt molding is some kind of apparatus that secures to the rails of your seat post so that when you sit on the molding material it matches the angle of your riding instead of a neutral sitting position.

[@davidroche9964]

Imagine a “fitting saddle” that could adjust all the parameters in real time while testing similar to a fitting test bike. Maybe with fluids in segmented compartments that could be adjusted for pressure during the test. Combine that with the contact images that indicate the hot and cold contact points and I believe the situation could be highly improved. If perfected there would be riders lined up around the block to try it. Even different widths could be made for sit bone spacing. From my experience getting a good fit can be as elusive as measuring smoke with a tape measure.

[@diamondmidnightgardener]

what a great no BS video.... subbed!

[@markhagen7777]

Thanks for your efforts, this saddle test couldn’t be more timely for me

[@intheknowcycling]

Glad to help

[@geothunder1971]

Interesting take I do believe we'll have custom personal 3d printed saddles soon! Price has been the limiting factor for me I've ridden Selle SMP since 2006 and hope they'll offer something sometime in the near future

[@stuartfreedman6854]

Excellent content as always. "Butt" the answer to the age old question of which is best? As usual is "it depends". The Joyseat looks very interesting. The website is very convincing but the pricetag scares me. At least there's a money-back guarantee - unlike most other saddle purchases one might make on the quest. Interesting that the saddle that felt most comfortable to you on the trainer did not replicate the comfort on the road. Cheers man. Keep up the good work!

[@garyrhea8507]

Great video Thank You!

[@JoeW71]

I would find it helpful when reading saddle reviews if the tester listed their size, weight, and build. A test from a 6'0" tall 175 lb rider isn't much help. One from a 5'7" 150 lb tester might point me towards a saddle that would be more comfortable for me. I'm old and slow so comfort is my priority. Thanks for your videos and website.

[@damu6678]

That still wouldn't help. Someone of the same height might have wider sit bones or more hip flexibility or an off center pelvis or any number of differences from you

[@JoeW71]

@@damu6678 I wasn't thinking of this as a complete solution, more of starting point. Every little bit helps.

[@rayF4rio]

Nice review. I've always believed that comfort is dependent upon the butt/saddle/chamois combination. Change to any one of the three impacts results.

[@moobaz8675]

I like the idea of an arse specific saddle made for me. Thanks for this, I'll have a look at the Joy. I like the idea. 👍

[@EMTBAFV]

I don’t think they’re nearly long enough, personally! Anything shorter than a 270 mm long saddle is useless for me with the pushing of my manhood bone resting on that short nose! I am looking to try one of these saddles and have many normal ones in different lengths and widths, but I seem to need a 155 mm wide saddle, so when I was about to look into buying one, I realized they don’t make them any longer than a Specialized saddle, which is absolutely of no use to me! Yes, I am a bigger rider looking for more comfort (250 lbs), but I can’t get on with a short-nosed saddle; they are so painful, so it looks like I’m out of luck for the time being.

[@WowRixter]

Interesting video. I almost bought a Fizik Antares Adaptive but then I started reading a bit about the durability of 3D saddles, or lack of. Besides crashing damaging a saddle, have you found the 3D saddles to break down over time? I've been reading your detailed and independant reviews for years. Great to see you on KZbin.

[@intheknowcycling]

Thank you kindly!

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

Bet the main reason behind 3D printing saddles is to keep cost down as you do not have to assemble it from multiple pieces. But they tell you they are more comfortable so manufacturers can jack up prices and increase margins.

[@alexpawlowski7644]

3D printing is much slower and costlier than traditional manufacturing methods, it’s incredible these products even exist at prices comparable to regular pro saddles.

[@Jarek.]

I found a very good offer for S-Works Power Mirror saddle (286 Eur / 310 USD, incl shipping) so I couldn't resist and purchased it. Now waiting for winter to finish here in Europe and give a try. What are my expectations? I'd say that I'm not 100% happy of my current Power Expert saddle in long rides - it's not terribly bad but I know that it could be better (e.g. comparing with my previous bikes/saddles). Part of this is a bit more aggressive position and bike geometry so I hope that the new saddle with Mirror somehow will compensate it.

[@elleffeff]

Where did you get the prints with cycling motifs behind you?

[@valiantabello]

Can you tell me more about the pedal stroke class you mentioned? Thanks as always

[@intheknowcycling]

It's about being able to identify and your hip flexors, glutes, and quads and knowing when to use them during your pedal stroke. More here: edsasslercoaching.com/classes-winter-2021-22/4-week-class/

[@craigwhite7142]

I'm stuck inside on my Kickr Core full-time due to a very nasty accident and would like to know if you have a suggestion for indoor trainers.

[@stevegoldstein3093]

Sorry to hear about your accident. Considering what you've gone through, I'd start with a good fit and then test saddles suggested by your fitter. A 3D-printed saddle (or foam one) may give you more comfort, but you need to test them after your fit to figure out which would be best for you.

[@bobnelson2828]

I just switched from a Specialized Romin Evo with level 2 padding to a Fizik Tempo Aliante and have experienced a noticeable improvement in comfort on 2 hour trainer sessions. I'm 5'10" and 160 pounds.

[@tomatokosir]

Did you mean 3 milimeters back (not 2 centimeter)?

[@davidlitt4246]

These saddles are too expensive. If I am going to try several … isn’t the answer ordering some 3-d printed ones from Aliexpress? They are available for maybe 15-20% the cost of the big brands. The big brands do not own this technology. I can see paying extra for the custom fitted one, butt otherwise will try the no names, or stick to the old tech.

[@intheknowcycling]

Depends on how much you trust the brands and Aliexpress to take back the saddles you don't keep and how the design and performance of the saddles you want to test vary. Return success with products on Aliexpress can be spotty and I don't know anything about the design and performance of the saddles offered there.

[@TOPMOSTPOP]

E bike king of kings talks bikes: Remember u asked earlier range of this E Bike kit I stated 17.5mph ave. speed 35 mile round trip? Getting 50lb groceries halfway in? Thresults are now officially in on new ebike kit. Bcuz I set wrld record spanning entire year in my stock Honda Civic, nobody on this earth test/ exploit an e bike as good as i. Official EXACT cuttingist edge max distance& ave. speed new battery& kit are doing = 1st of all many times these engineer a$$holes SAY a display has fuel gauge but it doesnt actually wrk. This disay& kit wrked righteously. I felt like i was suddenly riding on a finalky greased rusty chain. My direct drive generated a lot of drag. This one ZERO drag & it felt noticeabky, constantly GOOD. Felt great. Also felt great 2have 24 gears again versus only 8. This display also worked. Perfect. All controllers should have a 4giveness feature like motorcycle reserve petcocks let u know u must drammatically reduce speed 2make it home... My display has 5 battery bars that WORK. But when it dies it comes back on with 2 bars reserve & i suspect it was engineeeed 2give u a little grave period so as u can sliw down limp back home. I am very impressed this was emgineered thoufhtdully. I warned China 4 10yeara they had better begin doing this. So here is photo all th stats. I had earlier estimated I would do up2 17.5 mph ave. speed 35 miles round trip. I averaged 17.3 mph traveling 17.3 miles 2Walmart. I got 50lb groceries. Distance Walmart 2cabin = 17.3 miles. I averaged 15.8mph back overshooting thcabin till battery died. Battery died @ 20.91 miles. So, I overshot cabin by 3.7 miles& still averaged 15.8mph. Round trip 17.3 + 15 8 ÷ 2 = 33.1÷2= ...Bottomlinemy ave. speed was 16.55mph covwring a distance of 38.21 miles. Very impreasive. THIS is what happens when u fueling a little 350 watt front wheel geared motor with 36 volts& operating it optimally. Put yr average bozo on that bike their stats gonna be an absolute disaster area with abyssmal results& absolutely destroying/wearing out equipment while they're at it. In thway they destructively operate equipment. Conclusion: I now know I can confidently do out & back 35 mile round trip2 Walmart Poteau averaging 18.5 mph 50lb groceries in under 2hours round trip. AAAAAAAAAAA 10years ago I began warning cmpanies. I began sending angels in2 design things right. I sent destroying angels also destroy any cmpanies didnt repent = why fast food industries been going 2h*ll now. Been doing same with them. They persist selling poison food thinking nobody gonna stop thm. That ws stunning result new E Bike kit ysdrday. I been warning China 10years Satan NOT ruling anymore. Yahweh now ruling again secretly. Midst of his enemies& people cursing Chinas snake backstab planned obselesence engineering of lies. Those curses = powrful prayers. Heard by Yahweh. Asians: Predominantly Satans DIRECT DNA when he mate with Adams1st wife Lilith who had almond eyes. Asian culture ADMIT they descend from dragon (Jesus elder brother.) Who still serves Yahweh lol. Puts all who choose him in hell. Burning his kids is a FOOD 2him theez Asians think he gonna bless thm. (Yahweh turn Halayel ("Satan") in2 humanoid scaled black snake with wings = now he cant mate anymore (Genesis 3:15.) = He why he preserve his bloodlines2 oppresses others.) Satan used 2rule creation when yr solar system was heaven. Now = harvest = Satan putting all his kids (biblical tare race) in h*ll. My job = inform them they doing evil warn them do right = I immediately leave trail dead bodies as a rule. My new E Bike Kit: This E Bike kit was done right. I began specify in detail20 years ago how E Bike kit should be designed. This kit 90% nailed it. (90% still 10% lie.) My job riding bike = 2b super gentle careful. 1. Operate so as2b constantly gentle withoze nylon gears. 2. Touch buttons minimally they designed2 wear out. Tape waterproof connections thwart corrosion. Keep bike inside stop freezing preserve battery/stop condensation. Keep LCD facing DOWN. Sun wears buttons out. Keep constant diligent pressure on those pedals reduce stress on gears while keep up my speed save TIME. This kit will buy me 70 hours time a year I save commuting = 9 8hour days work I'll gain. Charge battery minimally under 75times annually.

[@jimmyz5831]

Several sites have shown the cheaper Amazon seat is just about as good. Case you like your money,

[@TOPMOSTPOP]

Where I am is always where people will be. Theez new 3D honeycomb flexy wrldleading saddles = same basic princible behind my Rido I had back in thday 2009. Which i'd bought 2mirror thBrooks B17. Cowhide saddle. Best seat ever made of thlast century. Brooks 600 grams $125 Brooks with spring 3lbs 1,400 grams $160 rhats nonsense. Idiot engineering. Brooks quality too has gone way down. These 3D honeycomb &carbon rail saddles have flexible base like cowhide 2 mirror springs sufficiently.... &, when u consider they $18.50 a piece,,,, Conclusion: Now u knowhat thwrlds best bicycle seats are. When designed correctly these seats are also newest seats pretty legendary durable2. Thos is why u never buy in2 Satans evil demonic vintage bikes. Here is what people dont, would never grasp: People buy with their eyes& assumptions so they think knobby tires are an advantage so with bikes seats too they think cushioms are best. No th best seat back in thday ridden by every tour de france rider ever lived of which thTour = thee most GRUELING test of a seat was selle Italia turbo. Turbo had a hard SLICK cowhide surface over foam. Sorta felt like Brooks. But ultra hard foam. Almost like no foam at all. Threality is a cushy seat will DESTROY you cit off circulation in distance riding where its superiour4 short trips. But all thingz cnsidered when in doubt hard saddles all way all DAAAY. They are th epicenter king. Hard surface shiny flexible saddle. They havent figured out yet engineering modern saddles that should be shiny slick... yet... but ofcourse they will. And mind u these modern new carbon flexy base B67ish flexy saddles on TEMU dragging 120 grams vs Brookes 1,400 grams shoot u would need 12 of these 120g carbon saddles to equal thweight of 1 Brookes B67. I dont need 2b lugging all that.

[@joehiatt1992]

Over a long time I have a box full of seats ,regardless of the claims & designs they all hurt my ass,I came to the conclusion to just buy what looks good & tolerate it,bike seats arent designed to be comfortable but tolerated