3D saddles - before you buy , watch this

[@RobertoTestolin]

Hey there! I designed the original saddle that this one is based on. I'm glad you like my work, at least in spirit. As mentioned in some of the other comments, one of the major differences with the original saddle is the material. The original one is made of a patented material developed by Carbon, which is used by all the big 3D-printed saddle manufacturers. This material has specific properties that are not used in the cheap copies, understandably for cost reasons. Enjoy your ride!

[@hotpantaloons]

What is the original saddle that this is based on?

[@shalokshalom]

​@@hotpantaloons Specialized Mirror or Fizik Adaptable. They are both developed by a company named 'Carbon'

[@johnwuspam1]

@@shalokshalom The shape looks more like a selle italia Novus Boost Evo

[@RobertoTestolin]

@@hotpantaloons Sorry, I was sure to have responded to you. The saddle it's based on the Selle Italia Novus Boost Evo 3D.

[@crossroads4762]

Excellent info, nothing worse than finding your favorite saddle then it goes out of production after a few years and you have to start over. It shouldn't be too long before we can make our own at home with a printer.

[@stevenleffanue]

Great idea. I'd say making the rails strong enough might be the only snag to printing your own saddle.

[@leedorney]

I really like Oz's stuff he does them just right, those fitment tools are great too! very interesting I've an SMP T5 saddle and the position of saddles are very crucial, imperative in fact! 👍

[@Adonis-qj1nq]

I bought a Specialized 3d printed saddle, liked it so much I decided to buy the Ryet replica for my second bike. The shape was spot on but the quality of the foam just wasn’t there. The difference to the original was significant and the Ryet padding was a little too soft. It’s ok for the price but they just can’t match the originals they are copies of.

[@dperreno]

Similar here. I bought a Fizik 3D seat which I like well enough so I bought a Ryet for my gravel bike. I noticed that the Ryet 3D cushion is softer and thinner than the Fizik and I can feel the carbon shell underneath. Conversely, the Fizik 3D cushion is a little too hard for me. I feel like Goldilocks here... 😕

[@Roadbikerider79]

The Ryet ultimate has fimer padding.

[@Ryem3]

@@Adonis-qj1nq softer? That’s weird. I have one and it is much harder. Like a joke, looks like it should work but it doesn’t

[@Adonis-qj1nq]

@@Ryem3 For me the padding/foam was softer which results in bottoming out and feeling the hard shell underneath. So ya it is harder in feel when riding because of the foam’s softness. My Specialized one doesn’t bottom out so it stays comfortable even on very long rides.

[@Ryem3]

@@Adonis-qj1nq you know I be there is major inconsistencies in these! Another issue when you go down the road with nominal quality control on cheap products. I’m probably getting the specialized power version for $300

[@mikea479]

What a thoughtful and articulate vid. Super helpful and much appreciated.

[@MrGarycoww]

Incredibly thorough as always Mr Oz cycle,great work 😎👍

[@MrGoodaches]

Width of the saddle nose should get more discussion. But kudos to Oz for mentioning at all. The saddle maker marketers and industry reviewers totally miss how important this dimension is to many cyclists. I rode in pain for many years because I was no smarter about saddle dimensions than what marketers wanted us to pay attention to and reviewers found convenient data for. So cyclists who are still having pain, get a physiology diagram and FIND YOUR LESSER TROCHANTERS. If, like me, your left and right Lesser Trochanters are closer together than average you will likely be doing worse than wearing out the inboard sides of your bike pants. For me, I was supporting more weight on my Lesser Trochanters than on my sit bones. Not only are these not good weight bearing points but this interference reduced pedaling efficiency. Since almost nobody publishes nose width of saddles you have to figure it out from product photos. From the upside down saddle photos in catalogs look how the rail width compares to the saddle. Rail width is about the only standard we have left. If you can see saddle out board of rails then the saddle nose is too wide for someone with narrow gap between Lesser Trochanters.

[@wtfiswiththosehandles]

I think the greatest thing about cycling long distances, is that you get to painfully acknowledge the existence of bits in your body you never knew existed :)

[@JanneRasanen2]

I got faster with Selle SMP Dynamic with a thin nose. Less thigh rub.

[@stevemcg5606]

Hi Mr OZ cycle i just want to say thank you so much for your advice and ideas on cycling particularly the chain waxing method that works beautifully i have two chains and just swap them over every 250 kms or so . Thanks again Steve

[@Silidons91]

I bought a Selle SMP Dynamic three years ago, never looked back! I actually like the shape of it now, but first thought it looked weird. Haven't tried a 3D one yet.

[@marcbryant8482]

Great overview of the topic, well done. Would be very interested in a follow up review of the Ryet after a few months

[@mikeh.9843]

thanks for posting the video and the hint for the round seat post clamp vs. oval shaped rail. funny thing: my 25€ saddle 20 y old fits best, whatever I have tried on the race bike. on my gravel I ride a Selle Flite full leather saddle bought in 1994. Whatever I have tried I sold on ebay 3 weeks later. for me it would make more sense if the manufacturers offer saddles with different widths to get a pre-selection a bit more effective (SQ Lab does!).

[@dperreno]

So I have both a Fizik 3D printed seat and an inexpensive AliExpress one. The Fizik is pretty comfortable, the Ali one not so much. The big difference is that the 3D printed part of the Fizik is over twice as thick where my sitbones sit vs. the AliExpress seat. Unfortunately, this makes all the difference.

[@Mububban23]

I bought one of the Ryet cheapies and so far, it's an improvement on the stock saddle my bike came with. I wouldn't say it's plush but I can do 100km alright, and I find I'm not getting the consistent "small hard lump" feeling saddle sore (?) I used to get on one of my sit bone areas. And it's half the weight of my stock saddle which doesn't hurt either 😀 FWIW my saddle clamp is round not oval, but I had my LBS check it and we all agreed that there is zero daylight visible around the rails, it seems to support the saddle perfectly. I know it's a risk, but I am a very risk-averse person and it satisfies my cautious nature. I only used about 6-7Nm to clamp it I think, with some carbon grip paste. So far no movement, but I'm conscious to listen out for any strange sounds or movement that may indicate problems.

[@silviofontana5144]

Your new saddle looks like its a short saddle. I have just purchase a Prologo Dimesion 143 short saddle on Temu for $67. Made in Taiwan. I cannot see any difference from the original. It even came with warranty papers. I am about to test it out, but the set up is different due to it being shorter in length. Thanks, interesting. Sometimes we think that stuff from China is crap, but sometimes we are left wondering just how much we get ripped off in costs of saddles.

[@meibing4912]

Have Spec Power with Mirror on all my bikes. Gone is seat pain and frontal discomfort. Expensive, but probably my best upgrade ever.

[@jfb4186]

Great review and insights about choosing the right seat. Thanks a lot!! Keep it up!

[@mcclausky]

Thanks you so much for the excellent analysis.

[@William24009]

Thanks for sharing. BiSaddle Bonneville SRT 2.0 with cutout was the perfect solution for me. Highly recommend.

[@CatDaddySteve]

You are AWESOME 😸👍. I really appreciate Your approach to value vs name brand bling 😊

[@AG-el6vt]

One thing about shell flexibility is that it will influence where on the saddle you sit. When on the saddle, your weight will depress the part of the shell you're resting on, and that will create a small valley your sit bones tend to gravitate to. More flexy shells will show this effect more pronounced.

[@dperreno]

So true. The flex in the shell also helps absorb shocks and enhances the comfort which is why I try to avoid carbon shell designs - too stiff.

[@LVQ-so5th]

All good advice. However, I disagree with the experts in that I like soft padding where the sit-bones contact (I ride an Aliante Gamma which is well-padded). I've tried 3-d printed saddles and they can be just as miserable as any other saddle that doesn't work. For me, versions of the Aliante with hard padding are uncomfortable, even though they have the same shape as the Gamma version.

[@shadowsun33]

Watch out folks. I got Ryet Ultimate 3D saddle. Their pattern is not ok. I wrote to them and complained. You get what you pay for. In only 5 rides my various bibs got pilled. Castelli aero were ok after a single ride, but other new Castelli bibs now look worn as if I was using them at least for a season of riding. Also those of you who complain about comfort you most likely do not have the right width of the saddle. It's not as much about soft padding as it is about the measurements. Also the angle and the width are related to the geometry of your bike (race or endurance) and then your riding style and riding terrain.

[@stevenleffanue]

Haven't had any bibs wear problems with my Ryet. Maybe the Ryet doesn't fit your shape?

[@shadowsun33]

@@stevenleffanue The width is probably too narrow. Depends what bibs you wear. If they're very thin, like most aero nowadays the fabric is pretty forgiving and super sleek, so it doesn't grab as much, but my winter Castelli tights and Louis Garneau bibs that are a bit thicker got all pilled in only couple of rides, so I'm getting rid of it. Their 3D texture is very different than the name brands otherwise the saddle is made amazingly well. I have Lexon Thin Line fully integrated handlebar and it is amazing for only $150. Lexon and Ryet are possibly owned by the same factories.

[@shadowsun33]

@@stevenleffanue I got Fizik Vento Argo R5, a bit heavier, very hard padding to the touch, 150mm width for my 130mm sit bones distance and it is super comfortable.

[@edrcozonoking]

One pf the key featured for me is the front to back curvature. I dont get along with saddles that arr flat from tip to stern.

[@jrmasia8695]

Exquisite review,no less,no more.

[@EddyCat1234]

A word of warning re ‘knock off copies’. I purchased a copy Spesh Power saddle from a reputable shop in Tokyo for $AUD90. Once I got it home I found it tilted to right side by at least 5mm. Ofc this is not good in terms of symmetry and could cause bike fit issues. The brand is called TNI and was a non mirror saddle weighing 150g.

[@saikat0511]

I will stick to my 2d saddles thanks

[@StayInTheWord]

Great video. I’m in the market for a new saddle. My bum needs some relief. Question for you… I began making my on “liquid wax” per your instructions. Does this liquid wax require shacking up before use? It appears the bottle I made separated. The wax settles to bottom. 🤔

[@stevenleffanue]

Yes , shake before use

[@StayInTheWord]

Thanks. Love your channel. 😊

[@peetiegonzalez1845]

I got one of these recently. I found a surprising downside. The 3D texture is very comfortable but it's also very high in friction. So it actually ends up chafing where the solid carbon saddle would not, because you naturally have a little bit of slide. It does look cool though!

[@yolo0123]

Great content as always! ❤

[@FrankJohnson-r3e]

Everywhere I look, every seat I'm interested in, every review I read, nothing is ever said about how long they last. And after fit and comfort, there is nothing as important as to how many seats you end buying. Cost is not just price but also longevity. You said you've had that Vader for a couple of years, which, to me, is pretty impressive for a seat whose price is about $12.36. I'm seriously considering buying a Brooks B17 narrow because everyone I know who owns a Brooks saddle talks about how very comfortable they get and how long they last. I know one guy that's had his for 43 years now. Andthat'swith constant use too. 😮 beat that Specialized, or anyone. It occurred to me to ask...how often do you use your gravel bike with the Vader seat? Hopefully you haven't had it for a couple of years, hanging there on the wall the whole time 😅 Surely that isn't the case, right?

[@stevenleffanue]

I've ridden vaders on a road bike too. We have another rider with a vader saddle , it's on his road bike. Had it for about three years with at least 1 or 2 rides per week on it. I wish they were lighter tho as they have steel rails.

[@alejandrocardona5207]

great video, what is the width of the nose on the Ryet Saddle (3d)?

[@Simte]

Thanks for the info Oz, I was considering one for the MTB, but they are so overpriced!

[@stevenleffanue]

There are cheaper ones with cromoly rails and plastic shells instead of carbon if that's any help.

[@OrwellionFeverDreamCouchPotato]

Great video! I thought I had commented already but it looks like I forgot to save it lol. Can you let us know which version of the Ryet saddle your reviewing? Thank you!

[@stevenleffanue]

Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! AU$82.14 | RYET 3D Printed Bicycle Saddle Ultralight Carbon EVA saddle 245x145mm Bike Seating for MTB Gravel Road Bike Seat Cycling parts a.aliexpress.com/_mKgbq1S

[@OrwellionFeverDreamCouchPotato]

@@stevenleffanue Thanks for the link. I ended up purchasing the 2024 version. I'll chime back in after I've got some miles on it. It should be here sometime next week. Thanks again for the great video. Learned more about saddles in 20 minutes than I have in the last 20 years!

[@jimmyz5831]

So, if the cutout portion is big enough you can dangle your snorkle and won't have to stop to pee. Might be dangerous on second thought.

[@plproductions8887]

Hi do you have a link to this as its similar to mine

[@sukrammlolotov8117]

Greetz from Germany to Australia ;)

[@stevenleffanue]

G'day! How's the weather over there?...it's bonza ere .

[@Cheg78]

Horrible, 6°C and raining...

[@paulg7002]

I have a prologo dimension. This saddle you show seems similar in shape. Would you agree?

[@stevenleffanue]

Looks similar, yes.

[@galenkehler]

Selle italia used to make a modl calle the SLR, sadly discontinued now (or renamed, they still make slr that are different). Used to have a flat nose that was so comfortable, now all the noses are round and/or sharp and uncomfortable for rising the rivet 😢

[@stevenleffanue]

Yes , there have been some great saddles in the past that are unfortunately no longer made.

[@UrbanoFloripa]

I bought a model with a plastic base from this brand and I'm waiting for delivery, as I can't adapt to the Specialized Power 155mm. The one I bought is 150mm, I have 130mm of distance between my sitting bones, I hope it works.

[@NeRR2]

Slightly OT, but looking to get a saddle that's wider than I should have - it's 155mm, while my sit bones are 110mm. MTB, casual riding @ ~60 torso angle to horizontal - I'm thinking the width shouldn't much of an issue since I'm riding more upright?

[@gc641]

Man I have so much money in saddles and I have yet to find a truly comfortable one, my bum burns at the 30 mile mark….still looking, and yes my bike fits

[@stevenleffanue]

Definitely try an average shaped 3d printed saddle. Then use chamois lotion...for long rides I use papaw cream.

[@jameslumbert7977]

You are not alone, brother. Maybe not even the exception?

[@gusoconnor5662]

The best place so far in my 3d saddle research. Im taking my chances in China where my budget lies.

[@nicholastopley7611]

I don't know why they don't wrap the 3D-printed part around the shell, rubbing on the side of the shell is an issue I have had with this type of saddle (I have tried several and ended up selling them all!). Great video!

[@edrcozonoking]

Because you can't 3D print around the shell. Go watch láser 3D printing videos.

[@BostilCensurado]

Whats the durability of these saddles? i know gel saddles dont last even 6 months with constant use

[@stevenleffanue]

Gel creeps from higher pressure areas to lower fairly quickly. May be early days for 3d saddles feedback at moment. Another 12 months should tell.

[@ReNNEbab]

I bought the fisik Aliante 00r1 . 3D . 300$ but it was the worst thing that I ever put in my bike . Then I went to my local store . And I ended buying the specialized mimic for 140$ 155” and even without pad is great . It come in 3D for 200 more . But this mimic save my “ride “

[@shughy1]

Its worth going to a bike fitter first to see if the saddle really is the problem why you are sore, get your position checked

[@valmorell]

Question has to be: was there actually any advantage? Personally, I didn't like the feel of the top.

[@stevenleffanue]

If you can't get the saddle you like anymore, the 3d printed ones are more likely to be comfortable than plain skins.

[@TOPMOSTPOP]

Very good tutorial u can get either 3D seat or carbon rail $18.49 TEMU. I dunno but i think a slick shiny surface seat probably going 2b superiour. I feel like it will better keeps things from sticking 2 1capilary numbing postition always move around on thbike thats thcardinal of all rules. Lower friction.... Think wisdom behind th Brooks B17.

[@stevenleffanue]

Discontinued on Temu

[@johnnyboy4711]

mixed 5d -for me

[@YTOnlineReviews]

Nice saddles

[@arose62]

Spellcheck please! "Perineum" "Flexibility"

[@stevenleffanue]

Definitely not perennial 😅

[@lfp531]

Your voice is insanely similar to John Taylor of Duran Duran O_o

[@stevenleffanue]

At least John Taylor can sing 😄

[@mtbboy1993]

9:46 Can't you just replace the bolts with longer bolts? I don't see why not, as long as the rounded shape at top and bottom is the same it shouldn't matter. For mountain bikers there's no such thing as correct clamp. Seat posts and dropper posts have only one clamp. Some have different offsets to correct for awkward seat tube angles even that is not common.

[@stevenleffanue]

Yes you can , if you can source the bolts to fit.

[@hill160881]

Ya after seeing you flex that cf shell I will stick with leather brooks 😂

[@osmarq3435]

Has anyone found the 135mm width saddle from this company??

[@CHSS]

It looks like a copy of a Pro Stealth Saddle.

[@SianaGearz]

Everyone knows the holes in the saddles are there so one can pass wind.

[@armandblake]

“And it was EXTREMELY CHEAP” AU$90 😂

[@shalokshalom]

Most popular brands cost more second hand - without 3D printed properties.

[@armandblake]

@@shalokshalom yeah, cyclists economy is just another planet

[@ulixxe1]

I just destroyed that item crossing a manhole in Milan....very bad

[@Ryem3]

Find the Ryet hard as a rock. The specialized power seat is softer. And this review doesn’t even have a real mfg 3d saddle, disappointing. I found the ryet carbon looked cool, but otherwise it didn’t measure up

[@stevenleffanue]

Sounds like the Ryet isn't for you, but the specialized is.

[@Timberius]

It's spelled "flexibility".

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

Not only are those 3D-printed ugly as hell, they are also a rip-off. The 3D printing should make a saddle cheaper since you are saving the step of having to bond a shell and a cover together by making it all one-piece, but they're more expensive than regular saddles. And all have a deep groove or a cut-out which in theory should reduce pressure because in theory where there is nothing, nothinh can apply pressure. But reality says where there is nothing there is something around it and that "around" creates even more pressure and some grooves and cut-outs have really sharp edges.

[@MHMvanOs-qt9cc]

Can anyone help me what the best angle works (front to back) for you with the Ryet 3D saddle. The saddle is the best i have so far, but i think it can be better... Thanks for your help everyone

[@stevenleffanue]

Most common is starting with dead flat saddle and tilt up or down according to where you feel it too hard...nose or sit bones.

[@MHMvanOs-qt9cc]

@@stevenleffanue Thanks for your help OZ. So the best thing is to level the saddle (front to rear) and then cycle and ajust if needed ??

[@stevenleffanue]

Yep 👍

[@BabyWarrior-v4f]

The cheap Chinese saddle doesn't look 3D printed, looks like a couple of layers of moulded rubber. . .

[@PeterPutz82]

??? Paid promotion?

[@stevenleffanue]

No. I've never had a single paid promotion. I get to keep the products sent , that's all. Bought this Ryet seat out of my weekly food budget 😊

[@GnoyDavinski]

wth is this intro 🤯

[@Chris._P._Bacon]

Seriously.........no 4K video? Internet must be really expensive there.

[@GerhardDIETRICH]

👏👏👏🇦🇹👍✌️

[@vromaka]

...or just get a bike fit

[@kubackjeee]

Why is your saddle so much nose up???

[@stevenleffanue]

Accident 26 years ago left me with sciatica. Somehow my pelvis now has an up tilt. All my saddles have slight nose up.

[@kubackjeee]

Those ryet saddles suck big time. The 3d print is to soft and and with carbon base it gets harsh after 30 minutes

[@stevenleffanue]

Sounds like the Ryet shape isn't for you.

[@kubackjeee]

@@stevenleffanue ​not shape. The padding is crap. Maybe is good for a small Asian but I am 85kg and it's to soft, after 30 minutes when it collapses it's like sitting on bare carbon

[@stevenleffanue]

Good point about weight. Yes , not always but generally heavier riders will benefit from better padding. I'm 76kg

[@kimwarner6050]

​@@kubackjeeeryet is great. They make many different designs of 3d printed saddles. I have almost everyone. The important thing about the saddle is that the shape fits you. The padding in all honesty doesn't really matter if the shape is right. That's why people can ride a carbon saddle. Personally I want the lightest saddle. Specialized power mirror saddle is heavy. It's now on my trainer bike

[@davidlitt4246]

I am 100kg and have been happy with a Ryet 3-d printed model. It is a bit softer padded than another similar Aliexpress one I got, but both are comfortable, very light, and very reasonably priced. The shape works (for me). I have yet to try it for a ride of over 120kms, but so far so good. The softer Ryet one also is comfortable for short in town trips in regular work slacks. The other one is not.

[@робертПетров-с8д]

Мне подошло седло за 3 доллара Хахахаха какие же вы дураки