In this article I’m going to give you an overview of the best road bike saddles for wide sit bones.
Now, my guess is that you’ve done some research into what actually constitutes wide sit bones, but either way I’m gonna give you my definition of what I feel are wide sit bones before I head over to the list.
If you take a look at road bike saddle dimensions, they can roughly be cut up into three separate categories: narrow, regular, and wide. And you’ve got ultra-narrow and super wide as well, but those saddles are too specific to be used for allround road cycling purposes.
I consider anything below 140 millimeters to fall into the narrow category and anything up from 152 millimeters to fall into the wide category. The rest can be deemed regular sized.
Even with those numbers there’s obviously room for interpretation, let alone the actual shape and size of the road bike saddle itself. Saddles with the same widths can feel radically different for obvious reasons.
But with this working definition I can feel we can head over to the list of the best road bike saddles for wide sit bones. A table with saddle specifications is at the end of the article.
Brooks C13
The Brooks C13 is a relatively small road racing saddle in Brooks Cambium lineup.
The Cambium line was a brilliant move from Brooks, to significantly increase their product offering with something that was at the same time unique but adhering to more modern saddle standards.
The traditional Brooks break-in period doesn’t apply to Cambium saddles and the C13 offers an even more modern take, with carbon rails.
Brooks did an enormous amount of R&D that goes into their proprietary shell and it shows. This saddle is still pretty heavy with the smaller version just under 300 grams, but you get a high-quality saddle in return that promises to be one of the most comfortable in the market.
At 145 millimeters it has about an average width for a road bike saddle, and the aluminum rivets still give it that authentic-looking feel.
The only downside is the price, because with the carbon rails, it does mean this saddle is very pricey indeed.
- No break-in period, extreme comfort with added carbon rail
- Heavy
Brooks C17
The Brooks C17 is the Cambium version of the iconic B17 traditional leather saddle. But though the shape is relatively similar that’s about where the comparison ends.
It’s both longer, slimmer and cheaper than the B17, trimming 10 millimeters off the side and adding that to the length. You end up with a saddle measuring 283 x 164 mm.
But the entire structure is way different, with the C17 resembling the characteristics of a more traditional saddle, though Brooks does have their proprietary vulcanized leather for their entire Cambium lineup.
This rubber is very pliant but requires no breaking in period. The downside of that is that it won’t conform to your anatomy as a leather saddle would. So you have to be more picky about choosing the right shape.
But Cambium models are waterproof, extremely abrasion-resistant and durable, which make them the perfect companion for touring cyclists. Especially since the very maintenance-free characteristic is a big plus for touring cyclists and road racers in general.
If you’re looking for the best maintenance free saddle money can buy for a reasonable price, the Cambium C17 is the best option.
- Extremely durable, extremely comfortable, unique design
- None
Brooks C17 Carved
The Brooks C17 Carved is the C17 with a center cut out for pressure relief.
Unlike leather models of Brooks lineup, the Cambium models don’t need rivets or laces to prevent the shell from deforming. It’s another trait that makes the Cambium models with a center cutout behave more like current saddles.
The C17 Carved is a bit less firm than the standard C17, simply because there is less material to hold the rider. Especially if you’re planning on riding rougher terrain this might suit your needs, since you have better natural damping from the saddle.
- Extremely durable, extremely comfortable, unique design, cutout version
- None
Brooks Swallow
The Brooks Swallow is longer and more narrow than the Brooks Swift and just a tad bit lighter sitting at grams.
Because of its elongated shape, the saddle has two flaps that are attached to each other underneath the leather upper. This keeps the saddle from sagging too much and moving outwards while sitting.
The saddle has an entire chromed steel frame including the rails. Its long nose and relative low height when compared to other Brooks saddles ensure it has a definite race feel to it.
As I said before, you buy such an eccentric-looking piece of saddle equipment for the experience. And as far as experience goes with an authentic leather saddle, the Brooks Swallow probably offers the best road bike experience of them all.
- Raciest design of the entire Brooks entire leather lineup
- None
Ergon SM E-Mountain Core Prime Men
The Ergon SM E-Mountain Core Prime Men has the overall same dimensions but a much larger center depression. I don’t have to explain why.
It’s interesting to note that where Selle Italia opts for a wider version of a feminine saddle with the same characteristics otherwise, it feels like Ergon at least changed the overall upper shape of their saddles.
That kind of makes sense considering the fact that there are serious differences between a male and female. Apart from all of the other factors that make this saddle great for touring. Like the multi-layered padding and overall flexibility. All that padding doesn’t mean it’s a cushion. But it performs a bit like memory foam, where a couple rides in you feel more adjusted to the saddle.
- Gender specific ergonomics
- Heavy
Ergon SM E-Mountain Core Prime Women
Don’t get confused about the name of the Ergon SM E-Mountain Core Prime Women. It’s not specifically for E-bikes and not specifically for mountain bikes.
This is not a road bike saddle. Not its weight, not its design, not its padding hints in that direction. It is a great option for a robust touring / gravel / MTB saddle.
The strong CroMo steel rails support 2 variations with the widest measuring 160 millimeters at a standard length of 278 millimeters.
Their sales page features a lot of impressive medical copywriting. But it doesn’t take away that saddles can still be hit or miss. Why you might want to consider this saddle is that it really does feature several layers of unique feminine oriented padding in a design that also has a large center depression.
Those various levels of padding create flexibility in the saddle, firmness where necessary, and added comfort and damping properties as well.
The saddle has a very premium and solid look, which feels much more at home on a touring or mountain bike than on a road bike.
- Gender specific ergonomics
- Heavy
Ergon SMC Sport Gel Men
The Ergon SMC Sport Gel Men is the male version obviously. Ergon has taken its research into male and female anatomy and applied it to this saddle as well.
This result in a more pronounced depression in the center of the saddle. Both saddles are on the less aggressive side of the riding spectrum.
- One of the few ergonomic saddles, gel padding, supports upright position
- Heavy
Ergon SMC Sport Gel Women
As with the Core Prime models the Ergon SMC Sport Gel Women features a very distinctive feminine oriented cut out in a saddle with a large seating area.
It’s more affordable, has the same saddle ergonomic shape, but gel padding instead of the memory foam like substance of the Core Prime. Unlike the male version, this saddle has such a large open space you can deem it an appropriate center cut out.
It supports an upright position with enough cushioning to take out any irregularities in the road.
- One of the few ergonomic saddles, gel padding, supports upright position
- Heavy
Fizik Aliante R1
The Fizik Aliante R1 is the exact same saddle as the R3. Except that it has carbon rails instead of the Kium alloy version. And you have to pay a premium for those carbon rails.
In a world where a lot of road bike saddles feature huge cut outs, this one doesn’t. It means it’s a bit stronger and can be used for gravel riding as well. The scuff pads on the side give the delicate shell some added protection in the case of a crash. Not that you would even want to scratch this saddle at all but it’s a nice touch.
It’s a traditionally sized saddle measuring 279 x 138 mm for the regular version and 279 x 154 mm for the wide version. This is just a tad bit wider than a lot of Selle Italia’s performance saddles.
The saddle favors what I’d call dynamic riding, with quick climbs and going in and out of the saddle. It’s the reason this is a favorite among mountain bikers and gravel riders as well, with the curved lip in the back aiding in climbing and keeping power.
Fizik offers Twin Flex technology which means the rounded inner shape of the shell flexes more and gets out of the way of your thighs and pedal stroke. A saddle shouldn’t get in the way in the first place and the rounded shape of this one never chafed or dug into the legs. The added flex is also a plus for other road surfaces than smooth tarmac.
Unlike the Arione the Aliante has a pronounced curvature which means you’re more firmly planted and there’s a bit more support overall, which often leads to more comfort as well.
- Great saddle for both mountain bikers and gravel riders
- None
Fizik Aliante R3
The Fizik Aliante R3 is less budget friendly, but does offer a flexible carbon composite shell. Carbon is known for its great damping properties. And by making the shell partially from carbon you have a more lightweight, race-oriented offering, that will be the perfect saddle for bikepackers.
The traditional shape measures 279 x 154 millimeters, which I recommend for off-road purposes unless you know your sit bones sit really close together or you like to sit further back on the saddle.
Fizik uses TwinFlex technology, which basically means the saddle is more flexible at the inner curves. This adds a more natural riding feeling because the saddle moves just a bit with your legs, instead of digging into them, which I know from experience is painful and very uncomfortable.
Because of the relative delicate nature of the carbon shell it has been reinforced with scuff protectors at the side. So less worries when you might accidentally take a fall.
This saddle is more expensive than many other entries on this list. What you get in return is an extremely high-quality carbon composite offering for cyclists who feel very at home on road bikes.
- Mid-tier well-padded saddle with carbon rails and scuff protectors
- None
Fizik Vento Argo R5
As far as budget goes the Fizik Vento Argo R5 is the most premium option on this list with a suggested retail price of 99 euros. It can be had for cheaper on Amazon though.
It’s another very well made short-nosed saddle with a carbon-reinforced nylon shell with a large center cut out. This cut out transitions into a lower surface area both front and back, planting you firmly in place.
This version also has an alloy rail to keep costs down and a width of either 140 mm for the small or 150 mm for the larger version.
This saddle offers ample amounts of comfort for relaxed road riding, thanks to the plush padding and cut out.
- Affordable MTB saddle, short-nosed saddle w. cut out, wide option available, plush feel
- None
Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow
The Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow is a saddle obviously meant for female riders. They are actually offered in two widths. The wide version measures 160 millimeters, which is great for a relaxed upright position. There’s also a much narrower version at 135 millimeters if you’re very familiar with road cycling and prefer a saddle with a more race-oriented shape.
Selle Italia ditched the leather cover for a more maintenance free microfiber one. It will also mean the saddle is more durable than a thin leather cover, and more waterproof as well, which were two cons of earlier editions of this saddle.
This is a true touring saddle for people who like their behinds to sit on well-padded seats and don’t like aggressive riding in the drops.
- Well-padded touring saddle
- Doesn't look like a road bike saddle
Selle Italia Man Gel Flow
The Selle Italia Man Gel Flow is the male version which only comes in a single size of 151 x 275 millimeters.
The same applies for this saddle as for the female version. Don’t buy it for road cycling, but for upright leisurely touring and overall shorter rides.
- Well-padded touring saddle
- Doesn't look like a road bike saddle
Specifications road bike saddles for wide site bones
Name | Rail | Price | Dimensions | Weight | Shell | Padding | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brooks C13 | carbon braided Ø7×9 mm | 200 euros | S 275 x 145 mm L 275 x 158 mm | S 295 g – L 310 g | vulcanized rubber | none | |
Brooks C17 | steel | 120 euros | 283 x 164 mm | 464 g | vulcanised rubber | none | |
Brooks C17 Carved | steel | 120 euros | 283 x 164 mm | 446 g | vulcanised rubber | none | |
Brooks Swallow | steel | 190 euros | 285 x 153 mm | 490 g | none | none | |
Ergon SM E-Mountain Core Prime Men | CroMo | 160 USD | S 278 x 147 mm – L 278 – 160 mm | nylon composite | Orthopedic Comfort Foam | ||
Ergon SM E-Mountain Core Prime Women | CroMo | 160 USD | S 278 x 147 mm – L 278 – 160 mm | nylon composite | Orthopedic Comfort Foam | ||
Ergon SMC Sport Gel Men | CroMo | 100 USD | 300 g | nylon composite | Orthopedic Comfort Foam w. gel padding | ||
Ergon SMC Sport Gel Women | CroMo | 100 USD | 295 g | nylon composite | Orthopedic Comfort Foam w. gel padding | ||
Fizik Aliante R1 | carbon braided Ø7×10 mm | 249.99 USD | S 279 x 138 mm – L 279 x 154 mm | S 175 g – L 180 g | carbon reinforced nylon | ||
Fizik Aliante R3 | kium Ø7×7 mm | 174.99 USD | S 279 x 138 mm – L 279 x 154 mm | S 215 g – L 220 g | carbon reinforced nylon | ||
Fizik Vento Argo R5 | S-Alloy Ø7 mm | 109.99 USD | S 265 x 140 mm – L 265 x 150 mm | S 225 g – L 232 g | carbon-reinforced nylon | type 1 foam | |
Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow | manganese tube Ø7 mm | 140 euros | S 135 x 262 mm – L 160 x 262 mm | S 300 g – L 310 g | extra padding / gel shock absorber | ||
Selle Italia Man Gel Flow | manganese tube Ø7 mm | 140 euros | 151 x 275 mm | 315 g | extra padding / gel shock absorber |
Johan van Seijen
FoundeR Restoration.bike
Johan van Seijen is the founder of restoration.bike. His passion for cycling in general, and restoring older bikes turned into a website to share his knowledge with a broader audience. Starting out on his father’s road bike and riding classics as the Amstel Gold Race and Liege Bastogne Liege he has shifted his attention to trail, XC, and gravel riding since. No matter how much he loves writing about everything related to cycling, nothing beats actually using his ever-expanding bicycle collection.
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