Trying to decide between these two. I'm primarily concerned with comfort on long rides – is the 3D significantly more padded? Anyone tried both and have some insight to share?
PS I need the steel rail version because I use a saddle rail mounted bottle cage and don't want to clamp carbon in an area it's not designed to be clamped. The weight penalty is no issue.
by kenik7373
7 Comments
These AliExpress 3D printed saddles are not comparable to the expensive ones. I’d buy the regular one.
Saddles are personal and you’ll have to try them to see how you like them.
That said, 3d printed saddles seem to generally be liked more than their non printed counterparts but obviously not everyone will feel that way.
Cheap Chinese crap may not have the same results.
I have 3 of the ryet saddles and I’m happy with them. I read plenty of reviews including on here before buying one to try out and I liked it enough to buy 2 more so all my bikes have them. The plastic base versions aren’t suppose to be as comfortable and those are the ones that come with steel rails.
I have a 3d saddle of this type and actually get along very well, but for me the surface is too sticky and I would like a smoother surface. I have now ordered the EVA version to find out if it feels better for me.
The “secret” in my case (sensitive sitting bones, 86kg) was to find one with proper thick 3D.
The first one from ryet was too thin for me, then got one from WildSide and it’s thicker and feels really good.
I have used both. The EVA one with the right width is comfortable for a 130g saddle. I have rode 8 hour+ rides no problem on them.
The 3D printed ones does actually have variable density and is so far quite good for me on my gravel bike
I just scooped up a ryet 3d/plastic/steel saddle in both the Prologo and Pro Stealth knockoffs (you’ve got the Prologo above). I really like both of them, and the Prologo may be my “keeper” saddle as it seemed to be comfortable well after an hour, which is usually when I start to get numbness or chafing or other irritation.
I think the saddles are well worth the $40, but they have some downsides- the shell is pretty flexible. I bought plastic/steel for damping and cushioning properties as my carbon railed Astute saddle was really stiff and the design started to not play well with my body. I can tell that the shell is flexing front/back (hammocking) which isn’t the best, but as long as it is manageable and doesn’t become uncomfortable, it should be fine. The 3d printing is actually really comfortable, far more than my EVA saddles like the astute, but I don’t get chafing nor numbness from it. In fact, I’ve wondered if the holes help with circulation compared to EVA foam.
Anyways, very happy with both saddles and if they continue to work out, I may consider a carbon shelled/steel railed saddle if I can find it, but would prefer steel rails for comfort and compatibility.