What's The Difference Between MTB Marathon, XC, & Gravel Saddles?

So you want to buy a new saddle for your mountain bike. Chances are, this is because your current saddle isn't very comfortable for you. Choosing a saddle can be difficult - they have different widths, cutouts, and shapes! Everyone you ask has a different opinion because they have a different body shape/size or may ride a different MTB discipline. In this video, Doddy shows you through everything you'll need to know next time you buy a saddle.

⏰ Timestamps 👇
01:04 - Saddle Anatomy
09:12 - Discipline Requirements
14:01 - Choosing the right saddle

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[gmbntech]

Have you found the perfect saddle yet?

[YaRMyR]

Excellent series, precise info with zero BS.
BTW, nice and clear English, so comfortable for non-English ears (-:
Thousand Thanks, Mr. Dodd!

[Pitstershedder]

I love doddy I watch him for hours he make things so understanding lol he has a lot to say

[simonbragg-coulthard]

this was exactly the video I needed Thanks GMBN Tech for coming though again !

[Whitehawkvisionfilms]

Great video! Been waiting for this one. The way Specialized and others have explained to me way back when was that if you ride often and long you need LESS padding and if you ride short rides and infrequently you need THICKer padding. If you ride often and long your sitbone muscles develop and grow strong and do not need thick padding, but because you ride often and long rides alot of cushion will eventually cause soft tissue irritation (taint damage) and if you ride short rides infrequently your sitbone muscles never really get developed and you don't ride enough to irritate soft tissue so pad up for comfort. Anyhoo... learned alot and I still haven't found the perfect saddle as I sit here and look at my Selle Italia and Specialized saddles. I think I will try an Ergon next. If the Specialized Power Arc was absolutely flat I think it would be my perfect saddle. The rolled sides help my hamstrings clear the saddle better than laterally flat saddles, padding is great, cutout is great, but the gentle flared back half of the saddle still sends me sliding onto the nose when I want to just sit on the back of the saddle and put the power down. I also find myself bouncing around on the Power Arc to find the magic spot and can't just easily find it. I do like the saddle, but it ain't perfect either. My Selle Italia is art, but also a taint-killer. It stays on the guest bike now. My longest races are 24 Hours of Moab (twice... ) Keep up the great vids!

[eddimoreau]

I found the right saddle through trial and error. This is a great video on the principles of saddle design.

[jcgadventures]

Very informative and interesting, well presented Doddy. Loved this one 🤛

[chrisridesbicycles]

Very good to see something about XCO/XCM on the channel. Enduro and Downhill is not everything.

[paulhusby]

Nicely done! Clear and thoughtful explanation, broken down into component bits of necessary understanding. A teacher's instincts on display here.

[enriquehernandez]

I had no idea of all the difference that exists . I have to take that under consideration in my bike building. So much info. GOOD 👍 JOB.

[robertharper]

Very helpful as i am getting a new mountain bike.

[galenkehler]

Thicker padding can aid in decoupling the lateral loading, which means that you skin and soft tissues don't experience the shear forces. (Kind of like a slip-plane device in a helmet)
This can really help with extended seated pedaling.

[michaelmoore]

Thank you for addressing the gravel angle. Very helpful.

[ElDiablo]

Great video man, thank you. Cheers 🍻

[andylivingston]

Great series Doddy. Keep up the good work.
Any chance you could do something on handlebar length. Is it related to height or arm length or both? Is there a calculation? Is it personal preference? Be great to have you perspective Doddy.

[tdunkerley]

#AskGMBNTech Doddy, thanks for the great lesson on saddles. I would really enjoy a companion review on the different types of saddle-to-post mounting systems out there. I've used probably about a half dozen different seat posts each with their own idiosyncrasies. Some are pretty easy; others require the patience and dexterity of a surgeon. A comparison review and 'tips and tricks' on the best way to install saddles would be much appreciated!

[stevesnailfish]

I'm a skinny old git and have tried so many saddles these past 30 odd years. Weird thing is that I've settled on a really cheap saddle for all of my 6 bikes....from road bike to full susser....I found a Planet X Uranus (smirk) to be the best fit and comfort for 5 years fits me arse and works for long rides....Sod the weight as they are just comfy.
It's a very personal thing is a

[FirestormAA]

Extremely helpful video as I trying to find which saddle suit my bottom. At times I will hv sore thanks doddy 😊

[stuartwoodburn]

I have a Nukeproof enduro saddle as I have an older bike which I had to have external routed cable dropper. The bike has room for a 100mm drop but I could only get 125mm drop, the Nukeproof has a low stack height. It is comfy too.

[Montblanc]

I’m riding the Ergon SM Pro men and it’s been amazing