Ergon SR Sport Gel Women’s

The Ergon SR Sport Gel Women's Saddle will be a hit with many female road riders. The design really does help remove pressure from the most sensitive parts, so longer rides are more comfortable than with some alternatives.

• Pros: Comfort for sensitive areas when in a racy riding position, not as hard as some saddles
• Cons: Curved rear won't suit all, dirt can collect in micro holes

Ergon spent two years collaborating with the Canyon//SRAM Women's Team to perfect the SR Saddle. Initial designs were drawn up, taking into account the basic anatomical differences in male and female pelvises, as well as the fact that women tend to be more flexible and so rock about more on the saddle. You can read and watch videos about the research here, it's really interesting, honest.

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The wide cutout of the Ergon is designed to relieve pressure on the soft tissue between the pelvic bone and the saddle. The opening is certainly more generous than ones I have used previously. Where some cutouts stop halfway down the saddle, this one continues right to the nose. The nose itself is wider too, with a flatter and wider surround to the opening. Pressure is more spread out and any lateral micro-movement is smooth. The gel pad inserts extend through to the nose of the saddle (with many, pads are just in the widest part).

All of this technology is really noticeable, especially when adopting a racing position, even on rough roads. I had absolutely no issue with discomfort around the sensitive bits during testing, which is pretty unusual for any initial change of saddle. The saddle itself is nowhere near as hard as many out there, Ergon has this element spot on (for me, anyway). The only slight issue I did have was that after longer rides when I had spent much of my time on the tops or hoods, my sit bones felt very slightly bruised. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what caused this, and saddle comfort is so subjective, but unlike my usual saddle the Ergon's rear curves up slightly, so it might just be a case of getting used to it.

With its chunky front end and shorter-than-average nose length, the saddle doesn't look like most 'racy' designs. I thought it looked a little out of place on my carbon road bike, but in reality it's not there to be admired, I just needed to sit on it! It comes in two colour options, which is nice: berry and black. If you opt for the rather loud berry, Ergon throws in some free matching tape and bar ends.

The saddle comes in two sizes, S/M and M/L, dictated by pelvic width. On the road.cc scales the S/M saddle I tested weighs in at 275g, which is comparable to other 'sport saddle' options out there. The SDG Allure Women's Ti-Rail saddle that Siobhan reviewed last year is 268g and costs exactly the same, and Specialized's Power Arc Expert is a similar design, weighing 243g and costing £100.

> Buyer's Guide: 9 of the best women's saddles

I certainly found the Ergon much more comfortable than many I have previously used and, most importantly, there was absolutely no discomfort, irritation or pain inflicted on the most sensitive tissue. If you are on the lookout for a new saddle I'd certainly recommend testing it via your local bike shop if that is an option available to you.

Verdict

Affordable saddle effectively designed to protect the most sensitive tissue