Question: What’s the difference between a road saddle and a mountain bike saddle? Is it okay to buy a road model I like and use it on my mountain bike? — Ivan B.
Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Sure, you can use a road saddle on a mountain bike. The main difference in the saddle types is that those made for a mountain bike usually have these special features:
- Kevlar panels on the rear sides to keep the cover material from being damaged in crashes.
- Narrower rear sides so the saddle passes between your legs more easily when moving back and forth on steep descents.
- A down-turned nose so it will be less likely to snag the crotch of your shorts when you go from standing to sitting.
If your road saddle without these features still works for the kind of mountain biking you do, go for it!
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