6 Best Split Saddle Bike Seats of 2025

The ISM PL 1.0 redefines endurance comfort with its aggressive split saddle design that completely eliminates soft-tissue pressure—a game-changer for riders plagued by numbness on long climbs or gravel grinds. Its patented noseless structure shifts support to the sit bones, while the 275mm length and 135mm width create a stable platform for dynamic positioning across road, mountain, and triathlon bikes. This isn’t just a saddle—it’s a performance upgrade for riders who demand both speed and sustainability, especially those tackling multi-hour adventures where traditional seats become torture devices.

In real-world testing, the PL 1.0 shines during extended rides over mixed terrain, where its 30-series foam padding delivers consistent support without bottoming out, even under aggressive pedaling loads. The extra length allows smooth fore-aft micro-adjustments, crucial when transitioning from seated climbs to aerodynamic tucks. While it excels on road and gravel, some mountain bikers noted slight interference with baggy shorts during tight switchbacks—though this is more about clothing fit than saddle flaw. It’s not ultra-light, but the trade-off in durability and comfort is well worth it for endurance-focused cyclists.

Compared to the ISM PR Series, the PL 1.0 offers superior long-distance stability thanks to its wider, longer platform—making it the clear winner for epic rides over rolling terrain. While the PR 1.0 is more compact and nimble, the PL 1.0 dominates when you need room to move and unwavering support. It’s the ideal pick for serious endurance riders who refuse to let saddle discomfort cut their journey short. With broader versatility and enhanced ergonomics, it justifies its premium positioning over other ISM models for those living in the saddle for hours on end.

For budget-conscious riders drowning in discomfort, the Original EasySeat delivers a surprisingly effective fix with its adjustable dual-pad system—a rare feature in sub-$50 saddles. The no-perineum-pressure design uses a central gap and sculpted foam to redirect weight safely, offering real relief for commuters and casual riders who thought numbness was just ‘part of cycling’. Built by a family-owned company with decades of niche experience, this saddle proves you don’t need a carbon shell or pro pedigree to solve one of cycling’s most common pain points.

On daily commutes and weekend cruises, the EasySeat performs admirably, with waterproof vinyl standing up to rain and sweat without peeling or sagging. The customizable pads let you tweak firmness and spacing—ideal for riders with asymmetrical sit bones or recovering from saddle-related irritation. However, under hard acceleration or aggressive leaning, the padding can feel a bit too soft, lacking the structural support needed for sustained performance riding. It’s not built for sprinting or climbing, but for upright city bikes and stationary trainers, it’s a comfort-first win.

Stacked against the ISM PL 1.0, the EasySeat lacks high-end materials and precision ergonomics, but it nails the basics at a fraction of the cost. Where the ISM targets performance riders, the EasySeat is tailor-made for those who just want to ride without pain—think urban commuters, fitness bikers, and rehab users. It doesn’t offer race-ready stiffness or minimalist weight, but for everyday comfort and no-nonsense relief, it outperforms its price tag. If you’re not chasing records but are tired of wincing after every ride, this saddle punches way above its weight class.

Built for racers who live in the drops, the ISM PS 2.0 is a laser-focused weapon for time trialists and triathletes who need a saddle that disappears under hard efforts. Its 245mm compact frame and 130mm width deliver maximum thigh clearance, while the upward-sloped rear locks hips into an aerodynamic tuck without sacrificing blood flow—thanks to ISM’s signature split noseless design. This isn’t a saddle for casual spins; it’s engineered for riders who spend hours on aero bars and need zero soft-tissue compression when pushing threshold watts.

On triathlon courses and time trial intervals, the PS 2.0 proves its worth with firm yet forgiving 30-series foam that resists compression fatigue over 40K races. The short length prevents rear interference during aggressive hip angles, and the sleek cover sheds moisture during humid transitions. However, in upright or relaxed positions—like climbing out of the saddle or city riding—the narrow profile and firm base can feel unforgiving. It’s optimized for one position, and straying from it reduces comfort significantly.

When compared to the ISM PR Series, the PS 2.0 trades all-around usability for race-specific precision. The PR 1.0 is more forgiving for varied riding, while the PS 2.0 demands commitment to an aggressive posture. For triathletes and time trial racers, that’s a fair—and necessary—trade-off. It delivers unmatched performance in its niche, outclassing more versatile models when the body is pitched forward and speed is non-negotiable. If your riding revolves around speed and aerodynamics, this saddle is worth the single-minded focus.

The ISM PR Series strikes a masterful balance between performance and everyday comfort, making it the go-to all-rounder in the noseless saddle world. Developed with input from pro cyclists, it features a neutral 245mm x 130mm profile that supports a wide range of riding styles—commuting, climbing, endurance road rides, and even light gravel. Its 50-series foam is the real star: plush enough for all-day comfort, yet responsive enough to feel connected during sprints and out-of-the-saddle efforts.

In real-world use, the PR 1.0 disappears beneath you—exactly as intended—with an ergonomic rear design that maximizes hamstring clearance and minimizes chafing. Whether you’re in the drops or sitting upright at traffic lights, the saddle maintains support without pressure spikes. It handles long rides with ease, though ultra-endurance riders may still prefer the extended platform of the PL 1.0. For most cyclists, however, the PR Series delivers optimal versatility without sacrificing the patented blood flow benefits of ISM’s split saddle tech.

Next to the PS 2.0, the PR 1.0 feels more forgiving and adaptable—perfect for riders who aren’t glued to aero bars but still want pro-level comfort and health benefits. It’s lighter than the PL 1.0 and more comfortable than the PS 2.0 for mixed-position riding, making it the sweet spot in ISM’s lineup. For the rider who wants one saddle to handle everything from weekend group rides to charity centuries, the PR Series offers unmatched cross-discipline excellence. It doesn’t specialize in one thing—but it does everything exceptionally well.

The AEROELASTIC AE Saddle enters the split saddle arena with a bold claim: the most prostate-friendly seat on the market—and for male riders concerned about urogenital health, it delivers. With a deep central channel and fully supported wings, it eliminates groin pressure entirely, making it a top contender for long-distance riders and those prioritizing pelvic wellness. The soft, elastic padding molds subtly to your shape, offering a plush ride that doesn’t collapse under load—ideal for aging cyclists or those recovering from saddle-related injuries.

On six-hour road tours and stationary trainer sessions, the AE Saddle proves exceptionally kind to soft tissue, with no numbness or tingling even after hours in the saddle. Its broad support base encourages natural sit-bone loading, and the surface material resists heat buildup better than many synthetic covers. However, performance riders will notice a lack of lateral stability during hard efforts—there’s no firm anchoring for aggressive sprints or sharp cornering. It’s built for comfort-first riding, not handling precision.

Against the ISM PR Series, the AEROELASTIC AE trades performance feedback for maximum soft-tissue protection. While the PR 1.0 offers better power transfer and responsiveness, the AE Saddle wins for pure health-focused design. It’s not as technically refined or durable as ISM’s offerings, but for riders whose primary concern is long-term prostate and perineal health, it presents a compelling, comfort-driven alternative. If your priority is staying pain-free and healthy over decades of riding, this saddle makes a strong case.