8 Best Gravel Bike Seats to Buy in 2025

The WTB Gravelier is a revelation for gravel riders who demand both performance and comfort without compromise. Its Fusion Form base isn’t just marketing fluff—it’s a game-changer, blending flexibility with structural integrity to dampen vibrations across washboard roads and chunky singletrack. The extended perineal relief cutout is engineered for endurance, preventing numbness on all-day slogs, while the integrated tool mount turns this saddle into a stealthy adventure companion, eliminating the need for bulky frame bags on bikepacking trips. If you’ve ever winced over rocky descents or fumbled for a multi-tool mid-ride, this saddle answers those pains with surgical precision.

In real-world testing, the Gravelier shines on mixed terrain, from rutted farm roads to smooth tarmac connectors. At 210g, the titanium rails shave weight without sacrificing durability, making it a favorite among riders balancing speed and resilience. The wide midpoint allows seamless weight shifts between seated climbs and aggressive drops, while the shell’s flex-tuned profile adapts to rider input—firm enough for power transfer, forgiving enough to absorb chatter. That said, the cutout may feel excessive for riders with wider sit bones, and the premium price reflects its niche positioning, not universal fit.

Compared to the WTB Volt, the Gravelier trades some plushness for targeted performance refinement—it’s less about padding, more about dynamic support. It’s the clear choice over the Brooks B17 for riders unwilling to endure a break-in period or face weather vulnerability. While the Volt wins on value, the Gravelier dominates in technical terrain responsiveness, making it ideal for fast, loaded gravel missions where reliability and micro-adjustability matter most.

The WTB Volt is the gold standard for balanced comfort and durability, a workhorse saddle that excels across disciplines without overpromising. Its Love Channel and Comfort Zone cutouts aren’t just cosmetic—they create tangible soft tissue relief, especially for riders prone to numbness on long gravel loops or e-bike tours. The flex-tuned shell pairs perfectly with the medium-density padding, offering enough give for comfort while maintaining a solid platform for efficient power transfer. For anyone who’s suffered through saddle sores or dead legs on a 50-mile ride, this model delivers a pain-free upgrade without breaking the bank.

On mixed terrain, the Volt proves its versatility: it handles gravel ripples with grace, absorbs road buzz adequately, and remains supportive during seated climbs. The premium microfiber cover shrugs off rain and grime, while the three available widths ensure a tailored fit—critical for optimizing sit bone support and avoiding pressure hotspots. However, the steel rails add weight (not ideal for weight weenies), and the padding, while plush, can feel too soft for aggressive riders who shift positions frequently. It’s not the lightest or most race-oriented option, but it’s the most consistently reliable across riding styles.

Stacked against the WTB Rocket, the Volt offers superior all-day comfort with less emphasis on uphill aggression. It lacks the Rocket’s whale-tail shape, so it doesn’t anchor you as firmly during steep climbs. But for riders prioritizing long-distance ease over technical edge, the Volt is unmatched. It outshines the Brooks B17 in immediate usability—no break-in, no maintenance—while delivering a fraction of the cost and complexity.

The Brooks B17 isn’t just a saddle—it’s a legacy. Handcrafted in England for over a century, this vegetable-tanned leather masterpiece molds to your body over time, offering a custom fit that improves with age. Unlike synthetic saddles that rely on foam and cutouts, the B17 uses natural materials to deliver long-term comfort through subtle flex and adaptive shaping. For gravel riders seeking a timeless, low-maintenance ride, this saddle offers unmatched durability and character, especially on slow-paced, loaded tours where comfort trumps speed.

In real-world use, the B17 thrives in dry conditions and steady climates, where its leather can cure and form without moisture damage. The steel rails and rigid construction provide excellent support, and the classic shape encourages an upright posture ideal for trekking and bikepacking. However, it’s unforgiving out of the box—expect a 100-mile break-in period—and performance plummets in rain unless meticulously treated with Proofide. It also lacks modern pressure-relief features, making it a poor fit for riders with sensitive anatomy or those seeking instant comfort.

Compared to the WTB Gravelier, the B17 sacrifices immediate usability and vibration damping for heirloom quality. It’s heavier, slower to adapt, and demands care, but few saddles match its emotional resonance and decades-long lifespan. While the Gravelier wins on tech, the B17 wins on soul and sustainability, making it the top pick for purists, traditionalists, and riders who value craftsmanship over convenience.

The WTB Rocket is built for climbers and aggressive trail riders who need a saddle that stays planted when the gradient kicks up. Its whale-tail design—a pronounced upward curve at the rear—acts like a backstop, letting you drive power into the pedals without sliding forward on steep ascents. Paired with thick HLX padding and gel inserts, this saddle delivers plush, crater-crushing comfort on rocky climbs and root-laden descents. For gravel riders tackling technical, punchy terrain, the Rocket offers unmatched stability and pressure distribution, especially when standing or pushing hard in the saddle.

On extended rides, the Rocket’s Comfort Zone and Love Channel effectively reduce soft tissue strain, though the thick padding can feel overly soft on smooth roads, leading to a lack of feedback. The ABR corners add serious durability, resisting tears from knee rub or trail snags, while the microfiber cover handles mud and moisture with ease. At nearly 400g, it’s no lightweight, making it less ideal for racers or weight-conscious riders. It also lacks tool integration or advanced damping tech, focusing instead on raw, physical support.

Next to the WTB Volt, the Rocket trades versatility for uphill dominance—it’s less of a do-it-all and more of a specialist climbing saddle. While the Volt suits mixed terrain, the Rocket excels where rearward weight bias is key. It outperforms the VELMIA in breathability and structure but falls short of the Gravelier in technical refinement and weight savings. For riders who live on climbs, it’s a game-changing anchor—just don’t expect featherweight agility.

The ROCKBROS 3D Printed Saddle is a technical marvel that brings F1-inspired engineering to gravel riders on a budget. Its carbon fiber shell and 3D resin honeycomb cover create a rigid-yet-resilient platform that dampens vibrations while shedding grams—perfect for racers chasing every performance edge. The adaptive shock-absorbing design conforms slightly to sit bones, reducing pressure points without relying on thick foam, making it ideal for high-mileage, high-intensity gravel grinders who hate the mushy feel of padded saddles.

In real-world use, the saddle shines on smooth gravel and hardpack trails, where its lightweight construction enhances acceleration and handling. The non-slip honeycomb surface keeps you planted during out-of-saddle efforts, and the aerodynamic profile slices through headwinds on long straights. However, it struggles on chunky, technical terrain where more padding or flex is needed—the carbon shell transmits more buzz than nylon-based alternatives. It also requires a 7x9mm rail adapter (not included), adding friction to installation.

Against the WTB Gravelier, the ROCKBROS wins on weight and modern aesthetics, but loses on vibration damping and tool integration. It’s not as refined for bikepacking or rough roads, but for XC racers and speed-focused riders, it’s a stealth performance upgrade. It undercuts premium models in price while offering carbon construction once reserved for pro kits—making it a value-packed performance play for weight weenies.

The ROCKBROS Memory Foam Saddle is a budget powerhouse, delivering plush comfort and shock absorption for under $25. Its thickened memory foam layer molds to your anatomy, turning jarring city potholes and gravel bumps into manageable ripples. The spherical bow design enhances flex, offering a trampoline-like effect that cushions impacts without bottoming out. For casual riders, commuters, or entry-level gravelists who prioritize pain-free riding over performance, this saddle is a no-brainer upgrade from stock seats.

In daily use, it handles urban commutes and smooth trails with ease, and the waterproof cover shrugs off light rain and puddles—ideal for unpredictable weather. The slanted ventilation slot improves airflow, though it’s not as effective as deeper cutouts on premium models. Build quality is decent for the price, but the foam may compress over time, and the rails lack the precision of higher-end models, leading to minor micro-movements. It’s not built for racing or technical terrain, but for short to mid-distance comfort, it punches above its weight.

Compared to the VELMIA, it offers similar padding at a lower cost, but lacks the German-engineered airflow and welded seam waterproofing. Against the WTB Rocket, it misses the climbing-focused shape and durability, but wins on affordability and immediate softness. For riders who want maximum cushion for minimum cash, this is the go-to comfort fix—just don’t expect long-term structural integrity.

The Dual Shock Absorbing Ball Saddle redefines comfort for riders who hate saddle pain but love long miles. Its two internal shock-absorbing balls act like suspension joints, isolating your pelvis from road vibrations in a way no foam-only saddle can match. Combined with wide, high-density memory foam, this seat delivers cloud-like support ideal for riders with back issues or those tackling rough, poorly maintained roads. The 9.7-inch width provides ample support for wider sit bones, making it a standout for riders often overlooked by narrow performance saddles.

In real-world testing, it excels on bumpy urban routes, gravel paths with deep ruts, and long-distance endurance rides where comfort is king. The non-slip, wear-resistant cover holds up well, and the airflow vent helps reduce heat buildup—though it’s not as breathable as mesh-based designs. The universal adapter fits most seat posts, but the sheer size can interfere with aggressive riding positions or tight frame clearances. It’s not aerodynamic or lightweight, and the bulkiness makes it a poor fit for racing or technical singletrack.

Against the ROCKBROS memory foam model, it offers superior shock absorption thanks to the ball system, though at a higher price and weight. It outperforms the VELMIA in impact damping but lacks its sleek design and refined ventilation. For riders who prioritize pain-free riding over speed, this is a game-changing comfort solution—especially for touring, commuting, or recovery rides where support trumps efficiency.

The VELMIA Smart Zone Saddle is a German-engineered triumph in weatherproof comfort, built for riders who face rain, sweat, and long hours in the saddle. Its welded seams and 7.3-inch waterproof construction make it one of the most reliable all-weather saddles on the market—ideal for commuters and gravel riders in damp climates. The Smart Zone ventilation slot isn’t just a cutout; it actively channels airflow, reducing moisture buildup and preventing saddle sores during sweaty summer rides. For anyone who’s endured a soggy saddle or chafed on a humid climb, this model delivers practical, no-nonsense relief.

In performance, it balances comfort and structure well, with high-quality memory foam that resists compression over time. The three riding-position models (not all listed in this SKU) suggest a thoughtful design process, though this version defaults to a universal fit. It handles city streets and smooth gravel with confidence, but lacks the damping or cutout depth of premium models on rough terrain. The included mounting kit is a nice touch, but the saddle’s moderate width may not suit riders with broader sit bones.

Versus the ROCKBROS memory foam saddle, the VELMIA wins on build quality and ventilation, though at a higher cost. It lacks the dual-ball shock absorption of the B08HXQ96L5 but offers superior waterproofing and airflow. For riders who value dryness, hygiene, and German precision, it’s a smart, durable pick—especially for daily commuters and fitness riders who refuse to let weather dictate their schedule.