Our Ultimate Guide to Carbon Saddles
A carbon saddle can remove more than 150g from a high-end bike, but the lightest option is only the best option when the shape suits the rider.
This guide compares every carbon saddle in the Bspoke Velo range from Gelu, Alpitude, Schmolke and Coco Design. Start with your discipline, then choose the shape and level of support that make sense for the way you ride.
Road saddles
Road riders can prioritise outright weight, width choice, freedom to move or extra vibration control. That makes riding position more useful than a simple ranking from lightest to heaviest.
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Minimum weight
Gelu K-Series starts at approximately 38g and is the most aggressive weight-saving choice. Schmolke TLO 55 is the 55g road-only alternative for riders who suit its narrow 120mm shape.
The useful all-round choices
Gelu A-Series is the broadest Gelu recommendation, combining a short-nose shape, pressure relief and a 115kg rider limit. Alpitude Gardena is the better starting point when width matters, with 128, 140 and 150mm options from 69g.
More support or more room to move
Gelu E-Series uses a compact 240mm platform and wider 47mm nose for riders who move forward under load. Gelu S-Series goes the other way, giving riders a longer platform and more freedom to shift position.
Traditional length, very little weight
Coco Design Spline weighs 68g, comes in 130 or 140mm widths and is individually handmade and signed in France. Schmolke SL 79 UD is an 81g German-made option with a flexible 265mm shell and a 100kg rider limit.
Schmolke comfort options
The Schmolke SL non-leather and Schmolke SL leather sit around 109g. They trade the final few grams for a more comfort-led version of Schmolke's flexible saddle concept.
Gravel saddles
Gravel puts more vibration and harder impacts through the saddle. The best choice is not necessarily the lightest road model that can be fitted to the bike.
Best gravel race saddle: Alpitude Navene
The Navene was developed for XC and gravel racing. It uses wider supporting edges than the Gardena, controlled flex through the outer sections and a supportive centre. Choose 130 or 142mm, with published weights from 74g.
Fast gravel with less weight
Gelu K3+ is the gravel-specific K-Series choice at approximately 49g. Gelu A1 is the less extreme all-rounder, while the Coco Design Spline and Schmolke SL 79 UD suit riders who prefer a longer saddle.
Rougher surfaces
Gelu F1 uses a flatter carbon-spring layout for a controlled feel. Gelu J1 has a more pronounced spring-style shape for riders who want more vibration control over broken roads and rough gravel.
Comfort before race shape
Gelu C-3 is the least race-focused saddle in the range. Its integrated carbon springs make it useful for comfort-led gravel, urban bikes and riders who value a smoother feel more than the lowest number on the scale.
XC mountain bike saddles
The Alpitude Navene is the straightforward XC recommendation. It was designed for this job, weighs from 74g and is available in two widths.
Other approved options include Gelu A1, K1, K4 and S1, plus the Coco Design Spline and Schmolke SL 79 UD. The exact model still needs to match rider weight and terrain. XC approval should not be treated as automatic approval for trail, enduro or downhill use.
TT and triathlon saddles
A forward aero position places more load on the nose. This is where a discipline-specific shape earns its place.
Best TT and triathlon saddle: Gelu P-Series
The Gelu P-Series uses a 54mm nose to create more support where an aero rider actually sits. P1 weighs approximately 70g with a 115kg rider limit. P3 reduces that to approximately 60g for riders up to 85kg.
The most useful differences
Choose the saddle that suits the rider
Send us your current saddle model and width, bike, rider weight and main discipline. We will narrow the range to the options that genuinely fit the brief.
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