WTB Speed Review

The WTB Speed ranks well across the board, receiving respectable scores in every rating metric except for weight. While this isn't an ultra-lightweight, ultra-stiff performance saddle, the comfortable padding, versatile shape, and solid construction would make it an excellent option for your mountain bike, commuter bike, or spare road bike. The Steel rail version that we tested is very affordable but also a bit on the heavier side. A slightly lighter and more expensive Cromoly rail version is also available.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The WTB Speed offers a generous amount of padding that's not too firm and not too soft, and an anatomical groove down the center that provides noticeable pressure relief. A slight rise in the rear of the saddle provides a nice platform to push against during harder efforts. The measured width of 145 millimeters should comfortably fit a wide range of rider sizes, and the generous padding will provide cushioning for a wide range of anatomies.

The overall shape of this saddle is relatively flat, with rounded edges that taper to the outside to limit excessive thigh contact while pedaling. Like other WTB saddles we tested, the Speed employs a Comfort Zone cutout in the shell near the nose of the saddle. This is not a full cutout with an open channel devoid of material, but rather the shell below the padding is simply removed to allow for more downward displacement and to limit pressure on your sensitive areas. The effect is subtle but certainly noticeable when you slide forward on the saddle during a hard effort.

This saddle has a good amount of flex, which helps to enhance comfort when pedaling in the seated position over rough terrain. The flex is a result of the extensive cutouts in the shell material. Unlike saddles with stiffer shells, the Speed relies on its firm padding to provide support, rather than a stiff structural shell. There are pros and cons to this approach — it generally provides a forgiving ride that's soft and comfortable, but can also compromise optimum energy transfer and performance.

Performance

The Speed saddle is not the most high-performing option that we reviewed. The same generous padding that makes this seat so comfortable can become a drawback to maximize energy transfer and power output. The sensation of losing power to the saddle flex and padding is definitely noticeable during harder efforts, especially in comparison to higher performance saddles with a stiffer shell material and thinner or denser padding.

If you are new to mountain biking or wish to use this saddle on a commuter bike or spare road bike, then you probably won't be so concerned about the potential loss of energy transfer. For most new riders or casual riders not necessarily looking for maximum performance or power output, we would emphasize the importance of comfort over performance. However, if you're a more experienced rider or racer looking for maximum efficiency, you will likely be happier with one of the more performance-oriented saddles in our lineup. When it comes to maximum efficiency and highest performance, a stiffer saddle with firmer padding will provide a better platform for optimum power transfer.

Versatility

The Speed is a very versatile saddle that would be equally at home on a mountain bike, cyclocross bike, spare town bike, or touring bike. However, this saddle is probably not best suited for faster road riding or road racing due to its heavier weight, thicker padding, and flexible shell, which could absorb energy and inhibit maximum power output. Other saddles that score highly in the versatility ratings blend comfort and performance with judicious use of padding and a stiffer shell that allows for better power transfer. For casual trail riding, cruising, or touring, this model is a good choice that is comfortable for long days in the saddle.

Although it's not the most high-performing saddle in our lineup, the Speed wouldn't be a bad choice for beginner mountain bike riders or road riders, and we've seen this saddle or a similar version as the standard saddle on multiple bikes from reputable manufacturers. It provides a solid amount of comfort for a wide variety of riders and will provide adequate performance for new riders who aren't looking to race and are looking to maximize comfort and enjoyment.

Durability

The Speed saddle is a very durable option. The synthetic cover is tough; it offers a rubberized plastic scuff guard around the rear edges and durable steel rails. Our only complaint is that there are some exposed stitches at the junction of the scuff guard and the synthetic cover. Exposed stitching is prone to potential abrasion over time. You should also be aware that saddles with very thick padding tend to lose support over time, as the padding compresses and breaks down with extended use.

A saddle with a soft, flexible frame such as the Speed relies directly on the padding for its shape and support, compared to a saddle with a stiffer shell or internal skeleton. Saddles with a stiffer shell and thinner or denser padding are less likely to fatigue and compress over time. With that said, we know many riders who have used the Speed for many trouble-free years, and our test saddle certainly did not disappoint during our testing period.

Weight

The Speed saddle won't win any accolades for its weight, as it comes in a little on the heavy side with a measured weight of 379 grams in the Steel rail version. Much of the hefty mass of this saddle can be attributed to the thick, dense padding that is heavier than what is typically found on more expensive saddles. The steel rails are also heavier than other materials such as titanium or carbon. However, our testers found that the increased weight did not outweigh the benefits of this durable and comfortable model.

Value

Earning recognition for its excellent value, the WTB Speed offers an excellent bang for the buck and nicely blends comfort and performance with affordability. You are not likely to find a better all-around saddle for its low list price. We tested many saddles that are lighter in weight or offer better performance, but none of them even come close to the price of the Speed. Riders looking for a solid all-around saddle for an amazing value will not be disappointed with this model.

Conclusion