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WTB Volt Chromoly Review

This is a classic saddle that offers versatility, comfort, and consistent performance
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WTB Volt Chromoly Review (A medium width body and ample firm cushioning makes the Volt Steel one of the most versatile seats available.)
A medium width body and ample firm cushioning makes the Volt Steel one of the most versatile seats available.
Credit: Zach Wick
Price:  $96 List
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Manufacturer:   WTB
By Jeremy Benson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  May 30, 2018
84
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 14
  • Comfort - 30% 8.0
  • Performance - 20% 9.0
  • Durability - 20% 9.0
  • Weight - 20% 7.4
  • Versatility - 10% 9.0

Our Verdict

WTB has been making their Volt saddles for a number of years now, and the WTB Volt Chromoly falls second from the bottom of their range of five models in the lineup. The old adage, if it ain't broke don't fix it, applies well to the Volt which has been delivering a comfortable and versatile performance to mountain bikers for many years. In our testing, the Volt beat out many more expensive mountain bike saddles. Testers loved this reliable performer for its comfort, versatility, and durability. To be honest, there wasn't anything didn't really like about it; it just couldn't quite match the comfort, performance, and lightweight of some of the competition. Read on to find out how what we love about our Best Buy Award winner, the Volt Race. See how it measures up versus competitors in our article on the best mountain bike saddles.
REASONS TO BUY
Classic design
Comfortable
Reasonable weight
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
None

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wtb volt chromoly
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WTB Volt Chromoly
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall MTB Saddle
  Top Pick Award
Best Durability
Best Buy Award
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Overall Score Sort Icon
84
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line This is a long standing model that is versatile, comfortable, and a reliable performerReasonably lightweight and moderately priced with a good ergonomic designIt's nothing groundbreaking, but it's a quality and versatile saddle with good power transferA lightweight saddle that offers a comfortable ride and unmatched durabilityA reasonably priced and comfortable saddle with a bit of extra heft
Rating Categories WTB Volt Chromoly Ergon SM Pro Men Fabric Scoop Race S... SDG Components Bel-... Spank Oozy 220
Comfort (30%)
8.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
9.0
Performance (20%)
9.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
Durability (20%)
9.0
8.0
8.0
9.5
8.0
Weight (20%)
7.4
7.6
6.8
7.7
5.7
Versatility (10%)
9.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
Specs WTB Volt Chromoly Ergon SM Pro Men Fabric Scoop Race S... SDG Components Bel-... Spank Oozy 220
Measured Weight 239 g 235 g 253 g 232 g 280 g
Rail Material Cr-Mo TiNox Titanium Lux alloy Hollow chromoly
Dimensions 265mm x 135mm 270mm x 150mm 282mm x 142mm 260mmx
140mm
265mm x 144mm
Target Use Mountain Mountain, cross country, marathon, trail, all-mountain Mountain, road, gravel Mountain, gravel, downhill Mountain
Seat Cover Material Microfiber Microfiber Synthetic Microfiber Synthetic
Shell Material Flex-tuned Nylon composite Synthetic Nylon glass base with bridge Fiber-reinforced polymer
Shape Anatomical Channel/anatomical Anatomical Channel/anatomical Channel
Available Widths 135mm, 142mm, 150mm S/M-144mm, M/L-160mm 142 mm One size 144mm

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Volt has a shape and design that is popular from beginner to expert riders.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Our testers were already quite familiar with the WTB Volt when testing began. This saddle is often spec'd on complete bikes when they are purchased and has been a consistent member of the WTB saddle lineup for many years. Having some prior experience with this saddle was a good thing, as it helped to give a benchmark of performance and comfort to compare it against our previous impressions, and more importantly to the competition. During our test period, testers took the opportunity to refresh their memories and put the Volt through its paces. In the end, it emerged as our Best Buy Award winner for its comfort, performance, and reasonable price.

Performance Comparison



wtb volt chromoly - set it and forget it, the volt chromoly is a great saddle at a great...
Set it and forget it, the Volt Chromoly is a great saddle at a great price.
Credit: Heather Benson

Comfort


The Volt delivers in the comfort department, just like it has for a while now. One tester even noted that this saddle ages like a fine wine and only gets better with time. It wasn't the most comfortable saddle we tested, but it ranked right up near the top with the best of them. It is important to note that the Volt comes in three sizes to accommodate varying widths of sit bones and personal preferences. The model we tested was 135mm, and it is offered in 142mm and 150mm options.


One of the main reasons the Volt is so comfortable is WTB's use of their tried and true saddle shape. When viewed from above, the saddle has a classic teardrop shape from the nose to the tail. As the saddle widens near the tail, it does so with a very gradual arc that makes for a very comfortable and unrestricted pedal stroke. The sit bones rest nicely on the wider tail which has medium density padding and slight amount of rise towards the back. There is also a shallow anatomical groove that runs from the tail of the saddle about 3/4 of the way forward to help relieve pressure on sensitive areas.

wtb volt chromoly - top view of the volt shows the teardrop shape and the shallow...
Top view of the Volt shows the teardrop shape and the shallow anatomical groove.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

When viewed from the side, the shape is again classic WTB. It has a minimal amount of cradle that is punctuated by a slight rise as it goes back to the tail. The rise of the tail provides just the right amount of support that testers found kept you in position on the saddle and was comfortable for extended periods of pedaling.

wtb volt chromoly - side view of the volt shows the slight cradle and rise towards the...
Side view of the Volt shows the slight cradle and rise towards the tail.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

In addition to the shallow anatomical channel visible on the top of the saddle, WTB has incorporated their “Comfort Zone” cutout in the shell on the underside to provide further relief. The “Flex Tuned” shell of the Volt is relatively stiff and supportive with stiffer padding than what is found on our Top Pick for Comfort Award winner, the WTB Koda Titanium.

wtb volt chromoly - bottom view of the volt race shows the flex tuned shell and the...
Bottom view of the Volt Race shows the Flex Tuned shell and the Comfort Zone cutout.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

Performance


During our testing, we found that there were saddles you hardly if ever, think about while riding, and those that you find yourself moving around on trying to find a comfortable position. The Volt falls into the former of those categories with a shape and performance that you'll never need to give a second thought. There's nothing especially mind-blowing about its performance; it just works consistently well in all situations.

wtb volt chromoly - the volt performed consistently well in all situations.
The Volt performed consistently well in all situations.
Credit: Heather Benson

Obviously, this saddle is comfortable, with a great shape, anatomical groove, and slight cradle that supports you nicely while seated. Testers felt the platform and padding were comfortable while not sapping any of your power while pedaling. The medium width and shorter length, 265mm, made moving on, off, and around the saddle very easy. The seat cover also has diagonal stripes of texture on the top to add a little grip to the surface, but the sides of the saddle are smooth and slippery to allow your legs and shorts to slide freely during pedaling or while moving back and forth.

Durability


WTB saddles have a history of being quite durable, and the current version of the Volt continues that tradition. The microfiber seat cover remains in like-new condition after several months of testing, and based on our experience, will likely remain that way for a couple of seasons or more. The main body of the seat cover is one piece, and it is attached to the shell on the underside of the saddle. The tail of the saddle is protected on both sides with durable abrasion-resistant material to protect the most likely spot to take an impact in the event of a crash, and they are sewn in from the inside, so there is no exposed stitching. The Chromoly seat rails are strong and show no signs of wear, nor have they made a squeak or sound of any kind.

wtb volt chromoly - the abrasion-resistant material on the tail of the volt.
The abrasion-resistant material on the tail of the Volt.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

Versatility


The Volt is a very versatile saddle, and there is no limit to the cycling applications. We've used it for all types of mountain bike riding, from long XC rides to short enduro-style laps. Testers also tried it out on a few gravel grinder rides, and even put it on one of their wives' commuter bikes. It's a comfortable perch with good performance and can really be used for just about anything. It might be a little heavy for the hardcore gram counters out there, but there are lighter versions available.

Weight


Our test model weighed in at 239g for the 135mm width. This isn't exactly feather-light, but it's far from heavy. It's actually four grams lighter than our second highest-rated model winner, the Specialized Phenom Comp. We think this weight is very respectable, especially considering the price tag.

wtb volt chromoly - the volt chromoly weighs in at 239g.
The Volt Chromoly weighs in at 239g.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

Value


The Volt Chromoly is a great value. Sure there are less expensive saddles on the market, but the price to comfort, weight, and performance ratio here is pretty hard to beat. As a result, the Volt Chromoly is the winner of our Best Buy Award. It's also available at a lower price at a slightly heavier weight for the Steel version for those on a tight budget.

wtb volt chromoly - don't think about your mountain bike saddle, think about the trail...
Don't think about your mountain bike saddle, think about the trail ahead. The Volt allows you to focus on the task at hand.
Credit: Heather Benson

Conclusion


The WTB Volt Chromoly is a great mountain bike saddle offered at a reasonable price. It is fairly lightweight, very comfortable, versatile, and durable. If you like a saddle that you can put on your bike and forget about for years, then the Volt has got you covered. It is also available in three widths so you can dial in the fit to your needs or preferences.

Other Versions


WTB makes a full line of mountain bike saddles, including several versions of the Volt tested here. It is made with 4 different rail materials, Carbon, Titanium, Chromoly (tested), and Steel, with varying price points and weights. All versions of the Volt saddle are made in the same shape and are offered in three widths, 135mm, 142mm, and 150mm.

Jeremy Benson