I’ve been a pretty serious cyclist for going on 21 years now. I’ve done some touring, a fair of amount of mountain biking, and tons and tons of mileage on the road, whether it is racing, or my morning commute.
I’ve seen (and ridden) innumerable saddles in my time. In fact, I remember when you could pretty much count the number of performance saddle options available on both hands. Since then, the number of options has exploded. Many of these saddles make claims of superior comfort and protection for both the prostate and perineal veins, but very few have hard evidence, let alone scientific research, to back up these claims. One saddle that does have hard science behind its creation, and my personal favorite saddle, is the Bontrager inForm line of saddles.
Over two years ago Bontrager set out to cut through the hype by commissioning a scientific study aimed squarely at addressing those two questions: what makes a saddle comfortable? And what makes a saddle healthier for a rider’s anatomy over the long run? Researchers at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where the study was conducted, made a very important discovery that would ultimately play a key role in creating inForm saddles: road bike riders don’t actually sit on their sit bones; they sit on their pubic arch, or more specifically, their pubic rami. By supporting this skeletal structure, rather than the sit bones, comfort and rider health were maximized.
By comparing the pelvic structure of the 26 male and female study participants as well as a database of 40,000 pelvises, it was determined that as the width of a rider’s pelvis (or the distance between their sit bones) increases, the shape of their pubic rami changes as well. This led to size-specific curvature on the inForm saddles. Each of the 3 widths available in both the men’s and WSD (Women Specific Design) lines has its own unique curvature to provide maximum support for this skeletal structure as well as maximizing comfort.
But, the saddle designers at Bontrager, armed with this research didn’t stop there. The mid-level RL (Race Lite) and top-end RXL (Race X-Lite) models also utilize zone-density padding, where the padding is firmer where you need additional support and softer under soft tissue. The WSD saddles also utilize a hollow section in the nose of the saddle, called the Comfort Relief Zone (CRZ for short) that removes material from where pressure can be problematic.
I’ve had lots of success fitting folks with these saddles that weren’t having luck with other saddles available on the market, especially the WSD saddles. The Comfort Relief Zone goes a long way in removing pressure from soft tissue that a more-traditional cut-out in the nose of a seat can’t.
Speaking of cut-outs, you might notice that the Bontrager inForm seats don’t have them. Pressure mapping performed as part of the research that led to these saddles actually showed that a cut-out can increase pressure, sacrificing comfort.
Determining your correct size is crucial as an apparently large-framed rider may take a small size and a small-framed rider may require a wider saddle. Fortunately, figuring out your correct saddle width is simple thanks to a special sizing device that takes an imprint of your sit-bones in a material called Z-FLOW. A color-coded slider then helps determine what width of inForm saddle you need.
My inForm RL 146 and I have been through two Cycle Oregon’s along with innumerable miles commuting between home and work as well as all six Bike Gallery locations. I will freely admit that it is one of the most comfortable saddles I have ever ridden on. One of Bike Gallery’s women employees, Barb Grover, agrees. She told me, “I really liked the Z-flow sizing process, not only did it give me confidence in finding the right width, but it absolutely got me on the most comfortable saddle I’ve had in the last 20 years.”
It is important to point out that the current batch of Bontrager inForms are designed specifically for use on road bikes. The curvature of the shell, padding profile, and overall shape of these saddles is optimized for the road position.
Trying one out comes with almost no risks as well. Between Bike Gallery’s 100% satisfaction guarantee and Bontrager’s a 90-day comfort guarantee on the inForm saddles you have to time to experience the inForm saddle yourself and discover how it works for you.
49 Comments
I bought a new saddle at your Sandy Blvd. store and the only feasible saddles were Specialized, there were no Bontragers.
I tried a couple of seats and had to settle for the less evil one and I’m not happy with it (Avatar 155 or ISS).
I would love to try the Bontrager and, if I like it, make a swap. The seat is in perfect condition but over 30 days old. Can I still make a swap?
Robert, I sent you an email about a saddle exchange. Thanks for your comment!
I just bought a kona bike at the Beaverton store and will pick it up monday will I be able to try out one of the seats and how much are they? I have always been happy at this store
I have a the women’s Bontrager Inform RL, 150 mm. I love everything about it except my sit bones begin to hurt after about 20 miles. Would you recommend the R model for more cushion in that region? I do a lot of riding, some racing. Any thoughts?
Jody, while the R model may be more comfortable for shorter distances, the lack of firmer padding under your sit bones may actually increase the feeling of discomfort as you “sink” into the softer padding, creating larger points of contact. Your discomfort issues could be related to the fit on your bicycle, or the width of your saddle may not be ideal for how you actually sit on the bicycle. Since you state that you do some racing on this bicycle, I would assume that your position is fairly aggressive. If your torso-angle is less-than 45-degrees when on the brake-hoods or in the drops, you might find the 140mm width to be more comfortable. Thanks!
Aaron, My goal before the end of the summer is to find the perfect saddle. Crazy hah? I just bought the Specialized Sonoma Gel and finished a century ride on that saddle. I was fine, but still not perfect. I have also been reviewing the Bontrager info. on the web. How does the Bontrager differ from the Specialized saddles? Thanks.
Susanna, the major difference between the Bontrager and Specialized saddles is where they are designed to bear your weight. The Specialized saddles are relatively flat across the back so that a majority of your weight lands on your sit-bones. The Bontrager saddles use their size-specific curvature to better support a skeletal structure on your pelvis called the iscial rami. But, I should warn you that if you are looking for a plush saddle, the inForm WSD’s may not be your dream saddles. They have relatively firm padding for better support, but some people feel that they are a little too firm. However, they do have a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, so there is certainly little risk in trying them out. Hope this helps!
I tried your Inform WSD saddle and found that it is a bit too hard for me, but otherwise it feels pretty good, is there a model that has a little more cushion to it?
Allison, we do stock the “R” model that uses a single-density foam pad whereas the RL (and RXL) model uses the Zone Density padding where there is firmer padding under your sit bones and softer padding under soft tissue. The R version uses the softer padding throughout the entire length of the saddle. Thanks!
Do you have the z-flow sizing system in the stores? I really wanna find out definitively what my sit bone width is to aid in proper selection.
Jeff, yes, we do have the z-flow sizer in all of our stores. But I have been led to understand that the one at Hollywood has been damaged and is in the process of being replaced.
I ride a Trek 7100. The bike is more of a “comfort style” with a torso angle of greater than 45 degrees. Can the RL or RXL saddle be used successfully in this bike?
Fred, I don’t believe that either the RL or RXL would be particularly comfortable on your 7100 due to the fact that your torso position ends up bearing most of your body’s weight on your sit-bones and not your iscial rami (pelvic arch)which is where the current “performance” inForm seats are designed to carry your weight. However, don’t fret! Bontrager will be releasing a new line of inForm saddles for 2010 designed specifically for the more upright riding position on hybrids and urban bicycles called the Nebula Plus. We will be stocking these seats; I’m just not quite sure when they will be available. Thanks!
Is there a way to measure for the right size saddle other than going into a store? Is there something I could do to take a measurement from home and then call or click for an order?
Anita, alas, the most accurate way to determine your correct size is to stop by one of our six locations and use the Z-Flow sizer. The good news is that the actual process takes a little less than a minute and best of all, you get to do it sitting down! While its been my experience that most people need the “medium” width, you certainly can’t take maximum advantage of these saddles unless you get the ideal size.
Thanks!
I’ve had several folks looking for an inForm saddle for their hybrids and city bikes. I’m happy to announce that the new 2010 inForm Nebula Plus saddles have arrived at our stores. The Nebula Plus takes advantage of the inForm saddle study and applies the knowledge gained to a saddle designed for the more upright riding position of the average hybrid or city bicycle. This means that the Nebula Plus also uses size-specific curvature and is offered in three widths for both men and women. Additionally, the Nebula Plus inForm includes FlexForm rails which allows the saddle to pivot side-to-side slightly to allow a more natural pedal-stroke when riding in an upright position.
Which saddle would you recommand for mountain biking?
Sylvain, that’s a tough question. Currently, there aren’t any inForm performance saddles designed for use off-road. While my sources at Bontrager tell me that they are working on one, nothing has been released yet. My own mountain bike is equiped with a much-loved, but now discontinued, Selle San Marco Bontrager. I would generally recommend a saddle with stouter construction, truncated rear corners, and no pointy edges along its tail to get caught on when sliding your hips back off the saddle for steep descents.
Rambo, I’ve ridden my RL saddle 900 miles in the 6 weeks I’ve had it, and some days it feels perfect and some days I get some numbness or just discomfort. Where should I be positioned on the saddle — way back or with an inch or so behind me? I heard it is supposed to be set level, and mine is, but what are your thoughts on dropping the nose a little? Also, related to a response you made in an earlier post, I ride mostly in the drops (short & shallow) so my torso is probably at 45 degrees or less. I have the 146 width. Do youi think the 128 may be the solution? What is the down side to choosing too narrow with this particular saddle? I know I’m throwing a lot of questions at you, so thanks.
Jeff, actual body position on the saddle is hard to pinpoint as it varies for just about every individual. I would say that if the saddle is the correct size and in the correct fore/aft position (and your stem position is correct), you shouldn’t find yourself sliding to the very back of the saddle, or pulling forward on the nose while riding comfortably on flat ground. If you can’t find the “sweet spot” on the saddle, it is likely that your fore/aft postion isn’t right, or there’s something up with your handlebar position that is forcing your lower body to respond. I’ve found that some folks that suffer discomfort with the inForm saddles set dead-level find them more comfortable with the nose set very slightly down (generally no more than 5mm). I would generally only recommend going with the 128mm (RED) width if you were right on the line between red and yellow on the Z-FLOW sizer (I generally err towards the wider seat in these cases) and you were using aerobar as part of your regular riding. If the seat is too narrow, the curvature of the shell won’t properly match the shape of your iscial rami, providing poor skeletal support, and could ultimately lead to increased discomfort. Also, if the seat is too narrow, you will need to engage more muscles in your lower back and core to stabilize your pelvis during the pedal motion, decreasing overall efficiency and ultimately, comfort. Hope this helps! Thanks!
Thanks for the quick and thorough reply.
I am currently using the Fizik Aliante (an older model) and unfortunately the newer version does not work well for me any more. THe inForm saddle sounds like a great idea, could you make a recommendation how to determine the correct width if one does not have the Bontrager measurement tool? Is the recommended width of the saddle comparable to the distance between the sitbones?
thanks.
Petra,
Any Trek dealer should have the measurement tool in stock (we have at least one at every Bike Gallery location) and this is really the only way I know to accurately select the correct size. While sizing is nominally based on the width of your sit-bones (iscial tuberosities), the color-coded scale on the Z-Flow sizer makes it much easier and far more accurate to choose the correct size. Thanks!
Hi, I was searching online for saddles and how to find a comfortable one. I know its all subjective and everybody’s body is different. I live in NYC and I haven’t heard of the Z-flow method before, though it sounds interesting! I have a stock prologo kappa pas, stock with my cannondale. It has a cutout and after reading this article I’m interested in the inForm saddle. Do you have any suggestions on how to measure your sit bones if the bike store here doesn’t supply a sizer for me? Thank you.
Jonathan, any Trek dealer should have the Z-Flow sizer on-hand. Without the sizer, I can’t think of an accurate, reproduceable method to determine your correct saddle size. Part of what’s important about using the Z-Flow sizer is that the color-coded bands make it far easier to select the proper size seat, over and above simply measuring the width of your sit-bones. Thanks!
I have read through the postings and it’s nice to know I am not alone in the search for “holy grail” of seats. I currently am riding on 15+ year old Avocet saddle which I have never had any problems with but it is actually falling apart. My teammates laugh at it – it is so ratty. I just bought the Inform Nebula Plus and it’s ok. I like the shape of it but I still think I want a little more padding. I have scoliosis so my hips are different height which makes is difficult to find a comfortable saddle. I have tried specialized Lithia gel and one of the fizik saddles with no luck.
Any suggestions?
I guess I should tell you I ride a Trek 5000 road bike and put about 3000 miles on a season. I definitely could tell that the Nebula Plus was designed for a more upright position – it was more uncomfortable when I was riding on the brake hoods.
Thanks for your input!
Leigh, perhaps before you continue the search for the “perfect” saddle, you should have your fit issues (your scoliosis) addressed first. If your hips can’t hit the saddle square (or close to square), you’ll likely never be 100% comfortable. A lot of folks with some level of scoliosis demonstrate a mild-to-moderate leg-length difference (generally caused by the curvature of the spine throwing the hips off). To that end, I’d recommend seeing a qualified Fit Specialist in conjunction with your continued search for saddle Nirvana. Also, the Nebula Plus isn’t designed for the kind of torso-angle generally seen on a road bike, so that’s likely why it’s less comfortable when you’re on the brake hoods. When they hit the market, you might want to check out one of the new Bontrager Affinity inForm saddles. These seats borrow technology and features from the Nebula line of saddles, but with a shape and padding profile that’s optimized for drop-bar bicycles (I’ll likely post a blog about the Affinity saddles once I get a chance to paly with one myself). Thanks!
Aaron, I’m sorry I don’t live in the Portland area so I could shop at your store. I did use the z-flow sizer at a store here and measured in the yellow range. I tried the Inform Nebulizer Plus for my hybrid/comfort bike but found it a bit too firm. Do you have any other suggestions? I’m 170 lbs, 60 years old and had a sciatic nerve problem in the past that physical therapy fixed. I’m wondering if something like the Bontrager Sport or the Specialized Sonoma Gel would be worth a try. If it’s the Sonoma Gel, does my yellow z-flow measurement mean I should try the 155mm rather than the 175mm version? Thanks.
Peter, I’m sorry to hear that the Nebula Plus inForm didn’t work for you. I’m less familiar with the sizing on the new SBI Sonoma Gel saddles, but would guess that is you measured out as a yellow (medium) on the Z-Flow sizer that you’d likely want the 155mm Sonoma (Specialized also has their own sizer, so my might check with your local Specialized dealer), unless you have a particularly upright riding position on your bike. The higher your handlebar is on your bike, the more weight you bear on the sit-bones (iscial tuberosities), requiring a wider saddle for proper support. Thanks!
HI I bought a 2010 TREK 9.8 TOP FUEL THAT CAME WITH A SEAT FIZIK AliantE and GAVE ME A LOT AND PELVIC AND ESQUISOIDES PAIN IN ADDITION TO IRRITATION IN THE CROTCH and tingling FROM THE 20 KM.
I AM very bony IN MY LOWER BACK BUT WEIGHT 165 LBS.
Bontrager SEAT IS FOR MOUNTAIN XC AND COULD WORK FOR ME.
THANKS
ROT, You might want to consider one of the new Bontrager Evoke Mountain bike specific saddles. Unlike a lot of other “mountain” saddles, that simple truncate the corners on the back of the saddle, the Evoke line of seats has it’s own off-road specific Zone Density padding (on the RL and RXL models), a Contour Relief Zone to ease pressure on your soft tissue, and three size-specific curvatures to fit your own unique anatomy.
Thanks!
Hi guys, I just got an Inform RXL saddle for my 6.9 to replace my 15,000km worn Selle Italia SLR TT. The Selle Italia was beautiful from the very moment I got it… However, my brand new Inform RXL is not… Are they supposed to be rock hard and uncomfortable right from the start? Is there a break-in period?
I ride a lot, I compete a lot, I know comfort and I know what size and profile suits me and my riding style. I’m hoping that this is just an issue of getting used to the saddle and not permanent, otherwise I may have to return to a S.I. Hopefully you guys can offer some insight into this. I appreciate the in-depth review and Q&A you have posted.
Cheers, Kevin
Kevin,
Due to the fairly stiff shell of the RXL inForm, I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t need to allow for a brief break-in period. Additionally, correct positioning on these saddles is a must, so you might want to consult with your local Fit Specialist about getting the height, angle, and fore/aft set correctly so you can take maximum advantage of the saddle’s profile and dual-density padding. If the “original” inForm doesn’t work for you, you might try the new inForm Affinity RXL saddle. I’ve been riding one of these on my winter fixed-gear commuter (which has a nearly identical fit set-up to my road bike) now for upwards of 500 miles and have been extremely impressed.
Thanks!
The original review is from 2009. Do you have an updated recommendation? How about for someone like me who rides a Trek 520 and is 250lbs + ?
Pat,
Bontrager has expanded their inForm family over the last 3 years. While the inForm “original” was designed for a very aggresive torso angle, there are a number of new seats in the line designed for more upright body positions. You might consider either the Bontrager inForm Affinity line of seats or the inForm Nebula Plus, depending on how upright your position is on your Trek 520. I’ve been riding an Affinity RL on my commuter now for the better part of 6 months now and have been extremely happy (by the way, my average weight is right around 200lbs). If you have an extremely upright position (torso angle less than 45-degrees), you might consider the inForm Nebula Plus, which was primarily designed for flat-bar applications, such as hybrids. Just remember that a narrower, firmer seat will ultimately be more comfortable on longer rides than a saddle that is wider and passes the “thumb” test for squishiness. But, finding the correct width of seat is crucial to provide proper support for your sit-bones, so regardless of what seat(s) you’re considering, check your size needs with one of the Bontrager Z-Flow sizers (available for use at your friendly local Trek dealer).
Thanks!
Rambo
I bow down humbly in the presence of such greanstes.
HI
I just bought an affinity rl wsd today , the green size. I am looking forward to riding it, haven’t even installed it yet! If I measured “green” can you mtell what my sit bone size is (about). Like green is what center to center range? Sorry I forgot to ask my lbs.
Ko,
The actual width measurement of a “green” Affinity WSD is 144mm (the “original” inForm WSD green is 150mm) and the “pink” Affinity WSD is 134mm, so my guess is that your approximate sit-bone width is somewhere around 140~ish mm. The Z-Flow sizer isn’t meant to measure actual width, just helps make it cut-and-dry selecting the correct width saddle.
Thanks!
Rambo
Hello,
Could you give a tip which inForm saddle – Affinity or Evoke – is better for hybrid bike? Handlebar position is lower than the saddle and I use it mostly for commuting and touring. Thanks.
Mindaugas,
For a hybrid, where the handlebar is lower than the saddle, I would recommend the Affinity over the Evoke. While the two saddles share similar shells, the padding profile in the Evoke is radically different from that of the Affinity. The padding in the Affinity has been optimized for riding on the road (especially on the RL and RXL models), whereas the padding on the Evoke is designed for offroad riding.
Hope this helps!
Rambo
Hi Rambo and thank you for a very informative thread.
I have a custom built Thorn Raven and I do many miles commuting and sometimes longer distances touring. My current saddle is a San Marco Rolls and I`m not really content with the way it treats my sitting bones. Did an inForm measurement yesterday and it ended up “midyellow”. My sitting position is usually not more than 45 degrees, that is quite upright (I have barends). Would you suggest Evoke RL or R? My weight is around 75 kg. Weight of the saddle is not an issue on my touring bike.
Par,
Actually for a flat-bar touring bike, I’d recommend the Affinity-series saddle, most likely a RL. The Evoke-series saddles have firm padding in the nose, with soft padding on the back, which is pretty much the opposite of what you need for most road riding (the Affinity and “original” inForm saddles have firm padding at the rear of the seat, under your sit-bones). If your riding postion is more upright than a 45-degree torso angle, I’d suggest going wider, perhaps to the blue, rather than the yellow width as the more upright position changes how your pelvis interacts with the saddle.
Thanks!
Rambo
Thanks for your fast and informative answer1
So you think it would be a good idea for me to choose the widest Affinity RL? Would the original inForm RL be an alternative.
Thanks
Par,
If you’re riding with a more upright riding position, I would strongly recommend an Affinity over the “original” inForm. The shape and contour of the “original” is very much designed for a much more aggressive torso angle.
And yes, as your torso angle increases, its generally a good idea to increase the width of the saddle as well since you are presenting the wider portion of your iscial rami, and therefore need a wider saddle to support this.
Thanks!
Rambo
Hi Rambo,
Just wanted to give you some feedback after having ridden my new Affinity RL for some 50 km a day this week and 180 km last weekend. It felt a bit rigid and firm from the start but it does not give me any trouble when riding for hours. I am Really content with the Saddle so far.
Thanks
/Par
Par,
Thanks for the feedback! It’s been my experience that most performance saddles will start out feeling a little stiff, but will come to feel more comnfortable with mileage. I have an Affinity RL on my winter bike and it felt stiff for the first 100miles (160km) or so. Since then, I’ve put some pretty significant mileage on it. I’m even making the jump to an Affinity RXL on my summer bike (replacing my much-loved “original” inForm RL).
Regards,
Rambo
Hi, I just bought a 4.5 Madone at my local bike shop. I was wondering if the RL inform saddle is a good fit for that bike or should I go with the affinity.
Fred,
While I LOVE the “original” inForm RL (I’ve owned two since they were introduced), I’ve generally had better luck fitting folks with the Affinity RL saddle. The “original” inForm seats are designed for a fairly aggressive torso angle and most folks don’t ride in this position. But, that said, Bontrager does offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so you can certainly try one out in the real world and make your own decision. I would personally likely still be riding a RL “original” inForm if I hadn’t succumbed to the siren-song of the new carbon-railed Affinity RXL (which I’m loving as well). But, regardless of which inForm saddle you choose, make sure to get the correct width as this has a very real effect on overall comfort on these seats.
Hope this helps!
Rambo
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