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Submitted by
Bill Kirby
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, CA
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Widow Maker | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$125.00 | | Purchased At: | Century Cycles | | Strengths: | Long lasting and very comfortable. Also like the high quality leather and durable kevlar corner protectors | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Brooks, Avocet, Fizik - but none compare | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Epic, Moots Titanium YYB, Scott Carbon full suspension | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding this saddle for 7 years on a regular basis and still love it. Would like to buy another, but can't find them - not even online. Wish WTB still made as high quality a saddle, but the new ones aren't nearly as well made : (. I could be happy riding this saddle for the rest of my years. After riding several different saddles, I've learned that you get what you pay for. A quality saddle is worth every penny - especially if you want to avoid injuries or nerve problems and numbness. My advice, don't be duped by similar WTB saddles; they are not as comfortable or long lasting. However, if you can find an SST.98 Buy It. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Gunther
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO USA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Sloop Loop | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | elastomer cushions between the rails and seat soften the ride. Quality Leather cover, curved nose prevents snagging shorts when going from standing to seated. | | Weaknesses: | No longer made. Hard to find. | | Similar Products Used: | SST.2k, WTB SST | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Blurr with XT, Mavic, and Sram | | Bottom Line: | Don't confuse the SST.98 with the SST or SST.2K - these saddles are not as well-made or comfortable as the SST.98. WTB originally contracted with an Italian saddle maker known for their fine leather craftsmanship to make the expensive SST.98 saddles. This saddle is extremely comfortable thanks to the unique orange elastomers that significantly reduce vibration between the rails and saddle body. It also has a softer "Comfort Zone" to relieve pressure against the perineum that can cause numbness. (This is the part of the body that contains the nerves and arteries to the genitals.) WTB stopped making the SST.98 saddle because even at a suggested sellling price of $140, it was too expensive to make and so they lost money on it. I've enjoyed the same WTB SST.98 saddle for the past 8 years! It continues to keep me comfortable now on my third bike. If I could find another one of these covetted saddles, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. It is such a good saddle, WTB couldn't afford to keep making them. It is the best saddle WTB ever made. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | comped to me at Interbike | | Strengths: | Durable, light, famous WTB drop-nose, gonad cutout hidden beneath shell, strong leather, good kevlar edges, firm but effective padding, gripper section at back for hike-a-bikes. | | Weaknesses: | No longer available | | Similar Products Used: | Flite, Flite Max, WTB SST, WTB SST 2k | | Bike Setup: | Manitou HT | | Bottom Line: | Not having yet tried a WTB Pure V, this is the best of the WTB saddles. It's not squishy, yet comfortable for long rides, it's light, but durable and it has a stealth cutout to protect you from pressure on the 'nads. This saddle is so good that I searched the 'net for another when I got a new bike --the SST 2k I found is a facsimile and NOT nearly as good, see my review on that.
If you find one of these, snag it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Shindagin Hollow, Ithaca, NY | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | It's a WTB. It's light. It works as advertised. | | Weaknesses: | Friggin hurts my arse. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB Laser V Stealth (which is so nice). | | Bike Setup: | This saddle is on my '92 rigid Bontrager w/ XT top-shifters/XTR drivetrain. King headset. Crossmax wheels. | | Bottom Line: | My butt has always hurt on this saddle. I have a WTB Laser V Stealth on my newer Yeti ASR and it is just so much kinder. The cover is just beginning to come off (4-yrs old) as it has held up pretty well. Bottom line: get the Laser V. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GRR
a Cross Country Rider
from Panama
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$14.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Light (Ti rails), good quality, SST shape is supreme, very confort, italian craftmanship, CHEAP. | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | Viscount, Selle Italia | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn GSX with Shimano XT drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | I can't believe what I paid!! It was a real steal. Maybe they didn't know what a great saddle they were givin away. Saddle is a very personal taste. I'm 5'8" and 155 lbs. and this is the best saddle I've tried in my 20 year cycling experience. I don't know much about the tech crap involved in saddles lately, so I read your reviews and decided to try the SST.98 Thanks people, because this saddle is now my best companion of long rides.
I'd give 10 flames for value rating and overall rating. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Racer
from alexandria va
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | cambria | | Strengths: | light weight, soft nose | | Weaknesses: | a little stiff on long rides | | Similar Products Used: | vetta, cane creek, avocet air, | | Bike Setup: | sworks fsr, all xtr, rockshox sid, cane creek wheels | | Bottom Line: | after 2 years one of the ti rails snapped, I contacted wtb and they said send it back for repair, a month later I had the seat back with new ti rails...great customer service | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Oak Park, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | POTO!!! Ride it if you can! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Bikeworld.COM... I think | | Strengths: | VERY Comfy, easy on-off, drop nose doesn't snag pants, nice and light.. GOOD workmanship | | Weaknesses: | Weaknesses!!! Weaknesses!!! We don't need no stinking weeknesses | | Similar Products Used: | Vetta Tri Shock, Selle Italia Trans Am, Selle Flite, numerous others not fondly remembered | | Bike Setup: | Full Mega 9 Speed XT Klien (Real One) Pulse 2, with Marzocchi Z2 Atom 80... A real HONEY.. | | Bottom Line: | Best, most comfortable saddle I have EVER ridden.. I weigh 200 lbs and haven't broken it... Maybe I am a little bit less "gonzo" than some.. who knows.. I am real happy...I am going to buy one for my road bike and sell the Selle Italia Trans-Am on e-bay
Cost was high but... like they say
"High zute MTB... $2,500"
"Cool riding outfit.... $150"
"Great burger after ride .... $8.95"
"Happy butt..... priceless" | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | lightweight, comfy | | Weaknesses: | weak rails | | Bottom Line: | why did my negative review get deleted? there were also other. more recent reviews reference my post, but it is nowhere to be found. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Downieville | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Strengths: | Very comfy, great nose dive for climbing, good looks | | Weaknesses: | Expensive! | | Similar Products Used: | Vetta Tri Shock | | Bike Setup: | Klein Hardtail, XT, Thomson, everything else is stock | | Bottom Line: | You know the saying, "You get what you pay for". Well, we all know it doesn't always hold true. But for this saddle it does. It's pricey but my arse has never been happier. I do long rides on rough trails, and on an aluminum hardtail it can take its toll on your rear end.
This saddle allows me to stay seated and comfortable, especially on the climbing where it counts. TFor those who were baggies (me) the big nose-drop keeps your shorts from getting caught when you slide back and forth on the seat, and really lets you move forward and stay seated on the climbs. On the descents I like the wider feel of this saddle becasue I am able to grip it with my thighs and really move the bike around.
I read lots of reviews before buying this because I don't have money growing in pots around the house. The first day out was a break-in day, and I was a little skeptical. But the second day I was singing this seat's praises. I actually get compliments on how it looks on my bike, and that's from people who don't even ride!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
prc
a Cross Country Rider
from Batalha Portugal
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Basically everything: Good pading, durable, comfy on long rides, Comfort Zone really works. | | Weaknesses: | My belove no longer exists (crash), price, no longer made. | | Similar Products Used: | Most WTB saddles, Bontrager, and a selle italia flite | | Bike Setup: | Hot Chili Lite Rage, XTR, RF Turbine, Hope Discs | | Bottom Line: | I guess the saddle comfort really depends on your butt. I really never liked the Flite, always had a good experience with the SST format saddles (more comfy than the SST.X. This was the best saddle I ever had, need to get another!
Took a fall and the nose of the 98 smacked directly into a tree, broke the saddle and the seatpost. Didn't have the problem with the Ti rails that some of the guys mentioned and I way 235lbs. I'd definitely recomend this saddle to anyone | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from Lafayette, CA
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Flume | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | performance | | Strengths: | Nose design and appropriate volume and placement of padding. | | Weaknesses: | kevlar fabric delaminating from the saddle. Same as the other WTB saddles I've had | | Similar Products Used: | WTB SST | | Bike Setup: | 98 Joshua X1, XT, Judy XC w/Total Air Inserts, AD10, Arch 40, Bontrager Mavs Asym | | Bottom Line: | At 210# this Saddle has held up well. On steep climbs the elongated padded drop nose provides the proper positioning and limits traction loss.
As with other reviewers...yes the fabric is peeling off. The same thing happened on the SST I had.
Just a little glue will do.
Having a full suspension set-up I doubt I'll see any issue with the seat rails breaking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Strengths: | Durable & extremely comfortable on long rides. Ti rails do absorb some vibrations. | | Weaknesses: | NOT for the XXL folk. | | Similar Products Used: | Serfas Kevlar, other WTB saddles | | Bike Setup: | Litespeed, XTR, Marzocchi Z2-BAM | | Bottom Line: | Great seat for those riders under 180lbs. If you're over 180, WTB does put out a Vandium railed version which is stiffer (and friends have liked very much). I read some of "less positive" reviews below, but I have had no problems over the past 2 years. I've been pretty harsh on this seat, but its still going strong. Plus....its pretty damn comfortable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Leicester
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Skiddaw DH | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | as stock on bike | | Strengths: | Durable and comfortable over long distances. | | Weaknesses: | a few tears in the cover (after 3 years, though) | | Similar Products Used: | viscount titanium railed vr2 saddle, couch | | Bike Setup: | GT hardtail | | Bottom Line: | I rode around the karakorum and hindu-kush in north pakistan on this saddle over many many miles.
once you break it in (or your bum) it's fine. and no I don't have callusses on my arse, thankyou!
It's in the bin now but thankfully i have a new bike with the new WTB SST "with comfort zone".. I am happy once again.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big Brain on Brad
a Weekend Warrior
from Boone, NC
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | comfy, nose slopes down to keep baggy shorts from getting hung, ti rails. | | Similar Products Used: | alot | | Bike Setup: | yep | | Bottom Line: | Rail popped out. Sent it back to have rail replaced. They sent me the saddle with new rails, new seat cover, no charge. Thanks WTB. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Burns
a Cross Country Rider
from Baton Rouge, La
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hooper Road | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Comfortable, Rounded nose | | Weaknesses: | Price, Flexy | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager, Vetta, Wtb sst | | Bike Setup: | Klein Attitude | | Bottom Line: | I bought this saddle off a shop mechanic for $75. He complained it was too wide. I am kinda large so the width was ok. This saddle is great if you ride a hard tail on rough, rocky or rooted trails. The shell does flex quite a bit which may bother some. The saddle that came on my bike made me feel like a Nancy Boy sent up for life to a federal penn. It also was a WTB, but the $20 variety made in some third world factory by child labor. The rounded nose is great if you ride technical stuff where you have to move around alot. My cover also came unglued but since I learned to use glue in kindergarden that was no problem. The saddle is also strong, on one ride I fell about 8 ft and landed across the saddle on my back. I bent the Ti rails about 15 deg. I just bent em' back and rode on. My back took two weeks to recover!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from LaVerkin, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Gooseberry Mesa | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Lightweight, soft tissue relief zone, curved nose, Kevlar reinforced edges | | Weaknesses: | ? | | Similar Products Used: | Vetta TT, San Marco Rolls | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F700 (stock for the most part) | | Bottom Line: | This is a great saddle. It has been an excellent upgrade from the stock Vetta TT saddle, which in all honesty was a great saddle too. The titanium rails and absorption system built into the saddle helps to take the edge off of a typical aluminum frame ride. I also purchased the saddle for my road bike. It's wider platform provides more comfort than the San Marco Rolls. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SteveS
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, Texas
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hill Country | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Good width, if you need it, light | | Weaknesses: | Moderately expensive | | Similar Products Used: | WTB SST-X, San Marco Rolls, many others | | Bike Setup: | 1999 Airborne Zeppelin, Dura Ace & Ultegra mix | | Bottom Line: | This is a very good saddle. It is a little wider than most and for me if fairly comfortable. Though it was designed as a mtb saddle, I use it on my road bike. The downturned nose actually works in preventing shorts from being snagged when sitting down after climbing in a standing mode. For road purposes, it could use a little more padding, but all in all, it's quite good. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler Goodrich
a Cross Country Rider
from Burley, ID, USA
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Just enough cushioning.
Extrememly durable! | | Weaknesses: | Takes a few miles to get used to, but hey, so does everything else. Also, buy it with Kevlar sides so you don't rip it up on rocks in a crash. | | Similar Products Used: | No need for anything but an old SST! | | Bike Setup: | GT LTS series, dual suspension, custom butted aluminum, Sun Rims, LX-XT setup. Royal Blue/Yellow. | | Bottom Line: | If you want a saddle comfortable saddle that is both light weight, attractive, and extremely durable; the STS is for you! Sits well on everything from rocky trails to gravel to roads. Five chillis for you! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bug
a Racer
from paltine, Il USA
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | South Kettle, WI | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | comfy and lite | | Weaknesses: | none found so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Avocet O2 | | Bike Setup: | litespeed tuscany.
(road bike) | | Bottom Line: | Ok I dont think my last post got poseted because I accidentally said A** I do apologize.. I meant Rear. My Rear is worth the extra bucks. What I mean is that if I find a seat the WORKS its worth it because if you are uncomfortable in that general area...forget it the ride is OVER. I ride an avocet O2 on my mountain bike but I just bought a new MT. Bike and they gave me some AWFUL bontrager race day seat that hurts just LOOKING at it. I read these reviews and decided to swap it out for my WTB ..same seat for mtn bike. I need something that will let me get back more in the saddle. I love my avocet O2 though for long rides.. cant beat the comfort at ALL. but the WTB is nice too and I put a lot of miles on my road bike and i guess I take for granted that it is so comfy. My only complaint is that once the SINGLE bolt came off in a century and I lost my saddle. totally flew off. I had to go back to find it. ( see if it were a cheap seat I could have just finished up...but...) so maybe they need to reinforce the thingy that holds the seat to the post. But for comfort?? cant beat it so I am giving it four.. only because I am still kinda mad I lost my seat.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mesa, AZ
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Monarch Trail, CO | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Great fit
Comfort
Easy to move around | | Weaknesses: |
kevlar reinforcement ripped on the first hard fall | | Similar Products Used: |
SDG Belair
WTB SST-X
others | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher Joshua XO | | Bottom Line: | I always loved this saddle, but I didn't know how truly great it was until I rode an SDG Belair for three hours today on my new Klein Mantra. I'm still numb... Oh no! I can see those sweet things in the Specialized ads leering at me now!!! I'm going to take my old tattered 98 off the Joshua and put it on the shiny new bike. It's still the best. Five of Chimayo, New Mexico's finest. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mr_rangr
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pasadena, CA
Date Reviewed: October 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
El Prieto | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Fit, comfort | | Weaknesses: |
Not perfect | | Similar Products Used: |
Bontrager | | Bike Setup: |
Airborne Lucky Strike | | Bottom Line: | This is a pretty comfy saddle. After having the Bontrager on my full-sus bike, I got a pair of the SST .98s for my full-sus and hardtail. It's more comfortable than the Bontrager, and I can ride for hours on end without my butt getting sore, but I suspect there are better feeling saddles out there. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wg
a Cross-Country Rider
from Walnut Creek, CA
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Lake Tahoe Flume | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Comfort, | | Weaknesses: |
$$$ | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized, some generic saddle | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized StumpJumper M2-Rockshox, XT | | Bottom Line: | I'm 6'4, 210lbs, The skinny saddles go places I just don't need them after long rides (2+hours), Got the WTB at PricePoint for $79. Took a couple of rides to break in. Very comfortable. No odd fellings like the skinnier saddles. Another post below talks about glowing reviews. This is a good saddle but I would not pay over $100 for it. Its worth a look. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Brenna
a Weekend Warrior
from Mpls, MN
Date Reviewed: September 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
CAMBA | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Comfort | | Weaknesses: |
Price | | Similar Products Used: |
SDG Belair Comp | | Bike Setup: |
Moab II Aluminum
99 Z2 BAM | | Bottom Line: | Everybody has a different ass of course. But mine likes this saddle. I couldn't ride for over an hour on my SDG without feeling like me sex life was over for good. The WTB SST.98 is good to go until my leggs give out. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Needy Speedy
a Racer
from South Florida
Date Reviewed: August 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
HardRock | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
After break-in, its comfortable
Seni-light | | Weaknesses: |
Price, Quality | | Similar Products Used: |
Alot | | Bike Setup: |
Schwinn S-20 | | Bottom Line: | O.K. This is an update to my prevoius review. I bought this saddle, rode with it once, and hated it. I trashed this thing pretty bad. I was going to bring it back, but decided to give it another try. Well I went down and scuffed it up - so there goes the return policy! So I decided to stick with it and really give it a try. After about 5 rides I am starting to like this saddle. It is alot more comfortable then when I first got it. I still feel the same way about the quality & price, but it is not a bad saddle. Its not a majic saddle like other reviews play it up to be. I would have returned it but now I am stuck with it. I find it average or slightly better then average for the money. Quality could be better, but I guess its not that bad. Comfort seems to be getting better with each ride. So I have to take back my trash talk and say that this saddle is O.K. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross-Country Rider
from Brooklyn
Date Reviewed: July 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Any Place in the Catskills | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light, Comfortable | | Weaknesses: |
ZERO | | Similar Products Used: |
WTB SST | | Bike Setup: |
Rhygin Juke SS Frame
Full XTR w/RR Rear Derailleur
Cane Creek SS WAMs
Rock Shox Judy SL '97
Moxey Suspension Post
Time ATAC Ti Pedals | | Bottom Line: | I did a twisting endo at about 20 mph+ after connecting with a rampant tyke on a training spin around Prospect Park in Brooklyn, and sheared my trusty 4 year old WTB SST seat clean off! Destroyed it.Decided on the WTB SST 98 w/ Ti rails and I'm glad I did. The weight seems about the same, but this seat is a lot more comfortable than my old SST EVER was. I figured ona long break in period, but after a few rides it felt great. I get a lot less butt fatigue on longer rides.I like the ruler marks on the Ti rails.
Hate the Logo on the seat. A Magic Marker rectified that.This seat is even better than the vanilla SST saddle. If you need a seat and don't mind parting with a C note, get one!Five blazing Chilis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtncranker
a Cross-Country Rider
from La Mirada, CA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
the best in comfort | | Weaknesses: |
too pricey | | Bike Setup: |
Hard-tail | | Bottom Line: | After using this saddle for a year, I am very satisfied with its performance. It is completely comfortable, and still looks brand new. The edge of the kevlar did start to peel off from under the saddle, but a little contact cement fixed that easily. Still, it shouldn't have happened on a $100 saddle! Otherwise, there are no marks on it in spite of a year's hard riding. I can't praise this saddle enough confort-wise - it's just the best! If only WTB could knock the price down! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross-Country Rider
from Newport Bch, CA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Cedar Spring/Jo Pond | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Comfort Zone
Drop Nose
Wide Rear
Style | | Weaknesses: |
Price
a bit heavy | | Similar Products Used: |
Bontrager Ti Kevlar
Sella San Marco
Performance Ti | | Bike Setup: |
Dean Ti
XTR
White Bros
Chris King | | Bottom Line: | Everything about this saddle is just right. This saddle is definitely the most comfortable saddle I have ever ridden. The design and padding really make a difference. It is firm enough to really support you in all positions, but is very soft in the center area ( not sure about all the hype on numbness but why take a chance with the boys) The wide rear is firm and provides a solid base to climb on, but isn't too big to prevent you from getting off the back The drop nose not only helps by not snagging your shorts, but also is comfy enough to sit up on for really steep climbing.
I am 195 lbs and haven't had any bending or flexing problems.
I used to believe that a very small, firm saddle (Bontrager) was the way to go but the SST 98 has made me a believer in riding something with a bit extra padding.I have just added a USE Shockpost and the combo is as comfortable as my dad's Lincoln. Maybe I am getting too old, but I have become addicted to the comfort.
I cringed at spending $100 ( otherwise it gets a 5 flame rating) but it is now down to $80 - still pricey but worth it if your ride for 2 hrs +. I am sure the new model will also get cheaper as everyone duplicates their design. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guy French
a Racer
from Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mont Ste-Anne | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Comfort
Drop Nose | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized
Ritchey | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized Ground Control Comp (Set-up for XC) | | Bottom Line: | Most comfortable seat ever tried. Wider than most. Requires re-positioning but once it is done it is so sweet! Got it for $85.00 US (TI rails) from Price Point. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rico
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ft Walton Bch, FL
Date Reviewed: April 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Drop nose
Comfort zone
Elastomer rail mounts | | Weaknesses: |
a little expensive | | Similar Products Used: |
Factory no namer
Bontrager flight | | Bike Setup: |
Schwinn S[9five].2
Rock Shox Mag21
XTR Vbrakes/lvrs
Mavix 517 | | Bottom Line: | Great Saddle , drop nose helps more than you might think, may not have much paddign but the shape supports the sit bones right, and the comfort zone helps as well. THe elastomer rail mounts do take the edge off. I would highly reccomend this saddle to anyone..The longer the ride you do , the more you need this saddle.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RS
a Weekend Warrior
from NY
Date Reviewed: April 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
all | | Weaknesses: |
NUN!!! | | Similar Products Used: |
sdg comp, specialized | | Bike Setup: |
98 GT tequesta | | Bottom Line: | sweet saddle. real nice looking and is comfortable.It is also really light. although i would have never paid 100 for it! the thing came stock on my tequesta(great deal!) does what is sposed to! 5 flamers | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hifi guy
a Weekend Warrior
from No. Cal.
Date Reviewed: April 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Rockville Park | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Quality consruction, slope nose, VERY light, great looking, and more I'm forgetting. | | Weaknesses: |
Should be sold a little cheaper. How much could it cost?! If you're going to screw us, at least give us a reach-around! | | Similar Products Used: |
Flite, Coda 1000, Bontrager Race. | | Bike Setup: |
CannonDale Super V, layed back seatpost, Monkey lites and short bar-ends. Good position. | | Bottom Line: | I love the way it feels on my butt. It took a few rides before I got used to it, now I forget about it. That's what I want...To forget about it! This seat is sweet on uphill grinds from the saddle too. It's easy to slide over as you're going over stuff. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria
Date Reviewed: April 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
the dump | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
solid comfy good looking to boot | | Weaknesses: |
$$ | | Similar Products Used: |
flite, san marco tomato saddle on the homegrown bikes | | Bike Setup: |
Uzzi SL, Z1 BAM | | Bottom Line: | best saddle out there period | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from benicia, CA.
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Rockville | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Comfortable, light,looks good, comfortable. My pants don't catch on the nose of the saddle. Yea!. Plus it's comfortable! The Kevlar sides are a must. Already saved the looks of my new seat. | | Weaknesses: |
A little pricey. Oh well, you get what you pay for. After all, we spend a ton of bucks on our bike and in ten rocky miles we're hurtin'. | | Similar Products Used: |
I had an old Vetta, eh! I had a coda 1000, not bad at all, but not quite there for my ass. | | Bike Setup: |
I have a 98, C'Dale SV2000. It's mounted on a Race Face post. I've got a rigid ride and a seat matters. | | Bottom Line: | First time I rode it I forgot my padded shorts in the wash. Damn! But after a few miles of hard riding, it finally occured to me I wasn't wearing padded shorts. WOW! I was sold. Now I keep waiting for it to hurt but so far, nothing. Worth the money? Yup. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie Chough
a cross-country rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this saddle fairly recently and have only put about 20 hours of riding time on it but I can safely say that this is the most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden. Compared to my Sella Italia Flite, the WTB feels like throne. No pain, no numbness, what more can a guy ask for? One quibble might be that for a saddle of this price, the WTB logo on the seat should be embroidered. In spite of this little nit pick, I give it an enthusiastic 5 flamin' peppahs! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a weekend warrior
from Ny
Date Reviewed: March 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This seat came on a left over GTLTS3000 I bought in fall of 98. Anyway the seat is awsome, after a week of getting used to it, I love it. It's comfertable and doesn't cause any major pain. After really long rides or when I'm lazy and all I do is stay in the seat of course it's going to cause a little pain. No problems with getting up either. Very minor pain for such a good seat. Love how you don't get caught up on the bent down nose of of it!!! Another plus is I think it's one of the coolest looking seats out there!!!!
Mines got blue in the reenforced sides! Feels very lite weight!5 doggy dungs - 1 for the little discomfort. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a cross-country rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: February 8, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Great product - IF it fits you! If you are a skinny person, it's just too wide, and causes bone bruising during extended periods in the saddle... Never noticed it on tight and twisty trails though, where you are constantly standing and shifting position. The drop nose is great for those steep climbs, and doesn't snag your shorts. Construction seems bomb-proof - no scratches or tears following a few incidents. Minus one for the size problem. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erwin Figueroa
a cross-country rider
from Yauco, PR
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bougth a 99 Raleigh M-600 and it comes with a WTB SST XC saddle. It has the prostate feature and the cushioning. I found this saddle very confortable for long rides (avrg. 30 miles combined trails). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a weekend warrior
from NJ
Date Reviewed: November 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this saddle after trying about 10 different models. I have a Trek 2120 road bike and rode 2000 miles this year-all road miles. I found this saddle to be very comfortable after a short adjustment period. I like the wider back, the prostate recess, and the firm cushioning. The shell cutout does increase the shell flexibility which seems to be effective, but since the cushioning is firm, I doubt that most people even contact that part of the saddle much. The big difference between this saddle and others is the well designed shape. The difference between this model and the SST-X and SST is that there is more cushioning in the rear of the saddle. I think that overall WTB needs to increase cushioning in the lesser saddles and improve the quality control in those less expensive saddles. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gregg
a weekend warrior
from springfield, NY
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My 97 Stumpy Pro came with an older Titec DH seat. Otherwise known as a brick with some coverings... I tried to get used to it, but no good. I bought the SST.98 Ti from Bikeworld (great service) and its definitely money well spent. The bike is much more tolerable even though its so stiff, and I can ride for longer... Like everyone else has said, the drop-nose is great, and the seat is wide enough for the big boys like me. No numbness or pain at all, its actually comfortable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FAXXMAN
a cross-country rider
from LA
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I initially had the SST.X, and it caused numbness and pain in my butt. I thought that perhaps the relative lack of padding was the culprit, so I tried the SST.98 which seemed softer (though has less padding according to the WTB website). Unfortunately, I had the same exact problem. Possibly the shape of the shell is to blame and it may be too wide for my relatively narrow hips and rear end. Too bad because I think this is one of the best made saddles in terms of construction and materials, I love the drop-nose design, and unlike some other saddles, it caused no penile or perineal numbness or pain. Perhaps a slightly narrower version would suit certain riders like me.
I tried many saddles and have settled on an Avocet O2 w/ Kevlar that seems to fit well. Overall 4 chiles, an average of 5 for quality in design and execution and 3 because it caused me pain. Most riders buying this saddle will probably love it--I just urge you to try a few designs before deciding on the best saddle for you. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
roo
a cross-country rider
from NoCal
Date Reviewed: November 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I like ridingHARD AND LONG, and ride WTB saddles because after riding I want be be, well, you know... So I have beeg a big fan of SST saddles since they were invented (by the way, I have it on good authority that the gods at WTB designed the original from a block of wood mounted to a seatpost, and shaped it until it felt right. How's that for product development?) Anywhoo, the SST.98 has got to be about the best thing invented since the bike itself. My ass is sooooo happy, it smiles :-) No numbness, no hangups on the nose, good for everything from a short ride to 24 hr. races. to everything else. Wanna have kids? Get one, and please, don't complain about the price, its really rather reasonable considering the craftmanship and attention to detail. WTB, I looooove you guys!! cinco chiles con carne!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Reed
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: November 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My last mt. bike came with the a standard SST, and I will have to say I fell head over heals in love with it. My buddy who was riding a flithe ti even went out and bought one after riding my bike for a few miles. When I had a few other saddles, including the flithe, I used to have to adjust my seat post when going from fire roads to single track becuase I would get hung up on the nose of other saddles in single track if I kept the saddle in the same position. Not only is the SST good in many different conditions, it is mighty comfortable even on long rides. Great saddle, glad I was introduced to it | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DOn Frey
a cross-country rider
from Cleveland,OH
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Char, You are not the only one to have this problem. The elastomer in the nose of my saddle came out as well. The staff was frendly at WTB and they did replace my saddle after waiting close to three months (and I do have the documentation to prove it). Overall this saddle is very comfortable. My tender parts no longer get sore after long rides. The craftsmanship is alittle lacking for an Italtian made product and over priced as well. The big question is would I buy an other? Yes.Five peppers for comfort - 2 peppers for craftsmanship and price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred Stanke
a weekend warrior
from Cupertino, CA
Date Reviewed: October 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I was having lot'sa problems with saddle sores from the saddle that came on my Specialized plain vanilla M2 Stumpjumper. I got the seat and a week later did a ride with 10,000 ft of climbing on trails, before I had recovered from problems with the old seat. Essentially no problem. Did around 5,000 ft of climbing last week, again, no problems. The seat feels good and I don't get sore. I haven't tried other good seats, or any of the ones with holes, etc. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Ryckaert
a weekend warrior
from Pittsford, NY
Date Reviewed: September 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This saddle works for me. No more numb n*ts or numb p*nis. That says it all I guess. The key is comfort. The fact that it looks cool and is lite helps. I spent too much on this saddle ($115?), but for $89 + shipping the price is going low enough for 5 chilis. Ready to buy another for our Santana Extreme tandem MTB. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rudy
a weekend warrior
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: September 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
What a difference a fine saddle makes in a ride. I'd been using the Specialized saddle that came with my RockHopper FS and didn't like it. I would get hung up on the nose of the saddle getting on and it has hard to move around on the rubber saddle because it grabbed too much. It wasn't comfortable either. I read the reviews and decided to try the WTB SST.98 saddle even though it was expensive (I ended up getting the TI version from Bike World for $89 - Great price) and I knew that once I tried it I was stuck with it whether I liked it or not. Well, I can tell you it's worth every cent. The 'drop nose' is great - I don't get caught anymore. The saddle is extremely comfortable. The overall 'feel' of the saddle is perfect - easy to move around on while still feeling control. I'm extremely pleased and couldn't imagine a saddle could make that much difference. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BJN
a weekend warrior
from Salt Lake City
Date Reviewed: September 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hope springs eternal, however this saddle didn't work out to be very comfortable for me. In other respects, this is a nice saddle... not too flashy, nicely made, nose droop seems to minimize shorts-snagging, rails have a reasonable adjustment range. However, not all butts are alike! Just because this saddle does a five-chili fit for many riders doesn't mean you'll get similar results. FWIW, I found my old titanium Flite at least as comfortable for my anatomy (no deformities to report, thanks for asking). In my experience, I get more contact along the center of the WTB, and not as much support from the back of the saddle. Aside from the Flite a while back, I've been riding an Avocet MTB racing air (okay, but nothing to write home about) and I tried a Coda that came with my bike for a while (not bad, but not great, either). I'm giving this one three chilis to balance out the butt profile, and because it's a spendy saddle that doesn't always deliver. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
degear
a cross-country rider
from ny,nyc
Date Reviewed: August 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the cheaper hollow steal rail version of this saddle and I have to say this saddle is extremily comfortable and well designed. I can't under stand how the Arch can beat up the WTB saddle because it doesn't look expensive and bike world won't let him return the saddle if he use's it ! First off Arch, try some elses WTB seat and see if you want it. Think! If you use ithe seat bike world will not be able to sell it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mac
a cross-country rider
from St. Paul
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ummm, Arch, I don't mean to be a jerk here, but how can you review a
saddle you haven't even ridden? I suspect WTB was more interested in things like protecting your pelvis than in making an expensive looking saddle. IMHO, the way to determine if a saddle, which is about the comfort of your
posterior and NOT aesthetics,is worth big bucks is to try it out. If you
are only concerned about looks, get a Selle Italia Flite. It LOOKS hot and expensive (even if it leaves you impotent down the road). Also, WTB shouldn't be faulted because Bikeworld or whoever won't let you
return the saddle once it's been installed.This is a fine product once you actually use it.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a cross-country rider
from Woodland Hills, CA
Date Reviewed: August 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Comfortable and also reasonably light. The long seat rails allow use of my old, light and not offset seatpost, so I ended up saving some weight overall. I had a previous WTB saddle, and this one is as comfortable after only a few uses. Thank you for the great product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jrg
a weekend warrior
from boston
Date Reviewed: August 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Picked it up at my lbc for $99, although I know it han be had for around $85. Anyway it is the best saddle out there. I have tried many, and none other provides such long term comfort. The turned-down nose is great, and for that matter, so is the entire design. Great Job WTB- - - 5 toasty moose shits | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a racer
from NJ
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
All the facts are in. Being an avid road rider for the past 12 years, I was looking for a saddlethat increased comfort while reducing pressure on the soft tissue.The odyssey began 4 months with the WTB SST..way too hard..but embraced
the design.The next step was WTB SST x-flash..great for short rides,
the wind trainer but not for hours in the saddle. The WTB sst x good flex
in the shell but lack of padding for the long haul.
I went back to the REGAL..no good..ROLLS be for real..
FLITE..i want kids TITEC DH..good for 5 min ridesTgear pinn...what a joke..
I went for a 2hour plus road ride on my mnt bike...with the WTB SST 98
This is the ticket good support of the sit bones..flex in the rails,shell
and the comfort zone is unreal..plus shock absorb.. is key
The down side..being the worlds most expen. saddle why staple the kevlar
and the logo wore off after 30 min. But the comfort is there4 burning chillies..coming from italy..craftmenship should be there | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alvin
a cross-country rider
from Indonesia
Date Reviewed: August 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
As a weight weenie the 275grm SST.98 ti is too heavy for my taste. But its comfort and ergonomics resulted in increased riding performance far outweighing the benefits of reduced weight. it actually made me a better rider, especially on longer rides. It is by far the best saddle I've ever used and its certainly the lightest amongst the 'super-comfy' category. Sure the pricetag is a drawback, but at $89.99 for ti and $79.99 for vanadium ( at bikeworld.com ), its a steal. If there is two things one should never compromise in a bike, its your saddle and your tires. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sjb
a cross-country rider
from SoCal
Date Reviewed: July 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This saddle is it! I've been riding a WTB SST, which has an excellent shape. However, on longer rides the lack of padding would leave me with very sore sit bones. I rode on this saddle for 7 hours off-road three days ago, and 3 hours today, and was in total comfort the entire time. In fact, at the start of hour 6 on our epic ride, I realized that my butt felt the same as when we'd started the ride. Now that's a comfortable saddle! The only downside I can see is the price: way too high! Bring the price down to somethingwe can all afford, WTB, and you'll shut out every other saddle in the business! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a racer
from Houston,TX
Date Reviewed: July 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Better than my last 3 vettas, which all either broke or wore out. Like most things reviewed on this site, the new works better than the one it replaced. The SST.98, seems well made. Hopefully it will last, it better for the $89.00(USD) at I paid for it at www.bikeworld.com If you're looking for a new saddle, this one is worth a try. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Toughass
a cross-country rider
from Hawaii
Date Reviewed: July 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just received this saddle a week ago from Bikeworld and the comfort was
evident as soon as I sat down. After trying numerous saddles, the construc-
tion and design of this saddle is unsurpassed. Almost every saddle requires
a break in period, but with this saddle it will probably get even better
with age.
WTB was smart to farm this design over to an Italian maker because it blows
their other models. Anyway better prices through the internet. Check you
later.
other models away | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Miles
a racer
from VA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the ultimate saddle. I could leave the review at that and it would
be sufficient, but I'll try to be helpful, unlike some posters below who
put it upon themselves to point out that this saddle is expensive (this is
a review forum- if you haven't tried a product, save your comment about it
for TechTalk). I've tried Specialized, Bontrager, older SST Ti saddles, and
most recently the Titec DH, and the SST 98 blows them all away. It has a
good deal of suspension action to it, due to the ti rails, bumpers, padding
etc. The shape and padding are perfect (of course everyone's butt is different, but the SST in general seems to be a winner). About the price: I didn't pay
anywhere near $140 for it, and probably wouldn't have. But after using it,
I couldn't go back to any other saddle, so I might just pay $140 for it
if I had to. If you can swing the $$$, you will not be sorry. Nothing less
than five stars, despite the price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
HB
a cross-country rider
from Albuquerque, New Mexico
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My butt has seen mucho saddles over 30 years of cyclilng. Without a doubt, this is the best saddle I've sat on. After 25000 ft of climbing this last week while in the saddle for 4-6 hours per ride, I can truly say that this saddale is truly awesome. Drop nose makes it easy to sit on the nose of the saddle for steep climbs. In addition, no more surprise proctoscopy exams when hitting rocks and roots while climbing low and forward in the steeps. Enough room in the rear to put your butt on the rear tire for narly descents while also being able to get back in the saddle reasonably easy after the descent. The cut out nose drastically reduces perineal shock while the covering over the cut out provides a smooth upper surface. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Satan
a cross-country rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: June 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I used to ride a Flite Tt. I have ridden the SST98 about 20 times now and I really like it. I can stay seated on the Klein much more than before because this seat takes the edge off the frame. Sure it is a little pricey ($110) but my back and gear are worth the extra dough. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JJC
a downhiller
from n.y.
Date Reviewed: May 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It was a little incomfortable the firsts rides but now i find it a great saddle, just need to get used to it.All your weight go in the back of the saddle leaving your sensible zone untouch!The elastomer suspension make a diffence with the previous saddle that i have on my hardtail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
X1 James
a weekend warrior
from Tampa , Fl . USA
Date Reviewed: March 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Best seat I have ever had my bottom on. Wide enough in back for comfort, but I can still get of the back with no problem . No numb nuts with this seat , great padding and relief area in the nose. Worth every penny ($110 from my LBS)
Needed more words for this to post. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Alker
a cross-country rider
from England
Date Reviewed: February 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just finished testing this saddle for a UK MTB mag. I had to share my comments with the rest of the world.
This saddle is the best saddle that I have ever ridden. It has the new 'comfort zone' along the nose which reduces all the pressure on the perineum. The rear is firm and gives great support whilst the nose is soft. The rear is not as wide as some of the cheaper SST models which I liked a lot. The elastomer suspension makes a noticeable difference to comfort and the dipped nose prevents snagging. And hey! it looks good too. Any downers? you bet!! The price. It retails in the UK at over £100 for the titanium railed and £95 for the vanadium. But if you have the money this is a very comfy seat. It doesnt get the full five only because of the rather steep price tag. In terms of function it is perfect!! | | Overall Rating: |
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