Are cheap AliExpress saddles as good as top-tier brands?
Road Cycling Academy
October 01, 2025
Bike Fit Fundamentals: https://roadcyclingacademy.com/bike-fit-fundamentals/
Bike-fit expert Neill Stanbury puts three budget 3D-printed options to the test and explains who they suit — comparing shapes, cut-outs, carbon rails, durability, and comfort. Not sponsored.
What we cover:
AliExpress saddles vs premium (3D printed TPU, carbon rails 7×9)
Riot Air Code (Pro Stealth-style): broad back, wide nose, deep cut-out — great for riders who rotate pelvis forward and need perineum pressure relief
Riot Ultimate: narrower platform for riders with narrow sit bones
MIX 5D: ultra-light, flexible shell, big rear rise — for very narrow sit bones (100 mm) and lots of inner-thigh clearance
Why fit first (saddle height, setback, reach, drop, cleats) often fixes “saddle problems”
Cut-out vs no cut-out: when a channel is near-mandatory
How sit-bone width & wing taper reduce chafing and numbness
The reality: trial-and-error beats guessing — how to test smarter
Saddles:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806588404279.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.60.3a521802fqOsDG&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805023659024.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.2.43b1ceFCceFC6k&aem_p4p_detail=202509091752227522603052222160000820961&algo_pvid=35e0c3ed-3bf1-474f-b569-ae3c3f4f9121&algo_exp_id=35e0c3ed-3bf1-474f-b569-ae3c3f4f9121-1&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22order%22%3A%229372%22%2C%22eval%22%3A%221%22%7D&pdp_npi=6%40dis%21USD%21120.14%2151.66%21%21%21850.83%21365.86%21%402103209b17574655424446761e4a8e%2112000034547244108%21sea%21US%210%21ABX%211%210%21n_tag%3A-29910%3Bd%3A7a17306a%3Bm03_new_user%3A-29895&curPageLogUid=g5TWXNYYRSJj&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A%7Cx_object_id%3A1005005209973776%7C_p_origin_prod%3A&search_p4p_id=202509091752227522603052222160000820961_1
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804405056554.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt
Keywords: saddle,cycling,road bike,aliexpress,cheap,bike seat,bike fitter,road cycling
Sunshine Savings/Seasonal Savings
SaddleRYET TR03 Ultralight 190g 7*9
Created: August 23, 2024The RYET Carbon 3D Printed Saddle Ultralight 175g 7*9 Bike Seating For Men Women Triathlon Road MTB Mountain Gravel Cycling Parts is not mentioned in this video. The reviewer discusses three different AliExpress saddles from a company they refer to as 'Riot' (spelled R Y T), specifically the Riot Ultimate and Riot Air Code models, but does not mention the exact product name specified in the query.
AI-Summary
MyBikeParts
RYET Carbon 3D Printed Saddle Ultralight 190g 7*9 Bike Seating For Men Women Triathlon Road MTB Mountain Gravel Cycling Parts
RYET Aircode
Created: August 19, 2024The reviewer discusses the RYET (spelled 'Riot' in the transcript) brand of saddles, specifically the Riot Ultimate and Riot Air Code models. They are described as cheap, high-quality, 3D printed TPU saddles available on AliExpress. The reviewer uses them in their clinic and states they are as good as, or better than, top-of-the-range specialized saddles. The Riot Air Code is noted for its similarity in shape to a Shimano Pro Stealth, but with superior 3D printed TPU material that is perfectly modulated for comfort and robustness. The Riot Ultimate is highlighted as a narrower option for riders with a narrow pelvis. Both are praised for their comfort, build quality, and value.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Really cheap (around $80-$90)
- Really good quality
- As good as top-of-the-range specialized saddles
- 3D printed TPU material is beautifully done
- Padding is perfect; not too hard, not too soft
- Very robust; doesn't crack
- Really well-made
- Extremely light
MyBikeParts
RYET 3D-gedruckter Fahrradsattel, ultraleichte Kohlefaser, hohl, bequem, atmungsaktiv, MTB, Kies, Rennrad, Radfahren, Sitzteile - AliExpress 18
MIXED Full Carbon Fiber 5D Ultra Pack Light Weight Bike Saddle 143mm 135g for Road MTB Mountain Bicycle Carbon Seats
Created: March 07, 2025The reviewer discusses the MIXED 5D saddle as one of three AliExpress saddles they use in their clinic. They describe it as extremely light and specifically recommend it for people with incredibly narrow pelvises and sitbone dimensions under 100mm. The saddle features a very flexible carbon shell, a massive rise at the rear, and tremendous clearance on the wings, making it good for riders who rotate their pelvis forward. However, they note the padding is not as good as 3D printed alternatives and that it is a bit delicate, having snapped on the inside edge from bearing weight on the front.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Extremely, extremely light
- Good for people with incredibly narrow pelvises and narrow sitbone dimensions (sub 100mm)
- Has a massive rise at the rear
- Tremendous clearance on the wings
- Good for inner groin/glutial fold rub clearance
- Really narrow through the front and midsection, flares out at the rear
- Really good for specific, narrow-hipped riders
- Cheap (around $45)
Cons
- Padding is not as good as the 3D printed saddles
- A little bit delicate
- Has snapped through the inside edge from bearing weight on the front (not from crashes)
MyBikeParts
MIXED Full Carbon Fiber 5D Ultra Pack Light Weight Bike Saddle 143mm 135g for Road MTB Mountain Bicycle Carbon Seats