$20 vs $60 Carbon Saddle — Is There Really a Difference?

The reviewer provides a detailed analysis of the Riot 3D printed honeycomb saddle, which they have used extensively. They state it is one of the more high-end saddles on AliExpress. They praise its build quality, highlighting the 3D printed TPU honeycomb top material, which has remained in perfect condition for almost two years. The bottom plate and rails are described as fully carbon, very properly bonded, and extremely stiff with no flex. It features markings on the rails for precise adjustment. The reviewer notes it is a bit heavier than other reviewed saddles at 146g, and that its price has increased to around $59, placing it in the premium AliExpress segment. They conclude it is 'the best of the best' among the options reviewed.

The reviewer provides a detailed analysis of the MIXED Full Carbon Fiber 5D Ultra Pack Light Weight Bike Saddle (referred to as the 'mixed fullcarbon 5D saddle' or 'mixed saddle'). They state it is substantially better than the previous saddles reviewed, with superior build quality, a more substantial feel, and a modern short-nose geometry. The top material is softer and grippier, and the carbon weave is visible on the bottom plate and rails, indicating a full carbon construction. It is very stiff with no flex. The reviewer found it comfortable on a 2.5-hour ride, praising its shape and the larger pressure relief channel. They note the saddle cover is still glued on, which is a cheaper construction method, but overall they are very positive. They rank it highly and explicitly recommend it as a great option.

The reviewer discusses a saddle they refer to as the 'San Marco Speed or Espite', which is likely a mispronunciation or misreading of the 'San Marco Aspide'. They analyze it as the second saddle in their comparison of five carbon saddles from AliExpress. They note it has proper branding, which gives them more confidence. The build quality is described as having the seat material glued onto the saddle rim, similar to the first, cheaper saddle, which could be a long-term issue. However, it makes no cracking noises and is described as a lot stiffer in all directions than the first saddle, inspiring more confidence. The comfort is described as pretty similar to the first saddle, being a long-nose design, which the reviewer personally prefers less than short-nose saddles. It has a pressure relief channel. The weight is 118g, and the price was about $25 USD. The reviewer gives it a rating of 2.5 out of 5.

The MTB/Road Bike Saddle 245x139mm UD Carbon Bare Carbon Rails Nylon bottom shell ultra-light 135g comfortable saddles is not mentioned in this video. The reviewer analyzes five different carbon saddles from AliExpress, but none match the specific name or description provided. The saddles reviewed are a no-name carbon saddle, a San Marco Speed/Espite saddle, a 'mixed fullcarbon 5D' saddle, an 'Elita One' saddle, and a 'Riot 3D printed honeycomb' saddle.

The reviewer discusses the ELITAONE saddle as the fourth item in their comparison. They note it has a short-nose geometry with a pressure relief channel, which they found comfortable. However, they heavily criticize its construction quality, citing sharp burrs on the channel, a lack of markings on the rails, and significant flex in both the top plate and rails. They express doubt that the bottom plate is genuine carbon fiber, suspecting it is molded plastic. They conclude it is a disappointment, especially given its price is similar to a much better saddle (the 'mixed' model).