Road Cycling Academy - Are cheap AliExpress saddles as good as top-tier brands?

Description

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 β€” comparing shapes, cut-outs, carbon rails, durability, and comfort. Not sponsored.

What we cover:

AliExpress saddles vs premium (3D printed TPU, carbon rails 7Γ—9)
Riot Air Code (Pro Stealth-style): broad back, wide nose, deep cut-out β€” 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 β€” for very narrow sit bones (100 mm) and lots of inner-thigh clearance
Why fit first (saddle height, setback, reach, drop, cleats) often fixes β€œsaddle 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 β€” 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

Bike part mentions in this video

MIXED Full Carbon Fiber 5D Ultra Pack Light Weight Bike Saddle 143mm 135g for Road MTB Mountain Bicycle Carbon Seats

Created: March 07, 2025

The 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)

Key Points

  • Brand: MIXED 5D
  • Source: AliExpress
  • Extremely light weight
  • Flexible carbon shell
  • Massive rise at the rear
  • Narrow through the front and midsection, flares at the rear
  • Good for sitbone dimensions under 100mm
  • Price: around $45
AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
aliexpress.com
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
$31.58
πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
€24.79
πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
Β£20.89
Rating there:
4.9 (120 reviews)
Last checked:
3 months
ago
AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
aliexpress.com
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
$42.45
πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
€27.59
πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
Β£24.09
Rating there:
4.8 (47 reviews)
Last checked:
14 days
ago

RYET 3D Printed Bicycle Saddle Ultralight Carbon Fiber Hollow Comfortable Breathable MTB Gravel Road bike Cycling Seat Parts

Created: August 19, 2024

The 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
  • More robust than a Shimano Pro Stealth
  • The TPU material is perfectly modulated with the density bang on
  • Longevity is good; never seen one break
  • Highly recommended for specific rider types
  • Now being stocked with legitimate western distribution

Cons

  • No cons found in the analysis.
  • Key Points

    • Brand is RYET (referred to as 'Riot')
    • Available on AliExpress
    • Models discussed: Riot Ultimate and Riot Air Code
    • 3D printed TPU material
    • Carbon rail versions with 7x9 rails are available
    • Also come in chromoly rail and plastic rail variants
    • Riot Air Code is a broad, flat-back seat with a broad nose and massive central channel cutout
    • Good for people who rotate their pelvis forward and bear weight along their paranium
    • Riot Ultimate is generally narrower than the Air Code
    • Good for people with a narrow pelvis (sitbone dimensions around 115-120mm or narrower)
    • The plastic shell/chromoly rail variants are around $40
    • The 3D printed model is about 10-20% more comfortable
    AFFILIATE by David Arthur - Just Ride BikesACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $50.75
    Last checked:
    5 months
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $50.71
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €28.79
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£24.63
    Last checked:
    about 1 year
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $50.95
    Rating there:
    4.8 (1024 reviews)
    Last checked:
    about 1 year
    ago

    RYET Carbon 3D Printed Saddle Ultralight 175g 7*9 Bike Seating For Men Women Triathlon Road MTB Mountain Gravel Cycling Parts

    Created: August 23, 2024

    The 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

    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $139.28
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €79.39
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£61.92
    Last checked:
    about 1 year
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $145.93
    Last checked:
    about 1 year
    ago