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Sep 25, 2023

New WTB Gravelier Saddle Gets Modern Shape for Big Miles

It’s been a while since WTB has introduced an all-new saddle design. Today,

It's been a while since WTB has introduced an all-new saddle design. Today, they’re launching two! First up is the new Gravelier, a saddle for… you guessed it, gravel. Following the trend of shorter saddles, the Gravelier gets a short & wide design with plenty of options and details to keep you comfortable.

Measuring 246mm in length, the Gravelier is on the shorter side, but with a wide, padded nose for support when riding on the nose. Only offered in a 140mm width, the saddle is considered medium width and includes three different padding types. The higher end models feature the WTB DNA padding for long miles, while the Stainless Steel rail version gets the DNAx, a light weight polyurethane foam that is a little softer to the touch. The base Chromoly version gets their HLX padding which is the most plush.

That padding is shaped with the help of pressure mapping data from gravel riders and racers to make the most comfortable form. WTB states that gravel riders tend to ride with a forward-leaning posture that puts unwanted pressure on the perineal region. To improve comfort, the Gravelier has a perineal relief cutout, and a tapered nose to eliminate pressure.

The saddle also features what WTB calls their Fusion Form Base which is a way of tailoring the nylon base to each size and model. Fusion Form allows them to "fine-tune the amount of fiber infused into the nylon of each specific saddle model to create a flex profile that balances comfort, support and durability to match the intended use of a saddle."

Wanting to make sure riders could position the saddle where they need it, the Gravelier has extended flat sections of the rails for an increased clamp range. Underneath, you’ll also find an integrated mount for tools and existing on-bike storage to take advantage of products from brands like PRO.

For me, the Gravelier couldn't have shown up at a better time. I had a gravel bike in for review that desperately needed a different saddle, and this one was perfect for the task. I generally get along fairly well with WTB saddles, and this one is no different. I was almost instantly at home with minor adjustments. I was able to quickly hop on and knock out my longest ride of the season without any complaints.

I’m hopping to get more miles on the saddle before rendering a final verdict, but first impressions are very favorable. Also, don't let the name pigeonhole this saddle for gravel duty – it seems like it would be an excellent road or all-road saddle as well.

WTB sent out the carbon and the titanium rail versions, which both weighed in at less than claimed. The Carbon rail model was 159g, while the titanium version was 206g.

The Gravelier is available in four models, each with the same 140mm wide, 246mm long shape. The main difference is the rail material and padding, with Chromoly models starting at $95.95, and the Carbon model topping out at $249.95. The saddles are available immediately through WTB.com, and will be available at WTB retailers world wide in the coming weeks.