The saddle is often the first thing that we change when we get a new bike. Since most of us have a saddle we like, we either carry that one over or buy a new one in the same model.
WTB saddles are commonly specced on many new bikes, so if your favorite saddle doesn’t happen to be the stock Silverado or Volt, you may not have given one a try. But perhaps a new look and new technology could have us swapping to a WTB saddle rather than away from one. I tested the latest WTB Silverado, and here’s what I found.
The new and improved WTB Silverado
Among the changes WTB made to the Silverado was to widen the saddle to better distribute weight to the sit bones. Widening the saddle resulted in a slightly flatter profile, reducing perineal pressure. The Silverado’s length was also shortened to 265mm. WTB claims that the shorter profile will “allow people to achieve a more forward-leaning riding position without interference from the nose of the saddle” while attacking climbs.
The Silverado also incorporates WTB’s new Fusion Form technology. This technology allows WTB to precisely adjust the amount of fiber infused in the nylon of the saddle’s base which enables them to fine-tune the flex, comfort, support, and durability of each model for its intended use. Fusion Form technology also allows for a thinner profile while not losing padding thickness by recessing the padding into the base.
The Silverado comes in narrow or medium widths, with a wide range of rail options—from steel to carbon fiber. This wide range of options also comes with a wide range of prices—$47.95 to $249.95.
New tech and a new experience
My last encounter with the WTB Silverado was on a bike I demoed previously. Unfortunately it kept me sore long after the ride was over. It wasn’t unbearable discomfort, but a discomfort nonetheless. These previous Silverado saddles simply didn’t work for me. With my previous somewhat negative WTB saddle experience, I went in with an open mind.
WTB sent out a few widths of the Silverado and Volt for me to try so I could find the right fit. By far, the medium Silverado worked best for me, and I focused my ride time on that saddle.
I’ve since passed my “four-ride rule,” putting hours and miles on the new Silverado. And, despite my previous experience, I haven’t had one problem using this saddle. I made a minor adjustment to the seat post height and played with both the angle and fore/aft position and once that was set, I didn’t need to make any adjustments.
I haven’t thought about the saddle again, which seems counterintuitive since the whole reason I was riding the Silverado was to write this review. The saddle was comfortable from the first ride. I never had any soreness or any numbness. I simply rode my bike and didn’t think about the saddle once. I didn’t need to.
If I had to get picky and find something I didn’t like, I would have to address the price. The entry-level WTB Silverado has steel rails and costs $48. The saddles I tested have titanium rails. This puts the Silverado model I tested at $143. That additional $95 saved 95 grams for a claimed weight of 204g, though if I were buying, I’d go for the steel rails.
My time reviewing the new WTB Silverado is over, but I’m not returning to my previous saddle. For me, I found my new “preferred” saddle.
Pros and cons of the new WTB Silverado
Pros
- Very comfortable from the initial ride.
- Slim, modern profile while keeping the same amount of padding.
- Many different options.
Cons
- Lighter-weight versions are significantly more expensive.
Bottom Line
WTB’s changes to the width and length of the new Silverado, as well as the adjustments to distribute pressure more appropriately, provided me with a positive riding experience. The new Fusion Form technology creates a supportive base with a sleeker look while enhancing comfort.
- Price: From $48
- Buy from Planet Cyclery.
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Nov 17, 2023