Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
The new WTB Gravelier is the brand’s first gravel-focused saddle. It packs in several features that will appeal to riders who like pedaling hard off-road, including a perineal relief cutout, shorter length, and new Fusion Form base technology. Plus, it’s offered in four versions to suit various budgets. Learn more here…
In our first of many new product announcements from this year’s Sea Otter Classic in California, WTB just announced their first gravel-focused, the Gravelier, which they call “the pinnacle of pedaling comfort and performance for gravel riders who put in big miles at an expeditious pace.” It features a Fusion Form base, perineal relief cutout, integrated tool mounting, and more. Plus, it’s available at a range of price points. Get to know it in more detail below.
As its faux-French name implies, the WTB Gravelier was built with spirited gravel riding in mind, which riders tend to do in a forward-leaning position as opposed to a more upright touring pose. To accommodate this posture, the Gravelier’s side profile curves slightly from front to back to cradle the pelvis and provide a subtle “locked-in” support. The saddle’s mid-length position quickly widens relative to the nose to provide riders with various seating positions as they shift their weight back.
The Gravelier’s perineal relief cutout is designed to improve blood flow and reduce numbness in delicate areas, and WTB collected pressure-mapping data from many gravel riders throughout an extended observation period to help determine the optimal size and placement of the cutout. Although we haven’t tried this particular saddle yet, many of us on the team have found that perineal relief cutouts generally add comfort and are beneficial.
At just 246mm long, the WTB Gravelier is shorter than most saddles, which aids in alleviating unwanted pressure. The compact nose is wide and features extra padding to provide more support when riders scoot all the way forward to apply maximum power to the pedals. A growing number of ultra-distance riders seem to favor shorter saddles these days, and WTB may be on to something with the Gravelier’s compact proportions.
Also included in the Gravelier is WTB’s new Fusion Form base technology, which they claim 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.” In the Gravelier’s case, it’s reportedly tuned to offer a supportive and responsive flex that optimizes power transfer and simultaneously absorbs vibrations transferred through the bike. Additionally, the saddle features an extended clamping range to help riders dial in its position and an integrated tool mount for on-bike storage.
The all-new WTB Gravelier is available with four rail options that feature three different padding types and suit a range of budgets. It’s offered in a single medium (140mm) width and retails for $95.95 with chromoly rails, $119.95 with stainless steel rails, $142.95 with titanium rails, and $249.95 with top-end carbon rails. Retailers should have stock around the world in the coming weeks, and it’s ready for purchase immediately in North America through WTB’s website.
You can find additional details or buy a Gravelier over at WTB.com. Note that Bikepacking Collective members can save 20% on everything from WTB all the time!
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