Ritchey Biomax CrN/Ti saddle

The Biomax shape is the entry point of the new saddle range from Ritchey Designs the company which 30 years on is still led by living cycling legend and owner of the world’s finest mustache Tom Ritchey. Ritchey is a brand with an unquestionable pedigree and track record of race winning performance. The WCS model tested is the 200g, titanium railed, leather topped version which comes in at the princely sum of 90 fine English pounds, strategically placing it slightly cheaper and a touch lighter than the very comparable SLR Gel Flow from Selle Italia.

Saddle comfort has always been a hot topic for cyclists whatever the level. In my opinion sustainable saddle comfort comes from striking the right balance between skeletal and soft tissue pressure whilst maintaining healthy blood flow. Too much skeletal pressure will leave you feeling numb in minutes and too much soft tissue pressure will result in (always) undesirable chaffage. My first impression of the Ritchey Biomax was certainly not a favorable one. The saddle is hard and not very forgiving despite a 35% carbon shell. First rides using a more “racey” thin chamois were not pleasant, however matched with an all day chamois like Endura’s FS-260 bibs and the Biomax is much more tolerable. The saddle also features the pressure reliving cut out, as first pioneered by Terry saddles Germany.

The Biomax is made by Velo, the world’s largest saddle manufacturer, and the build quality is excellent. Test miles have been on road, turbo and MTB. Despite the toughest of winter conditions the saddle is in perfect condition except for the slightly stained white stitching.

Verdict

By no means is this the right saddle for me but that’s not to say the shape won’t suit you. At £90 the Ritchey WCS Biomax is a very competitive offering in terms of weight, quality and choice of materials. Even better is it will be a great touch to your WCS finishing kit.