Syncros Tofino 1.0 Cut Out Saddle

The Syncros Tofino 1.0 Cut Out Saddle continues the theme of short seats that are growing ever popular. With a carbon-reinforced shell and carbon fibre rails, it's not a bad option for the price – as long as you like a firm ride.

• Pros: Reasonably priced, integrated mudguard mount
• Cons: Firm padding

Many riders, especially those who like to ride fast and crouch down over their bars, find short saddles appealing as the lack of a nose can mean more comfort, plus it allows you to open up your hip angle for improved performance. The Tofino 1.0, though, is aimed at endurance road riding and mountain biking, who rest primarily on their sit bones – hence the wider part of the saddle, according to Syncros.

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Either way, I got on well with the shape and it spent most of the time on a Vitus 'cross bike I was testing at the same time. A bike that I'd sometimes like to bimble around on for hours on the gravel tracks or every so often take on a real smashfest on twisty singletrack through the woods with loads of tree roots and rocks giving you a far from perfect ride.

The 250mm length and 135mm width of the Syncros suited whatever style of riding I was doing. The only thing I would say is that the Tofino 1.0 is on the firm side when it comes to the padding.

Off-road, I could counteract that by knocking plenty of air out of the tubeless tyres, but out on the road the buzz from poor surfaces was quite noticeable and after a three-hour ride I definitely knew about it when I got back on the bike the next day. For me, personally, it wouldn't be my top choice for an endurance saddle.

The Tofino 1.0 comes in two versions, this one with the cutout and another without. The gap in the middle is designed to reduce pressure and avoid discomfort and numbness, and I certainly didn't get any here. One issue I find with some cutout saddles is that the padding around the hole isn't firm enough, which allows it to sag into the gap, but thanks to the Tofino's firmness this wasn't an issue either.

There is also the Tofino V 1.0, which is designed for faster riding styles and is wider at 145mm.

When it comes to value, the Syncros doesn't look too bad at £129.99. The Scicon Elan (review to come), which is a similar setup with carbon fibre rails and a carbon-reinforced shell, costs £180; it's a few grams heavier too, though arguably more comfortable. The Astute Star Lite VT Saddle also has the same construction and also costs £180 – well, a penny under.

> Buyer's Guide: 20 of the best saddles

Overall, the Syncros Tofino 1.0 is a good option as long as you are happy with quite a firm saddle, especially if you want to go down the short-nosed route.

Verdict

Well-made saddle with a comfortable shape, although the padding might be too firm for some