Touted as the perfect upgrade for an electric mountain bike, the SDG Bel-Air V3 Max boosts the same formula as the beloved Bel-Air V3 with extra padding and a deeper perennial relief channel. There’s plenty of support on offer in a durable package but wider options would greaten its appeal.
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SDG Bel-Air V3 Max Lux-Alloy saddle – Technical details
The SDG Bel-Air is a classic saddle. It’s been around for 20-odd years and in its latest V3 build, it’s been shortened to work better with modern MTB geometries.
This Max model Bel-Air boasts an EVA injected foam padding that is 5mm thicker than the standard model. Due to the increased thickness, there’s a more pronounced perennial relief channel. Additionally, there’s a taller and steeper rear rise on the saddle shaped for more support when climbing.
SDG increases comfort further with its ATMOS shaping that favours vacuum sealing over bumpers, staples or glue to keep the cover in place.
All of the Bel-Air V3 Max’s foam sits on top of a nylon glass base with a hidden cut out that should encourage a level of compliance. SDG has made the wings of the saddle more flexible which should help the saddle comply with the body’s movement when pedalling.
Sonic welded corners improve durability and there’s a wide nose for comfort when climbing.
The Bel-Air V3 Max is available in one size (260mm length/140mm width) with a claimed 245g weight.
SDG Bel-Air V3 Max Lux-Alloy saddle – Performance
With the standard Bel-Air V3 provding me with impressive comfortable levels on big rides, the prospect of even more compliance was good to hear. However, through its increased foam comes interesting results.
It works and feels mostly like that incredibly solid saddle that this Max version uses as its foundation. Where it’s shorter, there’s still plenty of space on the saddle to shift weight around and provides a surprisingly solid platform for steep climbs.
Moving more rearward results in more support, which helps hang weight further over the rear wheel which boosts traction. So despite its shorter length, the saddle provides a great amount of surface area in which to manipulate weight.
The extra foam does great things to boost the efficacy of the perennial relief channel and, because of that, it’s become very popular with e-bikers. It will also appeal to those who prioritse perennial relief.
It’s great to see a hint of flex in the saddle, too, as it helps it move a little bit under pedalling loads, keeping support plentiful but without becoming uncomfortable. However, there is one barrier in the comfort department – and that’s the width.
With marginally more foam, the saddle isn’t quite as flat as the standard model so it’s usable surface area isn’t as great. Because of that, it’s better suited to riders with narrower sitbones. As a rider with wider sitbones, the saddle became uncomfortable deeper into big rides, where I wished for just a bit more width.
As usual, the saddle’s durability is impressive and even after 70km of the wettest riding I’ve ridden in all year, it’s all looking rather good, aside from a bit of the typical wear you’ll find on the saddle rails.
SDG Bel-Air V3 Max Lux-Alloy saddle – Verdict
At a little under £90, this saddle poses good value for electric mountain bike users – as it’s on par with other saddles such as Ergon’s SM E-Mountain Sport saddle. It gets all the niceties of the SDG Bel-Air V3 Max Lux-Alloy, but weighs more, coming in at 335g for the S/M size and 350g in the M/L size. However, on an e-bike, I value comfort over weight and having the extra size option is a big plus.
The Fizik Terra Aidon X5 saddle steps things up £10 in price at £100. It’s a short-nosed saddle claimed to put the rider in a more planted position over the bike and also gets a kicked tail. While we’ve not got a standalone review of this saddle – yet – I’ve had mixed feelings as it’s not been that comfortable deeper into rides.
That said, regular saddles that may not cost as much can provide just as much comfort, they just forgo some e-MTB specific features.
If you’re looking to boost comfort during long e-mountain bike rides, the SDG Bel-Air V3 Max Lux-Alloy is a great place to start. Its rear ramp boosts support while its deeper perennial relief channel improves long-term comfort. But it’s well worth double-checking your sit bone width, as those with wider sit bones won’t gel as well as those with narrow bones.
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Product purpose:
Build extra:
Deep Peri-Canal – Continuous relief channel reduces sensitively in the perineum region.
Injection EVA Foam – Enhanced Lightweight Injected EVA – 5 mm thicker than standard V3.
Hidden Undercut – Cutout relief under the base of the saddle.
Nylon Glass Base With Bridge – Increases power transfer.
Free Float Comfort Flex – Enhances pedaling efficiency, providing more forgiveness at the wings.
Nose Platform – Wider nose to aid in climbing.
Atmos Sealed Construction – Eliminates the need for staples and bumpers on the base of the saddle.
Sonic Welded – Added protection on corners for superior durability.
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