First Ride Review: Bikebeat Minimalist Saddle

The German company Bikebeat, until now specializing in wheels, now offers a saddle in the same vein as its wheels. Its name, quite evocative, sums up the model we’ve been able to sit on for the last 2000 km.

By David Polveroni – Photos: All rights reserved

Minimalist, that’s its little name, so much so that when you hold the saddle in your hands, you realize that this is a product that goes beyond usual standards. Weighing just 106 g on the scale, this saddle is made with a carbon shell on which a leather cover is applied over 5 mm thick padding. This particularly “grippy” material allows you to stay put and avoid sliding forward on the bike.

A short saddle

This model strangely resembles the Tune Kom Vor saddle, from the famous German brand, primarily a specialist in hubs and collaborating with Bikebeat. It’s not a big leap to make a connection… But this minimalist saddle differs from the Tune in its dimensions: 2 cm shorter (245 mm, for 135 mm wide), and a denser, non-slip foam of 5 mm as we have seen.

The saddle is mounted with 8×10 mm saddle clamps, the oval clamps and its design mean that the shell will be close to the clamp. This is quite aesthetic on a small bike with a slightly larger seatpost extension. Be careful not to exceed 10Nm for tightening, which is done with a torque wrench. You also shouldn’t exceed 100 kg. Mandatory weight loss.

Astonishing comfort, even over long distances

This saddle is one where you are locked in: the saddle setback and its orientation will therefore require particular attention. Although a nose-down position is possible, especially with the grip provided by the material, this is more of a seating position that resembles a Fizik Aliante, rather than an Arione from the Italian competitor (who isn’t really one).

Once properly adjusted, the Minimalist simply acts as a sofa. 8-hour rides posed no problem. You feel good on it and power transfer is excellent. It doesn’t move. This demonstrates once again that saddle weight and thickness are not factors in irritation or numbness, provided the shape suits your sit bones. Comfort is not linked to something very soft but something in adequacy with you…

So at almost 100 g and a public price of 229 €, this saddle is worth trying if you like to be settled in a sofa!

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