Introduction: A 3D-Printed Saddle for Under £30?
The RYET 3D Printed Ultralight Carbon Saddle is one of the most intriguing cycling products to emerge from the budget end of the market. With a price tag hovering around £20–£30 on platforms like AliExpress, it promises features typically found on high-end saddles costing ten times as much: a full carbon base and rails, a 3D-printed lattice structure for comfort, and a minimalist design that wouldn’t look out of place on a £10,000 superbike.
But can a no-name saddle from a Chinese marketplace really deliver on comfort, durability, and performance? Or is it just another cheap knockoff destined for the parts bin? After riding over 1,000km on road, gravel, and towpaths, here’s our full verdict.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | ~135g (carbon-railed version) |
| Shell | Carbon fibre |
| Rails | 7x9mm oval carbon |
| Padding | 3D-printed lattice polymer |
| Dimensions | 245mm x 145mm |
| Mounting Compatibility | Fits most seatposts with oval clamp adapters |
| Price | £20–£30 (AliExpress, eBay) |
First Impressions and Build Quality
Straight out of the box, the RYET saddle impresses with its featherweight construction. At just 135g, it’s lighter than many premium saddles from Fizik, Selle Italia, or Specialized. The carbon rails and base feel solid, and the 3D-printed lattice is firm but springy to the touch.
Surprisingly, the finish is clean and consistent. There are no sharp edges, no glue blobs, and no visible defects. The branding is minimal—just a small “RYET” logo on the underside—making it a good match for stealthy builds.
For a saddle at this price point, the build quality is shockingly good. It doesn’t feel like a disposable part, and it mounts easily to standard seatposts with oval rail compatibility.
Comfort and Ride Feel
Let’s be honest: expectations were low. A £30 carbon saddle with no padding sounds like a recipe for numbness and regret. But the RYET 3D saddle delivers a surprisingly comfortable ride, especially for those accustomed to firm, performance-oriented saddles.
Lattice Structure
The 3D-printed lattice is the star of the show. It’s firm, yes—but it has just enough give to dampen road buzz and distribute pressure across the sit bones. The central relief channel helps reduce perineal pressure, and the open design improves airflow on hot days.
After multiple 3–4 hour rides, we experienced no numbness, no hotspots, and no saddle sores—which is more than we can say for some £200+ saddles we’ve tested.
Who It’s For
This saddle is best suited to:
- Road cyclists who prefer a firm, race-style saddle
- Gravel riders looking for a lightweight, breathable option
- Weight weenies building a budget ultralight bike
- Riders who are saddle-curious and want to experiment without spending a fortune
It’s not ideal for:
- Casual riders used to plush gel saddles
- Touring cyclists carrying heavy loads
- Riders with very specific anatomical needs
Mounting and Compatibility
The RYET saddle uses 7x9mm oval carbon rails, which are standard for many high-end saddles. Most modern seatposts will accommodate these rails, but some may require oval rail adapters—especially if your clamp is designed for round rails.
Mounting was straightforward on a Ritchey seatpost and a Zipp Service Course SL. The saddle held firm with no creaking or slippage, even under hard efforts.
Durability and Long-Term Use
After over 1,000km of mixed-surface riding, the RYET saddle shows minimal signs of wear. The lattice structure remains intact, the carbon rails are unscathed, and the saddle has not developed any creaks or flex.
Weather Resistance
- Rain: The open lattice drains quickly and doesn’t absorb water.
- Heat: No warping or softening in high temperatures.
- Mud and grit: Easy to rinse clean with a hose or damp cloth.
The only visible wear is minor scuffing on the edges, likely from leaning the bike against walls or loading it into a car. There are no cracks, delamination, or structural issues.
That said, there’s no official crash testing or weight limit published by the manufacturer. While it’s held up well in our testing, we wouldn’t recommend it for riders over 100kg or for aggressive MTB use without caution.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight (~135g)
- Surprisingly comfortable for medium to long rides
- Breathable and fast-drying
- Clean, minimalist design
- Costs less than a round of drinks
- Easy to mount with standard oval rail clamps
Cons
- Firm ride feel—not for fans of plush saddles
- No published weight limit or safety certification
- Quality control may vary between batches
- No brand prestige or warranty support
- Not suitable for heavy riders or loaded touring
Comparison: RYET 3D Saddle vs Fizik Antares Adaptive R1
| Feature | RYET 3D Saddle | Fizik Antares Adaptive R1 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | ~135g | ~180g |
| Price | £30 | £250+ |
| Padding | 3D-printed lattice | 3D-printed lattice |
| Rails | Carbon (7x9mm) | Carbon (7x9mm) |
| Comfort | Firm but ergonomic | Plush and adaptive |
| Warranty | None | 2 years |
The RYET offers 80% of the performance at 10% of the price, but lacks the refinement, support, and brand backing of the Fizik.
Final Verdict: Is the RYET 3D Saddle Worth It?
The RYET 3D Printed Ultralight Carbon Saddle is a budget marvel—a no-frills, ultralight option that delivers real-world comfort and performance for a fraction of the price of its Western counterparts. It’s not for everyone, but for riders who are curious, weight-conscious, or just want to try something new, it’s absolutely worth a spin.
If you’re used to firm saddles and don’t need brand prestige or plush padding, the RYET is a surprisingly capable performer that punches well above its price point.
Rating: 8.7/10
