Review: WTB Volt Carbon saddle
The WTB Volt Carbon is the top-of-the-line model in the series and features carbon rails and very light weight.
The Lowdown: WTB Volt Carbon saddle
The WTB Volt Carbon is their top of the line race saddle that features a narrow profile and carbon rails. It is also lightest production saddle that WTB has ever made and it was developed with much input from team riders Mark Weir and Jason Moeschler. I have been riding this saddle for several months and it has proven to be light, comfortable and durable. Of course, as the premiere saddle in the Volt series it doesn’t come cheap.
Even though it features carbon fiber rails, there is no rider weight limitation. The shape is classic WTB style and features a pressure relief groove for comfort. The Volt Carbon features a two-year warranty and is available from your local WTB stocking bike shop now.
| Rails: Carbon | Cover: Microfiber cover |
| Color: Black with gold accents | Shell: Carbon Composite shell |
| Width: Narrow (135x260mm) | Padding: DNA padding |
| Weight: 159 grams (actual) | Usage: XC / Road / AM / Enduro / Trail |
| Price: $250 |
Rating:  4 Chilis-out-of-5 |
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Full Review: WTB Volt Carbon Saddle
Although designed by racers, the Volt series can be used for a range of riding from XC racing to all mountain/enduro to road to every day trail usage. The construction of the saddle uses a microfiber cover, carbon composite shell, DNA Padding, Kevlar corners and carbon rails. Claimed weight is 148 grams but we found it to weigh in at 159 grams.
A side view of the WTB Volt Carbon showing the rails.
The Volt Carbon is a nice looking saddle in black with gold accents and the surface material provides plenty of grip. The WTB “Love Channel” provides relief for your gentle bits and the saddle overall is on the firm side (like most race-oriented saddles). Another feature of the Volt saddle is the “Whale Tail”. WTB uses this term for the rear of the saddle where it actually scoops up and flattens out. This is in an effort to provide ample and all important sit-bone support and to provide efficient support when climbing. The shell itself also has a bit of flex built in to it which is definitely noticeable and a big contributing factor into the overall comfort of the saddle.
Of course, when it comes to defining comfort, nothing is more subjective on a bike than the saddle. What feels good to one rider may not feel so good for another. How wide your sit-bones are, how often you ride, how padded your chamois are…all of these are variables that factor in to the comfort equation. Despite the firm padding, we found the Volt Carbon to be plenty comfortable when our 2 hour rides extended into multiple loops and longer saddle time. Many shops have a “try-before-you-buy” demo program for saddles and WTB is one of the originators of this concept. Check with your local bike shop for details.
This saddle is light and will make both your bike and your wallet lighter too.
The carbon rails showed no signs of weakness and we paid close attention to torque specs when installing the saddle. Even the few times when we blew our landing and exerted more force on the saddle than good form dictates, we never experienced any problems with cracking or creaking. We appreciate the style, lightweight, comfort and durability of the WTB Volt Carbon saddle. While many “race” saddles that we have tried (especially stock saddles that come with complete bike builds or house-brand saddles) seem to be too wide, flat and thin for our comfort, the Volt Carbon is none of these. This product is a solid performer all around.
If $249 is a bit steep for you, the Volt saddle is also available in Team (Ti rails), Pro (Cromoly rails), Race (Cromoly rails) and Comp (steel rails) levels and these are also available in narrow(135x260mm) , medium(142x260mm) and wide(150x260mm) widths (note: the Volt Carbon is available in 135x260mm only). This saddle also comes with a two year warranty.
For more information visit www.wtb.com.
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