Terry Butterfly Century Women's Saddle
The Terry Butterfly Century Women's saddle earns a top spot for women-specific touring comfort by combining a softly contoured shell, wide female-specific platform and a pressure-relieving center channel that works well on long days in the saddle. Compared with leather classics like the Brooks B17 this saddle offers faster break-in and a lighter, maintenance-free build, while providing a more touring-focused cushioning and fit than budget gel models such as the Selle Royal.
Plush long-distance
Pressure-relief cutout
Plush long-distance
Pressure-relief cutout
Review Summary
"Riders praise the Terry Butterfly Century for its wide supportive platform and plush-yet-firm cushioning that makes multi-day touring comfortable; some note it’s a bit heavier and bulky compared with race saddles. Overall it’s seen as a reliable, long-distance women's touring saddle once the shape suits you."
Winged fit - butterfly flair
Women-specific anatomical shell with a central cutout to relieve soft-tissue pressure
Winged fit - butterfly flair
Women-specific anatomical shell with a central cutout to relieve soft-tissue pressure
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
The Terry Butterfly Century Women's saddle earns a top spot for women-specific touring comfort by combining a softly contoured shell, wide female-specific platform and a pressure-relieving center channel that works well on long days in the saddle. Compared with leather classics like the Brooks B17 this saddle offers faster break-in and a lighter, maintenance-free build, while providing a more touring-focused cushioning and fit than budget gel models such as the Selle Royal.
Plush long-distance
Pressure-relief cutout
Winged fit - butterfly flair
Women-specific anatomical shell with a central cutout to relieve soft-tissue pressure
Multi-density padding and ergonomic profile for sustained comfort on multi-day tours
Plush long-distance
Pressure-relief cutout
Winged fit - butterfly flair
Women-specific anatomical shell with a central cutout to relieve soft-tissue pressure
Multi-density padding and ergonomic profile for sustained comfort on multi-day tours
Selle Royal Respiro Woman Moderate
The Selle Royal Respiro Woman Moderate stands out as the value-oriented touring choice thanks to breathable Respiro technology and forgiving gel padding that keeps riders cooler and more comfortable on long rides. It is generally more affordable and lower maintenance than leather options like the Brooks B17 and less technical than Specialized's MIMIC or ISM's split-nose designs, making it an economical, comfort-first option for riders who prioritize immediate cushioning over long-term break-in or race-focused performance.
Ventilated comfort
Moderate cushioning
Ventilated comfort
Moderate cushioning
Review Summary
"The Selle Royal Respiro Woman Moderate is regularly described as comfortable and breathable with good shock absorption for casual touring and commuting, offering solid value for the price. Reviewers mention the construction and materials feel budget-oriented and longevity is mixed under heavy use."
Sweat-free breeze - airy
Gel-infused padding and ventilation channels to keep contact cooler on long rides
Sweat-free breeze - airy
Gel-infused padding and ventilation channels to keep contact cooler on long rides
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Selle Royal Respiro Woman Moderate stands out as the value-oriented touring choice thanks to breathable Respiro technology and forgiving gel padding that keeps riders cooler and more comfortable on long rides. It is generally more affordable and lower maintenance than leather options like the Brooks B17 and less technical than Specialized's MIMIC or ISM's split-nose designs, making it an economical, comfort-first option for riders who prioritize immediate cushioning over long-term break-in or race-focused performance.
Ventilated comfort
Moderate cushioning
Sweat-free breeze - airy
Gel-infused padding and ventilation channels to keep contact cooler on long rides
Moderate cushioning and a wide women-specific shape for upright touring positions
Ventilated comfort
Moderate cushioning
Sweat-free breeze - airy
Gel-infused padding and ventilation channels to keep contact cooler on long rides
Moderate cushioning and a wide women-specific shape for upright touring positions
Brooks B17 S Ladies Standard
The Brooks B17 S Ladies Standard remains a market leader for touring because its full-grain leather construction molds to an individual rider over time, delivering unmatched long-distance comfort and exceptional longevity for riders who accept a break-in period. While heavier and pricier up front than synthetic saddles like the Selle Royal or Terry, its durability and heritage make it a financially sound long-term investment for serious tourers who prefer a classic leather feel over modern pressure-relief technologies.
Molds to you
Durable leather
Molds to you
Durable leather
Review Summary
"The Brooks B17 S Ladies is loved for its classic leather build and long-term comfort after break-in, delivering durable, mold-to-your-shape support that many touring cyclists swear by. Early stiffness and required maintenance are common caveats but most users report high satisfaction over time."
Timeless charm - vintage wink
Premium vegetable-tanned leather that gradually molds to the rider for a personalized fit
Timeless charm - vintage wink
Premium vegetable-tanned leather that gradually molds to the rider for a personalized fit
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Brooks B17 S Ladies Standard remains a market leader for touring because its full-grain leather construction molds to an individual rider over time, delivering unmatched long-distance comfort and exceptional longevity for riders who accept a break-in period. While heavier and pricier up front than synthetic saddles like the Selle Royal or Terry, its durability and heritage make it a financially sound long-term investment for serious tourers who prefer a classic leather feel over modern pressure-relief technologies.
Molds to you
Durable leather
Timeless charm - vintage wink
Premium vegetable-tanned leather that gradually molds to the rider for a personalized fit
Traditional Brooks suspension and a women-specific shape for stable, long-distance support
Molds to you
Durable leather
Timeless charm - vintage wink
Premium vegetable-tanned leather that gradually molds to the rider for a personalized fit
Traditional Brooks suspension and a women-specific shape for stable, long-distance support
Specialized Women's Power Comp with MIMIC
The Specialized Women's Power Comp with MIMIC takes a technical approach to women-specific touring comfort by using MIMIC padding and a performance-shaped shell to protect soft-tissue areas while maintaining efficient pedaling ergonomics. It is lighter and more performance-oriented than bulky gel saddles and offers targeted anatomical engineering that many riders find more reliable for mixed touring and fitness riding, although it sits at a higher price point than entry-level comfort models.
Anatomic relief
Performance pedestal
Anatomic relief
Performance pedestal
Review Summary
"Specialized Women's Power Comp with MIMIC is widely praised for targeted pressure relief and anatomical support suited to many women, providing a stable, performance-oriented platform that still works for long rides if fit is correct. A minority find the aggressive shape less comfortable for very laid-back touring positions."
MIMIC magic - pressure ninja
MIMIC padding system engineered to reduce soft-tissue pressure while preserving power transfer
MIMIC magic - pressure ninja
MIMIC padding system engineered to reduce soft-tissue pressure while preserving power transfer
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Specialized Women's Power Comp with MIMIC takes a technical approach to women-specific touring comfort by using MIMIC padding and a performance-shaped shell to protect soft-tissue areas while maintaining efficient pedaling ergonomics. It is lighter and more performance-oriented than bulky gel saddles and offers targeted anatomical engineering that many riders find more reliable for mixed touring and fitness riding, although it sits at a higher price point than entry-level comfort models.
Anatomic relief
Performance pedestal
MIMIC magic - pressure ninja
MIMIC padding system engineered to reduce soft-tissue pressure while preserving power transfer
Shorter, supportive nose and women-specific shaping suited to varied touring positions
Anatomic relief
Performance pedestal
MIMIC magic - pressure ninja
MIMIC padding system engineered to reduce soft-tissue pressure while preserving power transfer
Shorter, supportive nose and women-specific shaping suited to varied touring positions
$200-280 CAD
ISM PN 3.0 Saddle
The ISM PN 3.0 is distinguished by its patented split-nose design that virtually eliminates perineal pressure, a key advantage for women on multi-day tours who spend extended time in the saddle. Technically specialized and often pricier than basic gel saddles, the PN 3.0 delivers unique pressure relief and pedaling efficiency compared with broader, more cushioned comfort saddles like the Selle Royal or the traditional leather contour of the Brooks B17, though its unconventional shape can require an adaptation period.
No-nose relief
Forward support
No-nose relief
Forward support
Review Summary
"The ISM PN 3.0 is frequently recommended for eliminating perineal pressure and preventing numbness on long rides, with many users valuing its split-nose design for sustained comfort. However, some riders find the unusual nose shape takes getting used to and feel it offers less fore/aft support for very upright touring positions."
Sit-forward bliss - gravity-defier
Split-nose design relieves perineal pressure and reduces numbness on long rides
Sit-forward bliss - gravity-defier
Split-nose design relieves perineal pressure and reduces numbness on long rides
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The ISM PN 3.0 is distinguished by its patented split-nose design that virtually eliminates perineal pressure, a key advantage for women on multi-day tours who spend extended time in the saddle. Technically specialized and often pricier than basic gel saddles, the PN 3.0 delivers unique pressure relief and pedaling efficiency compared with broader, more cushioned comfort saddles like the Selle Royal or the traditional leather contour of the Brooks B17, though its unconventional shape can require an adaptation period.
No-nose relief
Forward support
Sit-forward bliss - gravity-defier
Split-nose design relieves perineal pressure and reduces numbness on long rides
Firm, supportive platform with moderate padding for efficient pedaling on tours
No-nose relief
Forward support
Sit-forward bliss - gravity-defier
Split-nose design relieves perineal pressure and reduces numbness on long rides
Firm, supportive platform with moderate padding for efficient pedaling on tours