A good saddle is important, no matter what your riding style – they serve a purpose, be it stability when pinched between the knees for Slopestyle riders, or ultimate comfort and minimal weight for XC.

The DMR Stage 1 saddle from is focussed on general trail riding – it’s just about light enough at 278grams for XC duties, but is tough enough to take a few hard knocks.

The long nose is fairly flat, which makes for a decent perch on steeper climbs as you move forward. Although it has a slender profile, we didn’t have any issues with it snagging on baggy shorts.

The upper cover is a synthetic leather, with a satin finish that is grippy enough that you don’t slide around on but doesn’t catch your shorts.  Padding is minimal and quite firm – though the shape of the base offered good support. The light weight chromoly rails flex slightly too, which adds to the comfort.

The wide, flat nose gives lots of room to move fore and aft.

On the underneath of the DMR Stage 1 saddle is the Ride Saver system – essentially a bolt on cleat that you can run a supplied velcro strap through to hold a multitool or inner tube etc.  It’s a nice, simple idea and is removable, making it a nifty extra. For regular rides we’d be more inclined to use a pocket or a riding pack – but for racing or those days where you don’t want to carry anything, it works well.

It does put your stowed kit in the line of fire for spray off the rear wheel though.

DMR’s Ride Saver system could save your ride if you stash an inner tube and C02 cartridge underneath.

The cleat can be moved fore and aft to accommodate different items

 We say

The DMR Stage 1 is a nice simple saddle from the team at DMR, with a comfortable shape and useful nose profile. The Ride Saver system is a nifty little extra that will no doubt prove popular amongst those who like to ride bare back and carry little kit.

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