A comfort-focused saddle for riders with a more forward, athletic riding position.
The Selle Royal Vaia Athletic is designed for riders who lean further forward on the bike but still want good cushioning and pressure relief. It's the sportier shape in the Vaia range, aimed at riders who carry some of their weight through the handlebars rather than sitting completely upright.
Royalgel cushioning helps spread pressure across the saddle, while the large ergonomic centre cut-out provides plenty of relief through the perineal area. The shape still gives your sit bones a supportive platform without putting too much saddle underneath you.
Royal Vacuum construction seals the saddle against wet weather, while Selle Royal's Integrated Clip System provides a mounting point underneath the rear. The Vaia Athletic also comes with a compact nine-function multi-tool that clips neatly underneath the saddle.
Key Features
- Designed for a more forward, athletic riding position
- Royalgel cushioning helps distribute pressure
- Large ergonomic centre cut-out for pressure relief
- Supportive shape through the sit-bone area
- Royal Vacuum sealed, water-resistant construction
- Integrated Clip System for compatible Selle Royal accessories
- Nine-function Selle Royal multi-tool included
- Multi-tool stores neatly underneath the saddle
- Protective rubber housing for the multi-tool
- Suitable for fitness, commuting, recreational and mixed-surface riding
Integrated Multi-Tool
The included nine-function multi-tool clips underneath the saddle using Selle Royal's Integrated Clip System.
It's a clever place to keep a basic tool. It stays with the bike, doesn't take up room in your pockets and is there when you need to make a quick adjustment while you're out riding.
Why Choose the Selle Royal Vaia Athletic?
The Athletic is the Vaia we'd look at if you ride with a noticeable forward lean towards the handlebars. You still get plenty of cushioning and a generous centre cut-out, but without moving to the broader shape intended for a more upright rider.
If you sit further upright, we'd look at the Vaia Moderate or Relaxed instead. Going wider or adding more padding doesn't automatically make a saddle more comfortable. The shape needs to suit the way you sit on your bike.
Our Thoughts
We like that Selle Royal offers the Vaia in different shapes rather than expecting one saddle to work for everyone.
The Athletic makes sense on a fitness bike, commuter or recreational bike where you're leaning forward and putting some weight through the bars. The large centre cut-out is also worth looking at if pressure through the middle of your current saddle is giving you trouble.
The multi-tool is a nice bonus too. We wouldn't buy the saddle because it comes with one, but having a basic tool tucked underneath the saddle and always on the bike is genuinely handy.
As with any saddle, we'd still start with getting the width and shape right. Royalgel can add cushioning, but it can't make the wrong saddle fit.
Free Retül Digital Sit-Bone Measurement
Visit Chain Reaction Christchurch for a free Retül Digital Sit-Bone Measurement. We can check your sit-bone width and riding position, then help work out whether the Vaia Athletic is the right shape and width for you.
