The SDG Bel-Air Saddle has been a personal favorite of mine since I started mountain biking, and I’ve owned every iteration the brand has made to date. That trend continues with the release of the Bel-Air V3 Max, V3 Galactic, and V3 Overland, which takes a great saddle and somehow manages to add iterative improvements.
I’ve been rocking the Bel-Air V2 and V3 models on every bike I own, occasionally removing it to test out other options, but always coming back to the saddle I consider home, only replacing them when rips and tears begin to make them look haggard.
The new Bel-Air V3 shape was introduced a while back, but last year at Sea Otter, we got to get a glimpse of two additional iterations, the Overland and Max, as well as a new Galactic color way. While the familiar shape continues, the two new iterations offer a few new features.
Bel-Air V3 Max — Lux-Alloy Rails, $94
The slight rear rise from the V3 edition is leveled up in the Max edition, which is optimized further for long days in the saddle as well as eBike use. the V3 Max is enhanced for additional comfort with a small increase in padding, and a more aggressive rear rise to aid in climbs. I have two test models available and I’ve been running one on the eMTB, and one on my Specialized Stumpjumper EVO.
First impressions
The best part about the V3 Max saddles comfortable enough that I’ve been doing away with a padded chamois shorter rides. I am not a fan of a sweaty padded short, especially on all day rides, shuttles runs, etc. That includes the eMTB. I’m able to get away with performance underwear (which feels like a padded short without the soggy pad) for most of my rides.
Like the Bel-Air V3, the V3 Max is 260mm in length and 140mm wide. The listed weight is only slightly heavier than the standard V3 at 245g, which only adds about 9 grams, a trade off that is more than worth it.
Bel-Air V3 Overland Carbon Fiber rails, $189 (alloy rail version available, $89)
Equipped with carbon fiber rails, the Bel-Air V3 Overland is the lightest of the V3 lineup. Aimed at the weight-conscious trail, XC, and gravel rider, the V3 Overland features a full cutout for relief on those all-day rides. At a listed 171 grams, they’re pretty dang light weight.
First Impressions
While significant heft has been cut, what I find most appealing is the comfort level of the V3 remains intact, and even enhanced some. Comfort is often a feature lacking from lightweight saddles; it isn’t lacking here.
The Overland Carbon is designed for a more aggressive XC position, (unlike the V3 Max model) and the rear rise is decreased slightly from the Bel-Air V3. It’s found a permanent home on my sweet new titanium hardtail project build, which we’ll be reporting on shortly. It’s a great looking saddle too boot.
Bel-Air V3 Galactic – Lux-Alloy Rails, $109
The Bel-Air V3 is a new color way for the Bel Air V3. The new limited Galactic Gold & Silver color ways add a bit of flair for your build. Released in 2020, it evolved from the V2, with the shape of the V3 slimmed down slightly. The length was shorted to better pair with modern bike geometries, while also providing a slightly wider nose to aid in climbing.
The Bel-Air V3 features a listed weight of 236g, is 260mm in length, and is 140mm wide.
Having ridden the crud out of previous Bel-Air saddles, I’ve found that printed graphics tend to look aged after a PNW winter; having the color pop come from the saddle base is a nice way to add flair, and should help maintain its good looks after a few seasons of hard pedaling. I may have to get a gold one down the road, as it would look super sharp on my yellow SC Tallboy trail bike.
Check out the full line of saddles at SDGComponents.com or shop for SDG Components at retail partner JensonUSA.
