Review: WTB Rocket V SLT Mountain Bike Saddle

Rocket V Embroidered Logo

WTB has been known throughout the industry for providing high quality, comfortable saddles for a wide range of mountain bikers. With everything from race proven to comfort oriented saddles, you can find just about anything for your sit bones in the WTB lineup. The Rocket V SLT sits in the race category for WTB but has become a favorite amongst all types of recreational riders as well. With several models to choose from with varying weights and materials, the SLT sits at the top of the line on the Rocket V with titanium rails and kevlar reinforced corners. Let’s take a look at how it performed in the trail.

WTB Rocket V SLT Specs

“The Rocket V is WTB’s most popular high-performance saddle both on the road and in the dirt. The uniquely contoured pad shape helps increase power output by properly angling the sit bones. This is the saddle of choice for current downhill world champion Steve Peat of the Santa Cruz Syndicate.”

WTB Rocket V SLT Specs:
  • Rails: Titanium
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 215g as tested
  • Features: Leather | Flex-Tuned Shell | Comfort Zone | DNA Padding | Embroidery
  • Usage: Road / Mountain
  • Size: Narrow x mid-length (127mm x 258mm)
  • MSRP: SLT $150 (tested) / Team $130 / Pro $90 / Race $60
  • Find your best price by clicking here

WTB Rocket V Side View

Review: WTB Rocket V SLT Mountain Bike Saddle

For this review, the WTB Rocket V SLT was installed on the Turner 5.Spot with a Gravity Dropper (adjustable seatpost and the reason for the black boot pictured). The 5.Spot is an all around trail bike and a perfect setup for testing the saddle in multiple trail conditions ranging from fast, smooth and flowy to really technical singletrack.

Installation of the Rocket V is pretty typical for any saddle. The large clearance between the rails and the body of the saddle make inserting the seat post plates for attachment an easy process. With an overall weight of 215 grams, the Rocket V is also incredibly light for its size. With this amount of padding and material, it is actually lighter than the majority of the Selle Italia Flite lineup. The all black color scheme of the SLT (other models are different colors) was also a crowd favorite. The Rocket V profile is ideal for rear ends that range in the narrow to mid width categories and WTB does have other wider options with other models to suite different saddle widths needs.

On The Trail: WTB Rocket V SLT

The padding on the Rocket V is rather tall but not too squishy. The depth of the padding makes for a comfortable saddle over long, technical climbs, but the firmer nature of the padding keeps you on top of the saddle so you do not feel like you are sinking into a pillow. With a narrow nose spreading back into a lipped, contoured rear, there are multiple seating positions depending on how you are riding your bike. The narrow front end made steep pitches easier with the ability to get weight forward and knees in while the larger rear end provided a comfortable resting spot while spinning on flatter sections of trail. The Rocket V also features a nicely cut center channel that prevents unwanted pressure and circulation loss on vital parts of your anatomy. Overall, this has been the most comfortable long mileage saddle we have tested to date.

One of the biggest selling points of the WTB Rocket V is its durability. While saddle fitment and comfort can be a personal preference, there is no denying the durable leather construction with kevlar reinforced corners on this saddle. When you go to set the bike down on the side of the trail or in a parking lot preparing for a ride, you do not have to worry about ripping the corners at all. Even after several wrecks in rocky, technical trail, the saddle still looks as pictured and it should for many miles in the future.

Positives: WTB Rocket V SLT MTB Saddle
  • Lightweight Design: 215g is great for its size
  • Firm, deep padding provides shock absorption and comfort
  • Durable construction: Kevlar corners, durable black leather
Negatives: WTB Rocket V SLT
  • Expensive: $150.00 might be out of some riders price range, but there are other price points available.
  • Claims to be for road as well, but probably to big for that application.

The WTB Rocket V has become the full time saddle on the Bike198 test rigs due to its comfort level and incredible trail durability. At this point in time, I would be hard pressed to find a better option for my sit bone needs.

Find your best price on a Rocket V SLT by clicking here.

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