Selle Royal Respiro vs Ergon SM Sport
Comparison 2026 — Saddles
Our verdict
The Selle Royal Respiro and the Ergon SM Sport are both comfort saddles for recreational cyclists, but they approach comfort from completely different angles. The Respiro is a classic gel saddle at 275 mm long and 205 mm wide; the SM Sport is an ergonomic MTB saddle with pressure-distribution tech, 270 mm long and 145-155 mm wide (two sizes). On specs width tells the whole story. The Selle Royal Respiro weighs 490 g, has Royalgel padding with a central perineum-relief cutout, and targets upright city cyclists. The Ergon SM Sport weighs 240 g in size M, has OrthoCell padding in a relatively narrow shape, and is designed for mountain bikers and sporty riders on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug in a bent-forward posture. On the daily 10-15 km commute in upright city stance the Respiro wins on comfort; on the 50 km MTB ride in sporty position the SM Sport wins by reducing inner-thigh friction.
For commuters on a city or hybrid bike, upright through the Randstad, the Selle Royal Respiro is logical: €49.95, immediately comfortable, wide enough for the full sit area. For sporty cyclists on MTB or gravel, bent forward over unpaved roads, the Ergon SM Sport is the right call: €69.95, narrower to avoid thigh rub, ergonomically shaped for more active postures.
We recommend the Selle Royal Respiro for city cyclists and commuters, unless you ride sporty in a forward-leaning position — in which case the Ergon SM Sport justifies its €20 premium with targeted ergonomics for more active postures.
Ergon SM Sport
The Selle Royal Respiro wins through its 205 mm width, Royalgel padding and central cutout — instant comfort for upright commuters on 10-15 km rides.
Selle Royal Respiro
The Ergon SM Sport costs €20 more but gives MTB riders on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug exactly what they need: a narrower 145-155 mm shape that doesn't rub in sporty posture.
Specifications
| Specification | Selle Royal Respiro | Ergon SM Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €45.00+22% | €55.00 |
| Rating | ★4.3 (2,800) | ★4.4 (1,450) |
| Overall | 78/100 | 84/100+8% |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width | 245 mm (heren) / 260 mm (dames Moderate Woman)+75% | 140 mm (S/M) / 150 mm (M/L) |
| Length | 270 mm | 270 mm |
| Weight | 615 g | 295 g+108% |
| Material | ||
| Cover | Waterbestendig kunstleder | Synthetisch microvezel |
| Padding | Royalgel + elastomeer | Orthopedic Comfort Foam |
| Rails | Staal | CroMo staal |
| Shell | — | TwinShell flex composiet |
Pros and cons
Selle Royal Respiro
Pros
- Instant comfort from the first ride — no break-in required
- Royalgel and elastomer damping absorbs Dutch cobblestones and speed bumps
- Central cutout relieves perineal pressure in upright riding posture
- Sharp 45 euro price — most accessible comfort saddle in its class
Cons
- Gel compresses after 2-3 years of heavy use — plan to replace around 8,000 km
- At 245 mm wide it is too bulky for sustained rides above 25 km/h
Ergon SM Sport
Pros
- TwinShell flex core absorbs shocks without the sluggishness of gel
- Two widths (S/M 140 mm, M/L 150 mm) for male and female anatomy
- V-cutout relieves pressure points in a forward MTB position
- At 295 grams light enough for sporty use on trail or gravel rides
Cons
- Narrow profile is uncomfortable for a pure upright city-bike posture
- Cover shows visible wear after 1-2 seasons of off-road MTB use