Posedla Joyseat 1 and 2 Review: Bike Saddle(s) Like No Other!

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I’ve been dealing with saddle discomfort for a while now. According to bike fitters and methods for choosing a bike saddle, I’ve tried many saddles that should fit me, but they never felt right.

Recently, I came across the Joyseat saddle. This is a 3D-printed saddle that Posedla makes directly based on the imprint of your butt. But it’s one of the most expensive saddles on the market. I’ve tried its first and second generations.

So, how do they differ, and is Joyseat worth it?

Continue reading for more info.

NOTE: I’ve updated the original review to reflect my experience with the first and second generations of Joyseat.

Posedla Joyseat Summary

Below, I list the pros and cons of the Posedla Joyseat I found during the use.

How Does the Order Process Work?

Since this is a custom-made saddle, the whole process is broken down into three steps:

1. You order the Joyseat saddle and a Smiling Butt Kit.
2. Posedla sends you a Smiling Butt Kit. You imprint your butt in it, take pictures of it, and upload it to the Posedla system.
3. You customize the saddle and wait 6-8 weeks for its delivery.

My Experience with Posedla Joyseat 1

I’ve used the Joyseat saddle on my road bike, both outdoors and indoors. Before that, my main saddle was Specialized Power Comp, which I’d estimate was about 80% fit.

I have tried saddles like the Prologo Dimension, Selle SMP Dynamic, and many Chinese carbon saddles. Although I thought many of them would fit, after a while, they still started to cause me significant discomfort.

The Joyseat is a custom saddle, so nothing like that should happen. The saddle reflects the width of your pelvic bones, riding style, weight, etc. You will learn more in the FAQ. However, risking over $500 is just not something anyone wants to do. That’s why I appreciate Posedla’s money-back guarantee. You can watch the following video from the manufacturing process, which is surprisingly labor-intensive.

I have to admit that I like Posedla’s marketing communication (especially in Czech, where they use catchy expressions and phrases). The unboxing itself is also a good example.

Besides the original box, I also like the printed information about my saddle and the signature of the employee who made the saddle. It’s an experience, as it should be with such an expensive product. Watch the following video for more info.

My first ever ride on a Joyseat was indoors, during a Zwift race lasting about an hour. I must admit, the comfort was not what I dreamed of. However, this was not too surprising as I set the saddle in the same position as the last one, which is quite different in shape.

I contacted Posedla to ask for more details about the saddle and also asked them for recommended settings. They told me that their customers prefer having the nose tilted down. I followed this recommendation, and it helped. The saddle felt more comfortable, especially in an aero position. I also started using the Gymrail Momentum X1 rocker plate, so I experienced more comfort than ever before.

Yet, the saddle still didn’t feel 100% right when riding outside. So, I experimented with its position. I tilted the nose even more and moved the saddle about 5mm forward. It took a while before I got used to it. I have a theory on why. All my previous saddles had a slippery surface, so my butt could freely slide on the saddle. But Joyseat has an anti-slip surface, which may cause more friction between the chamois and the skin. This manifests itself for me when riding on rough roads and without chamois cream.

One of the most interesting things about Joyseat is that the padding is hard in different parts. For example, the back of the saddle is harder than the front. The same goes for the points where the pelvic bones rest. Keep in mind that due to the material used, the saddle will be harder in cold temperatures than, for example, during the summer.

I rode the saddle primarily outdoors during the winter, and it felt harder than it needed to be. I’m curious to see how it softens in warmer temperatures. UPDATE: It didn’t soften much.

I appreciate the large enough hole in the saddle so it doesn’t press on my intimate parts. This is especially important for me when riding in an aero riding position on flats. Although plenty of prostate-friendly bike saddles exist, not all have a well-shaped and big enough relief channel. Remember, however, that too large a hole can cause cold wind to blow through in winter. It may therefore be advisable to fill it with, e.g., cardboard or an ass saver.

I also cannot forget to comment on the nose width. It is too wide for me, which means that my thighs rub against it, which can damage the shorts. Luckily, Posedla has already released an updated version called Joyseat 2.0, which has a narrower nose, but more about it later.

Even though I have Joyseat on a road bike, where there is almost no risk of getting dirty as in mountain biking, I can’t fail to mention the maintenance. The mesh structure means that if, for example, mud gets into it, it will be more difficult to wash than a regular saddle. But if you’re using, say, an ass saver or fenders, you have nothing to worry about.

But the biggest elephant in the room is the high price of the Joyseat compared to standard saddles, which usually cost half as much. However, as with any product, it depends on what you’re comparing it to. For example, the 3D S-Works Power with Mirror is $450, and the Fizik Vento Argo 00 Adaptive is $399. These saddles are mass-produced and are not custom-made. So, if we consider that they are mass-produced in much larger quantities, the Joyseat no longer looks so expensive.

Additionally, we have to count the environmental aspect. Thanks to Joyseat, there is no need to manufacture as many saddles because finding the right one is often a trial-and-error process. I also want to highlight the extra things that Posedla does, like the podcasts. These have been in Czech since, but I’d guess they’ll at least be retitled in the future.

Posedla Joyseat 1.0 vs. 2.0: How They Differ?

On 26/2/2024, Posedla introduced an updated version of Joyseat called Joyseat 2.0. At first, I also received this saddle as part of my review. However, it was not custom-made based on my butt imprint. It was just a test saddle. I received the Joyseat 2.0 a few weeks later. I describe my experience with it below.

The Joyseat 2.0 has a modified shape. Its nose is shorter and narrower, which should address thigh friction. It is also a few grams lighter and, according to Posedla, should be even more comfortable. See the comparison pictures below.

My Experience with Posedla Joyseat 2.0

NOTE: I tested Joyseat 2.0 on a more comfortable bike (Winspace Agile). This might affect the overall impressions from 1.0 vs. 2.0.

I returned Joyseat 1.0 and had Joyseat 2.0 made. It’s a bit lighter and, more importantly, has a narrower nose. Overall, it fits better than the first gen, but my thighs still rub against the tip a bit, and the saddle is a hair firmer than I would have liked for my taste. In most other aspects, it is the same as the first gen, but from my perspective, it is a definite step forward. Considering all the pros and cons of all the saddles I tried, it’s probably the best one.

Posedla Joyseat FAQ

Conclusion

Due to the high price of the saddle, I had high expectations. With Joyseat 1.0, it was honestly not love at first sight, but Joyseat 2.0 improved in many aspects, and I got used to it. Considering all the pros and cons of all the saddles I’ve tried, it’s probably the best saddle.

It is not perfect, though. My thighs still slightly rub against the nose, and I find the padding a bit too hard. In low temperatures, it will harden even further due to the nature of the material.

I have spoken to several high-profile athletes, and they all praise the Joyseat. Most liked it immediately, and some got used to it like I did.

Based on my experience, I can recommend Joyseat to everyone who spends long hours on the bike, struggles with saddle discomfort, and can’t find the right saddle. If, by any chance, the saddle doesn’t fit you, Posedla offers a money-back guarantee. Their customer support is top-notch, and I also like their creative communication.

The product for this review was kindly provided by the manufacturer. This did not influence my overall verdict or my opinion about the product. You can learn more about how I approach reviews here.