Trail One Saddles: A Comparative Review of Sheep Thrills and Saxon Hill

Trail One Components, established in 2021, aims to offer premium cycling parts while actively supporting trail maintenance. Their recent additions, the Saxon Hill and Sheep Thrills short-nose saddles, showcase this dual commitment. This review delves into the design, performance, and comfort differences between these two models, tested over three months on diverse mountain biking terrains. Both saddles share a compact, race-inspired form, but their construction—traditional foam padding for the Saxon Hill versus a 3D-printed upper for the Sheep Thrills—results in notably varied riding sensations, catering to different rider preferences and budgets.

Trail One Components, since its inception in 2021, has consistently expanded its range of mountain bike parts, driven by a philosophy of delivering superior, distinctive components and actively supporting the trail networks that cyclists cherish. The brand recently unveiled two new short-nose saddles: the Saxon Hill and the Sheep Thrills. The Saxon Hill features conventional foam padding and chromoly rails, positioning it as a more accessible option. In contrast, the Sheep Thrills stands out with its advanced 3D-printed upper and lightweight carbon fiber rails. These saddles caught the attention of the cycling community due to their unique, compact, and race-oriented profiles. The author personally tested both models over a period of approximately three months, integrating them into rides on a Santa Cruz Tallboy and a State 4130 steel hardtail across various local trails.

Despite their shared design blueprint, the on-trail experience offered by each saddle is remarkably different. The Saxon Hill provides a firmer, more direct feel, which may appeal to riders seeking a performance-focused connection with their bike. Its robust construction ensures durability, and its streamlined shape facilitates ease of movement. However, its narrower width and firm padding might not be ideal for extended rides or those preferring more cushioning. The Sheep Thrills, with its innovative 3D-printed technology, offers a more adaptable and comfortable ride. The multi-density upper conforms better to the rider's anatomy, distributing pressure more effectively, especially during prolonged periods in the saddle. This enhanced comfort, coupled with the weight-saving carbon rails, justifies its higher price point. Both saddles include a relief channel, proving beneficial on steep ascents by alleviating pressure. Notably, neither saddle led to discomfort from heat accumulation, ensuring a consistently cool riding experience. Trail One’s dedication to trail stewardship is evident in their business model: a portion of every product sale is directed towards organizations that maintain and improve mountain biking trails. This initiative, often linked to specific trail systems, resonates deeply with riders who prioritize supporting the infrastructure of their sport, adding significant value beyond the product's performance.

The Saxon Hill, priced at $89, represents Trail One’s entry-level offering, featuring a nylon fiber-injected base, Atmos Light foam padding, and chromoly rails. Weighing 235g as specified (238g on the author’s scale) and measuring 242mm long by 141mm wide, it adopts the contemporary short-nose design prevalent in high-performance mountain bike saddles. From the outset, the Saxon Hill conveyed a distinct firmness, suitable for a dynamic, performance-oriented riding style. While it offers cushioning, the rigid support under the sit bones is prominent. This characteristic makes it a strong contender for disciplines like enduro racing or for youth NICA bike setups, where a direct feel and efficient power transfer are paramount. On the trail, its design, particularly the short nose, allows for excellent freedom of movement, essential for navigating technical descents and varied terrain. The smooth, matte surface of the saddle ensures easy micro-adjustments in seating position without causing any snagging of cycling shorts, maintaining rider stability and comfort. However, its firm nature becomes more apparent during sustained climbs, where the lack of substantial cushioning might lead to discomfort for some riders over time. The single 141mm width option, narrower than the author's preferred 155mm, highlighted a potential limitation for riders with broader sit bones, particularly on longer excursions.

Conversely, the Sheep Thrills saddle commands a higher price point at $249, reflecting its premium construction and advanced features. It shares the same dimensions as the Saxon Hill—242mm length and 141mm width—and also utilizes a nylon fiber-injected base. However, its distinguishing feature is a multi-density 3D-printed upper that replaces the traditional foam, coupled with lightweight carbon fiber rails. This results in a lighter saddle, weighing 211g (214g on the author’s scale), approximately 24 grams less than the Saxon Hill. Both saddles come with a lifetime warranty, underscoring Trail One's confidence in their durability. While the 3D-printed material of the Sheep Thrills initially feels firm to the touch, it surprisingly softens upon contact with body heat, providing an immediate and noticeable improvement in comfort compared to the Saxon Hill. This advanced padding technology significantly enhances pressure distribution, allowing for greater conformity to the rider’s sit bones and offering superior support, especially during lateral movements while pedaling. This translates into the ability to endure longer rides with less discomfort, making the narrower 141mm width more tolerable than with the Saxon Hill. Although it may not offer the same level of plushness as some higher-priced competitors, the Sheep Thrills strikes an impressive balance between comfort and performance. The carbon rails, in addition to reducing weight, contribute to the saddle’s refined appearance and overall premium feel. Installation for both saddles proved straightforward, with no issues of rail creaking or instability, even on various seatpost types. The Sheep Thrills’ ovalized carbon rails necessitate specific seatpost clamps (vertical two-bolt or side-clamping designs), a detail worth noting for compatibility. Throughout the testing period, both saddles maintained their integrity, showing no signs of wear or damage, affirming their robust construction.

Ultimately, the Trail One Saxon Hill and Sheep Thrills saddles, despite their shared foundational design, deliver distinct riding experiences. The Saxon Hill, with its firm, sporty character, is an excellent choice for riders seeking a direct connection to their bike and valuing a more aggressive, performance-oriented feel. Its affordability and robust construction make it a compelling option within its category. However, for those prioritizing comfort on extended rides and willing to invest more, the Sheep Thrills emerges as the superior choice. Its 3D-printed upper and carbon rails offer enhanced pressure distribution, greater long-ride comfort, and a premium aesthetic, making the additional cost a worthwhile investment for a more refined and enjoyable cycling experience.