3D printing has been a game changing technology that lets you quickly prototype and create unique designs. Trek’s new Aeolus AirLoom saddles embrace the 3D printing technology with their AirLoom 3D printed lattice structure that replaces traditional saddle covers and foam. Trek offers the saddle in multiple variations from the $174.99 Elite AirLoom, a mid-level $274.99 Pro and the top-of-the-line $424.99 RSL version we have for this review. As the top model, the RSL features a OCLV carbon shell and oversized 7x10mm OCLV carbon rails. The saddle is available in 135, 145 and 155mm widths to accommodate different bike fits and includes a Blendr mount.
The Trek Aeolus RSL AirLoom combines a full carbon base and rail with 3D printed padding that optimizes performance and comfort.
| Rating | 9.5 / 10 |
| Retail Price | $424.99 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 182 (250x155mm version w/ Blendr mount) |
| Likes | + Lightweight design with OCLV carbon rails and shell + Trek offers the saddle in multiple widths for personalized fit + Clean transition between AirLoom padding and carbon base for easier cleaning |
| Dislikes | – Premium price with RSL version – Oversized 7x10mm rails require Trek-specific side clamps |
| Where to Buy (US) | Trek |
UNBOXING
The Trek Aeolus RSL AirLoom saddle comes in a sleek black box with shiny silver RSL branding on the exterior and a large cutout to reveal the saddle. It’s a nice detail that lets you see the AirLoom details up close without opening the box. When you open up the box you see the saddle is held in place in a small cardboard holder and the Trek includes the Blendr mount pre-attached to the saddle.
FIT & FINISH
Visually, the Aeolus RSL AirLoom saddle has a subtle perforated design that could almost be mistaken for a standard saddle. Unlike other 3D printed saddles which have exposed lattice structure, the AirLoom design has more uniform cutouts and nearly solid sections. The perforated areas are focused on the front of the saddle with a soft nose for additional comfort and a stiffer section where your sit bones are positioned. Trek offers three variations of Aeolus AirLoom saddles: $175 Elite, $275 Pro and the $425 top-of-the-line RSL which we have here. The difference in the prices is reflected with the shell and rail material as the Elite has nylon shell / austenite rails, the Pro gets a carbon composite shell / OCLV carbon rails and the RSL features OCLV carbon shell and rails. Both the RSL and Pro have the same AirLoom lattice while the Elite model has 17% more lattice for additional comfort.
The saddle itself is nearly all black with the only branding as the metallic RSL on the rear bridge. Thanks to the use of the AirLoom padding there is a clean line between the base and the upper surface with no bunched up cover material that you find on traditional saddles. It’s a subtle detail you wouldn’t see on the bike but it makes cleaning the saddle easy as all the surfaces are smooth. A nearly full length center cutout helps reduce the saddle weight and provide a pressure relief zone. The shape of the saddle has also been updated compared to previous Aeolus saddles with a more narrow nose and a shorter transition area from the nose to the rear. Additionally, the saddle has a more consistent upward slope on the rear to improve stability while switching between riding positions.
One of the big selling points of these saddles is the AirLoom lattice which is a 3D printed structure that replaces traditional saddle covers over foam. Trek has utilized a truncated octahedron shape for optimal strength to weight. With this RSL version of the saddle you have a full OCLV base with a beautiful exposed checker-board carbon fiber weave. The saddle uses Trek’s oversized carbon rails which are 7x10mm which means you will need special side clamps if your seatpost clamps onto the rails from the side. It’s one downside to the saddle as other carbon saddles use more standard 7x9mm rails which can be used with most seatposts. The rail design itself is sleek with the rails attaching to the base at the front in rear with a smooth curve.
The other feature of the saddle is the included Blendr mount which attaches to the rear of the saddle base with two bolts. It’s a simple mount that lets you attach Trek taillights or the Trek CarBack radar at an optimal angle. Note, if you use the mount it is difficult to also attach a saddlebag unless you have a small saddlebag as the taillight or radar may rub against the saddlebag.
RIDING IMPRESSIONS
We only recently reviewed the Trek RSL saddle so our Trek Madone bike was already set up with the oversized 7x10mm side clamps that the Trek Aeolus RSL AirLoom needed. It was an easy swap and a good chance to see both saddles side-by-side. The Trek RSL is nearly $100 cheaper than the AirLoom but lacks the 3D printed padding. You can feel the difference as the AirLoom has a sleeker appearance and more zonal differences in padding thanks to the lack of an outer cover. Underneath the saddle the AirLoom you only see the exposed carbon fiber weave instead of excess saddle cover material.
While it’s hard to compare saddles, we would say the Trek Aeolus RSL AirLoom is comfortable and easy to adjust positions with. In our opinion it feels slightly better than the Trek RSL saddle as the raised upper keeps you centered on the saddle. However, it’s still on par with the Ergon SR Pro Carbon and Fizik Vento Argo with its short nose and performance posture. We also took advantage of the Blendr mount to mount the updated Trek Flare R on the rear of the saddle for optimal visibility. It’s a sleek setup that gives the bike a professional look, particularly if you skip the saddle bag.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Trek Aeolus RSL AirLoom carbon saddle to be sleek and comfortable. While the saddle may lack the open 3D structure you find on other 3D printed saddles, Trek has utilized the technology to optimize comfort and minimize weight. The octahedron structure provides zonal padding with softer feel on the front and firmer on the rear while eliminating the need for a typical saddle cover. We were impressed with how comfortable the saddle felt from our first ride. The updated shape provides a smooth upward curve that works well to keep you centered on the saddle. It was also easy to adjust positions with the short nose transition and more nose as you can easily shift around. The big downside of the saddle is the premium price with the RSL version and the fact that the 7x10mm rail have little support outside of Trek for side-mount clamps. That said, the Trek Aeolus RSL AirLoom offers a high performance fit and feel that embraces 3D technology.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Trek. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.