You can probably already guess that we are a little unsure about the gender-specific design. The gel padding is soft and well-placed if installed correctly, providing a comfortable buffer for overly hard or poorly-shaped seats. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. The seat has a wide tail intended to suit female sit bones and a narrow nose that allows for a free pedaling motion when riding in an upright position. "Padded seats paired with padded shorts can cause discomfort from sinking into the seat", says Cervantes. It's important to consider the duration, intensity, and terrain you'll be riding on when selecting a bike seat. We also spent considerable time swapping back and forth between seats to tease out the subtle differences between similar models. That said, mountain bikers typically have a moderately aggressive seated body position with less forward lean than on a road bike, but far more than on a cruiser bike. Dimensions: 11.81 x 7.09 inches | Weight: 0.5 pounds. Our experts researched over 30 of the best bike seats available in a wide range of styles before purchasing 8 of the best to test side by side. What to Consider: The ergonomic design is oriented towards a more upright riding position, making it less suited for race-level performance. A wider, shorter seat is generally more comfortable in an upright riding position, while a narrower, longer one is better for a forward-leaning, aggressive position. Despite how many things we found to like about this model, its potential durability was a concern for us. There are a few things you can look for, though, to ensure you have a comfortable ride. The Bridge Comp Saddle is available in three different widths, allowing riders to find the optimal design for their body. Don't let the price tag fool you: The WTB Speed is a versatile saddle with solid comfort features. The seat is fitted with plush cushioned pads that pack extra thickness in the rear for long hours of riding. It turns out that the Bikeroo Most Comfortable Bike Seat for Women doesn't have a dramatically different shape than their non-gender-specific seat offerings. The Speed Steel isn't incredibly light compared to the other performance saddles we tested, but when lined up against other seats in its price range, it's practically a featherweight. The V3 incorporates a range of performance-driven and durability improvements geared towards off-road exploration. Equipped with a waterproof soflex and steel rails, the Serfas E-Gel saddle has solid durability for frequent use. Both of these seats have medium-width bodies with reasonable padding and an ergonomic shape. The Serfas E-Gel saddle incorporates plush padding across its wide design, minimizing the need for padded bike shorts. We feel that the seat remains comfortable in a forward-leaning position, but you rapidly lose pedaling efficiency as your position becomes more aggressive. We based our rankings and awards for these seats on their comfort, versatility, durability, and weight. However, for mountain bikers who may experience comfort issues, this ergonomic saddle may be the answer to their problems. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We rode for hours on bike seats from Giddy Up!, Fabric, WTB, and more to determine which ones top the charts in everything from comfort to versatility, Best Bang for Your Buck Mountain Bike Saddle. We had a variety of testers spend some time on each saddle and provide feedback. We researched After testing the top bike helmets on the market, we Are you in the market for the best budget bike helmet? Our primary tester for this project, Zach Wick, is a cycling fanatic with experience in product development and testing. The Bikeroo Oversized Comfort Seat, for example, tipped the scales at 1211 grams, or a whopping 2.7lbs. Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 inches | Weight: 1.77 pounds. The underside of the nose and tail feature a mostly plastic construction that could possibly split if you were to wreck or accidentally tip the bike over. However, we managed to mitigate this issue by adjusting the seat's angle. The seat top is fitted with patented fluid technology that adapts to the body and movement in the saddle. The synthetic upper cover and rubberized plastic scuff guard that lines the lower rear edges are both highly durable and make this a great seat for everyday use. This high-end, super-light seat features a low-profile design with thin, dense padding and carbon fiber saddle rails. How can we improve GearLab? It's slightly heavy compared to other performance mountain biking seats, but at such an impressively low price, it's hard to complain about a few extra grams. No ads. Knowing your body is possibly the most important factor in finding what's comfortable for you. Comfort seats with more reasonable weights included the Giddy Up! Installation is fast and easy using a drawstring at the cover's rear and two tie straps that wrap down around the seat's midsection. In fact, some saddles are interchangeable between the two disciplines. The WTB Volt and Speed are each a bit heavy at 311 and 369 grams, respectively, while the Fabric Scoop was the lightest by far at 195 grams. We wouldn't hesitate to put either of these saddles on almost any bike, and they make a great option for any bike that will be ridden frequently in a wide range of conditions. This seat is at home on a wide range of bikes and disciplines from road touring to technical mountain biking and everything in between. What to Consider: The extra padding and weight are not a good match for distance riding or high-level performance. Some seats are best for cruising around town, while others only feel at home in a race. Selle Royal's patented gel foam does not harden or shift over time, ensuring long-lasting comfort and support. What to Consider: It's the heaviest bike seat on this list. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. WTB boasts that this is their best-selling seat, and after testing, we can understand why. We installed this cover on various seat shapes and sizes and found that it definitely improved the feel of most. Whether you're just pedaling down to the beach or embarking on an all day epic, we hope this comprehensive review helped you find the right bike seat for you. Why We Love It: The shock-absorbing gel layer and cutout saddle design provide relief for your bottom. What to Consider: Longtime Bel-Air users should note the V3 has been significantly shortened from previous versions. with its plastic-heavy construction and integrated tail light. He has raced at an elite level in multiple disciplines and is a former state champion road cyclist. For shorter rides on a cruiser or hybrid bike where weight isn't a big concern, however, we think this model's comfort compensates for the extra weight. The gel also helps dull vibrations, while the elastomers, which can move both vertically and horizontally, give considerable shock protection. What to Consider: The price point is a bit steep for recreational cyclists. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Comfort seats are commonly found on beach cruisers, townies, and hybrid-style bikes. If you're experiencing numbness, pain, or discomfort, it might be time to upgrade for a smoother ride. In our test session, we spent hours riding and performing back-to-back comparisons considering each seat's comfort, versatility, durability, and weight with the goal of helping you make the best decision to suit your needs and budget. While many of the seats we tested are highly purpose-specific, there are some that can span a variety of disciplines. Seats with a lot of exposed plastic or easily breakable parts like the Giddy Up! The Giddy Up! Our testing involved lots of back-to-back seat swapping to get a feel for how the models stacked up against one another. Dimensions: 10.9 x 7.2 inches | Weight: 1.2 pounds. Bontrager Boulevard Fluid Bike Saddle at REI, Giddy Up! However, we think if you're able to take good care of the seat, or you are only an occasional rider, it should last. Your seat's shape is hugely important in its comfort, and it's crucial to match the seat's shape to your riding position. Dimensions 9.6 x 5.9 inches | Weight: 0.84 pounds. The E-Gel layer further enhances comfort with its friction-free cover that prevents chafing without compromising grip. But during prolonged sitting, softer padding increases pressure on the sit bones and delicate nerves rather than distributing body weight more evenly. The body has a practical, integrated tail lightconveniently powered by replaceable batteriesmaking riding in low-light or high-traffic situations an all-around safer experience. If you're looking for a quick and simple way to improve your bike seat's comfort without having to buy a whole new seat, the Zacro Gel Bike Seat Cover is a good option. The Speed has a slight forward tilt, helping riders pedal with more oomph during a tough workout or out on the road. Our female testers found the seat comfortable, but our male testers also liked it, which made us think that this is just a comfortable all-around seat. The Bridge Comp Saddle with Mimic is on the forefront of ergonomic design, with a range of innovative structural elements and materials tailored to female anatomy. Regardless, we highly recommend this model to aggressive road cyclists and racers alike. These seats are usually made from lightweight materials and often come in several widths to accommodate varying body shapes and sizes. What to Consider: The bulky shape and weight makes it better suited for recreational cycling and commuting. Bikeroo includes an adapter that allows this seat to be mounted either directly to the seat post if it is compatible or with a standard double rail clamp. The seat's profile strikes a balance between the wider, cruiser-style seats and the narrow performance models, making it suitable for various bikes and fit styles. We had to adjust the importance of this metric considerably from the recreational to the performance models. Because comfort is so subjective and can vary from body type to body type, we took extra care to make sure we tested each model thoroughly to get a good picture. Mountain bike seats are typically designed with mobility in mind. Why We Love It: It easily adapts to keep you comfortable during any level of workout. If you're looking for an inexpensive performance mountain seat that you're confident will keep you comfortable, look no further than the Volt Steel. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. As things heat up, an airflow vent aids circulation to stay cool and dry in the saddle. Mountain bikers likely want to prioritize durability and shock absorption with any saddle. WTB offers four different price points depending on which rail material you prefer, but the steel rail version that we tested is a great value for those looking for a workhorse for their mountain, gravel, or cyclocross bike. The seat is packed with a layer of premium memory foam for extra support and comfort; between this padding and the stainless steel spring suspension, this seat delivers a smooth ride. Therefore, we would propose this seat mainly for upright to neutral body positions while riding. Despite sporting considerably less padding than the cushy, comfort models we tested, the flexible shell and well-contoured shape kept us reasonably comfortable on long rides. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Best Overall: Bontrager Boulevard Fluid Bike Saddle, Best for Commuting: Giddy Up! Dimensions: 10.2 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 0.5 pounds. We highly recommend this great value to anyone looking to replace the seat on their daily driver. It also features a wider center channel than most bike seats for soft tissue relief. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Once off, ensure its rid of debris and dust before adding the new seat. He also has a Master of Public Administration degree, and a Master of Arts in Sustainable Communities from Binghamton University. Additional comfort is achieved through the central relief channel, which runs the full length of the seat, and the Atmos sealed design that encases the seat without staples or stitches. Once you have an idea of your ideal width, consult the technical specs of any bike seat to ensure it's a good fit. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. Many models are designed with ergonomic pressure relief cutouts or channels to reduce pressure on the rider's sensitive undersides. Seats around 7 inches wide are the sweet spot for a secure fit. The generous padding provides plenty of support without verging on too cushy. Those seats typically cost more than three times as much as the Volt Steel, however. Here we'll go over the criteria we used to analyze these seats and explain which are most important for each cycling style. In general, we can break down bike seats into three basic categories: comfort/recreational, road cycling, and mountain biking. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. It may be helpful to grease the underside of bolts to reduce creaking before attaching the new seat. The WTB Volt is a classic mountain bike saddle design that suits a wide range of body types. This model is particularly good for commuting in traffic due to its reflective band and an integrated tail light that can be easily switched between three modes from a control under the seat. No sponsored content. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Both are light enough to be viable performance cycling seats but well-cushioned enough to be comfortable on a commute or recreational ride. Got feedback? Love a great deal? The nose of the seat has softer padding to lessen pressure, while the rear is fitted with firmer foam for sit-bone support. The rear suspension softens the impact of vibrations and jolts on your ride. Mountain bike saddles also generally have streamlined designs intended to allow good power transfer and freedom of mobility while riding. The weight combined with the hefty price tag means that this may not be a go-to model for gram-counting racers out there. With all of its performance and comfort benefits, the Scoop runs at a considerably higher price than most of the models we tested. is a comfortable seat with an integrated tail light for enhanced visibility. Performance-oriented seats tend to have a minimalist construction with high-quality lightweight materials to shed the grams. Every body has different mechanics and moves in different ways, so not everyone will find the same seats comfortable. The profile features a wide tail with thick, soft cushioning and a narrow nose that allows space for a comfortable pedaling motion. Any bike seat should be positioned at a height that allows you to achieve full extension while pedaling. Check the bars beneath the seat, known as saddle rails, to see if the width matches up with the seat post. The comfort models, on the other hand, were given some leniency for their heavier weights. One of the primary factors to consider when choosing a new bike seat is your intended use. A microfiber cover gives the seat a leather-like look but with greater durability and antimicrobial benefits. Although it's not a race-ready model, the generous gel padding offers superior comfort for casual cruising. Why We Love It: The luxurious padding reduces pressure points for a comfy ride. The Giddy Up! The Fabric Scoop is a great seat for road cyclists or racers who plan to spend hours in the saddle in an aggressive position. Why We Love It: This seat is designed to provide anatomical support and enhance blood flow for superior comfort and performance. Weight is a concern for many mountain bikers, and mountain bike seats are made from various lightweight materials and are often available in a range of constructions, price points, and widths. With their scientific approach to design, SQlab gave the 611 Ergowave Active one of the most comfortable, ergonomic seat profiles we've ever tested. For our bike seat test, we packed a lot of riding into two weeks. Why We Love It: This seat delivers ample cushioning and well-rounded support in a design that doesn't sacrifice performance. He also writes about personal finance and small business topics for SoFi. Unlike many saddle models geared towards plush comfort, the Boulevard Fluid features a full cutout to protect sensitive soft-tissue areas and offer some ventilation. Since then, he has worked in environmental education, community planning, and climate policy for nonprofits and the State of New York. We were hard-pressed to find anything negative about the Volt Steel in testing. Dimensions: Options for 11 x 8.1 inches or 11 x 8.8 inches | Weight: 1.27 pounds or 1.35 pounds. The wide tail is purportedly designed specifically for women. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. For Denise Cervantes, Certified Personal Trainer at Herbalife Nutrition, trading out bike seats to adapt to different situations is common practice. Despite these small concerns, we think this model makes a great option for anyone seeking a more comfortable commute or recreational bike ride. We closely examined each seat's construction to find potential failure points. As we discussed in the comfort section above, heavily padded seats can become uncomfortable and cause chafing over the course of a long ride. The comfort comes from its thick layer of soft memory foam cushioning, a well-rounded shape that works well for various body types, and two rubber shock absorbers. It's relatively important for a performance seat to be lightweight. Thanks to an elastomer suspension system, the seat bears the brunt of bumps and potholes to promote a gentle riding experience. But patented Mimic technology takes this comfort much further with its multi-layer cushioning system that adapts to the body to prevent swelling, pain, and numbness in sensitive areas. At 10.2 inches wide, the Bikeroo Oversized Bike Seat was designed to distribute weight and eliminate hot spots in the saddle. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. To help narrow your search, we've broken down the most comfortable bike seats by use, body type, and cost considerations. The wide seat tapers into a narrow nose to help riders pedal without any rubbing or obstruction. A heavily padded seat is almost always going to be more comfortable on short to mid-length rides. No matter what type of riding you do, a comfortable saddle can improve your experience and keep you out there longer. We found the two most versatile seats in testing were the WTB's Volt and Speed. The wideset Giddy Up! Long-distance riders should try to find a comfortable seat with as little bulky padding as possible by focusing on shape and matching their seat to their body type and riding style. The V3 lives up its namesake with lightweight injection molded foam providing quality cushion in the saddle. The V3 stands up to falls and heavy use thanks to its vacuum-sealed cover that's welded to the seat. He has over five years of experience writing about travel and lifestyle content for digital publications, including TripSavvy, Oyster.com, Jetsetter, and more. In addition to his riding experience, Zach has spent years working in product development in the cycling industry. Swapping it out for a Tonbux bike seat can enhance the comfort and quality of your spin sessions. Namely, the seat's rear rise and nylon glass base enhance power transfer for tough trail rides. It isn't too bulky, but you will have to adjust your saddle height after installing to compensate for the added height. The ergonomic design of the SQ Lab Ergowave Active 611. Kevin Brouillard is a contributing writer at T+L, specializing in outdoor gear and apparel. Installation was quick, and within a few minutes, we had our preferred seat angle all set and ready to go. The seat's shape has a unique stepped profile that's low in the front and high in the rear. In testing, we liked the raised tail section that held our sit bones in the sweet spot and provided something to push against when the time came to lay down the power. Because this seat is intended for things like mellow beach cruising, we didn't dock it too much, but we think that it's quite heavy even for a recreational seat. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best One drawback you might want to consider is that with its extra-wide body and stainless steel shock absorbers, this seat is the heaviest and least efficient model we tested. This seat is available in four different widths to fit a wide range of body types, and SQlab will even send you a fit kit to measure your sit bones and ensure that you get the correct width. Smooth, rounded edges to the seat prevent rubbing and irritation while pedaling and alternating between riding positions. The Bontrager Boulevard Fluid Bike Saddle boasts a range of comfort features for easy riding. The saddle is equipped with Royalgel a tridimensional gel structure that adapts to the rider's body to better distribute weight and ease pressure. If your knee is still bent when the pedal is at its lowest point, it needs to be raised. When looking for a new seat, it's important to consider your riding needs. The wide, short body is well suited to bikes with an upright riding position, and the thick foam padding combines with the stainless steel shock-absorbing spring to soak up bumps and chatter. However, for recreational riding, your seat's weight will likely not be noticeable unless you're in hilly terrain, and you may value the comfort a heavier seat can offer. Just as there are many different bikes and bicycle riding styles, there are seats made to match. or the Bikeroo Oversized Comfort Seat for comfort. Large stainless steel springs help to smooth out the ride when the road gets bumpy. 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These types of seats are focused more on rider comfort than performance. Bike Seat is very comfortable, and it's befitting for both recreational riding and your daily urban commuting needs. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. However, all of that bulky padding can actually create discomfort if you're spending hours on end on your bike. We highly recommend this for anyone who plans to spend considerable time in the saddle. The tie-down attachment system isn't ideal, and we spent a bit of time trying to figure out the most secure tying method for each seat. We felt comfortable and relaxed on this seat throughout the testing process. Why We Love It: The saddle's ventilation channel delivers breathability and superb comfort for sensitive spots. The Scoop is a lightweight and high-performance saddle that is best suited to road cycling. When you're spending hours on your bike or trying to be the first to the top of the hill, you want to cut weight anywhere you can. The Scoop makes no compromises for its high-end performance. For this reason, our durability assessment is largely based on a close examination of each seat's construction and the materials with which it's made. There are convenient accessories included, such as a standard rain cover and a small, basic tool kit for installation. Still, Bikeroo claims that this seat was designed specifically with the female anatomy in mind. Still, for those who prize comfort and support over pure performance and speed, this saddle will get the job done. A relaxed, upright body position benefits from the extra width, support, and padding. We Bikeroo Most Comfortable Bike Seat for Women, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews. For example, a model like the Bikeroo Oversized Comfort is targeted primarily at recreational cyclists who value comfort, so we didn't dock it too much when it tipped the scales at more than triple the weight of the high-end road cycling seats. The Respiro Moderate incorporates a host of anatomical design features for male riders to avoid such woes. The least versatile options we tested are the Fabric Scoop and Bikeroo Oversized Comfort Bike Seat. For all of these reasons, it's important to choose a seat that can span multiple disciplines and bridge the gap if you plan on undertaking a wide range of rides. The elevated tail ensures that your sit bones stay right in the sweet spot while pedaling, with a generous relief groove in the seat's center. Although this is a quick and easy comfort solution, it isn't without some issues. Many standard stationary bike seats are lacking when it comes to support. With the Speed Steel, WTB manages to provide a well-rounded performance seat at a bargain price. When you're hunting for a new seat, it's important to consider its intended purpose. We are also more confident in the durability of the heavy-duty recreational seats with largely-metal construction like the Bikeroo Oversized Comfort. Likewise, large recreational seats like the Bikeroo Oversized Comfort Bike Seat are often very heavy and can be incredibly cumbersome when riding uphill or over long distances. It's a little heavy, but the Speed is an incredible value that works well for any type of cycling.