Buying the best bicycle seat should be a straightforward process — especially when you’re a pro and know what you’re looking for. For newcomers, it’s a bit different; there are several things to keep in mind and assess before clicking “buy.”
To save you some time and make sure that you end up with the right seat for your cycling purposes, we took the liberty of rounding up the best of what the market currently has to offer.
The Best Bicycle Seat for Men - All Entries Ranked
We may earn a commission when you buy certain products through the links on this page. Note that this does not influence the content created by our team. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure. Selle Royal Respiro Athletic Saddle
Best Bicycle Seat Overall
- Great all-rounder
- Comfortable
- Athletic fit for balance between cruising and touring
Brooks Cambium C17 Carved Bike Saddle Review
Brooks Cambium C17 Carved Bike Saddle Review
- Sleek
- Durable
- Versatile
Bontrager Arvada Comp Bike Saddle Review
Best Hybrid Bicycle Seat for Both Track and Trail
- Pro features for a good price
- Size-specific curvature
- Great balance between comfort and performance
Selle Royal Ellipse Athletic Unisex Bike Saddle Review
Best bicycle touring saddle
- Great features for the price
- Good for long-distance rides
- Unisex
Race Face Aeffect Saddle Review
Best Bicycle Seat for Racing and Mountain Biking
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic
- Durable
Serfas Variant 1 Adjustable Flex Saddle Review
Among the Top-Rated Bike Seats
- Top-notch customization
- Pressure relief
- Quality rails
Ergon SMC Men’s Saddle Review
Good Mountain Bike Seat
- Orthopedic foam
- Great pressure distribution for a mountain bike seat
- Chromoly rails
Bontrager Commuter Comp Bike Saddle Review
Good Commuter Bicycle Seat
- Great balance between comfort and performance
- Durable
- Great for long-distance rides
Selle Royal Lookin Relaxed Unisex Saddle Review
Among the Best Comfortable Bicycle Seats for Men
- Advanced features for its price range
- Great cooling system
- Good for longer cruises
Electra Comfort Gel Bike Saddle Review
Saddle with the Best Bicycle Seat Cushion/Cover
- Simple design
- Easy to install
- Gel-infused, comfortable cover
Bike Seat Reviews
Now that we’ve seen the ranked products let’s take a deeper look at why they’re the top choices currently on the market.
Selle Royal Respiro Athletic Saddle
Best Bicycle Seat Overall
- Type: All-rounder
- Cover material: Gel-infused cover
- Rail material: Manganese
- Shipping/Returns: Free standard shipping on orders over $70, can be returned within 90 days of purchase
Some of you might be surprised not seeing a high-end racing seat at the top of the list. Well, let’s be honest here — even if the majority of us are looking for something on the more athletic side, only a handful of us need fully professional gear.
That’s why, in our experience, the Selle Royal Respiro Athletic is the best–quality bicycle saddle if you want a seat that can handle a mix of comfortable cruising, longer tours, and even a little off-roading or sprinting.
The athletic fit of the seat gives the spine a 30-degree angle that moves the sit-bones and the weight distribution to the rear of the saddle.
Rather light, long, and narrow enough for more serious cycling, this seat is a perfect balance of everything you might be looking for in a saddle.
This isn’t just our opinion — bike seat reviews from users back our claims up. Several users have said that the unisex seat caused them no discomfort even during longer tours (25+ miles) and that it can handle even bigger male bottoms with grace.
All in all, comfort is the biggest selling point of the Selle Royal Respiro Athletic, as even the more critical users admitted that it’s among the most comfortable seats they’ve ever tried. On the flip side, some said that the build quality could be better, but it’s still a rather sturdy and reliable seat for its price.
Pros
- + Great all-rounder
- + Comfortable
- + Athletic fit for balance between cruising and touring
Cons
- − Materials could be better
Brooks Cambium C17 Carved Bike Saddle Review
Brooks Cambium C17 Carved Bike Saddle Review
- Type: Road/Tour
- Cover material: Nylon
- Rail material: Steel
- Shipping/Returns: Free standard shipping on orders over $49, can be returned within 30 days of purchase
Most riders would be happy with a versatile seat designed for commuting, touring, and gravel riding, with pressure-relief characteristics.
Add a durable nylon, waterproof, and UV-resistant cover on top of everything we’ve just said, and you get the Brooks Cambium C17.
If you’re looking for the best bicycle seats for road bikes that can also be used as a casual cruiser saddle or hands-down racing gear, this seat nails it all with no break-in period.
The flexible and robust surface of the saddle absorbs most shocks and the flexibility of the cut-out design helps reduce anatomical discomfort. On top of all that, the rubber construction reacts to and follows the cyclist’s movements.
Also, with around 6.6 lbs of maximum additional load on the backplate loops, you’re truly looking at a great deal for your money.
Read any road bike seat review, and you’ll instantly see why this Brooks model is such a high-ranking seat. All experts praise it for its toughness and outstanding smoothness combined with its great body-molding comfort features.
The seat’s classy and subtle appearance also gets a lot of praise, but there’s one catch. We have to agree with the pros on this one. At around 1 lb, the seat is pretty heavy for a true racing seat. At this price point, it could be much lighter. Still, it’s an exceptional piece of pro gear.
Pros
- + Sleek
- + Durable
- + Versatile
Cons
- − Heavy
Bontrager Arvada Comp Bike Saddle Review
Best Hybrid Bicycle Seat for Both Track and Trail
- Type: Road/Trail
- Cover material: Microfiber
- Rail material: Steel
- Shipping/Returns: Free standard shipping on orders over $49, can be returned within 30 days of purchase, plus a 30-day unconditional Bontrager guarantee.
If you’re one of those people looking for a seat that’s more of a jack of all trades than a one-trick pony, then the Bontrager Arvada is definitely one to take a closer look at.
A great product among the top–rated bicycle seats on the market, the Arvada features such goodies as strategically placed zone density shell construction, Performance Posture 3 design for better pelvic rotation, efficiency, optimal performance, and comfort.
The cut-out saddle shell helps to eliminate pressure points and allows for softer finishing materials, making it a nice crossover between modern and classic designs. Also, the added softness and the ergonomic details make it a great mountain/road bike hybrid.
When it comes to road bicycle saddles reviews, the crowd is pretty much divided, with a great chunk of users believing that this is a great-looking, lightweight, sleek, and comfortable seat. On the other hand, those who didn’t like it had comfort issues, with a few saying that it might have something to do with adjustment/fitting issues.
In our honest opinion, the Bontrager Arvada is most definitely among the best bicycle seats for comfort after a professional fitting. Sure, it might need a little more “oomph” to be an outstanding long-distance track seat, but for shorter bursts and mountain biking, it can do the trick for an avid recreational athlete.
Pros
- + Pro features for a good price
- + Size-specific curvature
- + Great balance between comfort and performance
Cons
- − Not the best for long-distance tours
Selle Royal Ellipse Athletic Unisex Bike Saddle Review
Best bicycle touring saddle
- Type: All-rounder
- Cover material: Gel-infused cover
- Rail material: Steel
- Shipping/Returns: Free standard shipping on orders over $49, can be returned within 30 days of purchase
Like the Selle Royal Respiro Athletic, the Ellipse Athletic also comes with a handful of great features for the recreational yet demanding cyclist who’s willing to sacrifice a bit of performance for comfort.
Probably the best bicycle touring saddle for those on a budget, the Ellipse features a central anatomic hole that helps with pressure relief. At the same time, the gel-infused cover improves comfort in key areas.
The Ellipse also has a double cover that helps absorb shocks and reduce pressure peaks. All this comes in a unisex design that’s great both for women and men.
For some users, this is by far the best seat on the market. It’s great for long rides, integrating the best features of modern sports saddle shapes into a product with a much lower price tag.
However, there seems to be somewhat of a divide of opinions. Some say that the sports design makes the saddle too narrow, while the other camp says that it’s too heavy to be considered truly sporty.
All in all, the Ellipse does a great job combining a sporty design with reliability and comfort.
Pros
- + Great features for the price
- + Good for long-distance rides
- + Unisex
Cons
- − On the heavier side
Race Face Aeffect Saddle Review
Best Bicycle Seat for Racing and Mountain Biking
- Type: Race/Mountain biking
- Cover material: Microfiber
- Rail material: Titanium alloy
- Shipping/Returns: Free standard shipping on orders over $70, can be returned within 90 days of purchase.
If you’re in the market for a railed, lightweight saddle that can handle the challenges of off-roading, this dynamic and versatile Race Face saddle might be one to consider.
Undoubtedly, this is the best mountain bike seat designed with racing in mind. The saddle uses a titanium alloy construct rail system and lightweight foam to remain as light as possible. Couple that with the low-profile shape and you get a seat that allows for problem-free maneuvering and snag-free movements.
If you read through bike seat reviews, the Aeffect seems to be a clear winner with most cyclists. They praise its sleek design, which makes it a breeze to use for a range of mountain bike riding styles. However, some reviews report that it can be a bit stiff.
For the most part, the only major negative factor about this seat is that it’s a niche product. Pros will probably like it, but it’s not designed for weekend warriors who aren’t ready to push themselves to the limit. For that, there are more comfortable options on the market. But if you’re a racer, this seat is definitely worth considering!
Pros
- + Lightweight
- + Ergonomic
- + Durable
Cons
- − Too “niche” for many users
Serfas Variant 1 Adjustable Flex Saddle Review
Among the Top-Rated Bike Seats
- Type: Race/Mountain biking
- Cover material: Microfiber
- Rail material: Titanium
- Shipping/Returns: Free standard shipping on orders over $70, can be returned within 90 days of purchase
Any particular seat could be great for some but dreadful to sit on for others. That’s why it’s all about finding the right size and type before choosing a saddle for you.
Size will always be an issue, but type might not, especially if you choose the adjustable Serfas Variant 1.
Unique even among quality bike seats, the Variant 1 takes customization seriously. It comes with five different compression inserts to adjust the level of flex in the seat. This makes the saddle a great all-rounder for gravel riding, mountain biking, and rough roads.
It doesn’t stop there. The fairly lightweight design also features a polycarbonate shell, race foam padding, a microfiber cover, and titanium rails.
Quite the premium package, right? The high adjustability might also make the Serfas the best bicycle seat for prostate relief on top of being a super all-rounder.
Reviews also seem to be fairly positive. Most users found the adjustability a blessing, even though some weren’t totally in love with the shape, which is more intended for racing than everyday use.
All in all, this is a great seat for all cyclists who like to test different trails and their own capabilities.
Pros
- + Top-notch customization
- + Pressure relief
- + Quality rails
Cons
- − Won’t be a perfect fit for everybody
Ergon SMC Men’s Saddle Review
Good Mountain Bike Seat
- Type: Mountain biking
- Cover material: Synthetic
- Rail material: Chromoly
- Shipping/Returns: Free standard shipping on orders over $70, returnable within 90 days of purchase.
Getting the most out of your mountain bike seat can be complicated, especially when you’re on a tighter budget but still looking for nice and comfortable options.
With that in mind, the Ergon SMC saddle can make your decision an easy one, as it’s made using orthopedic foam and provides optimal pressure distribution to fight discomfort.
The Ergon is simply a good mountain bike seat that will do the trick for most cyclists who aren’t looking for anything specific other than a comfortable and high-performing saddle.
All in all, the Ergon is a great seat for its price. If you’re looking for the most comfortable bicycle seat for mountain biking, the Ergon’s orthopedic foam can be a nice feature.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for more bang for your buck, there are more advanced options that cost a bit more. However, going with the Ergon SMC is still a great decision.
Pros
- + Orthopedic foam
- + Great pressure distribution for a mountain bike seat
- + Chromoly rails
Cons
- − Overly simple features
Bontrager Commuter Comp Bike Saddle Review
Good Commuter Bicycle Seat
- Type: Commuting
- Cover material: Foam cover
- Rail material: Steel
- Shipping/Returns: Free standard shipping on orders over $49, can be returned within 30 days of purchase, plus a 30-day unconditional Bontrager guarantee.
Recreational cyclists often look for the comfort of a cut-out design but still need the support that comes with saddles that are specifically crafted for commuting and fitness riding. For that, you need a rather sleek yet comfortable design paired with durable materials.
This is where the Bontrager Commuter Comp comes in. In this price range, it’s probably one of, if not the best bicycle seat for long rides. It uses a durable and weather-resistant cover material with an air foam construction over a dual-density shell to ensure that your saddle will remain comfortable and withstand the abuse of daily rides.
In terms of reviews, most cyclists rave about the Bontrager Commuter Comp, saying that it’s one of the most comfortable saddles they’ve ever had the chance to own. Great for everyday rides, longer distances, and even occasional off-roading, the Commuter Comp can be a jack of all trades if you’re not looking for the most advanced features.
That’s both the main selling point and probably the biggest drawback of the seat. It could easily be the best all–around bicycle seat for those who don’t want to push themselves to the limit, especially for everyday commuters and weekend warrior touring cyclists. However, even more seasoned recreational athletes will find that the saddle needs a bit more “oomph” to effectively manage the challenges of a beaten track or a full-blown race.
Pros
- + Great balance between comfort and performance
- + Durable
- + Great for long-distance rides
Cons
- − A few more advanced features would be nice
Selle Royal Lookin Relaxed Unisex Saddle Review
Among the Best Comfortable Bicycle Seats for Men
- Type: Cruise
- Cover material: Gel-infused cover
- Rail material: Steel
- Shipping/Returns: Free standard shipping on orders over $70, can be returned within 90 days of purchase.
Not all of us want to race or embark on long and demanding road trips by bike. Some of us just want something classic and comfortable with nice modern features. The Selle Royal Relaxed Unisex saddle offers such a design.
This seat is designed for relaxed riding in an upright position combined with a gel-infused cover for maximum comfort.
Probably the best comfort bicycle saddle in its price range, the Selle Royal also features Xenesium tech in its cover, allowing the gel to move dynamically and freely. The cover also allows the seat to stay an estimated 25 degrees cooler than other black seats in the summer heat.
On the negative side, the saddle weighs 1.7 lbs, which shouldn’t be a huge concern unless you plan on racing with it.
We believe that in its price range, this is the most comfortable bicycle seat, and our review can be backed up with several online sources. Reviewers all praise the Selle Royal for its comfort and even its looks, saying that it doesn’t look out of place even on high-quality performance bikes.
On the flip side, some users think there are actually more comfortable saddles from Selle Royal, which in their opinion might be a better fit for cruising. However, this mostly boils down to personal preference. Finally, some reviewers mention that their particular seat had issues with the cover.
Pros
- + Advanced features for its price range
- + Great cooling system
- + Good for longer cruises
Cons
- − Might have problems with durability
Electra Comfort Gel Bike Saddle Review
Saddle with the Best Bicycle Seat Cushion/Cover
- Type: Cruise
- Cover material: Gel-infused cover
- Rail material: Steel
- Shipping/Returns: Free standard shipping on orders over $49, can be returned within 30 days of purchase
A large, heavy-duty seat designed for comfort, the Electra Comfort is all about providing you with not just softness but the right amount of style and class as well.
Whether you’re into easy all-day cruising or just getting around town, this Electra model can be a stylish fit to personalize your bike. And it can be even better if you choose to add the best bicycle saddle bag into the mix to create a truly personalized ride to match your lifestyle and riding needs.
The rather heavy (2+ lb) saddle offers straightforward features, with an easy-to-install rail that fits perfectly on all adult bicycles.
In our opinion, the Electra has all the necessary features to be your go-to seat for longer cruises if you’re one of those cyclists who’s okay with sacrificing some performance for the sake of comfort. For occasional use, the Electra can also be one of the best bicycle saddles for touring, especially for small, recreational bike tours that are more about fun than challenges.
Other than that, the Electra might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Even though it’s marketed as a large, comfy saddle, it might not suit everybody’s needs, especially when even on our list, there are more advanced products for less money in the same comfort category.
Apart from that, the Electra is a reliable and comfortable saddle that can do the job just fine.
Pros
- + Simple design
- + Easy to install
- + Gel-infused, comfortable cover
Cons
- − Might be “too basic” for some
Finding the Best Bicycle Seat —Buyer’s Guide
Now that you’ve read our reviews, here’s everything you need to know when buying a great bike saddle.
Seat Types
As is the case with the best bike lights, it’s only normal to look into the different types of saddles you can get for your bike. Some experts say that saddles are like running shoes. You have myriad options and designs, all of which suit different body types and riding styles. So, let’s take a look at what factors we use to determine the best bicycle seats for each category.
Racing Seats
As the name suggests, these long and narrow saddles are designed for racing and won’t cause any problems during continuous and fast pedaling. They allow for full movement while preventing chafing issues. The seat shifts you closer to the front of the bike, forcing you to put more weight on your hands and less on the seat and your legs/feet.
These are light seats and are often hard, although top mountain bike seats are slight exceptions as they will also have some padding to cushion the effects of a rough trail. The new generation of racing saddles also does a better job protecting reproductive organs, making them a safe choice for everyone who wants to take their riding game to the next level.
Cruiser Seats
These are among the comfiest seats, as they tend to provide the most cushioning and support. Cruiser bikes have handlebars in a position that leaves you more upright while riding, which means most of your body weight will be on the seat. As a cushioned bicycle seat, it’s a better option for just that — cruising. These saddles are usually well-padded and can often be seen on children’s bikes.
Comfort Saddles
Just like cruiser seats, these are also a bit on the wider side with lots of padding, but designed in a way that supports easy pedaling. In essence, these are the best bicycle seats for long-distance rides, as they’re often designed to absorb the vibrations and shocks from rougher country roads. Oftentimes, comfort saddles are put into women-specific saddle subcategories, as the wider seat type caters better to the female anatomy.
Gender-specific Saddles
Because of basic anatomic differences between males and females, the best seats for women will often be different from the best bike seats for men.
Women will often choose wider saddles that are a bit shorter and narrower to accommodate the sit-bone position and the wider pelvis. For men, longer and narrower models are usually the go-to option.
However, these “rules” aren’t written in stone. You’ll see that some women (especially those who are into racing) will often prefer a narrower and longer seat. Also, there are men with wider pelvises who will gravitate toward wider saddles for more support.
Your best bet here is to try some seats out so you can find the most comfortable bicycle seat for your own particular needs.
Other Types/Oddities
Apart from these regular categories, you may also see innovative, unique, or even strange saddles that infiltrate the market every now and then. There are saddles with cushioning for each cheek, inflatable seats, water-filled saddle covers, sheepskin saddles, you name it. Just like the best surfboards, they come in all shapes and sizes.
Riding Styles and Saddles
As mentioned before, not all saddles are created equal. The best bicycle seat for comfort will suit somebody planning to go on longer cruises but probably won’t be good for those who are into racing.
There are also slight nuances between the performance of different saddle types, although only professionals will look for these subtle differences.
For example, mountain bike trail racers will look for saddles that are reinforced with Kevlar in high-friction areas and will also consider a broader saddle for more comfort, forgiving the extra weight.
On the other hand, BMX and dirt jump riders would prefer a good mountain bike seat that has few to no specific features apart from the basics, simply because the nature of the sport doesn’t really require them to sit on the saddle.
Materials, Features, Designs
Now that we’ve cast our eye over the most common saddle types, let’s look at their construction in more detail.
Shell
The shell is basically the base of the entire saddle. It creates the saddle’s shape and is often made out of carbon fiber, molded plastic, or nylon. Some experts say that leather is the most comfortable shell because it can conform to the rider’s shape over time. The problem is that it’s pretty expensive and can be easily damaged by the weather.
Cover
From the most basic to the top bicycle saddles, almost all designs have a cover that’s basically padding on the shell. This could be a combination of gel/lycra/fabric, closed-cell foam, leather, and vinyl. Covers may also be bought separately as extra pads to make uncomfortable saddles easier to live with, but some would dare to say that they don’t really help that much. Experts advise adjusting your saddle position first. If that doesn’t work, most recommend buying another saddle instead of trying to improve your existing one with aftermarket covers.
Rails
The best bicycle saddles will also feature A-grade rails to connect the saddle to the bike itself. There are usually two parallel rails running along under the saddle made of aluminum, steel, titanium, carbon fiber, or magnesium. They can be integrated into the shell or can come as pivotal seat posts. You can also buy seats with I-beam rails that extend along the length of the entire saddle and come with two clamping bolts.
Suspension
You’ll often see elastomers or springs built into seats to absorb vibration.
Basic Saddle Styles and Differences
We’ve already talked about what makes a saddle the best bicycle seat for long-distance rides or racing. However, there are a few basic differences that can help you differentiate them right off the bat.
- Racing seat: Stiff top, narrow, long, minimal padding, lightweight.
- Gel saddle: Medium weight, flexible top, bumps for supporting stiff bones, cushioning, a bit wider.
- Mountain bike seat: On the narrow side, lightweight, reinforced, downward slope, shaped rear.
- Suspension saddle: Narrow, lightweight, with suspension components such as elastomers or springs.
- Cutaway seat: Just like a mountain bike seat, but with materials removed at pressure points.
- Noseless saddle: Noseless bike seats reviews will often showcase gender-specific, medium-to-lightweight seats with no nose, medium padding, with a split down the center, or a recessed centerline.
- Wide saddle: Cushioned seats with lots of padding at the back. They often have springs and are usually heavy.
- All-leather seat: Usually medium weight with a wide back. Often expensive and requires some “getting used to.”
Price and Quality
Every seasoned cyclist would agree that good bicycle seats are worthwhile investments. Spending a little extra on a great saddle is absolutely worth it, as it will help improve riding quality, performance, and comfort. As such, a good seat should strike a nice balance between weight, price, and performance.
Needless to say, top-rated gear will cost more, but if you don’t spend that much time on your bike, you can also get something that’s not quite the gold standard. However, if you’re planning to spend a lot of time riding, it’s worth buying the best bicycle seat for your needs.
To that end, here are a few tips to help you in your search:
- Look for top quality: If you plan to ride a lot, you’ll probably want to buy something that’ll be able to take a lot of abuse for a long time. Buying a high-quality seat will typically solve this problem, as most of them are made with reliable rails from materials such as steel, titanium, or carbon fiber. These are also usually highly adjustable.
- Gel/foam vs. leather: The top bike seats will offer both of these options, with leather being more popular among long-distance riders. If you’re looking for more comfort, then you might want to look for gel-covered seats, which together with foam seats are available at friendlier prices than most leather options.
- Plastic: If you’re serious about cycling, it’s best to avoid plastic saddles that have no covering. Unless you’re riding a BMX and thus spending as little time on the saddle as possible, you’re better off with something with padding.
- Budget: The best bike seat for your personal needs doesn’t have to be the most expensive, but don’t be afraid to dig a little deeper into your pocket to pay for a high-quality saddle, especially if you plan on riding frequently. It’s a relatively small investment that can go a long way.
- Men/women: As mentioned above, women and men usually look for different options. However, it’s best to give a few different saddles a try to see what works best for you.
Lastly, after you’ve bought your seat, don’t be afraid if it’s not that comfy at first. Adjusting the saddle is an artform in its own right, so it might be best to take it to a professional shop and get it fitted. Even the best bike seat for men will require some time for you to get used to it, so allow yourself to “break it in” before panicking and buying a new one.
Pro Tips for Ending Saddle Soreness
Finally, here are a few tips to make sure you avoid pain in the future, no matter which type of seat you end up using.
- Test them out: Having read this article, you now know how many different features, designs, and models there are out there. Take your time and visit several stores so you can physically test out the seats you’re considering. Also make sure you ask the staff who work there, as they’ll most probably have some insight into the matter.
- Ask fellow cyclists: In some cases, the best bike seats are literally within arm’s reach. Ask your friends and/or fellow cyclists what they use and what they would recommend. It’s true that everybody’s anatomy is different, but you might find that the seat that works for your riding partner also works for you. If your friend is okay with it, you can take the seat for a ride to get a better feel for how it actually suits you.
- Get the perfect fit: Getting the right saddle for your needs is often just half of the job. A lot of people experience saddle soreness not because of problems with the actual seat but because of how it’s fitted. That’s why it’s not only important to buy the best bicycle saddle but to adjust it correctly. Make sure it’s not too high or too low. If you need to change the angle a bit, do so in small increments. At the end of the day, if you’re having trouble finding the perfect height and overall fit, you can always take it to a pro shop and get it adjusted there.
- Move around the saddle: Even the best custom bicycle seats can get a little uncomfortable if you’re sitting on the same spot in the same way, no matter how well adjusted the saddle is. To avoid any numbness and pain, move around on the seat a bit to change pressure points. Try to change positions every 15 minutes or so to take the pressure off.
- Don’t give up after the first sore ride: Even if you end up getting the best comfortable bike seat, it’ll take a while for you to get used to it. Don’t give up after the first time you experience discomfort; the seat might take a while to “break in,” and you can always adjust the fit if you need to. If you’re still suffering, you could always use something like a massage gun to ease the pain after riding.
- Dress for the occasion: This can make a world of a difference when it comes to comfort, as jeans and other street clothes typically have seams in the worst possible places (like the crotch). You’re literally sitting on these seam bumps, which can cut off circulation and lead to numbness and chafing. To avoid that, use pro gear with flat seams in the right places and moisture-wicking fabric to keep yourself dry and comfortable.
FAQs
What is the best bicycle seat for long distance?
To be frank, recommending the “best” seat is impossible since so much depends on your body and the way you ride. Weight, height, riding position, riding height, and even riding habits can all affect the kind of seat/saddle you’ll find most comfortable for long-distance riding.
In regards to height, when the seat isn’t level, too high or low, or set too far forward or back, the saddle can easily irritate your crotch. As such, you need to look for solid bicycle seats for men that you can get fitted properly at a bike shop.
On the other hand, wearing the wrong stuff can also make long-distance commutes painful. Look for a snug fit that will keep everything in place and prevent your boys from constantly shifting and bouncing.
Also, make sure you test the seat before buying it. If you can, go for a ride with it; you’ll notice if it feels just right.
Why does my bicycle seat hurt?
As we’ve mentioned a few times in this article, getting sore during a long commute is pretty common and could be caused by a range of factors. For starters, the way you ride your bike, the height of the saddle, and the way it’s positioned on the bike can all affect comfort. Wearing shorts that are too loose can also lead to your private parts bouncing around, causing you to experience discomfort over time. Apart from that, not buying the top bicycle seats and ending up with a subpar saddle that’s too stiff and has a narrow sit-bone area will also inevitably cause pain over time.
Lastly, even if you’re on a huge tour, you shouldn’t stay seated all the time. If you do, pressure will build up and cause discomfort no matter how good your seat is. Stand up as often as you feel the need to do so.
How high should my bicycle seat be?
To find the optimal height, you can use the heel-to-pedal method, which is a great way to get a ballpark height estimate. Sit on your bike leaning against the wall, place your heel on one of the pedals, then pedal backward to reach six o’clock. At this point, your knee should be straight. If it’s bent, increase the height. If it loses contact with the pedal, you need to lower the seat.
In essence, this is a simple yet effective way to find a good estimate of your ideal seat height. You can then fine-tune it over time to get the height just right.
Why is a soft bicycle seat not good?
It might seem like a good idea to use something very soft for a bicycle seat, but having an overly soft seat will only make riding more uncomfortable over time. Soft materials may also retain heat and might move when you press against them, which are two things you want to avoid when riding.
Your sit-bones, behind, and legs will all likely overheat, rub, and chafe if you use too soft material for your seat. To avoid this, your best bet is to check out a few good bike seats that combine support and padded softness in just the right amount so you can get the best bang for your buck.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to consider when looking for the perfect bike seat for your needs. Mountain bikers and touring cyclists will undoubtedly have different requirements than the average rider, who just wants a comfy saddle for short urban commutes.
All in all, we really hope you’ve found the best bicycle seat after reading our guide and reviews.
Now, go shred!
