You don’t think much about your bike seat until you’re riding for a long time. Then, you start to feel the seat underneath you and it’s not comfortable. You might start questioning why are bicycle seats so uncomfortable – I mean some? The answer is simple: your bike seat has a design with a purpose in mind, which means there are good reasons it’s shaped the way it is.
The shape of bike seats is one off-putting aspect, but there are more reasons why they might be uncomfortable. Bikes aren’t meant to carry riders’ full weight, which is why they only hold their sit bones. The saddles can only do so much — if the seat isn’t adjusted the proper way, it will feel like a torture device.
To stay as comfortable as possible on your ride, make sure you’re sitting in the right place. Some of contributing factors to why bicycle seats are uncomfortable are below.
So, while it’s no surprise that riding a bike is good for your legs and heart, what about your butt?
Also read: Is Biking Good for Your Butt?
The Bicycle Saddle, not a Seat
For a newbie, you might think that a saddle is another name for a bicycle seat. But, a saddle is a proper term for what you sit on while riding your bike. A seat is the part of a vehicle where you put your butt down.
The term “saddle” is not interchangeable with the word seat. While a seat carries your full weight, a saddle only carries some of your weight. The other part will transfer to the pedals through the saddle’s pressure on the center part of the bicycle frame.
There is a distinct difference between the two, and knowing that difference will improve your experience as a bike owner.
Small and Skinny Bike Seats
You might notice that bike saddles have funny shapes, and you might think they look weird, but if you think about it, they are this way for a reason. It’s not about the aesthetic choice — it’s what makes biking so great.
Some companies have attempted to improve user experience by completely reinventing the bike seat. This has led to a few more comfortable designs that have become industry standards, but none of them are perfect. Many bike seats still do not provide the right type of cushioning for long rides — and even the best models can become uncomfortable after a while.
Saddles are a lot like humans in that they’re varied – we all have different bodies, unique tastes, and different needs. With the thousands of models out there, it can be hard to figure out which seat is best for you.
When you’re relaxing, sitting on a couch or a bed is the most comfortable way to do so. But when you want to go ride your bike and doing activities, standard seats won’t cut it. You need something that’s built for the task: like a comfortable office chair or a saddle that’s designed with ergonomics. But finding the perfect one isn’t easy. What you need is this post where five (5) best choices for you are below.
1. Bikeroo Oversized Comfort Bike Seat
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There’s a good reason why more than 6,400 people have fallen for this Bikeroo bike seat: it has an ergonomic design, ample padding, and an oversized shape for extra comfort and support. And the best thing about this wonderful product is that it’s easy to install and use.
It’s the perfect balance for city cyclists: not too big, not too small, and with the right amount of padding. It doesn’t make the same amount of noise as other seats, and it gets you to work faster than a day at the beach.
The quality of this seat is unquestionable: it sports a premium cushion and gel that provides the right amount of comfort for long hours.
It’s comfortable, sturdy, and won’t break the bank. But, the seat is not suitable for everyone. People who weigh more than 200 lbs are often too heavy for the seat to handle with comfort on a long ride — bumping into it with your legs during a workout can become frustrating. That’s why choosing the right bike for you is a big part too.
2. Roguoo Bike Seat
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If you’re looking for a comfy bike seat, but can’t afford a pricier option, this one is for you. Made from shock-absorbing memory foam that riders love, it’s soft, cushy, and breathable — so you’ll stay cool and relaxed while you ride.
The cutout in the middle of the saddle is there to provide ventilation, which in turn reduces the heat buildup that comes with sitting on a bike for long periods. But, it also reduces the pressure at your perineum area — meaning that you can ride longer and feel less pain after doing so.
Your ride will be smooth and soft. Although the seat itself is squishy, it’s firm and has less movement on the seat but if you’re for the support kind of rider then this for you.
It doesn’t feel like sitting on a pillow or a cloud, it’s the right mix between comfort and support— it’s unlike any other bike seat that you’ve tried ridden before.
3. Gincleey Bike Seat with Comfortable Cushion
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Gincleey’s cushioned with gel bike seats are a great option for riders looking for both comfort and safety. The anti-slip seat and the Gincleey’s two absorbing shock springs are to provide cushion to your body and keep you safe even after many hours of cycling — so you can enjoy riding with your friends or family for as long as possible.
When you ride off-road or on bad leveled roads, you want to make sure your safety comes first. With a shock-absorbing ball that decreases vibrations and allows for a smoother ride, your bike travels better than ever before. The Gincleey Universal Fit allows you to mount the saddle on almost any bicycle.
And with the Warning Reflective Design, your visibility improves when riding during dusk or night, keeping you safe.
The Gincleey seat is a touch too small, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the money. The steel is hard and resistant to damage, meaning that once you get this seat lock on, you don’t have to worry about it coming off!
4. Schwinn Comfort Bike Seat
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Schwinn Commute Gateway Adult Bike Seats’ wider seat ensures that the entire surface area of your sit bones supports when you hop on your bike. This increases blood flow to the perineal artery and helps relax the muscles that surround your lower back. A suspension seat post also absorbs all sorts of shock from bumpy or rocky encounters, so you won’t feel it while sitting in your saddle.
It’s built to be lightweight and super easy to install on a bike. With a padded seat for comfort, it’s perfect for your weekend rides or longer commutes. Most riders review says that it’s very comfortable and easy to install.
Schwinn’s made for comfort, retro style, and exercise. This bike seat has an aerodynamic design that’s sure to catch your eye, and it comes from a company dedicated to bringing riders a fun experience. Its ergonomic design is also sure to keep you comfortable, no matter how long or short your trip is.
The seat feels more high-end, despite its affordable pricing. The downside is that it’s not the most comfortable. The design of the seat means your thighs will hit the side of the seat when you lose your riding posture but water breaks and a little rest can help redeem your normal posture to avoid the sides of the bike seat.
5. Giddy Up! Waterproof Bike Seat
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Biking through rain, snow, and sleet is your weekend activity but hates the idea of leaving a wet, chilly seat on your ride, check out the Giddy Up Gel Bicycle Seat. This seat has shock-absorbing gel foam and comes with a built-in LED taillight to make your bike visible is visible at night during rides.
The Giddy Up! A bike Seat is the best way to revitalize your old bike and turn it into a new indoor training machine. Now you can sit back and enjoy your favorite workout with an added level of comfort.
It mounts onto any stationary bike and doesn’t need any extra modification. The Giddy Up! Bike Seat comes with a water-based lubricant that keeps both seat rails protected from dust and ensures a smooth ride every time.
While the cushioning system on this seat is an improvement over standard seats, it has a few issues. It’s too soft, which in practical terms means that you’ll sink through the seat into the support structure below but one hour of cycling feels like a breeze. If you don’t mind sinking in comfort and adjusting your bun a few times this is perfect for you.
Importance of Proper Fit, Form, and Height
Why you should know why are bicycle seats so uncomfortable?
Well, an uncomfortable bike seat can make the whole experience of cycling a nightmare. Many riders complain about their seats, but, these complaints maybe stemming from a variety of other factors. The position of the handlebars affects how much pressure applies to the seat, as does an improper bicycle fit.
The seat is the centerpiece of your bike’s comfort, meaning it’s a good idea to take steps to ensure that you’re sitting in the right one. First, confirm that you’ve got the right size of the seat.
The first measurement to take is the sit bone distance. This indicates where you will be sitting on a seat. Usually, you would add 30cm (about 1 foot) of room to this measurement as a gauge for how much room you want in your seat.
The seat height should be the same as your saddle height — that is, if you have your saddle set to the middle position, then your seat post should be in the middle position. If you’re setting up a bike for someone shorter or taller than you, adjust your saddle to accommodate their inseam.
Bike seat comfort is a combination of several factors, and it helps to see your options in person buying. Knees should bend at an angle that suits your knee shape. If you’re brand new to biking, it can help to take some beginner bike riding lessons. Your seat should rest against the base of your sit bones — not too high or too low.
Conclusion
While a bike can be a comfortable escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, riding one leaves riders with far fewer options to relieve back, butt, and leg pain than they might have when driving a car. Biking without being able to take an occasional break is tough, but it’s not impossible. Many bikes come with seat cushions that help to keep riders happy on the daily commute.
The seat is an essential part of any bike. To achieve the most comfortable and safe ride possible, the seat needs to fit the rider’s body. Some people may need a seat with thick padding like Bikeroo Oversized Comfort Bike Seat. Others may prefer a more minimal design Schwinn Commute Gateway Adult Bike Seats. Some people may prefer a narrow saddle while others need a wider one like Gincleey Comfortable Exercise Bike Seat and longer style. Riding styles will also influence seat choice. If you tend to lean forward while you ride, find a seat that provides excellent back support.
If you can resist the urge to go for the largest, softest seat or if you’re aiming for a retro look that emphasizes slimness, then we’d recommend steel spring or dual suspension. Riders who are more weight-conscious are also swayed by the long-term benefits of comfort and excellent performance.
The firm bike seat was created to support the rider’s overall performance. The difficulty was chosen such that the rider could efficiently pedal rather than sit, as I had previously assumed. The hard saddle will also provide pressure to the correct area, which is the sit bones, preventing backache after the ride.