Best Bike Seats

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 29, 2024
Do you enjoy riding a bike? Is it comfortable to sit on it? There is always a dispute about the saddles among cyclists. They can fit one cycler but not the other. That is why we have reviewed 5 bike seats that will give you a clear picture of their features. So take a pick! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
TYPE
WIDTH
SOFTNESS
SHAPE
MATERIAL
COMFORT
SPRINGS
WARRANTY
 
PROS
Hand-made durable leather seat that will serve you for many years, delivering immaculate comfort.
CONS
Leather material requires a due care for many years use.
OUR VERDICT
Brooks B17 is a real classical seat. It is the best seat for those who want to ride around the city or in the country with comfort. High reliability and possibility to contour body anatomic curves make it the number one seat.
detailed parameters
TYPE
For traveling and city / For men
WIDTH
175 mm
SOFTNESS
Average
SHAPE
Classical wide
MATERIAL
Leather
COMFORT
Without any isolating material
SPRINGS
No springs
WARRANTY
10-year manufacturer warranty
PROS
A foam layer for body support, a good buffer, a groove for soft skin protection against rubbing.
CONS
It has some pressure on the buttocks.
OUR VERDICT
It's an ideal modern alternative for all bike fans. This seat is a symbiosis of new technologies and classical approach that allows you to achieve the maximum comfort during riding.
detailed parameters
TYPE
For traveling and city / For men
WIDTH
180 mm
SOFTNESS
Soft
SHAPE
Wide
MATERIAL
Combined synthetic
COMFORT
Patented I.C.S. Infinite Comfort System RX and Deep Groove designs Dual Density base technology
SPRINGS
Rear spring suspension
WARRANTY
90 days
PROS
A combination of synthetic and natural material benefits and a thought-out construction that doesn't press on the prostate make this seat a favored option by most.
CONS
A blue edging can be erased eventually.
OUR VERDICT
The seat OUTERDO is a great alternative for all men who ride a bike and don't feel comfortable sitting on the old seat. This type is well thought-out in the context of usability and comfort that will affect your results.
detailed parameters
TYPE
For sport / For men
WIDTH
140 mm
SOFTNESS
Average
SHAPE
Narrow and prolate with anatomic groove
MATERIAL
Synthetic and leather
COMFORT
Lightweight, thick elastic comfortable and breathable, easy installation, soft cushion
SPRINGS
No springs
WARRANTY
Amazon's 30 day return policy
PROS
Contouring to the body curves, this seat provides great support during speed training and riding.
CONS
Due to the unusual shape, you may need some time to get used to sitting on this seat.
OUR VERDICT
The Planet Bike released a comfortable seat to make riding for ladies even more enjoyable. Available in several modifications to fit one and all.
detailed parameters
TYPE
For sport / For women
WIDTH
172 mm
SOFTNESS
Soft
SHAPE
Narrow and prolate with anatomic groove
MATERIAL
Combined synthetic
COMFORT
Supersoft padding with flex base, sit-bone gel pads
SPRINGS
No springs
WARRANTY
Amazon's 30 day return policy
PROS
A wide seat with a double foam layer can be used by both men and girls. Absorbs vibrations perfectly well due to the thick foam.
CONS
The clam from the kit can't fit all the types and requires some improvement.
OUR VERDICT
The Cloud-9 presented a soft and comfortable seat which allows you to ride a bike comfortably enough. Due to the width of the seat, it fits absolutely everyone and it doesn't rub.
detailed parameters
TYPE
For traveling and city / Unisex
WIDTH
254 mm
SOFTNESS
Soft
SHAPE
Wide
MATERIAL
Combined synthetic
COMFORT
Dual-density gel foam padding, universal design installs on any standard seat post
SPRINGS
Chrome coil spring
WARRANTY
Amazon's 30 day return policy
X

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Brooks B17

Time-Tested Classic

Brooks B17 is a classic model. It appeared in the shops more than 100 years ago in 1898. The fact is it is fully hand-made. There is also B17S specifically for women. Such saddles are convenient for leisurely biking and traveling. This saddle is made of leather of high quality and the frame is made of stainless steel. A brand metal plate with the company logo is on the back side of the seat. Also, there are two clamps behind for a bag. The seat B17 is presented in several colors such as black, brown, honey, apple green, royal blue, ochre and red. Besides, there is also a key for a seat adjustment, a manual with useful information and care recommendations of manufacturers supplied with the seat itself.

Review of Brooks B17 Standard Steel Saddle

Comfort for Many Years

The main comfort feature in the seat is material. The high-quality leather is the material that gives you comfort regardless of your anatomic features. Surely there might be some adaptation period when the seat is new, but that's the beauty about leather, it quickly takes the form and keeps the shape well. Therefore, we can easily assume that Brooks B17 seat is one of the most comfortable saddles available on the market today. On top of that, leather is one of the best materials that absorb moisture well, breathe and provides enhanced comfort. Make sure to take care of it and it will serve you faithfully in the long run.

Brooks B17 Standard Steel Saddle in the use

Interesting Fact

Nearly 150 years ago John Boultbee Brooks left his native town Hinckley in Leicestershire for Birmingham seeking a better life, having only 20 pounds in his pocket. In one year only, he managed to found his own company named after him, J.B.Brooks and Co, and succeed in selling harnesses and other leather goods. In 1878 after his faithful horse died, he had a chance to try riding a bicycle; that's when he thought of creating a saddle. The thing he didn't like about the bike was its seat with too firm and rigid surface. He decided to improve its design in order to make the ride more comfortable. This way, on the 28th of October in 1882, the first leather-made bike seat named a "Cycle saddle" from John Boultbee Brooks appeared on the market.

Detailed review of Brooks B17 Standard Steel Saddle

More Products to Consider

To extend the service life of this leather bike seat, you should take care of it. So, here's a special oil you may want to use for it and a Brooks Saddle cover to put on top of the seat in bad weather conditions.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00BCU5PJI

VIDEO
Brooks B17 Review

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

I can feel it flex underneath me and provide some amount of cushion from the road, but not so much that it feels too squishy or robs me of pedaling energy.

Features

The saddle is better and more comfortable than I expected. It's important to buy a cover if you're going to be in you're going to be in wet conditions.
 

Serfas Full Suspension Hybrid Bicycle Saddle

Modern Solution in a Form Factor

The company Sefras created a bike seat responsibly. The seat it produced combines innovative technologies and a classic form factor. The saddle is soft and comfortable. The top of the saddle features a curved surface that contours to the buttocks just perfectly. In the middle of the seat there is a groove to ensure even better fit and stimulate normal blood pressure during ride. Yet the form factor is classic. The seat is 180 mm wide and can easily support your pelvis, which also means you're not going to be in pain even after a long-hour cycling. The elongated spout in the front enables smooth contact of the inner thighs with the seat, preventing rubbing. A spring suspension is used to improve vibration absorption on the rough tracks. All the features considered above make this bike saddle a great solution for regular use, allowing cyclists literally fly on it.

Review of Serfas Full Suspension Hybrid Bicycle Saddle

Anatomy of Comfort

The distinguishing feature of this saddle is a special foam layer which performs the functions of a spring and at the same time, lifts a cyclist up. The whole construction of the seat enables even weight distribution so that there's no chance you may get a feel of discomfort or pain when riding on it. It's also worth saying a few words about the seat cover. It's made of hydroscopic lycra material that blocks all the sweat and so, is extremely nice to the touch. If you've been looking for a seat that would fit your anatomy best, this one is definitely worth a try and we do recommend it for purchase.

Serfas Full Suspension Hybrid Bicycle Saddle in the use

Interesting Fact

There is nearly a billion bikes used worldwide, which is more than twice as many as motorcycles and cars. 20 million cars and motorcycles and 50 million bikes are manufactured annually. It's worth mentioning that about 400 million of them belong to the Chinese.

More Products to Consider

A great attribute of any bike fan besides a good quality seat is a repair toolkit that will ensure safe and comfortable trips. Here's a great set you may be interested in WOTOW 16 in 1 multy-function bike bicycle cycling mechanic repair tool kit with 3 pcs tire pry bars rods.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B000UO6LJA

 

OUTERDO Mountain Bike Seat

Great Features for Low Price

OUTERDO bike seat looks pretty special. With blue inserts and a groove in the middle, it speaks of the sports style in every way. True mountain cyclists will surely appreciate its design and comfort characteristics. But the best about it all is the affordable price. When compared to many other seats of the kind, this one is much cheaper yet no less worthwhile. A minimalistic streamlined shape along with rather a firm saddle surface make it the best saddle in terms of comfort. Riding on it even for several hours in a row won't make you fatigue or cause any pain. It's been designed in a way not to put any pressure on soft tissues and prevent the risk of rubbing. All that at such a good price like it is!

Review of OUTERDO Mountain Bike Seat

Choose With No Regret

Besides its shape, the saddle OUTERDO is comfortable enough. It is because of its structure and properties. Its surface is breathable and sufficiently hard. The combination of synthetic material and leather allows achieving the double effect. The saddle absorbs the moisture, breathes and doesn't require  any special care. Such characteristics are great if you ride long distances and in the mountains every day. This bike seat which is both flexible and durable can become an ideal choice not only for sportsmen and professionals but regular bike fans as well.

OUTERDO Mountain Bike Seat in the use

Interesting Fact

The cyclist's energy needed to cover the distance of 644 miles is equivalent to the energy of 0.3 gallons of gasoline. This way, people who can't live without cycling and ride a bicycle all the time can save up to 238 million gallons of gasoline per year (otherwise bought to fill a car).

Detailed review of OUTERDO Mountain Bike Seat

More Products to Consider

To make your bike more comfortable and pleasant to ride, pay attention to the grips. Because when you gather speed, you need to hold them firmly in hands and so, they shouldn't skid or rub your skin. If you're not satisfied with the factory grips, consider these TOPCABIN ergonomic design bicycle handlebar grips widen holding surface.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01K7ONLHC

VIDEO
Outerdo Bike Saddle Review
 

Planet Bike Women's ARS Standard Anatomic Relief Saddle

With Care For Ladies

Planet Bike is a saddle designed specifically for women. Why is that that we cannot use the same seat? This is conditioned by peculiarities of our different body builds. What fits well for a man won't necessarily fit his woman and vice versa. Of course, if the comfort isn't on your priority list, then you can get along with any seat, but if you're a girl and you adore cycling, you need a special seat and this seat is right before you. Women anatomic curves considered, the seat has been designed to align with the buttocks and cause little to no pressure on soft tissues at all. The width of the seat is somewhat bigger to the men's seat but just the right size to fit ladies' pelvis perfectly well, giving full back support at the same time. Now you can set off for cycling a long distance and worry not about feeling discomfort. This seat is absolutely gorgeous and you'll have a chance to see it for yourself.

Review of Planet Bike Women's ARS Standard Anatomic Relief Saddle

Daily Usability

Besides anatomic features, the Planet Bike seat has a lot of other solutions to let ladies enjoy high-speed riding. Its soft gel pads create an additional comfort for the pelvis even during a long ride. At the same time a soft covering has some useful features. Firstly, it is resistant to different weather conditions and secondly, it's incredibly soft to the touch. There's no chance whatsoever your skin may get rubbed during riding. The saddle is also pretty lightweight which contributes greatly to the bike's mobility. The lack of cushioning springs in the base along with the shape of a saddle add to the riding capabilities just as well, enabling even better results. 

Planet Bike Women's ARS Standard Anatomic Relief Saddle in the use

Did You Know

The workers of the legendary German company "Mercedez-Benz" travel around the factory area by bicycle. Each department has got its own bikes colored accordingly.

More Products to Consider

The cyclists' outwear should also include comfy shorts that won't restrict leg movements and ensure a comfortable ride. Consider these Baleaf women's cycling padded shorts black UPF 50+.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $44.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0015RASS6

 

Cloud-9 Bicycle Suspension Cruiser Saddle

Comfort on Any Road

The Cloud-9 seat looks different from its competitors. This is because of a different approach and, as a result, different characteristics ensuring comfort. Here the seat is rather wide and universal in use. It will fit women and men equally well. The padded seat cover doesn't sag down and provides full-body support, minimizing back strain and stiff muscle issues. Thanks to the high-quality springs, the seat also absorbs all shocks and vibrations of the rough tracks, giving cyclists a nice feel of a smooth road. A raised part of the saddle which contacts the buttocks press less on the soft skin and so, it's easier to ride more, longer and faster.

Review of Cloud-9 Bicycle Suspension Cruiser Saddle

Two Layers Above the Ground

The seat features a double foam layer with a get foam at the top and a dense foam below. This design peculiarity ensures improved comfort and efficiency. Wonder why? Let's think of an example, an old bike with a basic seat and only one liquid gel layer inside. What happened to it after several rains in a row? It lost its soft properties and turned rather solid. That would not happen to the Cloud-9 seat, for it's got a double layer foam that resists moisture well and maintains its shape in a long while. This way, the upper top will always conform to your body curves, ensuring more comfort and better absorption on a rough terrain. 

Cloud-9 Bicycle Suspension Cruiser Saddle in the use

Interesting Fact

The first traveling around the world by bike (without tires and with a large front wheel) was made by the Englishman Thomas Stevenson in 1884-1887.

Detailed review of Cloud-9 Bicycle Suspension Cruiser Saddle

More Products to Consider

During long bike trips, you shouldn't forget to drink water to compensate its loss with sweat. Consider buying this Schwinn bicycle water bottle and cage to bring along with you on all trips.

Last updated price $30.60
Stock In stock
ASIN B000H87PUI

VIDEO
Sunlite Cloud 9 Bicycle Suspension Cruiser Saddle ► First Impression | Review
 

What is a Bike Seat?

To choose a bike seat is the first thing you need to do to ensure a comfortable ride. Quite often factory seats installed on bikes provide a poor fit, rubbing our inner thighs and causing a pain. And that may become a major problem if you can't live without cycling and often go for a long ride. Therefore, choosing a seat of the right size and shape to fit you personally is essential. Like the saying goes: "Choose a saddle like you choose a partner", and that's quite true. When the saddle feels good, your riding will bring you much more pleasure while you can achieve much better results in sports.

If you want your bike riding to be even more effective and comfortable, make sure to purchase a good pair of bike pedals. And to make your rides safe, use one of the bike helmets described in our earlier review.

Best Bike Seats

What Features to Compare

Type and Width

Choosing a bike seat is quite an intimate thing. To know what kind of seat will work best exactly for you, measure your pelvic width. If the seat is too narrow, your body weight will press on the perineum soft tissues. On the other hand, if the seat is too wide, it will rub the inner thighs during the riding. To measure the pelvis width correctly, you should sit down on any soft surface, then stand up and measure the distance between the molded grooves. The type of a seat is also important. There are two types available on the market - for sports and for traveling (daily) and which one to choose totally depends on your riding style.

Comfort Indicators

The riding should also be comfortable and that's where some other things such as a seat shape, material and the softness are of no less importance. Now, let's take a closer look at each of them. The shape of the seat will tell you a lot about the riding style it's best suited for. If the seat is firm and narrow with an elongated spout, it works best for cyclists who often stand on pedals while pedaling, shifting their weight to the handlebar. Such seats can be found on road and mountain bicycles used to ride throughout forests, parks and fields. Wide and soft seats are usually mounted on city bicycles and cruisers. You can also find a bike seat shaped specifically to fit anatomic curves of women, for what suits men won't necessarily suit women. With regards to material, bike seats can be made of either leather, synthetic or plastic. Leather seats have got a lot of advantages over the peers though they do require a special care for proper maintenance and long service life. Other material compositions are less tricky in use and as a rule, more affordable. 

Usability

As for the usability, you should consider absorption capabilities of the chosen seat. If your bike is equipped with a high handlebar, it's better to get a seat with the springs. However, if you ride a speed or mountain bike, springs aren't necessary at all and even more, they can easily cause a discomfort and rubbing. Some other extras worth your consideration include little grooves in the middle of the seat designed specifically to reduce the pressure on the pelvic soft tissues. With all these features in mind you should be fine when choosing a bike seat for your personal use.

Sources:

1. How to: Choose a saddle, Total Women's Cycling. September 30, 2013.

2. John Fisch How to Choose the Best Mountain Bike Saddle, Singletracks. March 1, 2013.

3. Steve Tischler Bike Saddles: How to Choose, REI. March 6, 2015.

4. Brooks England, Wikipedia. July 11, 2016.

5. A Comfortable Bicycle Saddle, Sheldon Brown. September 11, 2016.

6. How to Choose a Bike Saddle, BikeRadar. May 12, 2014.

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