The Best Bike Saddle

Buying Guide

Picking the perfect bike saddle can be daunting, because every cyclist has different needs. There are two main shapes of bike saddle: performance saddles are long and narrow to help avoid thigh chafing and improve speed and control. They are best suited for biking over long distances or uneven terrain. Cushioning saddles typically have a shorter nose and a wide base with lots of padding. They prioritize comfort and shock absorption, and they’re a great choice for recreational cycling.

Your body type and posture will also affect the best choice of saddle for you. When a bike saddle is advertised as being for women, what’s typically meant is that the saddle is ideal for a person with wider spacing between sit bones. Cyclists with a wider sit-bone spacing or cyclists who sit upright or lean forward only slightly find saddles with a wide base a good fit.

If you have a narrower pelvis and cycle while leaning far forward or even standing, a performance bike saddle can be the better choice. Some bike saddles come with hollow vents in the middle, which increase ventilation and can ease pressure on the soft tissue in the perineal area.

Bike saddles typically feature gel or foam cushioning. You can also get a bike saddle with no cushioning, which takes longer to break in but stays cooler than gel or foam. Gel cushioning provides the most comfort for casual cycling, but it won’t keep its shape as long as foam cushioning will. Foam cushioning provides long-lasting support and is available in a range of firmness, with soft foam providing more comfort and firm foam more durability.

• Remember that you’re not stuck with the saddle that comes with your bike. Investing in a comfortable, durable bike saddle is a great way to upgrade a budget bicycle and improve your overall cycling experience.
• Upper or lower back pain after bike rides can be a good sign that you need to look for a different bike saddle.
• Your perfect saddle depends on your body and cycling habits: Core strength, posture, where you cycle, pelvis width and soft tissue distribution all factor into your specific needs for a bike saddle.
• When you’re in the market for a new bike saddle, it can be a good idea to stop by a local bike shop. They’ll often let you try out different saddles before purchasing.