10 Best Bike Seat Cushions in 2022 (Giddy Up!, Selle Royal, and More)
Do you love to bike but struggle with the numbing and pain you experience by sitting down on a bike saddle that doesn't work for you? We hear your concerns and took it upon ourselves to search for some of the best bike seat cushions available in the market.
We've chosen Giddy Up's bike seat for its universal fit and great shock absorption during a ride. There are nine other bike seat cushions to choose from that suit your riding style and type of bicycle. We've also attached a buying guide to get you acquainted with the best seat cushion or saddle to pair with your needs.
Quick List - Top Bike Seat Cushion
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How to Choose Bike Seat Cushion
Getting the right saddle or seat cover for you will relieve numbness and pain, making your biking experience much more enjoyable. Keep these points in mind to help you choose!
Decide on a Cover or an Entire Saddle
When choosing a bike seat cushion, you can get an entire saddle or a cushion cover that's placed over the existing seat.
The decision will be based on your cushioning preferences and your anatomy. The crucial thing to remember is to ensure your sit bones, located at the lowest point of the pelvis, are appropriately cushioned because they fully support your body weight when sitting.
It should be noted that saddle covers and cushions can only do so much as they don't usually take the rider's anatomy into full account. However, with this buying guide's help, you can become acquainted with the materials and features to make an informed decision.
Take a Look at the Cushioning or Lack Thereof
The first consideration is the type of seat cushion. There are three main types of cushioning, but you can also select a saddle without any padding. Each option has specific features that cater to the rider's needs.
Gel Cushioning for Plush Comfort
The main advantage of gel cushioning is its ability to mold to your body, providing plush comfort. It's great for casual or recreational cycling. On the other hand, gel is known to compress with continued use quicker than the other types, which diminishes its cushioning.
Foam Cushioning for a Pliable Feel
Foam cushions often use memory foam, giving you a pliable feel that bounces back to its original shape when not in use. Foam is the go-to choice of road cyclists because it absorbs the extra shock from road vibrations.
If you are riding for extended periods or have distinct sit bones when riding, we recommend going for a firmer foam to prevent the material from compacting quickly.
A Saddle Pad for Extra Comfort
If you are after extra comfort, a saddle pad or cover is an optional addition to your saddle. However, you need to look at the application process and ensure that it has all the straps and pull-strings required to keep it securely in place.
Riders often complain that the cover tends to slip out of place, or they end up sliding off the seat, which can become a hindrance for long-distance or competitive riding.
Leather and Cotton Saddles Contour to You
Lastly, you can skip cushioning altogether and go for a saddle with a leather or cotton cover. These materials are known to contour to the shape of the rider, giving you a custom fit. They might not be plush like foam, but they eventually take the form of your riding position to give you a comfortable ride.
Zero cushioning also means increased air ventilation, which keeps you cool during long, hot rides.
Choose Between Leather, Cotton, or Synthetic Mixes
Saddles and covers are usually made of one of three materials: leather, cotton, or a mix of synthetic materials. Saddles are often made with synthetic materials, such as molded foam or gel padding. These are waterproof, easy to clean and maintain, lightweight, and don't require breaking in.
On the other hand, leather saddles are usually made of a thin leather exterior over synthetic materials or a full leather cover stretched over the saddle rails. Leather requires a break-in period of about 200 miles before conforming to your weight and shape.
On the downside, leather isn't waterproof or weatherproof. You might need to treat the material with a leather conditioner or cover it when parked under the sun. Make sure to follow the manufacturer care instructions.
Cotton cushions and covers excel at providing comfort by stretching and moving slightly with your riding movements. The flexibility of this material gives you a more seamless riding experience with minimal chafing. This material also requires a shorter break-in time compared to leather.
Match Your Seat Cushion to Your Riding Style
Regardless of the type of cushioning on your saddle, using the wrong design for your riding style will lead to discomfort. There are five main types of cycling styles: recreational, road, mountain biking, bike touring, and commuting. The first requires wide saddles with plush padding and springs for optimal comfort.
Meanwhile, road cycling often involves long distances, so your pedaling should be efficient. Road cycling saddles and cushions are long and narrow with minimal padding to allow quick and streamlined pedaling. You can also look for reflective strips or lights for greater visibility.
Mountain biking requires different movements, such as standing on the pedals, angling back, or bending over on the saddle to deal with the terrain. The saddle should have padding or shock absorbers that supports your sit bones and a durable cover to withstand environmental debris and impact. The shape should also be streamlined and not obstruct your range of movement.
Bike touring saddles or covers fall in between road and mountain bike designs. They have comfortable cushioning and a long or narrow shape. Lastly, commute biking requires padding for support. Weatherproof features should also be considered, whether through conditioning or an extra saddle cover.
Saddles and covers can also be used for indoor bikes, and we recommend matching them to the type of bike you're working with. For example, saddle covers are often limited to the shape of the existing seat.
Don't Forget the Contours and Cut-Outs
Bike saddles and covers often come in a wide variety of shapes, and some have extra cutouts and contouring.
Cut-Outs Support Your Anatomy and Offer Air Circulation
If you've experienced numbness and discomfort with a flat saddle before, transitioning to a cut-out design could help make for a more comfortable ride. The cut-outs also allow more air circulation, keeping you cooler.
When you look at saddles or seat cushions, many often have channels or cut-outs that serve a particular purpose, such as eliminating pressure on the perineum (the area between the sit bones with numerous nerves and arteries). Cut-outs also help reduce pressure on the genital area for men and pubic bone arch for women.
Most saddles and cushions on the market offer a central pressure-relieving cut-out design. They vary in lengths, such as a complete cut-out design or one with a mesh covering at the bottom. The latter is beneficial for those cycling on muddy terrain because splatter could access the hole and stain your clothes.
Select a Shape and Contour According to Your Riding Style
It's important to get a shape that suits your anatomy. Women generally have wider sit bones and find wider saddles more comfortable to use.
To measure your sit bones' width at home, you will need a sheet of tin foil and a cushiony surface, like a carpeted step on the stairs. Sit on the tin foil and use millimeters to measure the distance between the centers of the indents made by your sit bones. This distance is your sit bones' width.
Choose a saddle shape by adding approximately 20 millimeters to your sit bones' width. Your saddle or cushion should support the sit bones by keeping them near the edge of the saddle.
The contours on a saddle also play an essential role. If you ride in an upright position most of the time, fewer "waves" are more comfortable to use. More waves on the sides and contours on the top are designed for riders with more forward stances, such as triathletes.
A T-shaped saddle or cushion with a narrow nose and wide back minimizes chafing on the thighs, while a pear-shaped design gives you more room to change riding positions since it doesn't have drastic curves.
10 Best Bike Seat Cushion Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Giddy Up! Bike Seat | | A Complete Bike Saddle With a Universal Fit | |
2 | Selle Royal Men's Respiro | | Fully-Sealed, Highly-Ventilated Seat | |
3 | Bikeroo Large Bike Seat Cushion | | Reliable Seat Cover For All Types of Cycling | |
4 | Wittkop Trekking Bicycle Seat for Men & Women | | Bike Seat With a Many Comfortable Details | |
5 | Roguoo Memory Foam Waterproof Bicycle Saddle | | An Oversized Seat With Great Ventilation | |
6 | Bikeroo Oversized Comfort Bike Seat | | A Wide Bike Saddle for Outdoor Riding | |
7 | Zacro Gel Bike Seat Cover｜BS031 | | A Narrow Seat Cover That Increases Saddle Support | |
8 | Giddy Up! Oversize Comfortable Bicycle Saddle | | Adjustable, Extra-Wide Saddle for Indoor or Outdoor Use | |
9 | Sgodde Comfortable Bike Seat | | Ventilated Saddle With Increased Shock Absorption | |
10 | LuxoBike Gel Bike Seat Cover | | Anti-Slip Gel and Foam Cover |
A Complete Bike Saddle With a Universal Fit
This bike saddle cushion gives you a no-fuss approach to comfort. It comes with all the tools you will need to install the saddle, including a mounting wrench. It has a red tail light for dim environments and a cover to protect it during storage. The seat has shock-absorbing balls underneath for increased comfort.
A few reviewers commented that the seat does not fit their anatomy well, leading to uncomfortable long rides. Still, many other riders loved its wide shape and plush cushioning. They said that once you adjust it just right, the seat will live up to expectations. They also appreciated the extra handy features, like the light.
Fully-Sealed, Highly-Ventilated Seat
The sleek design of this saddle offers support for sit bones without being too bulky. It can be used for on- or off-road biking, and the cut-out design allows for air ventilation. While this product is catered to male riders, you can also find this design for women!
Durability was an issue for a few riders, with few saying that the metal railing can snap or bend. Meanwhile, many said it's thoughtfully designed. They liked that its compact design still provides enough support and comfort, just like wider or more heavily padded seats.
Reliable Seat Cover For All Types of Cycling
This seat cushion is designed to fit most bicycles, including indoor and outdoor, with wide or large saddles. Its contours and cut-outs provide support for the sit bones while relieving pressure from the tailbone. There are lateral and back strings for a secure fit, while the surface has an anti-slip material for extra stability.
According to a few reviewers, the cushion tends to slip out of place. However, many others liked that it's easy to install. They noted that it makes their bicycles much more comfortable to ride, especially if your existing saddle is painful.
Bike Seat With a Many Comfortable Details
This unisex bike seat is designed with the rider's comfort in mind. It relieves pressure and friction while boosting support and air ventilation. The exterior material is waterproof and has welded seams that keep moisture out. This style is best suited for trekking.
A few reviewers found the forward-leaning angle of the seat uncomfortable. Meanwhile, many others confirmed this was an upgrade to their existing saddles, saying it fits their trekking bicycles perfectly. They added that it has great air circulation.
An Oversized Seat With Great Ventilation
This bike saddle is extra wide and padded for added comfort. The shape is designed to not hinder movement. Plus, the cut-outs allow air to ventilate. The package includes a saddle adaptor, mounting tools, and a safety strap to increase visibility.
A few reviewers noted that this seat flattened out after a while. Still, many others said it's very comfortable, saying they like using it for both indoor and outdoor bikes. Users also liked that it's easy to install.
A Wide Bike Saddle for Outdoor Riding
This saddle supports your sit bones, helping to prevent pain and numbness after cycling. It's extra wide and perfect for upright riding styles. You get all the tools needed for installation, including a saddle cover and adaptor for a more secure fit. There is a similar model available for indoor bikes.
A few reviewers complained that this seat is squeaky and unstable when not securely fastened. Meanwhile, many others liked its plush cushioning. They use it for indoor or outdoor cycling with no issues, noting that it feels much more comfortable than their old saddles.
A Narrow Seat Cover That Increases Saddle Support
The gel material of this seat provides a cool and ventilated riding experience. It fits bike seats up to seven by 11 inches. It has an adjustable drawstring for a secure fit and also comes with a weatherproof cover to protect your seat.
A few reviewers said that this cover is slippery and causes chafing. Still, many others said liked that it provides ample cushioning. They appreciated that it's easy to install and loved that it makes long rides more comfortable.
Adjustable, Extra-Wide Saddle for Indoor or Outdoor Use
If your sit bones are farther apart, then a wider saddle is recommended for optimal support and comfort while riding. This one is 13.4 inches at the widest part. The dual-spring suspension system minimizes shocks and vibrations. The saddle also comes with a tilt-adjusting clamp for a customized setup.
While most reviewers thought the idea of an oversized saddle is great, a few commented that the seat is too wobbly during use. Still, many said this saddle is both supportive and comfortable. Riders used it for long trails or indoors on a stationary bike with no issues.
Ventilated Saddle With Increased Shock Absorption
This saddle has a high-elastic steel bow and dual shock-absorbing balls, making it an ideal choice for cycling on extra bumpy terrain. The material is also waterproof, anti-slip, and ventilated for comfortable use. It also has a reflective strip to keep you safe.
According to a few riders, the seams tend to unravel quickly. Meanwhile, many others said it's a great replacement for bikes with hard seats. They also liked that it's easy to install and relieved the pain they were experiencing.
Anti-Slip Gel and Foam Cover
This seat cover has an anti-slip nose grip design and an added patterned lining for better traction with your existing saddle. There are also velcro straps to fasten the two together. The blend of silicone gel and memory foam keeps your rides comfortable, too.
This cover was too hard for a few riders, making it uncomfortable to use. Still, most reviewers liked that this cover is sturdy and doesn't slip or slide when used. They also appreciated that it's easy to install and fits snugly over their existing bike seat.
Tips to Improve Saddle Comfort
Make sure that the saddle is adjusted just right based on your height and alignment. For road bikes or hybrid bikes, your leg should be slightly bent when your foot is at the bottom of each pedal stroke. You will need someone to hold the bike for you while you do this.
If you plan to go off-road or mountain biking, the saddle is often placed a bit lower for better control over obstacles.
The saddle should also be perfectly straight in relation to your bicycle's frame. Depending on your bringing style, it should be parallel to the ground or angled slightly. When biking, stand briefly every few minutes or stand when going across bumps to help relieve pressure and strain on the sit bones.
Wearing proper attire, such as bike shorts with padding, minimizes friction and adds extra cushioning during long rides.
Grab These Biking Accessories
You might be interested in making a few more upgrades to your riding experience. Here are a few suggestions that will make biking more convenient, efficient, and comfortable.
Top 5 Bike Seat Cushion
No. 1: Giddy Up!｜Bike Seat
No. 2: Selle Royal｜Men's Respiro
No. 3: Bikeroo｜Large Bike Seat Cushion
No. 4: Wittkop｜Trekking Bicycle Seat for Men & Women
No. 5: Roguoo ｜Memory Foam Waterproof Bicycle Saddle
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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