Bike Seat Cushion Options that We Love
Bike seat cushions might be overlooked when it comes to choosing the best bike, but it won’t be too many minutes before riders realize how important a good bicycle seat is, especially if you’re planning long rides. Not to mention bike saddles and the seat post that feels OK to begin with can gradually turn into a rock after a few hours of riding in Lycra bike shorts over long distances. Most avid bikers have at least one story about cutting a long ride short because their backside dictated it was necessary.
So, what should you be considering when it comes to upgrading your bicycle seat?
Everyone is different and is going to have different preferences, but if you consider some of the following factors, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices.
Construction
The materials made to construct bike saddles not only affect how durable it is, it also affects the comfort for distance riders. One negative aspect is that adding cushion material for superior comfort will add weight and must be taken into consideration if that is a factor. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to bicycle saddle construction with added cushion, but it’s best to start here:
- Look for a four-way stretch microfiber that doesn’t bunch or need readjusting while you’re reading
- Offers moisture wicking and is breathable, which keeps you dry during long rides
- Antibacterial, which keeps your seat disinfected and will prevent unpleasant complications
- Memory foam or gel cushion that molds to your bottom
- Anti-slip capacity that prevents sliding during your ride
You’ll also want to pick a seat made of high-quality durable materials, which means paying a little more. Keep in mind, buying a cheap seat now could cost you more in the long run if you’re constantly having to replace it.
Shape
Next, you’ll want to look for a seat with a shape that suits your body. Most of the time, the best seats are anatomically shaped, as opposed to a flattened wedge shape. Better seats also feature a lot of padding and feature a high-density construction toward the back and becomes trimmer near the front.
Remember, a thick seat doesn’t automatically guarantee you’ll be comfortable. There are times when chunky seats are poorly designed and you’re better off with something with less cushioning. Ideally, your seat will combine the best of all worlds, and be well-designed ergonomically and be well cushioned.
Choosing the Best Bike Seat Cushion
Now that you have some idea of what goes into making a quality seat you can take on long rides, you can begin to look at your options. We’ve compiled a list of seats we love and hopefully, you’ll be able to find something from this list that works for you.
Zacro Gel Bike Seat
This is a gel seat made from anti-slip materials and features a drawstring that lets you secure it to your bike. It weighs just under three-quarters of a pound and works best on indoor bikes. It’s easy to install and is water-resistant, which makes it great for long, sweaty workouts. We love it for its extra soft gel support and good ergonomics.
This seat cushion retails from around $8 to $13.
Kyson 3D Soft Gel Cover
This seat cover is gel-based and made of breathable stretchy materials. It weighs half a pound and can be used on both indoor and outdoor bikes. It features anti-slip grip, dual gel pads, and an easily adjustable string. It fits most bike seats, so you don’t need to worry about getting something that needs to be returned because it doesn’t fit.
We consider this a great “compromise” option. It’s moderately priced and offers pretty much everything a rider could want, without a lot of extra bells and whistles. It’s a great option if you’re just getting into cycling or if you know what you like and want something tried and true.
This seat retails for around $11 to $13.
Fit Tek Gel Bike Seat Cushion
This cushion is best for outdoor bikes and features anti-skid materials and a soft gel padding. This seat cushion is versatile and fits most bikes. It’s easy to install and features a concave design that reduces pressure on the bottom and provides maximum comfort. It has a spacious central well and has a bit of a custom-made feel, which is surprising at this price point. Its slimmer front end allows for free legal movement without reducing comfort in any way.
This seat cushion retails from around only $4 to $6, making it a great bargain.
Domain Cycling’s Large Bicycle Gel Seat Cover
This seat offers both gel and foam, so you get maximum support. It has a non-slip underside, so you don’t need to worry about the cushion sliding out of place while you ride, even for long periods of time. It weighs one pound and can be used for indoor and outdoor bikes. We love it because it’s suitable for large bike seats and offers a great deal of support. It’s lacking in the sit bone support and padding, but overall we think it’s still a good choice.
This seat retails at the higher end at around $25 to $27.
Daway A33
This seat cushion is made from breathable silica gel and memory foam. It features anti-skid particles to prevent slipping and has an antibacterial outer layer. It weighs a little more than half a pound, so it’s one of the lighter options on our list. We love how comfortable it is and are impressed by its memory foam padding that maintains shape. It’s also easy to install, versatile, and functional. It also comes in fun colors, so you can add a little style to your ride.
This seat cushion retails for around $11 to $13.
Acacia 3D Foam Saddle Cushion
This seat cushion features high-bounce memory foam and a Lycra cover. It weighs just .02 pounds and can be used on both indoor and outdoor bikes. It features reflective stripes which makes it safe to ride outdoors at night and has a no-slide friction surface that prevents you from slipping and sliding. We love the fact that this seat is so durable with high-quality stitching and materials. It’s also available in five different colors.
This seat retails for around $10 to $12.
