The Best Comfortable Bike Seats of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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We tested 25 saddles on roads, trails, and gravel to find the top options
TripSavvy / Zackary Angeline
The Brooks England Cambium All-Weather Bike Seat is our top choice because of its comfort and weatherproofing. The WTB Volt Saddle is also an excellent value choice and comes in multiple sizes and gel inserts.
A lot goes into cycling, whether choosing the right type of bike, maintaining the tires, or installing safety lights for night rides. Picking out the perfect bike seat is an important aspect, too. You'll quickly recognize when a bike seat is holding you back in races or contributing to aches and pains the day after a ride. A good quality, comfortable bike seat can go a long way.
We had our testers try out 25 bike saddles by taking long trail and road rides. They considered the bike seats' comfort, stability, and durability and gave us their reviews. Through their feedback, we chose nine great bike seats for different types of cyclists. The Brooks England Cambium All Weather Bike Seat came in at number one. The way it forms to your backside over time and ultimately made our tester forget about the bike seat put it in the top spot.
Whether you want the right bike seat for enduro racing or need something suitable for the daily commute, we've got you covered. Read on to see how these bike seats did in design, durability, and comfort.
Best Overall: Brooks England Cambium C17 Carved All-Weather Bike Seat
What We Like
Loops for saddlebag
Carved or standard style
Form to your backside over time
Waterproof and weatherproof nylon cover
What We Don't Like
Pricey
It takes time to break in
If you’re an avid cyclist, trust us when we say you’ll want to invest in the Brooks England Cambium All-Weather Bike Seat. It may take a little time to break this saddle in, but once you do, you’ll recognize how it forms to fit your backside, ultimately making your cycling experience better. Our tester took this Brooks seat on one 13-mile and two 10-mile mountain bike rides and loved it so much that they got one for their road bike, too.
Riders can choose between a carved (cutout) or standard seat. If you go with a carved seat, the cutout will assist in relieving pressure on your perineum. Thanks to the waterproof and weatherproof nylon cover, it’s likely that this bike seat will last longer, no matter the conditions you ride. Bonus: You can add a saddle bag or other accessory to the loops on the back of the bike seat.
This saddle may be a bit pricey, but cycling fanatics will quickly see the value of the Brooks England Cambium All-Weather Bike Seat.
Price at time of publication: $130
Materials: fiberglass reinforced nylon, steel rails | Dimensions: 11.14 x 5.51 x 2.05 inches | Weight: 0.95 pounds.
TripSavvy / Dave DeCarlo
Best Value: WTB Volt Saddle
What We Like
Indention relieves some pressure
Gel inserts for medium padding
Medium, narrow, and wide options
Cromoly, steel, titanium, and carbon rail options
Abrasion-resistant corners to protect the saddle from rips and tears
What We Don't Like
Not waterproof
The WTB Volt Saddle is affordable and well-designed. In fact, our tester said, “I expected the seat to cost more. I think that the design and materials make it worth the investment.” This bike seat has gel inserts for medium padding, an upward curved tail, and a slightly downward curving nose to give a cyclist something to push against as they pedal. WTB offers three sizes: medium, narrow, and wide, and four rail options—cromoly, steel, titanium, and carbon. The steel and cromoly rail options are affordable, but once you choose titanium or carbon, expect a significant price jump.
It took our tester three road rides through New York and its boroughs to get comfortable on this bike seat, and even then, they found it most comfortable wearing padded bike shorts. That aside, they always felt secure and stable on the bike seat. Lastly, WTB notes that the Volt Saddle is the most popular mountain biking seat they have, but our tester used it on the road and suggests it for avid cyclists rather than those who cycle for their leisure.
Price at time of publication: $33
Materials: Cromoly, steel, titanium, or carbon rail, microfiber cover, flex-tuned shell, helix, and gel padding | Dimensions: 10.43 x 5.59 x 2.36 inches | Weight: 0.9 pounds
TripSavvy / Natalie Guisinger
Best Women's-Specific: Ergon Women's SM Sport Gel Bike Saddle
What We Like
Washable microfiber cover
Cut out to relieve pressure
Slick side flanks to reduce friction
Orthopedic comfort foam with gel pads
Designed specifically for the female anatomy
What We Don't Like
Somewhat pricey
Not waterproof
The pelvic area of people assigned female at birth differs from those assigned male, which means it can be helpful for certain cyclists to buy women's-specific bike seats. Our top pick is the Ergon SM Sport Gel Saddle. After a 10-minute setup, our tester took this bike seat on three different one-hour rides full of flats and hills. Ergon may advertise this seat as best for mountain biking, but our tester used it on a road bike. From the first ride, our tester found that no matter their position in the saddle, they felt secure and stable and didn't slide. The thick side flanks of the design assist in reducing friction, and they even commented on how the bike seat reduced vibrations.
Our tester described the Ergon SM Sport Gel Saddle as "a firm, performance seat," but we should point out that it is equipped with orthopedic comfort foam with gel pads to offer a bit of padding. That said, it's not particularly "cushioned," as our tester noted, but best designed for performance. For instance, the cutout or the relief channel placed in the forward position of the bike seat is meant to alleviate and distribute pressure better.
The cover features synthetic material, which the company does not advertise as waterproof. However, it will likely hold up to certain wet weather elements. Thankfully, it is washable. Overall, the Ergon SM Sport Gel Saddle will offer comfort from the first ride. As our reviewer said, they "didn't even think about it while riding, the true test of a good seat."
Price at time of publication: $100
Materials: steel, foam, synthetic fabric | Dimensions: 13.78 x 7.48 x 3.94 inches | Weight: 0.88 pounds
TripSavvy / Dave DeCarlo
Best Women’s Specific, Runner-Up: Selle Italia Women's Diva Gel Superflow MTB Road Bike Saddle
What We Like
Two sizes
Extra-large cut out
Two-year warranty
Durable Fibra Tek cover
Lightweight titanium rails
Gel layer to minimize road vibrations
What We Don't Like
Pricey
Our second favorite bike saddle in the ”Women’s Specific” category is the Selle Italia, Diva Gel Superflow MTB and Road Bike Saddle. The versatile bike seat has a sleek exterior and is wide enough to offer comfort without getting in the way. You don’t have to worry about added weight with lightweight titanium rails. However, titanium is an expensive material, hence the price. At least the bike seat comes with a 24-month warranty for defects related to the design and material.
Our reviewer tested this bike seat on three rides through Stowe’s Cady Hills mountain biking trail. Setting up this bike saddle only took 10 minutes, and our reviewer felt secure and stable once on the trail. The reviewer liked that the seat wasn’t overly padded, though we should note that it does have gel layers to provide some comfort and reduce road vibrations. With the extra-large cutout, you’ll feel less pressure on your perineum during long rides.
Price at time of publication: $160
Materials: Fibra-Tek,silicone gel | Dimensions: 12.5 x 7 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 0.6 pounds
TripSavvy / Michelle Edelbaum
Best Commuter: Brooks England Cambium C-17 Saddle
What We Like
Flexible
Waterproof
Backplate loops for a saddle bag
Designed for the angles riding position
What We Don't Like
Super pricey
It lacks a cutout
Going to and from work on your bike? You’ll need a solid saddle like the Brooks England Cambian C-17 Saddle. This bike seat is designed for the angled riding position and features flexible vulcanized rubber. Our reviewer noted that getting used to the saddle might take some time, but once you do, you’ll love it—and find that the seat molds to your backside. In the meantime, you can enjoy the waterproof design and a backplate loop to attach a saddle bag.
Even without a cut out in the design, our tester thoroughly enjoyed using this saddle on their 15-mile commute to and from work. Their commute route involved a trail and some side roads, and on either path, the saddle held up thanks to a design that absorbs shock no matter the surface. We should also mention that our reviewer tested this saddle on a 28-mile trail ride, so while we chose it for commuting, it’ll work well on any kind of surface.
Price at time of publication: $150
Materials: cotton or nylon, steel, and rubber | Dimensions: 11 x 6 x 2 inches | Weight: 0.9 pounds
TripSavvy / Dave DeCarlo
Best Cruiser: Wittkop Waterproof Bike Seat
What We Like
Waterproof
Memory foam
Super affordable
Includes a saddle adapter
Indention to relieve pressure
Mountain bike, city, and touring size options
What We Don't Like
It may not be as cushioned as advertised
If you’re not a hard-core cyclist and are looking for something affordable for your cruiser, the Wittkop Bike Seat is the way to go. It doesn’t take long to get the Wittkop Bike Seat on your cruising bike thanks to a saddle adapter, which means you’ll be on the road in no time. The bike seat is waterproof and has an indention to relieve pressure.
While our reviewer found it comfortable—most likely because of the memory foam—in looking through reviews, we should note that this seat isn’t particularly “plush” and is a little more solid than it looks in photos. Before you buy, you should decide which type of Wittkop Bike Seat to order. They come in three design options—the narrow Racing/Mountain bike design, a mid-range trekking/touring version, and a wide city option. The saddle width of the three design options ranges between 5.4 and 8.5 inches.
Price at the time of publication: $40
Materials: memory foam | Dimensions: 11.18 x 7.28 x 4.13 inches | Weight: 1.5 pounds
Best Oversized: YLG Oversized Comfort Bike Seat
What We Like
Extra wide
Affordable
Small indent for airflow
Universal tape on the back
Waterproof PVC leather cover
Padded with memory foam and gel
What We Don't Like
Some reports of issues with the springs
We don’t want you to stop cycling simply because you don’t like how a narrow, firm bike seat feels. That’s why we’re highlighting the YLG Oversized Comfort Bike Seat. As the name implies, this is an oversized saddle with an extra-wide wing-like design. With memory foam and gel, you’ll get some cushioning too. Our reviewer found it easy to install this bike seat and claimed it was incredibly comfortable as they used it on their beach cruiser for hour-long and multi-hour-long rides. No matter the terrain they road on—flat pavement, gravel roads, or trails—it remained solid and absorbed the shock. They even took it out in the rain, and the PVC leather waterproof cover held up. While the reflective stripe on the back of the bike seat may be something others would overlook, our tester was happy with it and felt safer riding at night.
There is a lot to like about this bike seat—the extra width, affordability, and a small indent for airflow. That said, we did look through the reviews and found that some people had issues with the springs over time. When we compared that number of people to the primarily positive 13,850 reviews, it didn’t seem too significant of a problem, but something to note.
Price at time of publication: $40
Materials: PVC leather, gel, memory foam | Dimensions: 14.96 x 12.99 x 7.13 inches | Weight: unknown
TripSavvy / Robert Perino
Best Memory Foam: Giddy Up! Bike Seat with LED
What We Like
Very affordable
Cutout for pressure relief
Wide and extra padded
It comes with a waterproof rain cover
Taillight integrated into seat for utmost safety
Universal fit with included adapter and mounting tools
What We Don't Like
The faux leather seat cover isn't waterproof
With a name like Giddy Up! Memory Foam Waterproof Bike Seat, you can imagine this seat is designed for you to go, go, go. This wide and incredibly thick bike saddle features extra padding and a cut-out to prevent any aches and pains from your cycling adventures. An adapter and mounting tools are included in the purchase, allowing you to giddy up in no time.
Our tester took this bike to the streets of New York on rides that lasted between one and three hours. They were huge fans of the taillight integrated into the back of the seat, and we are too. Safety is paramount; the more visible a rider is, the better. While the tester liked that the seat included a waterproof cover to place on the seat when stored in a bike rack on rainy days, we have to point out that the seat itself does not claim to be waterproof. It has faux leather with some water resistance, but probably not significantly. Otherwise, why would you need an extra waterproof cover?
Price at the time of publication: $50
Materials: memory foam, faux leather | Dimensions: 11 x 8.35 x 4.3 inches | Weight: Not listed
TripSavvy / Jen Lombardo
Best Enduro: Ergon Men's SM Enduro Comp Saddle Bike Seat
What We Like
Padded edges
Narrow shape
Tested in the Enduro World Series
Deep, long indention for pressure relief
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Not all bike seats are designed for all cyclists. In fact, the Ergon SM Enduro Comp Saddle is a better fit for two types of cyclists: those assigned male at birth and enduro mountain bike racers. The narrow shape, padded edges, and deep indention provide comfort and stability as cyclists move between different riding positions.
The saddle was designed specifically for the male anatomy, though if it feels comfortable for you and you don't have male anatomy, then use it. The main thing to remember is that the bike saddle is best used for mountain bike enduro racing and was specifically tested during the Enduro World Series. While Ergon doesn't say it's specifically waterproof, the microfiber cover will hold up to a decent amount of moisture.
Price at the time of publication: $100
Materials: microfiber, foam, nylon, CroMo saddle rails | Dimensions: 10.75 x 6.25 x 3 inches | Weight: 0.75 pounds
Other Bike Seats We Tested
Here are the other bike seats we tested: Bontrager Boulevard Fluid Bike Saddle, Bontrager Verse Comp Bike Saddle, WTB Volt Gel Chromoly Saddle, WTB Rocket Chromoly Saddle, Selle Royal Men’s Respiro Moderate, Fabric Scoop Pro Saddle Flat, fizik Antares Versus Evo 00 Adaptive Saddle, Prologo Dimension Tirox Road Saddle, Ergon SMC Core Bike Saddle, Serfas E-Gel Cruiser Bike Saddle, Tonbux Most Comfortable Bike Seat, Bikeroo Oversized Bike Seat, Schwinn Comfort Bike Seat, Zacro Bike Seat Cushion, Bikeroo Bike Seat Cushion.
TripSavvy / Natalie Guisinger
How We Tested
We sent all of the above bike seats to testers around the country. Those testers took the bike seats on multiple rides, including a long ride of at least 90 minutes. We tested for comfort, stability, durability, and overall value. We tested seats on multiple terrains, including road, gravel, and trail.
Travel + Leisure / Natalie Guisinger
What to Look for in Bike Seats
Weight
Cyclists who want to shave off as many grams as possible from their bike will need to consider the weight of their bike seat. Synthetic material is the most lightweight bike seat cover material. While steel rails are strong and reliable, they’re heavier, too. Alloy is lighter than steel; however, titanium and carbon rails are the lightest rail materials. They tend to be the most expensive as well.
Installation
Some bike seats are easier to install than others, which may be something you want to consider in the purchasing process. When buying a bike seat, check and see if you’ll need specialized parts or assembly tools. We like when these tools or parts are included with the seat, making assembly easier and saving you money. If you plan on using the bike seat on different bikes, buy a bike seat with universal assembly features. Don’t forget that some bike seats may need adjusting to feel the most comfortable to you. Look through the instructions to find out to what extent you’ll be able to adjust the angle of the bike seat or the distance from the handlebars once installed.
Durability
Perhaps the most important aspect of buying a bike seat is its durability. You'll want something that is at least water resistant, though waterproof is always the better choice. Even if you don't plan on riding in the rain, your sweat can affect the materials of a bike seat, especially if it isn't water-resistant or waterproof.
Be sure to also look at the materials used to construct the bike seat. For instance, firmer foam cushioning may last longer than gel or soft foam cushioning. It's not as comfortable, but it's better if you want something longer-lasting. In terms of saddle rails, steel, alloy, titanium, and carbon are the best options for durability.
As for seat cover materials, synthetic material is longer lasting and more durable than cotton or leather. That said, leather is liked by many riders, especially after it's broken in because it molds to the rider's weight and shape. Just remember that leather is not waterproof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wider bike seats more comfortable?
The width of a bike seat is important because it supports your sit bones. However, a wider bike seat doesn’t necessarily mean it's more comfortable. If it's too wide for your sit bones, it could cause rubbing and chafing. Technically, you could measure your sit bones and try to guess how wide your bike seat should be. This would involve sitting on corrugated cardboard on a flat chair and measuring the indentions left behind. Even if you do this, the best way to see if a wider bike seat would be more comfortable for you is to test the bike seat yourself. You’ll either need to visit a bike shop and sit on bike seats with different widths or order one online and ensure the return policy is favorable.
What style of bike seat is best for me?
Different types of bike seats are designed for different activities. Let’s start with performance and cushioned bike seats. Performance bike seats are longer and narrower, with little padding for those who want the utmost performance on a bike. These folks are typically avid cyclists who may or may not want to do bike touring, participate in races, or just want something with little chafing and the best power transfer. As the name implies, cushioned seats are more cushioned, wider, and shorter. They absorb shock better and are suitable for recreational cycling.
The other thing to consider is whether you want a bike seat with a cut-out. Bike seats with a cut-out should relieve pressure on your perineum—the area between your sit bones. The cut-outs offer some cyclists more airflow and perhaps more comfort, especially on long rides. Rather than a full cut-out, you could find just as much comfort in a bike seat that has a small indention or slot.
How do I choose the best bike seat for me?
Before buying a bike seat, determine your needs. Do you plan to cycle on roads or rugged trails? Bike seats designed for mountain biking will probably do just as well on the road as on the trail; however, saddles designed for the road may not hold up on the trails. Do you need something designed for performance because you want to enter races? A thinner bike seat with a cut-out is probably ideal. Is comfort most important? Choose a bike seat with gel and foam cushioning and determine which bike seat width is more comfortable for your body.
As with everything, testing different bike seats will help you make the right decision. We suggest visiting a local bike shop and discussing the options with the employees.
Why Trust TripSavvy
Author Alex Temblador is an outdoor and travel journalist who lives in Texas. In addition to working out–running, lifting, hiking, kayaking, and more–at least five days a week, Alex seeks out adventurous travels all around the world. Throughout her career as an outdoor and travel journalist, she has rappelled in Mexico, kayaked in Puerto Rico and Thailand, skied in Telluride and Montana, surfed in Zihuatanejo, scuba dived in Bonaire, hiked in Peru and Switzerland, and completed a one-day, 100-mile cycling event in 100-degree weather in North Texas.
