Seats – Bikemunk https://bikemunk.com Bike Gear Reviews Fri, 16 Jul 2021 17:22:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 https://bikemunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bikemunk-favicon-32.png Seats – Bikemunk https://bikemunk.com 32 32 Best Bike Seats with Backrest Reviews https://bikemunk.com/best-bike-seat-with-backrest-reviews/ Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:26:37 +0000 https://bikemunk.com/?p=8768 Read more]]>

When the thought of a long bike ride through the back country enters your mind, you are taken to a place where you are one with nature and the trail is where you leave all the stresses of everyday life. Maybe you prefer the long winding marked trails for a peaceful easy ride that allows your mind to wander into bliss and there are no worries except for the current weather conditions. The thought that afterwards your back along with other parts of the body that had a major workout will be in pain isn’t something you think about until later that night when the sharp twinges start from your hips up to your neck. Then all the muscles along the way start to cramp and you can truly feel the jostling that you gave your body during your bike ride that day.

Best Bike Seat with Backrest Comparisons

Brand

Details

Sunlite Comfort Saddle with Backrest

  • Dimensions: 43.2 x 27.9 x 26.7 cm
  • Weight: 1.5 lbs.
  • Material: synthetic leather

Vogvigo Comfortable Bike Seat with Backrest

  • Dimensions: 25 x 28 x 30 cm.
  • Weight: 2.65 lbs.
  • Material: leather

AlveyTech Deluxe Comfort Bike Saddle Seat with Backrest

  • Dimensions: 48.26 x 29.21 x 23.27 cm
  • Weight: 4.1 lbs.
  • Material: vinyl
Monster Motion Bicycle Saddle Seat with Backrest

Monster Motion Bicycle Saddle Seat with Backrest

  • Dimensions: 45.72 x 29.21 x 22.86 cm
  • Weight: 3.4 lbs.
  • Material: vinyl

Bestselling Bike Seats with Backrest 2021

Why a Backrest?

If you are an avid bicyclist and do not want something as easily avoided as back pain ruining your enthusiasm for the open road, then you want to consider installing a bike seat that comes equipped with a backrest for additional support. These bike seats are made to be comfortable, whether you are on a long cross-country ride or simply going to a friend’s house for a social gathering. The use of a backrest allows the rider to relax back into the seat at a more ergonomically correct position for riding, reducing the strain felt in the muscles and the joints from being in a seated position for an extended period of time.

People who are just starting out on their bicycle riding endeavors can also benefit from using a bike seat with a backrest, as it supports the body while it gets used to a new position that it hasn’t been in before. So before running out and buying the first bike seat with a backrest that you see at your local sporting goods store, take some time to factor in certain guidelines and ask specific questions to get the right product for your needs.

Riding Preferences

One of the most important factors that should weigh in your decision of what bike seat with a backrest to purchase is whether or not you plan to spend large amounts of time using a bicycle. Are you an avid bicyclist who ventures off the beaten path to forge your own trail? Do you enjoy bicycling, either alone or as part of a group, but only rides on marked trails, paths and roadways?

The answer to that question can determine what type of bike seat is best for you before even considering the attached backrest. Flooding the market today when it comes to bike seats and their functions are:

  • cushioning bike seats for those who enjoy simple and easy rides to and from a location
  • performance bike seats for those who tend to ride for long periods of time through all sorts of conditions and terrains
  • mountain biking seats for those who tend to forge their own trail through nature and will spend large amounts of time switching positions on the bicycle
  • bike seats made specifically for woman or those of smaller stature
  • bike seats made from custom designs to suit exactly what you need.

Once you have narrowed down what type of bike seat will suit your needs the best then it is time to look into the best bike seats on the market that feature a backrest.

Materials Used in Construction

Generally the materials used in the construction of bike seats with attached backrests will be materials that can be found in other sporting goods.

It will be a mixture of foam cushioning covered by either leather or tightly woven cloth to protect the foam from any agent that could damage it – weather conditions, dirt, chafing, etc.

The backrest should be made from the same material as the bike seat itself to ensure the overall structural integrity of the product and prevent one part of the seat aging before the other. You want to make sure that the bike seat and backrest are covered with a material that will not irritate the skin while riding your bicycle and a bonus would be a material that is naturally moisture-wicking to prevent uncomfortable situations.

You do not want to be on a long bicycle ride with others or by yourself and find that natural body sweat has compromised the stability of your ride. If you are slipping and sliding all over the seat and backrest, then it is easy to lose control of your bicycle and suffer from injury or even jolt your back into a position while trying to regain control that strains muscles or slips joints out of place to increase the overall pain level that comes from physical activity.

While leather is a common material used in the covering of bike seats with backrests, it can be rather pricey and on long rides during hotter conditions, it can heat up to the point that it actually burns the skin it touches. Look into bike seats with backrests with synthetic or strongly woven material covers that will not chafe along the seams and split open during exposure to weather conditions to expose the foam underneath.

Customer Service – Shipping/Delivery

With any product that you purchased, whether it be through a local retailer or an online store, make sure you research or look into how they treat their customers. Customer service is a big part of maintaining a business and gaining new customers through reviews and word-of-mouth.

Make sure that your local retailer or online store has positive reviews on the following:

Online Retailer

Local Retailer

Returns/Refunds/Exchanges

Check to see if you can return your product to the online retailer for an exchange or refund without any hidden fees or if it can be done at all

Check to see if you can return your product for a refund or exchange as some local companies have a set day policy in place with certain conditions attached

Shipping/Delivery

Check to see how much shipping will cost or if it is free. Look for hidden custom fees if shipping across the border and determine if delivery is easy, on-time and the product arrives safely from reading reviews

Not applicable unless you are required to pay for delivery from one store location to another

Customer Service Availability

Check into how to contact the customer service department of the online retailer – whether it is online chat, email, telephone or submitting a form

Check to see if you can deal with the customer service department of the retailer or will you have to contact the manufacturer once the product is in your possession

Top 4 Bike Seat with Backrest Reviews

Sunlite Comfort Saddle with Backrest

  • Dimensions: 43.2 x 27.9 x 26.7 cm
  • Weight: 1.5 lbs.
  • Material: synthetic leather

The Sunlite Comfort Saddle with backrest is a fully formed and cushioned bicycle seat that has been designed to fit on most standard seat-posts and can be easily installed on your current bike using a bike tool kit. Lightweight and ergonomically correct, this bike seat features a cushioned backrest that will support the lower back into proper posture, even while in a sitting position.

This bike seat with backrest features a nicely padded seat with accompanying foam backrest that is covered by a synthetic blend of materials with a leather finish. This product is only available in black but it does feature accentuating chrome silver highlights along the curve of the seat with a solid heavy plastic strap running along the edge of the backrest itself for a sleek and visually pleasing look.

Pros

  • Can be installed without issues on any standard bicycle with most customer reviews stating it was installed within 15 minutes.
  • Has a leather finish but it is actually a synthetic blend of materials that does not require as high of a level of maintenance as pure leather.
  • Backrest can be adjusted in height to a maximum of three inches.

Cons

  • Some customers reported that the backrest was a touch too far away from the bike seat itself; so those of smaller stature may have trouble resting in a comfortable position.

Vogvigo Comfortable Bike Seat with Backrest

  • Dimensions: 25 x 28 x 30 cm
  • Weight: 2.65 lbs.
  • Material: leather

The Vogvigo bike seat with accompanying backrest features a heavily contoured but cushioned seat with a nicely cushioned backrest. The amount of cushion used in each part of this bike seat is not overwhelming to the point that it is uncomfortable but instead just enough to mold to the body of the rider and provide the support needed for long rides.

The material used in the construction of this seat is sponge cushioning for support that will mold to the body for a comforting ride. With the thick sponge preventing the rider from sitting directly on the seat, there is a noticeable lack of numbness in the lower regions even after a significant amount of riding time. The material covering the seat and the back rest is synthetic blend of fabrics with a leather finish.

This leather finish is waterproof and easy to clean which will help reduce the amount of daily wear and tear or exposure to weather conditions. To maintain this seat cover and backrest, simply apply a leather conditioner or protector (look for one that also works on leather finishes) and after that dries, cleanup is simply a warm and damp cloth to remove debris or stains.

Pros

  • Cover for both the seat and backrest is waterproof and easily cleaned.
  • Install without issues on most standard bicycles.
  • Sponge cushion absorbs body weight but bounces back to original shape with no issues.

Cons

  • Backrest has a slight curve that can add pressure to the back of the rider, which can be irritating until the rider has broken in the seat.

AlveyTech Deluxe Comfort Bike Saddle Seat with Backrest

  • Dimensions: 48.26 x 29.21 x 23.27 cm
  • Weight: 4.1 lbs.
  • Material: vinyl

The AlveyTech Deluxe Comfort saddle seat with accompanying backrest uses a unique blend of foams and sponges to live up the name of the product. Designed to provide maximum lumbar support, this bike seat with a backrest has garnered mostly positive reviews online for its molding properties and its abilities to hold up during long bicycle rides.

Made using sponges and foams, this bike seat and backrest is covered with an easily cleaned black vinyl material that repels moisture. To maintain the condition of the seat for a long period of time, simply wipe down the seat and backrest with a warm damp cloth or rag after each use to prevent debris and dirt from eating through the vinyl coating.

Pros

  • Solid black color and vinyl covering matches with any existing bicycle color scheme with the look of leather from afar.
  • The backrest is designed to promote lumbar support to prevent aches and pains during longer rides.
  • Easily installed on any standard bicycle with a seating post.

Cons

  • Seat and backrest cannot be adjusted once installed on the bicycle.
  • Vinyl is known to crack when not maintained properly so lifespan could be diminished due to this.

Monster Motion Bicycle Saddle Seat with Backrest

  • Dimensions: 45.72 x 29.21 x 22.86 cm
  • Weight: 3.4 lbs.
  • Material: vinyl
Monster Motion Bicycle Saddle Seat with Backrest

This supportive and cushioned bike seat with backrest features a blend of foams and sponges to contour to the rider while allowing for maximum support during longer rides. This bike seat allows for the riders lower regions to mold to the seat and prevents the occurrence of slipping from the seat over rough terrain.

Covered with a black vinyl material that has been stamped with an attractive diamond pattern, this bike seat is waterproof and can withstand the toughest of conditions. Easily installed on any standard bike, exercise bike or even tricycle, it is no wonder that the sales for this product is steadily climbing in numbers.

Pros

  • Can easily be installed on most standard bicycles, stationary exercise bikes, etc.
  • Easily cleaned and maintained because of the black vinyl covering

Cons

  • Backrest cannot be adjusted once installed.

The Bottom Line

When the day is done and you need to make a decision for your bicycle, it can be easy to fall prey to flash sales or pretty advertising but you need to be smart about your decision and selective. Think of the features you want in your bike seat with backrest and make a list of what will suit your needs. Do you want a waterproof covering? Leather covering? Or do you want support and comfort above vanity? Determine what dimensions will suit your physical body type and look for seats that have a wider base rather than a narrow one if you plan to spend more time on leisure rides than off-roading through back country trails.

Today’s society is all about being more in tune with nature and spending more time outside engaging in physical activity so the majority of products that are marketed with that mind tend to look at the supportive comfort as well when marketing their wares. Determine what features would suit your bicycle riding habits and purchase a bike seat with backrest that matches this. Once you have the features and style in mind of what you are looking for, determine what budget you have for your new bike seat with a backrest and start shopping. Check out online forums, like bicycling blogs and websites, where you can ask questions about particular products or gain insight from fellow bicycle enthusiasts as yourself to narrow down what you want.

Don’t let something like back pain come between you and those uncharted trails or from spending your Sunday morning breathing in the fresh air while you bike to the market for breakfasts.

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Best Bicycle Seat Reviews https://bikemunk.com/best-bicycle-seat-reviews/ Sun, 18 Nov 2018 22:45:15 +0000 https://bikemunk.com/?p=6419 Read more]]> Bike seats are meant to be comfortable. This is important, especially if you’re a new cyclist and have yet to find the most comfortable riding position for you. That’s because a comfortable seat will ensure long hours of pedaling and really good exercise to keep you healthy. When you ride your bike, you are putting your entire body weight pressure on your sit bones. You’ll feel each bump and dip depending on what’s underneath your bike seat cover.

There are some guidelines to follow before buying one bike seat or another. Here are some guidelines on finding the most comfortable bike seat.

Top 5 Best Bicycle Seat Comparisons

Brand

Details

OUTERDO Bike Saddle Mountain Bike Seat Breathable Comfortable Bicycle Seat with Central Relief Zone and Ergonomics Design Fit for Road Bike and Mountain Bike

OUTERDO Bike Saddle

  • Dimensions: 10.5 x 10.9 inches
  • Weight: 0.72 pounds
  • Suitable for: mountain bikes, fitness riding
Most Comfortable Bike Seat for Men - Mens Padded Bicycle Saddle with Soft Cushion - Improves Comfort for Mountain Bike, Hybrid and Stationary Exercise Bike

Bikeroo Bike Seat for Men

  • Dimensions: 10.2 x 7 x 3.9 inches
  • Weight: 1.2 pounds
  • Suitable for: mountain biking
TONBUX Most Comfortable Bicycle Seat, Bike Seat Replacement with Bicycle Taillight Reflective Tape Dual Shock Absorbing Ball Wide Bike Seat Saddle Bicycle Gel Seat with Mounting Wrench

TONBUX Bike Seat 

  • Dimensions: 10.1 x 8 x 4.8 inches
  • Weight: 1.6 pounds
  • Suitable for: off-road biking
Giddy Up! Bike Seat - Most Comfortable Memory Foam Waterproof Bike Saddle, Universal Fit, Shock Absorbing including Mounting Wrench - Allen Key - Reflective Band and Waterproof Protection Cover

Giddy Up! Bike Seat 

  • Dimensions: 8.3 x 4.3 x 11 inches
  • Weight: 2 pounds
  • Suitable for: off-road, mountain biking
Sunlite Cloud-9 Bicycle Suspension Cruiser Saddle, Cruiser Gel, Tri-color Black

Sunlite Cloud-9 Bicycle Suspension Cruiser Saddle 

  • Dimensions: 9.6 x 9.6 x 6.3 inches
  • Weight: 3.2 pounds
  • Suitable for: commuting, recreational biking

Riding Preferences

The first and foremost issue that needs your attention is determining what type of rider you are. If you ride your bike for recreational purposes, a cushioning saddle is the best choice for you. In general, these types of saddles have springs or plush padding (or both) and a short nose. If you want to add more comfort to your riding, you can also opt for a seat post with springs.

Man riding a bicycle

Riding your bike on longer roads will require a performance saddle. A performance saddle has minimal padding and is long and narrow. That’s because you are putting little pressure on your sit bones and, since you are pedaling in a tucked position, you need less material resting between your legs. This leads to maximum power transfer and a smoother ride. The same principle applies to those that use their bikes for touring purposes. Spending a lot of hours on your bike means that you need a performance saddle.

Mountain biking enthusiasts can opt for a saddle that is specifically designed for such purposes. That’s because you will be changing positions frequently. Sometimes you’ll be bent over or standing up on the pedal. Mountain saddles have good padding for the sit bones, while the cover is durable and the saddle’s shape is streamlined. It helps you get performance and power while riding the trails.

There are also saddles specifically designed for female riders because women have wider hips and different bodies. So be sure to note which is best for women when looking.

Materials & Cushioning

Seats are one of the most important bike accessories out there. But to find the best seat, look at what it’s made of.

There are generally two types of the best bike saddle cushioning and each of them will react differently when you sit on them. Foam is one of the best bicycle seat cushion choices and is very responsive, and can regain its natural shape the minute you get up. It’s mostly preferred by those who like to take on longer rides, but firmer foam is recommended for those who are heavyweight or have healthy sit bones.

Soft Bike Saddle

The other type of saddle is made with gel cushioning and provides a higher comfort level compared to foam. It is, however, preferred by commuters or those who ride their bikes for recreation. Since it’s plushier, it will get compacted quicker and, for longer road, foam is a much better choice and makes the best bicycle seat for overweight or heavy riders.

If none of these two types is comfortable enough for you, you can purchase an additional saddle pad. However, be aware that this add-on is prone to movement and will not provide the same stability as your actual saddle does. If you like to take on recreational rides, this won’t be much of a problem, but when you’re cycling on longer distances, this may cause some discomfort, in which case it would be better to opt for specially padded bike shorts. For additional comfort, try wearing cycling shoes to improve your pedaling.

So, what are the most important things you should look out for when shopping for a new bike seat?

Customizing Bike Saddle

  • First of all, there’s the shell. The shell is the skeleton of your bike seat, which determines how springy it is and the saddle’s basic shape. Depending on the manufacturer, some shells are made from nylon, while others have carbon reinforcements. Shells come in different lengths and widths to ensure a size out there for every type of rider.
  • Next, you have the cover. Expensive bike seats have leather covers, but cheaper ones are made from synthetic blends. No matter which type of cover material your bike seat has, it’s important to make sure there won’t be any chaffing along the seams. With mountain bike seats, it’s all about having a hard-wearing cover, as you are more exposed to uneven roads and possible crashes.
  • The padding of your bike seat determines how comfortable it will be when you’re riding. Padding is what helps the saddle evenly distribute your weight across its surface. As we mentioned above, foam and gel paddings are the most common types.
  • Cutouts or grooves are important if you like to ride your bike for many miles at a time. They help dissipate heat and provide airflow, which is especially important when you’re riding in high temperatures. Even more, these grooves will reduce the pressure caused by several hours of seating on your saddle.

As mentioned above, leather saddles are the most expensive types of bike seats, but they have come to be widely appreciated by those that seek true comfort when riding and are not afraid to spend a bit more to get it. Why are leather seats so comfortable?

Leather Bike Saddle, Expensive

Because of their construction. After taking the bike out for a spin for more than 200 miles, the leather on the seat will mold to your natural body shape and, while it may be uncomfortable at first, you will see that true comfort will make its presence felt in time. Even if these seats are comfortable, they are not water-resistant, which means you have to be extra careful with applying a special leather conditioner. This will also help protect the seat against harmful UV light.

And, just to note, changing out your old seat for a new one should be an easy task, especially with a handy bike tool kit.

Top 5 Best Bicycle Seat Reviews

OUTERDO Bike Saddle

  • Dimensions: 10.5 x 10.9 inches
  • Weight: 0.72 pounds
  • Suitable for: mountain bikes, fitness riding

OUTERDO Bike Saddle Mountain Bike Seat Breathable Comfortable Bicycle Seat with Central Relief Zone and Ergonomics Design Fit for Road Bike and Mountain Bike

One of the best bike seats for a big man, the OUTERDO bike seat opens today’s series of reviews. First, it’s a great-looking saddle! Available in 6 different color combinations, it looks elegant and feels amazing. Since it has a center cutout that provides ventilation and anatomic relief, the seat is great for mountain bikers that need a saddle that offers excellent comfort. The foam padding falls a bit on the firm side, which is good because long-road cyclists can’t afford to have a seat that’s too plushy, since they will often switch positions while riding. The seat should be responsive instead of sinking in.

Its design is long and narrow, which guarantees there won’t be unnecessary materials cramping up between your legs. The manufacturer has added a leather cover that’s both waterproof and sweat-resistant to cover the high-density foam padding.

Pros

  • Features high-density foam padding.
  • Anti-sweat and water-resistant leather cover.
  • Available in red, yellow, blue, white, and green.
  • Center cutout provides good airflow and relieves perineum pressure.
  • Recommended for mountain biking, but suitable for all types of bikes.

Cons

  • Not suitable for heavier riders.
  • Causes discomfort to casual riders.

Bikeroo Bike Seat for Men

  • Dimensions: 10.2 x 7 x 3.9 inches
  • Weight: 1.2 pounds
  • Suitable for: mountain biking

Most Comfortable Bike Seat for Men - Mens Padded Bicycle Saddle with Soft Cushion - Improves Comfort for Mountain Bike, Hybrid and Stationary Exercise Bike

This is another good example of a mountain bike seat that’s designed to be comfortable. The length, center cutout, and narrowness support by distributing pressure evenly on the saddle’s surface. Upon ordering this bike seat, you will receive a complete kit that makes mounting easy and doesn’t require any additional tools. Inside the package, you will find the saddle, a waterproof rain bike cover, mounting tools, and a sheet of instructions, plus a saddle adapter.

The bike seat itself features thick foam padding, which is a common trait of saddles designed for long rides. Even if the seat is covered in plenty of artificial leather (no need to tell you how much stuff made of real leather costs), the cover seems to be of high quality. Even if this artificial leather cover is water-resistant, the manufacturer recommends using it with the included waterproof cover.

Pros

  • Ergonomic shape.
  • Suitable for long rides.
  • Center cutout that provides airflow and better sit bone support.
  • Made with foam padding.
  • Comes with all the tools required for mounting.
  • Comes with a waterproof cover.

Cons

  • Not made of actual leather.

TONBUX Bike Seat

  • Dimensions: 10.1 x 8 x 4.8 inches
  • Weight: 1.6 pounds
  • Suitable for: off-road biking

TONBUX Most Comfortable Bicycle Seat, Bike Seat Replacement with Bicycle Taillight Reflective Tape Dual Shock Absorbing Ball Wide Bike Seat Saddle Bicycle Gel Seat with Mounting Wrench

TONBUX is committed to delivering very high quality and comfortable seats that seem to be great for all kinds of bike riders. Is it, though? The saddle’s nose is long enough to be suitable for all male riders, while being able to transition to the bottom support without obstructing thigh movement. There is an air vent located in the middle to provide you with much-needed airflow and dissipate heat.

The surface of the seat is made of artificial microfiber leather that promises to be resistant to wear and scratches. The ends of the seat are rounded to make sure that the saddle can absorb shock. This feature is particularly useful when you find yourself on bumpy roads that tend to get a bit uncomfortable. The bottom of the cushion features a shock-absorbing ball, while the seat’s padding is thick enough to provide support for the rider. The package includes the tools needed to mount the seat, including a wrench for the proper fixture.

Pros

  • Wider compared to other seats.
  • Comes with reflective tape.
  • Includes a wrench for easier mounting.
  • Designed to absorb shocks.

Cons

  • Seat is a bit firm, and some people may find it uncomfortable.

Giddy Up! Bike Seat

  • Dimensions: 8.3 x 4.3 x 11 inches
  • Weight: 2 pounds
  • Suitable for: off-road, mountain biking

Giddy Up! Bike Seat - Most Comfortable Memory Foam Waterproof Bike Saddle, Universal Fit, Shock Absorbing including Mounting Wrench - Allen Key - Reflective Band and Waterproof Protection Cover

There’s a lot to be said about the Giddy Up! Bike seat (and don’t even get us started on the name). The first and most important thing that we wanted to mention is the taillight pre-mounted in the bike’s seat. The taillight is there to give you peace of mind and notify the cars coming in from behind to know and avoid you.

Let’s talk about padding. This bike seat features memory foam materials which may not be as soft as gel, but the firmness it provides is good for people who like to ride on longer roads and switch positions often, therefore will feel uncomfortable on a seat that constantly sinks in under pressure. The seat itself is covered by a layer of artificial leather, making the saddle look more expensive than it really is.

A shock-absorbing ball is great for off-road riding because bumps in the road will leave you with sore body parts. Thanks to the universal fit, this particular seat should be compatible with almost every type of bike. Since it’s really easy to install, it’s preferred by a whole bunch of riders. There is also a cover included that should be mounted on the seat if you ever plan to leave your bike in the open air for longer periods of time. The cover itself is waterproof, which means that it would be a wise idea to have it with you at all times.

Inside the package, you will receive the bike saddle, as well as a battery for the taillight, a mounting set that includes an Allen key and a wrench, a reflective band, and the waterproof protective cover.

Pros

  • Shock-absorbing design.
  • Includes a waterproof saddle cover.
  • Compatible with almost any type of bike.

Cons

  • Falls on the firm side, which could be uncomfortable for some.

Sunlite Cloud-9 Bicycle Suspension Cruiser Saddle

  • Dimensions: 9.6 x 9.6 x 6.3 inches
  • Weight: 3.2 pounds
  • Suitable for: commuting, recreational biking

Sunlite Cloud-9 Bicycle Suspension Cruiser Saddle, Cruiser Gel, Tri-color Black

We wanted to add a gel-based saddle into the equation and we found more than that: we found a bike saddle that’s praised by customers all over the world. Designed for recreational cruising, the Sunlite Cloud-9 saddle features dual-density gel padding that provides maximum comfort for the average bike rider. The benefit of using a gel padded bike seat is that the material is so soft, you can feel it sinking in simply by applying thumb pressure on the surface.

In addition to that, the product also features a chrome spring coil system suspension that makes it easy for you to cross over bumps in the road without cursing your eyes out. Thanks to the universal design, the seat should be compatible with just about any type of bike post. The product does a great job at replacing discomfort with relief.

It’s important to mention that a common complaint is that this saddle adds a lot of height to the bike. This causes your body’s weight to shift from side to side, which often leads to irritations and discomfort in the perineal area. If you feel that’s the case, you should return it for something lower down.

Pros

  • Very comfortable for recreational rides.
  • Easy to install.
  • Fits on most bike posts.
  • Comes with dual-density gel padding.

Cons

  • It adds considerable height to the bicycle.

The Bottom Line

In the end, choosing the most comfortable bike seat comes down to how often you ride your bike, what roads lay ahead of you and how much you weigh. These factors are crucial in picking the bike seat that best suits your needs. All of the models we’ve reviewed today will do a great job as per their qualifications, but if you buy a mountain biking seat to use on a daily commute in the city, there’s no way you’ll feel comfortable with the firm build of the product.

To find the best product for you, you will need to pay attention to the materials of the cover, the shape and width of the seat, the padding, and the rails. While most of the bike seats in this review are compatible with a wide range of posts, inspecting the rails is an important step before the actual purchase of the seat. The seat’s rails are the 2 bars used to attach the saddle to the bike post. The most affordable seats have chromoly rails, but performance cyclists prefer titanium, as it’s stronger and flexible.

Of course, you will also have to establish a budget before shopping. As you can imagine, bike seats tend to be more expensive if they have high-quality materials. Customization and hand-built models can increase the price, as well. Finding comfortable bike seats also depends on personal preference. 

Try different models so you can find one that fits just right. It’s vital to find what works for your riding style, especially if you’re riding your bike every day. Even if you buy a saddle online, it would be useful if you visited an offline store to test a similar model, just to see how it feels.

Looking for the right gloves? Bikemunk has you covered with our extensive guide on cycling gloves!

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Which Do You Think is the Best Bike Seat for Touring? https://bikemunk.com/best-bike-seat-for-touring-reviews/ Tue, 13 Nov 2018 19:48:24 +0000 https://bikemunk.com/?p=6793 Read more]]>

As a cyclist, you already know that a comfortable saddle is imperative. Not only because you want to avoid ending up with sore buttocks, but because sitting uncomfortably can distract your attention from the road ahead. Even if a bike is not that complex of a vehicle, you are still considered a traffic participant and are just as important and responsible in case of a traffic incident as a car driver. As a conclusion, you need to take all the necessary measures to ensure that you are riding your bike comfortably, so you can focus on what’s going on in traffic instead of fiddling around with an uncomfortable seat.

Best Bike Seat for Touring Comparisons

Brand

Details

AIKATE Bike Saddle

  • Dimensions: 11 x 6.3 inches
  • Weight: 1.1 pounds
  • Made with: PU leather and gel

Selle Royal Men's Respiro Moderate MTB/Road Bicycle Saddle

  • Dimensions: 10.9 x 7.2 x 3 inches
  • Weight: 1.19 pounds
  • Made with: gel

Brooks Cambium C17 City/Touring Bicycle Saddle

  • Dimensions: 11.1 x 6.4 x 2.5 inches
  • Weight: 15.7 ounces
  • Made with: nylon, rubber, cotton canvas

INBIKE Bicycle Seat

  • Dimensions: 10.6 x 7.9 x 4.7 inches
  • Weight: 1.8 pounds
  • Made with: foam, artificial leather, dual springs

Brooks England B17 Standard Black Steel Saddle

  • Dimensions: 14 x 9 x 4 inches
  • Weight: 1.01 pounds
  • Made with: leather, steel rails

Choosing a Comfortable Bike Seat

Before wondering off looking to spend money on a new bike seat, you have to ask yourself if your current one really needs changing. If you feel uncomfortable while riding your bike, there are certain things you can check to make sure that there isn’t another solution except buying a new seat altogether. For instance, you may be riding uncomfortably if your bike seat is too high. If this is the case, the weight of your body will shift from side to side, causing both imbalance and discomfort. This movement often leads to irritations in the perineal area. Aside from incorrect height, your saddle may not be adjusted at the proper angle.

Adjusting the Seat

As you know, bike seats have a clamp that’s used to mount the saddle to the post. When you loosen the screw, which can be done with standard tools in any good bike tool kit, you can tilt the seat back and forth and maybe, you can find a position that’s more comfortable for you.

You will have to fiddle with this a bit to determine if tilting the seat can improve your riding experience. For instance, if your saddle is flat and causes discomfort, try tilting it forward a little bit and see how you feel.

Finding the Right Position

There is also a chance that you have the right saddle but are riding the bike in an incorrect position. If you’re often riding on uneven roads, your perineum will have a lot to suffer. To solve this problem, try standing up on the pedals after every 10 minutes of sitting down. You can also try to stand as you’re cycling over bumps, to avoid the shocks. A suspension bike is useful in these situations, but you can also opt for a suspension seat post.

Determine Your Style

Of course, choosing the best seat is a matter of how you ride. For recreational riding, there are special seats that are all about comfort. This comfort is translated into a seat that can provide a lot of cushioning. However, this cushioning is not ideal when you’re riding for many miles at a time, because long-distance riding requires changes in your riding position and you need a firm saddle to facilitate movement.

Performance saddles are more suitable for touring. Generally, this type of saddle has a long and narrow nose, because you need to have as less material between your legs as possible if you want to ride on the open road. Chaffing is a common problem for those who like to ride longer distances. When you ride for many miles at once, you will often find yourself in a tucked position, which means that pressure doesn’t fall that much on your sit bones as it does when you’re just using the bike for recreational purposes.

Last, but not least, comes the mountain bike seat. As you can imagine, mountain biking is about exploring bumpy roads, and there will be a lot of switching positions. You will sometimes ride in a bent-over position and other times, you will find yourself standing up on the pedals. A firmer saddle eases your movement.

Choosing the right bike saddle is important, as it can determine your speed, your performance and how sore you feel once you park the bike in the garage. That’s why, today, we’re going to talk about what makes a good touring bike seat (yes, examples included).

Touring Saddles

Since touring bikes are used for many continuous miles, it’s important to pay close attention to the characteristics that can make or break the deal. Here are the main things that you should look out for.

Materials

It all comes down to choosing between plastic and leather. If you’re new to this whole touring business, you’re probably not sure whether to choose a comfy and plushy bike saddle. Instinctively, you might want to take the plush option, so your buttocks can enjoy all the comfort in the world. Here’s the thing: when you buy a comfortable gel saddle, that gel will eventually wear down and you will find yourself sitting on the plastic skeleton of the seat. That doesn’t sound very comfortable, does it? The best solution is, indeed, leather. However, leather is a very expensive material. Thankfully, there are a lot of bike seats made from artificial leather which are the closest thing to real deal as you can get.

At first, leather will seem like a stiff (and very bad) choice. However, leather has this amazing quality of becoming more comfortable over time. All it needs to do is break in. Even more, leather has a longer lifespan compared to other fabrics and it’s also way cooler (in terms of both temperature and looks). However, leather is very high-maintenance, and since it’s not waterproof, it will require special care to last as long as possible. If you do opt for a plastic saddle, it recommended to use it on shorter rides.

Springs

Spring are quite a common feature of touring saddles. They are mostly included because of their responsiveness and because of the fact that they can absorb vibrations and make you feel more comfortable on uneven roads. However, springs are a matter of personal preference, but a major contribution in you liking or disliking them will be your riding position. Saddles with springs are mostly recommended for cyclists that ride on bikes with handlebars elevated at the same height as the bike seat itself.

Cuts

If you’ve poked around the bike saddle market just for a little bit, then you already know that cutouts are quite a common element. That’s because they provide both pelvic support and airflow for the rider. What a cutout does is to make sure that the nerves located in the perineum area are being protected and that the saddle doesn’t apply pressure on the most sensitive parts of your body. However, this is not a mandatory comfort feature, as some people won’t feel more comfortable just because their saddle has a middle cut.

Top 5 Best Bike Seats for Touring Reviews

AIKATE Bike Saddle

  • Dimensions: 11 x 6.3 inches
  • Weight: 1.1 pounds
  • Made with: PU leather and gel

Made from a combination of gel and PU leather, the AIKATE bike saddle is a good choice for people who enjoy bike touring. The design of the saddle is meant to absorb shock and provide a comfortable ride no matter what lies on the road ahead. Even if the saddle has gel, it still manages to be firm enough to allow the rider to comfortably switch positions. The center cutout provides very good airflow which is especially praised by people who tend to sweat a lot. The seat should be compatible with just about any bike post of folding, road or mountain bikes.

Pros

  • Very comfortable gel cushioning.
  • Comes with a middle cut-out for good airflow.
  • Comes with a mooting clamp for seat posts.

Cons

  • Heavier compared to non-padded seats.

Selle Royal Men's Respiro Moderate MTB/Road Bicycle Saddle

  • Dimensions: 10.9 x 7.2 x 3 inches
  • Weight: 1.19 pounds
  • Made with: gel

We have got a lot to talk about when it comes to this Respiro saddle. It features a center cutout that makes it easy to keep cool even in the hottest situations. The ergonomic shape of the saddle should provide the touring biker with a lot of comfort on long roads. Thanks to the integrated Royal Vacuum technology, the top cover of the seat is cooler compared to normal saddles. It is also water resistant, although leaving your bike under pouring rain is definitely not recommended. Ideal for touring and commuting, this saddle provides great comfort for the cyclist/athlete that is looking to work those leg muscles. The saddle includes the RoyalGel padding that can reduce pressure up to 40%.

Pros

  • Suitable for people who like softer saddles.
  • Cover is water resistant.
  • Center cutout provides a good amount of airflow.

Cons

  • Padding may be too soft for some people.

Brooks Cambium C17 City/Touring Bicycle Saddle

  • Dimensions: 11.1 x 6.4 x 2.5 inches
  • Weight: 15.7 ounces
  • Made with: nylon, rubber, cotton canvas

There are a lot of materials that were combined in the construction of the Cambium saddle. First comes the nylon cover that promises to repel all water looking to damage the seat. Then, you have the combination between the organic cotton canvas and the vulcanized natural rubber that’s looking to add more resistance to the product. With all of these materials combined, the top of the saddle is very flexible, and you will slightly feel it move along with you as you’re riding, but not enough as to cause imbalance.

Since the Cambium is looking to create a suspension effect, it makes the saddle even more comfortable compared to bike seat with different constructions. The saddle is a bit wider than what you normally get from touring models, but that should add to the overall level of comfort. What’s even more interesting about this model is the inclusion of the fiberglass reinforced back plate what should allow the rider to benefit from the loops, easily allowing him to attach a saddle bag or other accessories. The true power of the Cambium saddle lies in its all-weather capability to withstand whatever conditions Mother Nature may throw your way.

Pros

  • Suitable for all kind of weather conditions.
  • Doesn’t require a break-in period.
  • The vulcanized rubber makes it very durable.
  • The flexibility of the saddle minimizes chafing.

Cons

  • Falls on the firm side.

INBIKE Bicycle Seat

  • Dimensions: 10.6 x 7.9 x 4.7 inches
  • Weight: 1.8 pounds
  • Made with: foam, artificial leather, dual springs

Even if touring saddles are mostly about that long and thin nose that’s meant to minimize the amount of material that goes between your legs, the INBIKE saddle is deeply invested in proving that it could be extremely comfortable on long rides. So, we figured, why not give it a chance to prove its worth? This foam padded bike seat is shorter compared to what you’d expect to see from a touring saddle, but if it can manage to prove itself comfortable, it might just be a good choice.

The surface of the saddle features artificial leather, which is the next bet thing after natural leather. It promises to be wear-resistant and anti-scratch, while maintaining a smooth surface. Inside the saddle lies a combination of dual springs that are covered by rubber rings, and a high-density foam that ensures the comfort of the cyclist. All these put together should be able to absorb shock. There is also a middle groove that’s looking to provide some airflow.  There are several colors and models to choose from, some of them having more features than the basic model. You could, for instance, opt for one of the versions that has an included taillight and better waterproof capabilities. The manufacturer has also thrown in a wrench, to make it easier for you to mount the saddle on your bike’s post.

Pros

  • Very good cushioning.
  • Center groove provides good airflow.
  • Extremely affordable.
  • Upgrades includes waterproof capabilities and an integrated taillight.

Cons

  • Mounting bracket is not very sturdy.

Brooks England B17 Standard Black Steel Saddle

  • Dimensions: 14 x 9 x 4 inches
  • Weight: 1.01 pounds
  • Made with: leather, steel rails

Why is there another Brooks saddle in this review round up? Because experts believe that Brooks makes the best bike seats for trekking and touring. And the B17 is not exception. Considered to be their flagship model, the B17 is available for both men and women, but you have to make sure that you buy the B17 S for the ladies. The saddle is supported by a set of steel rails, made from copper plated steel that promises stability and durability. However, since we’re talking about leather, it will require proper maintenance if you want to enjoy it for many years to come.

The vegetable tanned leather is very elegant looking, but somehow provides a sense of ruggedness. The seat is comfortable, but it does have quite a long break-in period. Remember how we said that this is a characteristic of leather? If you manage to overcome this period without throwing the seat out the window, you will sense how it manages to elegantly blend with your body’s shape. The nose feels a little bit too short to comfortably assume a performance position and that’s why it’s preferred by touring riders and commuters. If you are not interested that much in speed and performance but want a comfortable bike seat that allows you to ride relaxed and enjoy the view, this is your best option. Keep in mind that this saddle is expensive, so unless you plan to use for touring and allow the leather to settle in, there’s really no point in buying it. It’s not a saddle for the impatient cyclist.

Pros

  • Very durable.
  • Made with actual leather.
  • Excellent for touring.
  • Comfortable for relaxed rides.
  • Available in a lot of colors

Cons

  • Quite a long break-in period.
  • Very expensive.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to bike seats, the best one for you may not be the best one for another cyclist. SO be sure to read carefully and decide which model would suit you best. However, with bike seats for touring, the Brooks England B17 Standard bike saddle is a great choice. Due to its design and construction, this saddle does exactly what it’s supposed to do: provide comfort for people who like to take on long and enjoyable rides. It’s not a saddle for recreational riding and it’s not suitable for performance or mountain biking.

Since the saddle is made of actual leather, you already guessed that it needs a break-in period. Every product made out of fine leather does. So, don’t be annoyed if you find the seat to be uncomfortable at first. In time, the saddle will naturally get used to your body’s shape and become your trustworthy riding companion. Due to the high-quality materials used in its construction, the B17 is a solid product. It will, however, require proper care, as leather is quite a pretentious material. Oh, did we somehow forget to talk about the beauty of the design? This vintage look seems almost timeless and the craftsmanship speaks for the quality of the product. Once you get used to your B17 (and it gets used to you), you won’t want to ever change it for another saddle.

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Do You Know How to Fit a Bicycle Seat? https://bikemunk.com/do-you-know-how-to-fit-a-bicycle-seat/ Wed, 17 Oct 2018 17:39:29 +0000 https://bikemunk.com/?p=5718 Read more]]>

Let’s face it – not all tushies are created equal, and that means there is no one size fits all bicycle seat. In fact, that’s why there are so many different seats on the market. So, you’ve gone and shopped, found the perfect seat for you, and made your purchase. But now, you’re faced with going home to fit the bicycle seat to your bike, and you aren’t quite sure what to do. Rest assured that fitting a bicycle seat is one of the easiest things to do when it comes to customizing your bicycle.

Why Change the Seat

As mentioned, there are several reasons you may choose to switch out the existing bicycle seat for a new one. Often, you’ll find that, if you’ve ever injured your tailbone, sitting on a standard bike seat is extremely uncomfortable. You need one that is a bit plusher and offers some cushion and having a wider seat that keeps the pressure off your tailbone can be a real help in giving you the proper seating position for longer rides without starting to struggle with discomfort.

Racers tend to want custom seats. They need to maintain the light weight of the bicycle that allows for a faster ride, as well as a streamlined profile. That means the seat can’t be too wide or too heavy. Often, just as they tend to customize their bicycles for racing to keep the weight minimal and the gears set to shift quickly, they also customize their seats. This is almost necessary because often, they need a seat that is streamlined while also being lightweight and comfortable enough to support them over long distances without causing any sort of pain. By the same rights, marathon riders need seats that won’t become uncomfortable over longer periods of time. For those who go mountain biking or participate in bike tours, fitting the proper bicycle seat means being able to deal with the rough ride, so having a softer seat that doesn’t leave bruising and soreness is important.

What You’ll Need


The first thing to do when starting any project is to gather the tools you’ll need. You don’t want to be in the middle of working on it and realize you have to go seek out a hammer or screwdriver. So, before we dive into the meat and bones of the process, here’s a list of the tools required for fitting a bicycle seat (and removing the one you have).

  • An Allen wrench – sizes vary by bike, but try a 5 mm first and determine the right size from there (it might be in your interest to have an entire set available at the ready)

  • 15 minutes to an hour, depending on your skill level

That’s it. Obviously, this is a very simple task that requires much less effort and far fewer tools than most tasks you’ll encounter when customizing your bicycle. Now, once you have the tools in hand, consider the first step needed to replace your existing bicycle seat.

Removing the Existing Seat


You’ll start the job by removing the bicycle seat you have in place. Take a moment to see if you have one or two Allen bolts holding the seat in place. This will make a difference as to how you go about removing it.

  1. Use the appropriately sized Allen wrench to loosen all bolts underneath the seat that hold the clamp in place, turning counter clockwise.

  a. If there is a single bolt, you’ll loosen it until you can turn the clamp. Turn it 90 degrees, and then you can remove the seat.

   b. For clamps with two bolts, you’ll have to loosen the bolts until you can remove them both. Then, slide the seat rails completely free of the clamp to remove.

Now, you’re ready to install the new seat.

Installing the New Seat

  1. Now, insert the rail of the new bicycle seat into the grooves at the bottom of the seat post clamp. Take time to adjust the top of the clamp on the rails so that it’s properly aligned.

  2. Tighten the Allen bolt or bolts slightly, making sure the hardware is firmly in place and won’t slip, but don’t lock them down all the way.

At this point, you’ve set yourself up to fix the bicycle seat to your liking and can take the next step for installation.

Adjusting the Bicycle Seat


Just like office chairs, bicycle seats are adjustable to assure you get the fit you want. The first thing you want to set up is the seat position.

  1. Start by sliding the seat rails closer or further away from the front of the bicycle. This will change the reach toward the handlebars and allow you to ride comfortably without stretching too far or feeling cramped. You can test the reach by carefully straddling the seat and putting yourself in a position similar to the way you ride.

  2. Once you have an idea where you want the seat, it’s time to adjust the tilt of the seat to your particular comfort level. You can angle it up or down, until you feel like it’s where you need it to be to ride without issue.

3. Once you’ve set the seat, you’ll want to tighten the bolts, so the bicycle seat stays in place. A seat with a single bolt on the clamp is simple. However, if you have two bolts, start by alternately tightening each bolt halfway. Then, go back and tighten them all the way. Switching back and forth will keep everything more even for a better seating experience.

If It’s Still Not Right

If the adjustments you made still don’t seem to fit right, it’s not a big deal. As you can see, the adjustments were easy to make during installation, and since you only have to loosen the bolts to make more adjustments rather than removing them or the seat completely, making additional tweaks to the settings is a breeze.

Conclusion


There are a lot of jobs involved in a customized, comfortable bicycle that are tedious and difficult, which may warrant the notion of putting them off till a later date, especially if you aren’t involved in marathons or racing. However, the idea of riding on an uncomfortable seat is a bit daunting to anyone, regardless of the purpose of your riding. Because it’s such an easy task, there’s no reason to put it off, especially if you’ve already gone out with your existing seat and found it leaves you sore or bruised, or that you have problems with back and arm muscles because the reach is poor. Take the time to really seek out the perfect seat for your needs and realize that the cost of whatever seat you choose is well worth the investment.

Then, take the few minutes you need – and the extremely inexpensive tools required – to make the change. You’ll find that your ride is much more pleasant, and that you’re much more likely to want to go out, whether for pleasure or for training. Have a professional help you choose your seat and test them out before buying so you know you’ve made the right choice to assure that you’ll be satisfied with your decision for several years to come.

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