How high should a bike seat be?

To figure out how high your bike seat should be, consider how tall you are and how tall your bike is. “Generally speaking, when you have your leg in the extended, downstroke position, you only want a slight bend in the knee,” Mohn says. First, hop on your bike to get a sense of how bent your knee is with the seat at its current height. Then, raise or lower the seat until you notice that your legs are slightly bent.

What bike seat size should I get?

To determine what size bike seat to get, measure your sit bones from left to right, then add 20–25 millimeters (0.79–0.98 inches). The resulting number is how wide your bike seat should be in inches. You can also head to your local bike shop for one-on-one advice. “Folks there should be a great resource for you, and they should be able to help ‘size’ you for the right kind of seat,” Mohn says. “Often, shops will have test saddles you can try out, helping you in your search for the right seat.”

Are bike seats interchangeable?

While some bike seats are interchangeable, many are not. This is because most performance bike seats are tailored to one style of cycling and are designed to fit one kind of bike. When looking at a seat, make sure it fits the kind of bike you want to put it on.

When should I replace my bike seat?

The average lifespan of a bike seat is two to three years, according to Cooley. But there are some reasons you might want to replace your bike seat even sooner. “If the saddle is broken, excessively worn, or just plain uncomfortable it’s a good time to replace it,” he says. “Major changes in your riding style, an injury or a crash, or getting a new bike can all be reasons to change your saddle, too.”

How to change a bike seat?

To change a bike seat, start by removing your current one. Unscrew the bolts on the bottom, unclamp it, and lift it up off of your bike. Then, clean the seat post, grab your new seat, and rub some bike lubricant on the new seat’s post and rails. Install the new seat by placing it on the seat post, clamping it in place, and tightening the bolts underneath it. Once you’ve adjusted the height of your bike seat and tightened it into place, you should be good to go.

The 11 Best Bike Seats, According to Cycling Experts

The Best Bike Seats for Any Style of Cycling — Verywell Fit / Danie Drankwalter

If your bike seat is old or uncomfortable or doesn’t support your favorite style of cycling, then it’s probably time to replace it. “The best bike seat is the one that fits you properly and keeps you riding confidently and comfortably,” Ben Cooley, owner of Bicycle Sport, a bike shop in Charlotte, NC, says. If your current seat isn’t doing that, bid it adieu—and upgrade to one that will.

When looking for a new bike seat, pay attention to size, style, and material. It’s also a good idea to make sure that the bike seat you’re eyeing suits both your cycling style and your bike. Cooley recommends asking yourself: “Are you racing, commuting, or riding for fun or fitness? Also, what type of bike are you riding?”

To determine the best bike seats, we researched dozens of top-rated options and assessed them for style, versatility, and comfort. For advice on what to look for when buying a bike seat, we consulted two cycling experts—Cooley and Kristi Mohn, Marketing Manager at Life Time, a health club chain, and an avid biker herself.

According to our research, here are the best bike seats on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Bontrager Verse Comp Bike Saddle at Trekbikes.com

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Tonbux Bike Seat at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Cushioned:

Selle Royal Moderate Bike Saddle at REI

Jump to Review

Best for Trail Bikes:

WTB Rocket Chromoly Saddle at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Oversized:

YLG Oversized Comfort Bike Seat at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Gel:

Terry Liberator X Gel Saddle at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Road Bikes:

Bontrager Aeolus Comp Bike Saddle at REI

Jump to Review

Best for Peloton:

Bikeroo Cushion at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Long Distance:

fabric Scoop Shallow Race Saddle at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best All-Purpose:

Brooks England Cambium C17 All-Weather Saddle at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.8

Trek Bikes

Pros

Versatile
Breathable center cutout
Available in four sizes

Cons

May not have enough cushioning for some

Bontrager’s Verse Comp Bike Saddle is a functional and well-rounded seat, making it our top overall pick. It’s suitable for all genders and body types, versatile enough for road cycling and mountain biking, and available in four sizes, making it easy to find an option that’s comfortable for you.

This bike seat is compatible with both road bikes and mountain bikes. And it’s molded to make your cycling experience better, whether you’re hitting the road or the trail. The supportive saddle is shaped to shift your body forward, while the saddle’s center is lined with a full-length cutout that alleviates soft tissue pressure and reduces post-ride soreness. We love that this bike seat is trimmed with lightweight foam, making the saddle softer without weighing down your bike (although some riders may prefer more cushioning).

The Verse Comp Bike Saddle also comes in four different sizes, so you can find one that’s as narrow or wide as you need it to be. And it comes with an extra-long rail, which makes it easy to dial in the exact fit you want after you’ve put the saddle on your bike.

When it comes to comfort and performance, fit matters as much as padding and support do—and this bike seat has all three.

Price at time of publication: $100

^{Key Specs:
Size: 5.3 x 10.6 inches, 5.7 x 10.6 inches, 6.1 x 10.6 inches, 6.5 x 10.6 inches | Weight: 10.7 to 11.5 ounces | Padding: Foam | Cycling Style: Road cycling, mountain biking}

Amazon

Pros

Thick foam padding
Shock-absorbing
Available in four colors

Cons

Bulkier than other options
Heavier than other options

If you’re a recreational rider who cares more about comfort than performance, we recommend TONBUX’s Comfortable Bicycle Seat.

The seat is made of a sturdy composite material and padded with a plush layer of gel memory foam. The cushioning is extra-thick—3.7 inches—making this the tallest bike seat on our list. All of that foam also makes the seat heavier and bulkier than some others we recommend, but we love that it’s designed with a center cutout, which promotes airflow even on your hottest, sweatiest rides.

The underside of the bike seat is lined with shock-absorbing springs, designed to smooth out bumpy roads and paths. And the back of each colored option is lined with reflective tape, making you more visible when riding outside in low-light conditions.

The seat comes with universal mounting hardware, so it’s easy to attach to most bikes. Choose from four different colors to customize your ride.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Size: 9.6 x 7.8 inches | Weight: 25.4 ounces | Padding: Gel memory foam | Cycling Style: Recreational cycling, cruising}

Trek Bikes

Pros

Thick gel padding
Breathable center cutout
Heat-resistant cover

Cons

Bulkier than other options

Selle Royal’s Moderate Bike Saddle is cushioned for comfort, ventilated for breathability, and engineered to stay cool.

While performance bike seats rotate your pelvis to propel you forward, the shape of this one keeps you upright, making it an ideal pick for recreational bikes and cruisers. Although the extra-wide seat can feel bulky, it’s topped with thick gel that molds to your body to relieve pressure and absorb shock. It's also lined with a central cutout to promote airflow on hot days and hill climbs.

And we love this seat’s cover. Made of a smooth, synthetic material, it’s designed to stay cool, even in blistering hot weather.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Size: 7.8 x 10.3 inches | Weight: 16.8 ounces | Padding: Gel | Cycling Style: Recreational cycling, cruising}

Amazon

Pros

Versatile
Thick gel padding
Available in two sizes

Cons

Unique shape may be uncomfortable for some

Durable and supportive, we recommend WTB’s Rocket Chromoly Saddle for trail bikes. We love that you can take this seat almost anywhere, whether you’re gravel cycling, cross-country cycling, or bikepacking.

The sleek saddle is contoured to cradle your pelvis, supporting you in your go-to cycling position. And the tail is raised to give you something to push back on as you climb hills and tackle tough trails. This shape also makes the saddle ideal for bikepacking, giving you the support you need to bike long distances while carrying lots of weight. Just note that it may take a few rides to get used to.

But this seat isn’t just supportive—it’s comfortable, too. It’s made with thick layers of gel, which are strategically placed to provide plenty of cushioning. The padding is squishy and shock-absorbing, but it doesn’t weigh down the saddle. This lightweight bike seat weighs just around 11 ounces without sacrificing comfort, which we also like.

Price at time of publication: $96 in Cromoly

^{Key Specs:
Size: 5.6 x 10.4 inches, 5.9 x 10.4 inches | Weight: 10.8 to 11.1 ounces | Padding: Gel | Cycling Style: Trail riding, gravel cycling, cross-country cycling, bikepacking}

Amazon

Pros

Thick gel and memory foam padding
Shock-absorbing
Available in four styles

Cons

Bulkier than other options
Heavier than other options

At 13.4 inches wide, YLG’s Oversized Comfort Bike Seat is the largest bike seat on our list. The saddle is twice as wide as the comfort seats and three times as wide as the performance seats we researched. And all that added width provides plenty of cushion while you ride.

This bike seat looks nothing like a classic performance saddle. It features two arcs that branch out for additional support. While this bulky shape isn’t great for performance, it’s excellent for comfort. Lined with thick layers of gel and memory foam, it promotes a relaxed, upright posture that we recommend for cruising and recreational riding.

The saddle’s center is also contoured to mimic the feel of a center cutout, alleviating pressure. And the bottom is lined with shock-absorbing springs, which help combat the impact from riding on rough roads and surfaces.

This seat boasts no breathable features, but we like that it has a sweat-friendly, waterproof cover. And while its universal adapter fits most bikes, this seat is best paired with recreational bikes and cruisers, due to its large size and relaxed, comfortable shape.

Price at time of publication: $40 in style a-Outdoor Bike Seat

^{Key Specs:
Size: 10.6 x 13.4 inches | Weight: 48.8 ounces | Padding: Gel, memory foam | Cycling Style: Recreational cycling, cruising}

REI

Pros

Great for performance cycling
Breathable center cutout

Cons

Gel padding may be too thin for some

Many gel bike seats are soft, squishy, and oversized—making them great for recreational riding but not ideal for performance cycling. Terry’s Liberator X Gel Saddle is just the opposite. The saddle is sleek and supportive, with a layer of comfortable gel cushioning. This combination is why we recommend it for performance cyclists who are looking to take their rides to the next level.

The Liberator X Gel Saddle is designed to support you as you ride. Its center cutout relieves pressure while encouraging airflow. A wide rear keeps you comfortable even on long rides, while the ergonomic shape makes it easy to maintain a performance posture.

This supportive silhouette is padded with a thin layer of gel. We love that the gel inserts line the bike seat, cushioning high-pressure areas where they can make the most difference. This less-is-more approach sets the Liberator X Gel Saddle apart from other bike seats, making it more performance-friendly than thicker, plusher saddles.

Price at time of publication: $83

^{Key Specs:
Size: 6.4 x 9.8 inches | Weight: 14.5 ounces | Padding: Gel | Cycling Style: Touring}

REI

Pros

Lightweight
Breathable center cutout
Available in two sizes

Cons

Stiff at first

When shopping for a road bike seat, we recommend looking for a sleek performance saddle that will help you cycle comfortably and efficiently, like Bontrager’s Aeolus Comp Bike Saddle.

The bike seat’s shell is sturdy but lightweight, and it’s lined with a huge center cutout—the biggest of any saddle on our list. This cutout does double duty, promoting airflow and reducing soft tissue pressure at the same time. It also makes it easier to rotate your pelvis, so you can comfortably maintain the aerodynamic position that’s key for fast, efficient road cycling. However, the thin padding may feel stiff to some riders at first.

Other features help this bike seat perform even better. For one thing, the saddle is shorter and wider than other road bike seats, which allows you to comfortably use more of the seat. And since the bike seat’s rails sit at the front of the saddle, the seat can move with you as you ride. We also like that this seat comes in two different sizes and is designed to support riders of all genders and body types.

Price at time of publication: $100

^{Key Specs:
Size: 5.1 x 9.8 inches, 5.5 x 10.6 inches | Weight: 10.1 to 10.2 ounces | Padding: Foam | Cycling Style: Road cycling}

Amazon

Pros

Fits most spin bike seats
Thick gel padding
Non-slip inner lining

Cons

Bulkier than other options
Less durable than a bike seat

Bikeroo’s Bike Seat Cushion is designed to slide right over the seat of your Peloton or other standard spin bike.

Filled with thick, plush gel, the cushion boasts a unique, contoured shape. In seats without a center cutout, soft materials like gel can pool in one spot, putting pressure on sensitive areas. But this cushion’s indented center mimics the feel of a cutout, reducing some of the pressure that can make you feel sore after a cycling workout.

It’s worth noting that bike seat cushions usually aren’t as breathable or durable as bike seats are, and that Bikeroo’s version can feel bulky. As a result, we recommend this cushion for indoor exercise bikes.

Price at time of publication: $39 in black, large

^{Key Specs:
Size: 10 x 11 inches | Weight: 12.3 ounces | Padding: Gel | Cycling Style: Indoor cycling}

REI

Pros

Lightweight
Includes a waterproof cover

Cons

Not as breathable as other options

For long bike rides outdoors that involve hard work, sweat, and changing weather conditions, we recommend fabric’s Scoop Shallow Race Saddle. This performance bike seat is slim and durable. It’s also lightly padded to keep you comfortable for hours.

At 11.1 inches long and 5.9 inches wide, this bike seat is one of the sleekest on our list, and at 9 ounces, it’s also one of the lightest. This combination is ideal for long-distance rides: Since the bike seat is so aerodynamic, it doesn’t burden you with extra weight and work. We like its uniquely bonded shell and waterproof cover, which is sturdy enough to withstand sweat, rainstorms, and general wear and tear.

Cycling for hours can get uncomfortable. While the fabric of this bike seat isn’t as breathable as others on our list, it features an indented center to help cut down on soft tissue pressure.

Price at time of publication: $100 in black, shallow

^{Key Specs:
Size: 5.9 x 11.1 inches | Weight: 9 ounces | Padding: Foam | Cycling Style: Long-distance road cycling}

Amazon

Pros

Includes a waterproof cover
Breathable center cutout

Cons

No cushioning

Brooks England’s Cambium C17 Carved All Weather-Saddle is great for performance cycling, commuting, and touring. It’s also durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. These features make this seat more versatile than most, which is why we recommend it for cyclists looking for an all-purpose option.

The Cambium C17 is sleek but sturdy. We also like that it’s lined with a breathable center cutout for comfort, pressure relief, and shock absorption. Since it’s not designed for just one style of cycling, it’s an ideal everyday option for exploring a new place, commuting to work, or logging an intense workout. But keep in mind that this seat has no cushioning, so some riders may need more support.

This vulcanized rubber and cotton canvas bike seat is also remarkably resilient. Its waterproof cover holds up to rain and sweat. And since the back of the saddle is fiberglass-reinforced and lined with loops, it’s perfect for holding saddle bags, cargo, and anything else you want to take with you on your ride.

Price at time of publication: $120

^{Key Specs:
Size: 12.3 x 14.1 inches | Weight: 15.7 ounces | Padding: None | Cycling Style: Performance cycling, commuting, touring}

REI

Pros

Lightweight
Comfortable, contoured shape
Available in two sizes

Cons

Stiff at first

Commuters need a bike seat that’s durable enough to withstand wear and tear, comfortable enough for daily rides, and weather-resistant—just in case the forecast is wrong. For a seat that meets all of these standards and more, we recommend Bontrager’s Commuter Comp Bike Saddle.

The bike seat’s dual-density shell is cushioned with lightweight air foam, so it feels sturdy but comfortable. And it’s contoured to shift you forward, making it easy to adopt that lean-forward posture that’s key for efficient cycling.

The center of the bike seat is indented to relieve soft tissue pressure, keeping you comfortable on your daily commute. These features add to the seat’s support, but they can also make it feel stiff during your first few rides. We also like that it has a built-in light mount, which you can use to stay visible and safe in low-light situations.

Price at time of publication: $52

^{Key Specs:
Size: 6.5 x 10.6 inches, 7.3 x 10.6 inches | Weight: 13.6 to 14 ounces | Padding: Air foam | Cycling Style: Commuting, recreational cycling}

Final Verdict

Bontrager’s Verse Comp Bike Saddle is our top overall pick for a durable, versatile performance bike seat. Compatible with road bikes and mountain bikes, it’s designed to be comfortable for a range of different body types. And since it comes in four sizes, it’s easy to find a version of the bike seat that fits you—and your bike—perfectly.

For a budget-friendlier option, we like the TONBUX Comfortable Bicycle Seat, which features plush gel and memory foam padding, and shock-absorbing springs.

How We Selected the Best Bike Seats

To find the best bike seats, we researched dozens of options from the most popular and trusted brands. We also consulted two cycling experts—Ben Cooley, owner of Bicycle Sport, and Kristi Mohn, marketing manager at Life Time—for guidance on what to look for when buying a bike seat.

Using their insights, we assessed each bike seat’s durability, versatility, price, and size range. We also examined any additional features, like which bikes the seats would fit and their individual shapes.

What to Look for in a Bike Seat

Size and Fit

If a bike seat doesn’t fit correctly, there’s no hope of it being comfortable. When shopping for bike seats, look for one that’s the right size for both you and your bike. “Fit is very personal, and saddle position can impact your comfort and efficiency on your bike,” Cooley says. “Invest the time, and visit your local bike shop to make sure your bike fits properly. They can review your current setup and make recommendations that will make your bike more comfortable and, ultimately, more fun and safe to ride.”

Cycling Style

When buying a new bike seat, “consider the type of riding you want to do and the type of bike you have,” Cooley says. While some seats are designed to suit a range of bikes and cycling styles, many performance seats aren’t. Instead, they’re designed to fit a specific kind of bike (like a road bike or mountain bike) and to provide the optimal blend of comfort, support, and durability needed for a specific cycling style.

Comfort and Breathability

Great bike seats keep you comfortable while you ride, but the amount of padding you need depends on the level of support you’re looking for. For some, comfort means stocking up on plush padding at the expense of breathability. For others, it means maximizing airflow with a central cutout and minimal padding. As you shop, prioritize the features you care most about. Do you want a saddle that’s supportive, breathable, or soft—or some combination of the three?

Frequently Asked Questions

How high should a bike seat be?

To figure out how high your bike seat should be, consider how tall you are and how tall your bike is. “Generally speaking, when you have your leg in the extended, downstroke position, you only want a slight bend in the knee,” Mohn says.
First, hop on your bike to get a sense of how bent your knee is with the seat at its current height. Then, raise or lower the seat until you notice that your legs are slightly bent.
What bike seat size should I get?

To determine what size bike seat to get, measure your sit bones from left to right, then add 20–25 millimeters (0.79–0.98 inches). The resulting number is how wide your bike seat should be in inches.
You can also head to your local bike shop for one-on-one advice. “Folks there should be a great resource for you, and they should be able to help ‘size’ you for the right kind of seat,” Mohn says. “Often, shops will have test saddles you can try out, helping you in your search for the right seat.”
Are bike seats interchangeable?

While some bike seats are interchangeable, many are not. This is because most performance bike seats are tailored to one style of cycling and are designed to fit one kind of bike. When looking at a seat, make sure it fits the kind of bike you want to put it on.
When should I replace my bike seat?

The average lifespan of a bike seat is two to three years, according to Cooley. But there are some reasons you might want to replace your bike seat even sooner. “If the saddle is broken, excessively worn, or just plain uncomfortable it’s a good time to replace it,” he says. “Major changes in your riding style, an injury or a crash, or getting a new bike can all be reasons to change your saddle, too.”
How to change a bike seat?

To change a bike seat, start by removing your current one. Unscrew the bolts on the bottom, unclamp it, and lift it up off of your bike. Then, clean the seat post, grab your new seat, and rub some bike lubricant on the new seat’s post and rails.
Install the new seat by placing it on the seat post, clamping it in place, and tightening the bolts underneath it. Once you’ve adjusted the height of your bike seat and tightened it into place, you should be good to go.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands what a difference great product recommendations make. And as a casual indoor cyclist, she knows that a comfortable, supportive bike seat can make or break a bike ride. Lindsey has spent the last three years covering bikes and bike accessories extensively for Verywell Fit.