Womens Bike Saddle Buying Guide
Supporting you to get the right solutions for comfort on your seat so you can smile when you ride
Answer the following questions and/or think through the points. This will help you make the correct bike saddle choice.

What is the position you ride in or your riding angle?
Bike saddles are designed to match the body position you ride in and the type of bike you have.
- Upright or very close to having a straight back (common position on town or cruiser style bikes
- Slightly tipped forward or forward bent (common position on trail, commute and mountain bikes)
- Aggressive forward bend or dropped handlebar position (common on road riding bikes)
Choose your type & time…
The shape of the saddle is designed to match the type of riding you do. By this we mean where you ride most often – town, commuting, bike path/trails, mountain bike trails, touring, or road riding. For example, a pear shaped saddle has more width at the rear of the saddle giving optimal support directly under the sit bones for the upright town rider. Contrast this with a T shaped saddle. Mid to narrow rear width which quickly thins to the front section, for a higher intensity ride that supports repetitive pedalling and will eliminate the likelihood of chafing.
The padding and cushioning should then match to the time spent on the bike – Casual (usually under 1hr), Fitness (usually 1-3hrs, 2-4x/wk) or Consistent (usually 1-4hrs most days). It will also be influenced by how regularly it will be used – 1/2 times a week versus most days. All year round, all types of weather versus warm weather riding.
Choose a saddle that reflects the type of riding you do most often. For big days or special trips add endurance padding in the form of a chamois (see the full range of stories on Padded Bike Pants/Underwear for Women) and/or add a gel seat cover.
Saddles are gender specific
To be comfortable on your seat you need a seat that matches the width of your bony structures and the soft tissue you have. Women’s saddles are wider and shorter to match our physical structure. Making sure you get the support and cushioning in all the right places. Most women will benefit from using a gender specific saddle but there are exceptions to this rule, you will probably be aware if you are a women with narrow hip structure.
Do you suffer from a specific issue?
Sit bone ache: Is the width of your saddle supporting your sit bones correctly? Is the level of padding you have correct for the riding you are doing? Read our story Sit Bone Aches & Pains
Soft tissue compression: A cutout (hole) in the centre of the seat will relieve tenderness and reduce pain. Generally the wider the cutout the greater the relief. All the women bike saddles we sell have a cut out for comfort and relief. Read our story Soft Tissue Compression on your Bike Saddle
Tailbone discomfort: The shape of the rear of your saddle (inverted V gives space for your bone) and the strength of your abs, failing to work as you tire, are the two most important factors here. Read our story Tail Bone Discomfort when Riding
Chaffing or saddle sores: Again saddle shape is really key here. Your sit bones must be correctly supported and your legs need room to pedal. Read our story Chaffing, Saddle Sores & Your Bike Seat
Types of cushioning
What is the padding on the saddle made of? Different materials used offer different benefits. Foam is the most common padding and it comes in different types of density. The higher the density the better over time (for longer rides/endurance saddles). Don’t be fooled into thinking that a squishy soft saddle will solve your discomfort it will quickly collapse and you will be left sitting on the seat shell! It is better to add gel than add cheap soft padding. There is a balance you must get right between support and cushioning. Learn more about these features of a saddle…
Quality materials
Higher quality saddles will generally use higher quality materials that do not compromise and will last you through years of riding. As you ride more regularly the durability of your saddle should match to the high use. Invest well now and you will have a saddle to use for years to come. Your saddle should ideally be 500gms or under. Â
Your Rider Profile
Choosing the right bike saddle can be a confusing task. We would like to make it simpler. Having a clear idea of what you are looking for is key. When you understand the type of rider that you are it makes the process easier. Please take a look at our Rider Profile story. Following the example given in this story shows you how to identify key features to look for in a saddle and will make your choices more obvious.
Casual Rider Solutions – Upright to Slight Bend Riders
Town/Bike Path Saddle
Saddle
Type of Rider
Riding Position
Features/Gender
Cost
$105.00
SHOP
Casual Recreation Saddle
Saddle
Type of Rider
Riding Position
Features/Gender
Cost
$79.00
SHOP
Wide Soft Saddle
Saddle
Type of Rider
Riding Position
Features/Gender
Cost
$105.00
SHOP
Wide 'Sofa' Saddle
Saddle
Type of Rider
Riding Position
Features/Gender
Cost
$110.00
SHOP
Gel Seat Cover
Saddle
Type of Rider
Riding Position
Features/Gender
Cost
$39.90
SHOP
Fitness Solutions –Â Slight to Full Forward Bend Riders
Wide Fitness Saddle
Saddle
Type of Rider
Riding Position
Features/Gender
Cost
$97.00
SHOP
Womens Fitness Saddle
Saddle
Type of Rider
Riding Position
Features/Gender
Cost
$132.00
SHOP
Womens Mountain Bike Saddle
Saddle
Type of Rider
Riding Position
Features/Gender
Cost
$160.00
SHOP
Womens Road Saddle
Saddle
Type of Rider
Riding Position
Features/Gender
Cost
$145.00
SHOP
Gel Seat Cover
Saddle
Type of Rider
Riding Position
Features/Gender
Cost
$39.90
SHOP
Consistent Rider Solutions – Slight to Full Forward Bend
Endurance Multi-Environment Saddle
Saddle
Type of Riding
Duration & Frequency
Riding Position
Features/Gender
Cost
$255.00
SHOP
Womens Touring Trail Saddle
Saddle
Type of Riding
Duration & Frequency
Riding Position
Features/Gender
Cost
$145.00
SHOP
Womens Performance Racing Saddle
Saddle
Type of Riding
Duration & Frequency
Riding Position
Features/Gender
Cost
$190.00
SHOP
MAKE YOUR PURCHASE A SUCCESS…
Be comfortable at the contact point between you & the bike saddle. There are multiple ways to improve your comfort on your bike seat.
Some key elements are:
- Making sure you have the right saddle to match you and the type of riding you do.
- Correct adjustment of the saddle – height/tilt/reach when you attach your saddle to the bike.
- Padded bike pants with a sewn in chamois for added cushioning. Personnel care by using a chamois cream correctly.
- Ride well and be aware of the correct body position – Chi Riding.
Riding stories, support & solutions that will make you & your family SMILE.
Bike Seat Comfort - Solutions to Issues
Sit bone bruising, squashed soft tissue, tail bone inflammation, chaffing… find the best ways to manage these problems.
How to adjust your Bike Saddle for comfort
Learn how to make minor adjustments to the position of your bike saddle so you improve your comfort on your bike seat.Â
Be comfortable on your E-bike seat
To enjoy spending time your E-bike will require you to consider whether you are comfortable on your E-bike seat. Read our story and understand how you can improve your comfort.
UTI & Thrush & Cycling
How do these common womens problems react to time on a bike? Does cycling cause these infections?
Bike Saddle Comfort Buying Guide
There are a number of things that contribute to comfort on your bike seat. Be guided through these factors and get the right solutions.
Ride More Places
Read stories about other riders and families biking adventures. Be inspired and learn whether this may be an option for you or your family.Â
How to attach your Bike Saddle
Use our goRide guide on how to attach and remove your bike saddle from your bike
Bike Padded Pant Buying Guide
What is the best paaded bike pant solution for you. There are many factors to consider in your decision. Use our goRide Buying Guides to get the right solution.
Bike Gear Stories
A collection of stories that will help you learn about bike gear. goRide supporting you to get the right bike gear.Â
Support and inspire other riders and families to ride
Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.
goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride