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?
The support and cushioning in a bike saddle is designed to match the position you ride in. The type of bike you have and the set up of your bike puts your body in a certain place. Workout this place and the angle it creates. Find out more here…
What type of riding do you do most often?
The shape of the saddle and the materials for support and cushioning are based on the type of riding the saddle is meant to be used for. Understand what type of rider you are. A town/short distance commuter, mountain biker, touring/long distance commuter, road, fitness/recreation, or an all rounder. This will help you to find the right saddle. Learn more here…
Saddles are gender specific
Females need a womens saddle and males a mens saddle. Yes… this is because our anatomy is different. To be comfortable on your seat you need a seat that matches the width of your bony structures and your make up down there.
The shape of the saddle
Women’s saddles are wider and shorter to match our differences in bone structure and soft tissue. Making sure you get the support and cushioning in all the right places. Bike saddles also differ in shape depending on the type of riding you do. For example, a pear shaped saddle has more width and padding at the rear of the saddle giving optimal cushioning for the upright town rider. Contrast this with a T shaped saddle. It is still wide at the rear but has less padding and narrows quickly to the front section, for a higher intensity ride that offers support but reduces chafing.
Do you suffer from genital tenderness or pain?
This is a common problem for women. 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.
The materials used
What is the saddle made of? Different materials used offer different benefits. Don’t be fooled into thinking that a squishy saddle will solve your uncomfortable ride woes. There is a balance between support (seat shell and multi-density foam) and cushioning (gel and lighter density of foam). Understanding the type of rider you are will help you get the right saddle match so you get the support and cushioning where you need it most. Learn more about materials used…
The weight of the saddle
You don’t want a saddle that is heavy. That will just add to the weight of the bike when you push it around or have to lift it. Higher quality saddles will generally use higher quality materials that do not compromise on weight. Your saddle should be 500gms or under. As high performance becomes more important the weight should be less.
goRides Recreation Rider Solutions
Comfort on Your Seat – Recreation Saddles
Womens Upright Recreation Saddle
Saddle
Type of Rider
Riding Position
Features
Cost
$105.00
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Womens Recreation Saddle
Saddle
Type of Rider
Riding Position
Features
Cost
$132.00
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Womens Mountain Bike Saddle
Saddle
Type of Rider
Riding Position
Features
Cost
$160.00
SHOP
Womens Road Saddle
Saddle
Type of Rider
Riding Position
Features
Cost
$145.00
SHOP
goRides Endurance Rider Solutions
Comfort on Your Seat – Endurance Saddles
Womens Endurance/Multi-Environment Saddle
Saddle
Type of Riding
Duration & Frequency
Riding Position
Features
Cost
$255.00
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Womens Touring/Regular Endurance Riding Saddle
Saddle
Type of Riding
Duration & Frequency
Riding Position
Features
Cost
$145.00
SHOP
Mens Touring/Regular Endurance Riding Saddle
Saddle
Type of Riding
Duration & Frequency
Riding Position
Features
Cost
$145.00
SHOP
GEL Seat Cover
Saddle
Type of Riding
Duration & Frequency
Riding Position
Features
Cost
$39.90
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.
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Buying Guides
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Solution Finder
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Bike Gear Stories
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