Types of Exercise Bike Seats
If you are going to spend much time riding your bike, whether indoors or outdoors, you need to invest in a good seat. The right seat can make all the difference in the comfort of your ride and on how long you are able to go. There are many features to choose from. Below are some basic types of seats and things to consider when purchasing one.
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Size
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Bicycle seats come in different sizes. They range from 7 inches wide to 14 inches. Some people are more comfortable with a very narrow seat. This may be a good option if you are riding fast and racing and tend to not place a lot of body weight on the seat. Wider seats may be more comfortable for those that sit during the entire ride. A good bicycle shop can measure your sit-bone width to help you pick the right size.
Types
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Bicycle seats can be in the standard heart shape and are one solid piece. Some are all one piece but have a groove in the middle so there are two distinctive sides. Some seats have two pads that are separate from each other. This eliminates the middle "horn" on most seats which can hep to relieve groin pressure. In some cases, the two pads move independently, which can take some time to get used to.
In addition, there are moon-shaped seats, contoured seats, and those that are called horseshoe shaped. Different shaped seats are designed to relieve numbness, pressure or pain that can be caused by injures. Since each of us are shaped differently, if you have a specific concern, visit your local bicycle shop dealer or talk with your physical therapist to find the right shape for your needs. -
Considerations
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There are also special seats for indoor exercise bikes. This includes both recumbent bicycles and those used for spinning classes. Recumbent bicycles will usually have seats with more cushioning then an upright bicycle. With recumbent bicycles, it is also important to make sure the back support fits you correctly. For spinning classes, you want a relatively small seat. You will be pedaling quickly and against resistance, so you do not want to have a bulky seat that gets in the way of moving your legs or transitioning from seated to standing, which is often done quickly.
Features
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Bike seats also come in varying degrees of firmness. Some seats have built-in gel that helps to absorb shock and is more comfortable for those that sit for their entire ride. The amount of gel used can range from minimal to a few inches thick. While using a seat with a lot of gel may initially sound good, it may actually not provide enough support and it can make it difficult to stay on the seat.
Expert Insight
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If you find the right seat but it will not fit your bike, you can buy adapter kits. There are either universal or custom kits so you can connect the perfect seat with your favorite bike. It may take some trial and error to find just the right seat. Talk to other bikers and try several options and you will eventually find the right seat to make your ride the most enjoyable it can be. While not as specialized, if you do not want to invest in a new bicycle seat, you can also choose from many types of seat cushions and pads that slip over your existing seat.
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Resources
- Photo Credit ExerciseBikeSeats.org
