About Oversized Bicycle Seats

Whether you are an avid bicyclist or just the once-a-week casual rider, you probably have experienced discomfort with the standard seat. Most are just too skinny to be comfortable. There's a great solution for the problem--an oversize bicycle seat.

Significance

Women tend to have more problems with narrower seats than men. This is primarily because the seat doesn't fit them in the hips. Some men also have trouble with narrow seats, which can cause pressure on the genitals and create numbing or even fertility problems. If the seat isn't wide enough, the bones on which you sit, called ischial tuberosites, don't bear the weight well, transferring it instead to the soft tissues between the bones.

Types

Look for an oversize bicycle seat with a depression down the middle. The depression puts the pressure back on the area meant to support your weight. Several oversize bicycle seats have a depression on the saddle, including those from Extra Deep Relief Zone.

Features

Find oversize bicycle seats made of two separate pads. These fit ergonomically underneath the "sit bones" of even those with the largest bone structures. Two adjustable pads move independently so you can direct where the seat hits your anatomy. They move sideways and tilt so you can find the most comfortable position. The original Easy Seat is one model that has split pads.

Prevention/Solution

Nose-less rectangular seats are more like sitting on a park bench. Regardless of whether you ride a mountain bike with your body weight shifted to the front, or are a casual cruiser who puts his body in a reclined position, the rectangular bike seat may be perfect. These seats don't have horns and are usually flat. One example of hornless oversize bicycle seats is from Real Seats. They offer an extra-wide version of this model. This is good for both the mountain biker and casual cruiser. There are widths between 12 to 20 inches.

Considerations

Check out extra-large seats with a back. Some look like a tractor seat and others like a comfortable chair. Often referred to as a bench seat, the Contour Saddle comes in wider varieties.

Effects

The Ergo-Lycra Gel Saddle is comfortable and roomy enough for anyone. Most people find this oversize bicycle seat does not create pressure in the crotch.

Potential

The inflatable Oversized Bicycle Seat from LivingXL.com may work as well. These seats feature air suspension and an air pump that tucks under the seat so you can easily adjust the pressure. This type of seat fits most bicycles, including exercise bikes, and has a 300-pound capacity.