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Written by Camila Reed in Sports & Outdoor Products last updated April 2021 LiveLifeBig.net may earn a small commission when you use one of the links on this page to purchase. I love a good bike ride! But after a few long rides this week, I've picked up a distinct waddle when I walk. Ouch! That bike seat really starts to hurt after a while. While I know I'm not the only one, it's definitely worse when you have a, shall we say, wider derriere. Have you ever been to a spin class and not been able to walk the next day? Or gone on what was supposed to be a leisurely neighborhood bike ride with friends only to have a sore, achy backside afterward? Or maybe you haven’t even touched a bike since you were a kid because you’re afraid of one of the above scenarios? Cycling is a fantastic way to get fresh air, stay active, and destress. But there is one thing all bikers complain about – an uncomfortable bike seat. An improperly fitted bike seat can leave you sore, cranky, and swearing to never hop on a bicycle ever again. As bigger (or "overweight" if you buy into that) folks, we need a special kind of seat. We need one that keeps our “assets” in mind. Is there such a thing on the market? Well, yes! There is! I’ve scoured the internet and searched high and low for the best of the best when it comes to bike seats for heavy people. If you’re going to balance your entire weight on a teeny tiny piece of fabric and foam, it better be worth it. What are the basic criteria I looked at? Saddle width, cushion, padding, suspension, and the nose are the buzzwords you’ll want to look out for. To kick (stand) us off, the top spot goes to the Bikeroo Oversize Comfort bike seat which you can see on Amazon. It checks all the boxes. It’s got a gigantic saddle, ultra-plush cushion, memory foam, and a dual spring suspension system. Check. Check. Check. And Check. If you just want to grab a bike seat that comfortably handles any size weight then that's my go-to recommendation. But you can also check out the full list of all our favorites here: Best Overall: Bikeroo Oversized Comfort Bike Seat Runner-Up: Tonbux Bike Seat Best for Wide Bums: Daway Oversized Comfort Bike Seat Best for Cruising: YLG Oversized Comfort Bike Seat Best for Bumpy Roads: Giddy Up! Bike Seat Best Affordable:Bluewind Bike Seat Before we jump into the good, bad, and the ugly, let’s go over what you should look for if you’re chubby and need a bike seat. Saddle Width Saddle is a fancy name for the seat – so when I say saddle, I mean the bike seat. If you want to sound impressive at a bike shop, throw that word around. Trust me. Anyway, the saddle width is the most important feature you need to look for when choosing your bike seat. You really want one that is as wide as possible to fit your broader booty. Think about it this way. As an adult, you’re not going to be very comfortable on a chair made for a toddler. This is the exact same thing. Your big backside needs more real estate. In order to double-check your seat is wide enough, pay attention to your sit bones. Your sit bones are the slightly pointed, hard part in the middle of each cheek on your bottom. If you’ve ever taken a yoga class, you’ve definitely used this part of your body. If you’re sitting straight up and then rock back and forth, you’ll feel them. Both of your sit bones should fit squarely on the seat. You shouldn’t have to shift your weight to make them both fit or have one slouching off of the seat. Cushion and Padding There are two parts to the cushion and padding of your bike seat. The first is the inner material. This is usually some type of foam padding. The density and amount will make a huge difference in the comfort of your ride. While it might sound like you should just go for the bike seat with the most cushion that's not always the case. As the experts at REI point out, "Don't assume that more cushion is always better. In some cases, too much cushion can cause discomfort and pressure as your body sinks into the saddle." In other words, cushion is definitely a good thing for our bigger bodies but we don't want to go overboard with it. However, too much cushion is more often a problem for smaller riders that might sink in and out of the saddle. For bigger folks like us, generally, we can consistently compress the cushion so there are fewer fluxations. The other important aspect is the material that encloses the interior padding. There is a huge variance in materials and styles, but most of the exterior materials are types of pleather. Suspension This is what absorbs the impact while you ride. The terrain isn’t always smooth, so the suspension is what absorbs that impact from the ground before it hits your body. You might have heard this referred to as “shock absorption.” It’s the same thing. When you ride over rocks, bumps, holes, etc. the suspension will not only keep you upright, but it will also keep the impact from radiating to your backside and all the way up to your back to your neck. Stability is the key here. The more stable you are, the more comfortable you will feel. Plus, it’s really hard on your back when you’re getting knocked all over the place. Better suspension = better bike seat. Nose The nose is the skinner, pointier part toward the front of the bike seat. If you think of a bike seat like a piece of pizza (because who doesn’t like pizza?), the nose is the pointy end of the slice and the crust is the very back of the saddle. Pumping your legs up and down continuously while riding causes friction. Since we have bigger legs, we will have less space between our legs and the nose. That means more rubbing on the seat. Rubbing is NOT comfortable people! When your bare legs rub against each other or another stationary object, you might develop painful red bumps or splotches. Oh, and while we are talking about that, do yourself a favor and wear longer shorts or pants while you ride a bike. You don’t have to get full on bike shorts (let’s be honest, those are pretty silly looking), but you want to avoid your bare legs rubbing against the bike seat. In short, you want a narrower nose so that your legs have more space to move freely. Do Men and Women Need Different Bike Seats? Good question! There are differences between bike seats for men and women but depending on your body type it might not matter as much. In general, bike seats for women are wider to support their wider hip structure. While bike seats for men are usually more narrow. Does that mean that you have to stick to this? Absolutely not! We're all about helping folks find the right size product for their size and not the other way around. Some men will need a wider seat if they carry more of their weight in their butt and some women could have more narrow hips. But since we're all bigger, heavier, and according to some "overweight" going with a wider bike seat usually makes a great option. However, besides the bike seat, there are a handful of other features on men's bikes that can make them better for heavier guys but there are also plenty of women's bikes that are a better fit for plus size ladies. But in most cases, switching up the seat usually isn't too big of a deal. Most Comfortable Bike Seats for Overweight People With the background information out of the way, let's dive into the individual reviews starting with my favorite and our best overall! Best Overall: Bikeroo Oversized Comfort Bike Seat Bikeroo Oversized Bike Seat - Compatible with Peloton, Exercise or Road Bikes - Bicycle Saddle... These bike seats are built with extra padding and elastomer spring suspension that spares you from aches...Tested by more than 25.000 cycling enthusiasts, this bike saddle is a perfect fit for those seeking extra...This deal comes with bonuses! You'll get a waterproof bicycle cover, easy-to-use tools to mount, a... Check Today's Price on Amazon Hands down, this is my #1 recommendation for us bigger or overweight people on bikes. It’s the tried and true, top-rated, comfiest of the comfy bike seats on Amazon. Don’t believe me? Just ask the other 25,000 people who have tried it out. The saddle size is ridiculously oversized, so you won’t have to worry about one of your cheeks hanging off. The over 10-inch width means it’s wide enough to evenly distribute your weight and avoid pesky pain spots. The amount of padding is extravagant, which means your derriere will feel like it’s on a soft, billowy cloud. The material is specially designed to mold to your unique shape. It also features dual spring suspension for the smoothest ride. It’s one of the easiest seats to mount and will fit on virtually any style of bike. Stationary, road, cruiser, you name it. The waterproof cover keeps your seat safe and long-lasting. We don’t recommend it, but technically, that means you can ride in a torrential downpour without ruining your bike seat. Read the over 8,000 positive reviews and check out the current price on Amazon by clicking here. What I Love About It: The width of this bike seat is giant which makes it perfect for my big bottom. I also love the high-quality memory foam they've added in. What I Wish It Had: There is a little squeak to the springs after having used it for a few months but it's only really noticeable if you listen for it. Besides that, I have no complaints. Runner Up: Tonbux Bike Seat TONBUX Most Comfortable Bicycle Seat, Bike Seat Replacement with Dual Shock Absorbing Ball Wide Bike... Long soft nose with a nature and comfortable transition to the bottom, will not obstruct thigh moving,...Airflow vent in middle accommodates circulation of buttock and speed up the air flowing and...Surface microfiber artificial leather is of wear resistant, smooth and anti-scratch, and thickened pad in... Check Today's Price on Amazon In a world of black, boring bike seats, meet color! This is one of the few bike seats on the market that shows off some personality. Choose from a green or red stripe. The fun pop of color will help you stand out. In addition to the bright statement, the Tonbux comfort bike seat also has a reflective band on the rear. The beam of reflective light will keep you safe even as the sun sets. Like most bike seats, this one is made of artificial leather. But the difference is that the extra leather stretches all the way around the seat so it’s protected from every angle. The pleather encloses an exuberant amount of padding. There’s even an extra layer in the rear for supreme comfort. The waterproof seat features an added ventilation opening to keep you cool and dry. Most bike seats have springs to protect from shock, but this seat uses dual shock absorbing rubber balls. The added squish factor keeps you comfortable on even the longest rides. With a long thin nose, your legs will be free and clear of rubbing and chafing. They've also got a no questions asked money back guarantee which is a nice bonus. You can read more reviews and check out the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. What I Love About It: The colors on this bike seat are awesome! It's nice to have a little splash of color without going overboard and this bike seat finds the perfect balance. What I Wish It Had: It's wide, which is great for overweight riders, but it still may not be wide enough for bigger bottoms. At the end of the day, this will come down to preference. Best For Wide Bums: DAWAY Oversized Comfort Bike Seat DAWAY Oversized Comfortable Bike Seat - C20 Soft Foam Padded Wide Leather Bicycle Saddle Cushion for... 👍OVERSIZED COMFORTABLE BIKE SEAT - extra wide design and extra padding to improve comfort, make your...🚴CHROME COIL SPRINGS SUSPENSION - shock absorption, helps smooth out bumps, the best choice for long...👍ERGONOMIC, RELAXED POSTURE - offers much comfort for cyclist who enjoy leisure cycling. DAWAY C20... Check Today's Price on Amazon Whether you're a man or a woman, there's no reason to be ashamed of your wide bottom. My husband and I both have wide bottoms and I say flaunt it! It’s just more to love, am I right? For us bootylicious people, an extra wide seat is a must. This seat from Daway is twice as wide as a normal bike seat. Score! No more switching from one cheek to the other because you’re uncomfortable on your ride. The interior foam is incredibly comfortable and squishy but somehow still keeps you supported and sitting upright. The seat is covered with a maximum elasticity material that moves with you. It skims over your clothes and never snags. As an added bonus, it’s completely waterproof. Bring on the snow and rain. Nature won’t stop your ride. The large suspension springs are made of chrome coil. That means they work both horizontally and vertically to withstand shock from any angle. A bonus with this seat? It’s unique ventilation channel. That means it has an opening in the middle for increased air flow. You can’t actually see the opening (it’s covered by a very thin layer of fabric), but it’s there. And trust me, it makes a world of difference. You need some breathability down there on a long ride. You can click here to check out reviews and see the latest price on Amazon. What I Love About It: I'm a big fan of the extra ventilation that's been added to this bike seat. Overweight riders often sweat more and not only is this wide but it's designed to give you more airflow and keep you comfortable. What I Wish It Had: While the extra-wide design is perfect for overweight folks, the nose may actually be a little too wide. Best For Cruising: YLG Oversized Comfort Bike Seat YLG Oversized Comfort Bike Seat Comfortable Replacement Bike Saddle Memory Foam Soft Bike Saddle... SUPER COMFORTABLE BIKE SADDLE: Padded with premium quality high elasticity high density Memory Foam &...ERGONOMIC DESIGN BIKE SEAT: Extra arc wide design like a wing fits your hips perfectly without...STRONG SHOCK ABSORPTION SPRING DUAL:Dual spring rubber ball suspension in the bottom of bicycle seat,... Check Today's Price on Amazon This is the armchair of bike seats. It’s not your average saddle, but hey, we aren’t average people. Seriously, it is going to feel like you’re pedaling from your living room sofa in the best possible way. The plush memory foam and gel padding take up all 13.38 inches of this bad boy. The ergonomic design is made to hold you securely. That’s because the sides of the seat curve up slightly, creating a winged haven for your bottom. The outer material is waterproof, anti-scratch and anti-slip. You can be confident that you won’t slither and slide all over the place. The dual spring suspension keeps your ride smooth, stable and serene. No unexpected jostling here. You can probably see that this bike seat is unique in its shape. That’s no accident. The wide seat is contrasted by a very small, narrow nose. That tiny nose gives your legs more room and keeps them from chafing. Amen to that! Putting this seat on your bike means you are going to enjoy the ride, no matter where it takes you. You can click here to check Amazon for the latest reviews and pricing information. What I Love About It: Just one look at this bike seat and you'll see the extra-wide seat is exceptional! This bike seat is perfect for overweight riders with wide butts (like me). What I Wish It Had: It's perfect for wide behinds, but the overall saddle is a little shorter than some other options which may not work for some riders. Still, the short width and shorter nose leave plenty of room for big thighs to fit. Best For Bumpy Roads: Giddy Up! Memory Foam Bike Seat Giddy Up! Bike Seat - Comfortable Bike Saddle for Exercise and Road Bicycle with LED - Wide Padded... WIDE COMFORTABLE BIKE SEAT FOR MEN AND WOMEN - 9 in 10 Amazon customers rated this extra-wide bicycle...SOFT FOAM PADDING FEELS LIKE RIDING ON A CUSHION - The Giddy Up improved bicycle saddle has a specially...MEMORY FOAM PADDED BIKE SEAT FOR INCREASED COMFORT - The extra padding provided in the Giddy Up bike seat... Check Today's Price on Amazon Does your neighborhood street look more like the moon? Potholes everywhere? If your route isn’t in the best shape, this is the bike seat for you. This bike seat focuses especially on suspension. The shock absorbing rubber balls keep even the roughest roads feeling smooth. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s generously padded with cooling memory foam that keeps you supported and comfortable. I almost dubbed this one the “best for nighttime riders” because of its special attention to safety. The seat itself comes with a bright LED taillight. You’ll be seen on the roads even in the dark. Plus, it also comes with a removable reflective band for you to put on your bike frame or even your wrist. Safety first! You can cover the waterproof seat with the included dust-resistant cover to keep your seat safe and looking like new. Another plus? This seat is a cinch to install. It fits pretty much any style bike, so it’s a universal winner. Click here to check out the latest price on Amazon and see more reviews. What I Love About It: The taillight is a nice addition to this bike seat and saves you from having to purchase one separately. At least for me, tail lights can be a pain to set up so I'm especially happy about this feature. What I Wish It Had: It's a bit firmer than other options so a little more cushion would be nice. Still, most overweight riders already have some extra cushion so it may not be a big deal for some. Best On A Budget: BLUEWIND Bike Seat BLUEWIND Bike Seat, Bicycle Saddle Compatible with Peloton, Exercise or Road Bikes, 2.5’’ High... BLUEWIND Green Wide Mountain Bike Seat - Super comfortable high density memory foam with durable...Ergonomic Design - The front part is smooth and a half inch narrower than normal bicycle seat, so it will...Extra Shockproof & Noiseless - Double Anti-vibration rubber ball, good elasticity, flexibility, toughness... Check Today's Price on Amazon If you’re looking for the most economical comfortable bike seat that won’t break the bank, look no further. The great price point does not affect the quality of this saddle. Made to fit comfortably on all types of bikes, you can feel confident in its ability to help you enjoy your ride. The high-density memory foam is a whopping 4.7 inches thick. That’s thicker than your average dictionary. So, yeah, it’s going to support a big bottom or really any overweight rider. The long nose design alleviates leg pain from uncomfortable rubbing. The free movement will keep your legs fresh so that you can keep on pedaling, and pedaling, and pedaling... That also means you’ll be able to sit upright without worrying about tipping forward. The design genius continues with the unique double anti-vibration rubber ball suspension. This feature minimizes squeaking while protecting your rear end from the impact of bumps, holes and rocks. The waterproof bike seat comes with a bonus reflective armband to keep you visible and safe. Read more reviews and see today's price on Amazon by clicking here. What I Love About It: It's a great bike seat for fat riders all while being easy on the budget. What I Wish It Had: It's not quite as wide as some of the other options on our list but it will still work for most overweight riders. FAQ You've got questions...we've got answers. Let's talk about some of the commons questions around fat, heavy or overweight riders, and bikes! How do I install a bike seat? It is super simple to switch out your bike seat. You don’t need any intense tools. A basic screwdriver should do the trick. Honestly, it’s much easier to watch and learn with a video, but for those of you who aren’t visual, I’ll try to describe it. First, unscrew the bolt at the bottom of your seat. You will see it with the head of the screw pointing down near the middle of the saddle. Next, locate the parallel saddle rails and slide the original seat toward the back of the bike. You should be able to firmly push on the nose and it will slide free. Once the old seat is off, simply slide the new one in from the back and put the screw back in place to secure it. How long does a bike seat last? The foam cushioning inside the saddle will break down over time. This happens for all riders, but happens faster for fat riders. Because we have more weight pushing down on it, it is going to flatten and lose its supportive nature more quickly. When you start to notice some sagging, it’s time for a new seat. Another thing to remember are the conditions where you store your bike. If you keep your bike indoors, the seat (and all the other parts) will last a lot longer than if it’s left outside. Storing your bike on a balcony, in a garage or at a communal bike rack isn’t the best way to keep it in tip top shape. Your best bet is to keep it in a place where you would also be comfortable. If you can’t keep it inside with you, a covered garage is your next best bet. Should I choose a bike with thicker tires? Thicker tires will provide more stability, but it’s not the most important factor in choosing your bicycle. The most important thing to note is the amount of weight the frame can hold. Mountain bikes and fat-tire bikes have the biggest tires. They might make you feel more secure. If they do, go for it! But make sure you focus on the frame’s weight standards first. An electric bike is also a great alternative, but they don’t come cheap. Plus, you will lose out on the great physical benefits like exercise for your heart, muscle growth and burning calories. How many calories will I burn while bike riding? A lot of factors influence the calories burned. Size of the rider, speed, gender, etc. are all going to play a role. For example, if you’re riding on a flat surface, you won’t exert as much energy as you would fighting up steep hills. Even though there is so much variance, an average rate is about 600 calories per hour. Which is a lot! Biking is a great way to get your heart pumping and make your body strong. Do bike seats have a weight limit? Most bike seats aren't going to include any kind of weight limit on them but most bikes have what they consider to be a maximum capacity. You're going to see a lot of different information out there but if you stick with sturdy mountain bikes and cruisers you're doing to be fine well into 500 pounds in most cases. If you're looking to ride road bikes with much thinner tires, you're going to need to consult the manufacturers to make sure you're within weight limits. The Bottom Line As an "overweight" and heavy rider, I need a little bit of extra love and attention when it comes to finding the most comfortable bike seat. Concentrate on finding one with a wide saddle, adequate padding and cushioning, great suspension, and a thin nose. This is something that is worth spending a little extra dough on. The factory seat your bike came with probably isn’t comfortable for anyone, let alone a heavy cyclist. So, do yourself a favor and upgrade it. Your behind will thank you. Profusely. A comfortable seat will make riding your bike wheelie fun!

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