Best Spin Bike Seats: The 7 Most Comfortable Saddles
Cycling is one of the best available forms of exercise. Whether it is outdoor marathon cycling or one of the intense cycling gyms that have started popping up, it serves as an excellent way to get the heart rate up and those calories draining.
One of the most important parts of any bike is the seat. Nobody ever wants to be uncomfortable while they ride, and that’s doubly true for those indoor bikes that you might have spent a pretty decent amount of money on.
Even some of the best spin bikes in the US have less than ideal seats. That is why we scoured and searched the various bottom cushions in order to find out which seats are the best to replace those other cheap ones that might come with the spin bike by default.
We’ve studied just about every aspect of the best seats for spin bikes, and will go over the various factors that we examined at the end of the article. With all of that out of the way, let us get into our list of the most comfortable spin bike seats.
The Most Comfortable Spin Bike Replacement Seats
| Name | Dimensions | Cushion | Adapter | Breathable | Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Velmia Touring Bike Seat Replacement | 10.5 L x 7.3 W x 4.1 H | Memory Foam | 3" Thick | Seat Clamp Included (22.2mm) | Breathable Hollow Design | For men and women |
| Selle Royal Respiro Athletic Spinning Gel Seat | 11 L x 6.1 W x 2.8 H | Gel | 1.5" Thick | Seat Clamp Not Included | Breathable Hollow Design | For men and women |
| Bikeroo Comfortable Men’s Exercise Bike Seat | 10.2 L x 7 W x 3.9 H | Foam | 2" Thick | Seat Clamp Included (22.2mm) | Breathable Hollow Design | For men |
| Planet Men’s Bike A.R.S. Standard Bike Seat | 11 L x 7 W x 3.2 H | Foam | 1.5" Thick | Seat Clamp Not Included | Breathable Hollow Design | For men |
| Bikeroo Women’s Stationary Bike Seat Replacement | 10.2 L x 7.8 W x 4.3 H | Foam | 3" thick | Seat Clamp Included (22.2mm) | Breathable Hollow Design | For women |
| Zacro BS053 Gel Indoor Cycling Bike Saddle | 11.8 L x 10.6 W x 5.1 H | Gel | 3.5" Thick | Seat Clamp Included (22.2mm) | Breathable Hollow Design | For women |
| Wittkop City Exercise Bike Seat Replacement | 9.96 L x 8.46 W x 3.15 H | Memory Foam | 2" Thick | Seat Clamp Included (22.2mm) | Breathable Hollow Design | For men and women |
Best Overall Spin Bike Replacement Saddle
After extensively testing and comparing various spin bike seats, we have concluded that the Wittkop 5-Concept Zone memory foam seats are the top choice for specific purposes and types of riders. These seats offer premium features, including high-quality memory foam, an innovative 5-zone concept, enhanced airflow systems, and waterproof construction, all contributing to exceptional comfort and support for different cyclists.
The Wittkop 5-Concept Zone memory foam seats provide exceptional comfort and support for cyclists with different preferences and riding styles. Whether you are a heavier weight rider, an average weight cyclist, or a professional seeking maximum performance, there is a Wittkop seat tailored to your specific needs. Choose the seat that aligns with your weight, riding style, and preferences, and embark on a comfortable and satisfying indoor cycling journey.
Quick Overview of Best Spin Bike Seats:
1. VELMIA Touring Memory Foam Indoor Bike Seat Replacement
Coming in first on our list of most comfortable spin bike saddle reviews is the VELMIA Indoor Bike Seat Replacement. As the name suggests, this is a full seat replacement rather than just a cushion to go over the default seat.
This seat is designed for mountain bikes, but works wonderfully as a replacement for one of the many indoor spin bikes that are available. The seat cushion surface has non-slip, wear-resistant texture polyurethane (PU) leather and high density memory foam inside.
This makes the VELMIA indoor bike seat both very durable and very soft. The VELMIA bicycle saddle is an anatomically optimized saddle. It comes with an ergonomic unisex design, allowing both men and women to enjoy just how comfortable this seat can really be.
You won’t find the giant, hard spin bike seats here. Instead, the VELMIA seat is narrow, has soft paddings, and breathable design. Not to mention that it comes with the handy feature of having a seat adapter with it.
All of this for a price of less than $25 and you have got yourself an excellent replacement bike seat for any indoor (or mountain) bike that you might have.
Additional Information:
This memory foam seat for spinning bike measures at 10.5 inches long, 7.5 inches wide and 4 inches tall. It comes with a ⅞ inch inside diameter seat clamp. It also has a 1-year warranty and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
The Pros:
- It is a quality top-rated spin bike seat for less than $30.
- You get a unisex design with an adaptable attachment.
- The comfortable leather and memory foam bits are a great design choice.
The Cons:
- It seems to have the occasional habit of coming undone, though with the warranty and low cost this really isn’t too big of an issue.
2. Selle Royal Respiro Athletic Gel Seat for Spinning
The Selle Royal Respiro Bike Saddle relies on its “Royal Gel Revolution” to make the comfort pop out on it. It reduces pressure peaks by 40% compared to standard padding materials. This is actually quite effective, and there is a noticeable increase in comfort once the seat is attached.
This spin bike gel seat is ideal for those who are looking to really raise the level of their athletic workouts and go for longer distance rides. The seat is also 100% sealed and 20% lighter than ordinary exercise bike seats replacement of the same category.
This stops moisture from seeping into the Royal Gel. A ventilation chamber is also integrated into the seat. This helps prevent saddle sore and allows the saddle to keep cool, both when you are working on the bike or if it is completely uncovered.
The structure of the seat has a foam Matrix open cell design in order to give it increased elasticity and breathability. One of the rather nifty things about this gel seat for spin bike is that for a black seat, it is designed in such a way as to heat up significantly slower than many other seats.
For a price of around $60, there are a solid amount of features with this best-rated gel seat for spin bike that are worth investing in.
Additional Information:
Its dimensions are 13.8 inches long, 9.5 inches wide and 3 inches tall. We were unable to find any information on a warranty for this padded bike seat for spinning. The closest we got was a “Free Return within 14 days” notice on Selle Royal’s website.
The Pros:
- A comfortable and slick design makes this a very nice gel seat for spin bikes.
- Toss in the unique ventilation chamber and Royal Gel bits and you’ve got a solid amount of content for this seat.
The Cons:
- It might be a bit expensive for some people who just want a comfortable seat.
- It’s also generally designed with more advanced cyclists in mind.
- Heavy weight beginners might want to avoid and go for a more cushioned wider seat.
3. Bikeroo Comfortable Men’s Exercise Bike Seat
The Bikeroo Men’s Exercise Bike Seat is up next on our list of the best spin bike seats. This really is one of the best seat replacements for spin bikes out there. It helps to eliminate prostate pressure, numbness, and pain.
As one might notice in the name, it is designed in order to generally suit men’s anatomy. However, women can most certainly use it and do so effectively. This seat is quite adaptable, as it can stand in on spin bikes, mountain bikes and hybrid bikes.
Due to the memory foam that forms around your shape, this spin bike seat makes a perfect ride for those on longer workout routines. The perineal center cutout relieves pressure on perineum and allows for ventilation.
This design makes for a good seat for both those looking for regular, lighter workouts as well as those who are looking to push the boundaries of athletic possibilities. Finally, we might mention that it is also one of the smoothest looking seats out there.
Your bike will look amazing with this cool simple design and leather finish on top. Did we mention that all of this comes with a price of about $30? It is an extremely solid deal for such a quality seat and we can firmly recommend the Bikeroo Men’s Exercise Bike Seat.
Additional Information:
Its dimensions are 10.2 inches long, 7 inches wide and 3.9 inches tall. This exercise bike seat also comes with a 12 month money-back guarantee.
The Pros:
- It is a cheap, extremely comfortable seat that really keeps you in high spirits throughout the longest of cycling sessions.
- The fact that it is about $30 is absolutely a pro.
The Cons:
- The fact that it is designed with men’s anatomy in mind is a bit unfortunate for any women looking at it (though we might have some good news for them further down the list).
- The seat is also a bit wide, which might be an issue for some.
4. Planet Men’s Bike A.R.S. Standard Bike Seat
1 used from $34.56
The Planet Bike A.R.S. Standard Bike really is an excellent seat for a stationary spin bike. The padding is extremely thick in order for some deeper levels of comfort. An anatomical groove runs the length of the saddle, transitioning to a full cut out near the nose.
The only downside here is that the thick padding can prove to be a little much during the longer rides. Some chafing and hot spots do tend to appear on these longer rides.
While the seat does not have compatibility with mountain bikes, this is not really a downside because this list is for spin bikes. The Planet Bike A.R.S. comes equipped with steel rails, and a strong plastic shell.
The only weakness in terms of its durability is a Lycra cover that is vulnerable to wear and abrasion from the friction between clothing and the saddle. The best thing about this padded saddle for indoor stationary cycles is that it is suitable for comfortable, short-term rides on an indoor spin bike.
It really isn’t for those who are looking for high intensity, hardcore athletic workouts that will push the boundaries of what is possible for the human body. This isn’t so much a problem with the seat, just the audience that it is geared towards. For a price of around $30-$40, it is a solid investment for those looking for replacement seat for spin bikes.
Additional Information:
The Planet Bike A.R.S. seats dimensions are 11 inches long, 7 inches wide and 3.2 inches tall. It weighs .87 lbs, making it a very light seat. We were unable to find any sort of warranty information on the seat, which could be a concern for some.
The Pros:
- This seat is both comfortable and affordable for those who are simply looking for a better alternative to many of the default seats found on spin bikes.
The Cons:
- This seat is not designed for those who are really looking for the most athletic and intense performances that these seats can offer.
- It tends to get uncomfortable after long workouts and deteriorates under high usage.
5. Bikeroo Women’s Stationary Bike Seat Replacement
4 used from $28.53
And so Bikeroo appears again. Who could have seen that coming? This time they return with a similar version of their earlier seat, but made so that it better suits the anatomy and shape of women and great for those who carry a bit of extra weight and need more support.
The wide seat, short nose and center relief make this saddle the perfect fit for the typical women bone structure. The Bikeroo is one of the most comfortable stationary bike seats in 2023, using similar methods to the seat mentioned above. It is made from quality faux leather with a smooth finish in order to maximize the comfort potential of the seat.
A bonus feature is that this seat will fit a variety of bikes, indoor or outdoor. It has a dual rail mount with an additional saddle adapter that ensures easy installation. With this padded spin bike seat currently priced at around $40, it is one of the cheaper seats.
One of the best things about this spin bike seat for indoor cycling (and Bikeroo in general) is that their seats have the option of coming with little accessories that make their already-versatile seats even more adaptable. These include a waterproof rain cover, mounting instructions, mounting tools, and also a saddle adapter.
This really is one of the best stationary bike seats out there for any women who are looking to get a more comfortable seat on their spin bike. One of the few issues that this seat does have is that it seems to fall apart somewhat easily under intense use.
Additional Information:
Its dimensions are 10.2 inches long, 7.8 inches wide and 2.4 inches tall. Bikeroo is clearly confident with their products, as they offer a 60 days Money Back Guarantee if one is in any way unsatisfied with this seat. While it might not seem like a long period, it most certainly should serve as being long enough to discover whether or not this seat is comfortable enough.
The Pros:
- Similar to the men’s version, this is an extremely comfortable stationary bike seats for indoor cycles that is available for a very cheap price.
- Being specially designed with women in mind gives it a big advantage over many others when women are looking for one of these seats.
The Cons:
- A similar issue to the men’s seat, the fact that it is geared towards a specific sex means that it might be less than ideal for any many looking to ride on this comfy seat.
- It also doesn’t serve as the best seat for those looking for extremely intense workouts or high level usage.
6. Zacro BS053 Gel Indoor Cycling Bike Saddle
An excellent replacement seat for both spin bikes and upright bikes, the Zacro Gel Bike Saddle really shines when used. The round shape at the rear provides one of the most comfortable experiences out there while riding in the upright/cruising position.
It has a dual density gel foam that is so elastic and soft that it really does spare any pain that you might have been feeling on the previous seat.
The recess on the seat also provides relief to the body on those longer rides, which seems to be a challenge to do on most other seats.
If one does happen to have an outdoors bike that they wish to use this seat on, then the Zacro Gel Bike Saddle comes with a carbon steel coil dual-spring suspension that helps smooth out bumps that they might run into on the trail.
This stationary bike seat is also pleasantly cheap, coming in at just under $30. It does fit both men and women well, though it seems to be designed to slightly favour the anatomical makeup of women’s bodies. Overall it’s one of the best spin bikes seat with gel.
Additional Information:
Its dimensions are 11.4 inches long, 7.4 inches wide and 5.5 inches tall. We were not able to find any sort of warranty for this seat, so that might be a concern for some people.
The Pros:
- The Zacro Gel Bike Saddle really uses the gel and shape design to the max for an extremely comfortable seat.
- The recess grooves really does provide some nice ventilation and relief.
- It can also be used for multiple kinds of bikes.
- For the lighter, casual rides that can be done very well with spin bikes, this seat performs its job spectacularly.
The Cons:
- There have been complaints that the seat tends to slide to one side. This can turn an otherwise nice ride into quite the annoying one.
- It is not a great seat (as seems to be a common theme) for those looking for intense workouts.
- The higher tier athletic workouts wouldn’t really work well with the design of this saddle.
7. Wittkop 5-Zone Concept Exercise Bike Seat Replacement
Rounding out our list is the Wittkop 5-Zone Comfort Bike Saddle. As one might expect from the name, this seat is all about the comfort. However, unlike many of the other seats for stationary bikes on this list, it comes with a variety of options to customize the saddle based on what the buyer might want.
These options include having a narrow low-friction racing style (MTB) saddle, mid-width and still high performance (trekking) saddle, a super wide saddle and various covers for these saddles. There are also options to actually change the colour of the seat for those who don’t want the basic black or white.
Perhaps a bright blue or green fits your taste better? The seat’s default option is not actually that wide, which might be an issue for some. However, with the various options to make the seat larger, that really should not be too large of an issue.
Especially when it is combined with the unique gel padding that can give even larger cyclists enough support to ensure a comfortable ride.
The fabric on this Wittkop spin bike seat replacement is nice and breathable, while the material doesn’t wear easily due to its stretchability. Another seat that comes with the handy ability to fit on both indoor and outdoor bikes.
Additional Information:
The dimensions of the seat are actually really hard to determine due to the various options and changes that can actually be ordered with the seat. We were also unable to find any sort of warranty on the seat itself. Not a ton of additional information is actually available for this saddle it seems.
The Pros:
- The best part about the Wittkop Comfort Bike Saddle is how adaptable it is.
- With all the options that actually come with it means that it is really comfortable for a bunch of all people regardless of size.
- With the gel padding and indoor/outdoor compatibility are really prime positives for this seat.
The Cons:
- A bit more expensive than other indoor bike replacement seats I tried.
- It is more like a pick and choose rather than get all the best bits.
Buyer’s Guide to Help You Find a Comfortable Seat for Your Spin Bikes:
And that concludes our list of the best spin bike seats. Now we’re going to go over some of the factors that played into our evaluation of these bike saddles for spinning bike. As always, it is important to do some of your own research into these exercise bike replacement seats in order to figure out which one would be the best fit for you. We’re not psychics (as much as we wish to be and pretend otherwise) and can’t predict which is the best universal seat for every single cyclist out there. Now, let’s take a look at some of the important features of comfortable exercise bike seats for indoor cycles.
What is the material that the seat is made of? Is it a nice faux leather that covers the entire seat? Is the leather too firm or too synthetic in its design? This can really make the difference on those longer rides as well as making sure that you don’t actually slip off the spin bike while riding it.
The shape of the seat. This might seem a bit general, but it is hard to describe. Many exercise bike seats are designed in such a way to better accommodate either men or women based on the general shape of the sexes. This can mean the difference between a really comfortable ride or one that just feels a bit off. Of course, not all of these seats are designed with one sex in mind. There are many that come with a unisex design in mind, though those might be somewhat less comfortable due to their more general shape.
The padding in the seat. Many different seats use assortments of materials and gels in order to make their seat that much more comfortable. Specifically bikes like the Velmia seats for exercise bikes build their entire design around this integral part of the seat. The Wittkop seat and Royal Respiro seats also both emphasise their unique gel and memory foam blend in their seats to further drive home the point of how important this aspect of the seat can be.
The price. Naturally, the price has to play a part in how we rate these seats. If a spin bike seat is super expensive, then it needs to deliver an equally amazing experience. Value for money is a key part of looking for exercise equipment and it is no different for these comfortable spin bike seats.
Does it have a ventilation chamber? This might seem to fit under the design category, but we thought it important enough to give it its own category. The ventilation opening in the middle of the seat can really make the difference between a comfortable ride and an uncomfortable one. This is because that little cutout just gives a very breathable feel to all those saddles and seats that have them.
Does it come with a spin bike adapter? Many of these seats do come with adapters that allow for easy installation on just about any sort of indoor or spin bike on the market. Nobody wants to spend an hour or more trying to get a seat onto their bike. They want to hop on and get cycling! These also have the added bonus of working on other types of bikes, both indoor and outdoor.
FAQs When Buying Indoor Cycle Seats
What is the most comfortable replacement spin bike seat?
Ultimately it depends on your body shape and weight because narrower inner-thighs are more comfortable with narrower seats like Wittkop 5-Concept MTB while riders with wider inner-thighs and heavier weight are more comfortable with the Wittkop 5-Concept City seat. Overall, I think Wittkop 5-Concept models are the most comfortable spin bike seats for most indoor cycling enthusiasts.
Does every seat in this article work with my spin bike?
Indeed, most spin bikes are designed to accommodate seats with a standard seat clamp diameter of 22.2mm. Therefore, the seats I reviewed in this article should generally work with your spin bike too. However, it’s important to note that there are some rare exceptions to this rule. For instance, certain spin bike models, like Nordictrack S22i and S15i bikes, have a unique rail design that limits compatibility. In the case of Nordictrack bikes, only the Wittkop and Velmia seats are compatible due to their specific design and attachment mechanism.
How do I choose between a narrow and a wide seat?
That generally depends on what you use the bike for and what sort of body type you have. Wider seats are generally regarded as more comfortable for those who are intending to go for more relaxed rides or have larger shapes. The narrower seats are generally more comfortable for aggressive riding positions and used for more athletic or intense workouts so that the adductors don’t swipe against the seat. Keep in mind that narrower spin bike seats are not as cushioned and supportive as wider seats, they cause less friction/chaffing on your inner thighs.
Do I need a seat cover for spin bike?
Not necessarily. In most cases, if the seat has sufficient cushioning to support your weight, you don’t need to buy a separate padded bike seat cover for spinning. However, sometimes it’s a wise and less expensive alternative to changing a seat. Especially if the seat doesn’t cause chaffing but it simply doesn’t provide enough support for your pelvic bone. All the featured options in this indoor bike seat review and comparison should be fine without an additional spinning seat cover.
How to completely get rid of saddle soreness?
Saddle soreness is a common issue experienced by indoor cyclists, causing discomfort and pain in the buttocks, groin, or perineal area due to prolonged pressure and friction. Identifying the causes of saddle soreness is essential to find effective solutions and enhance your indoor cycling experience.
Improper bike fit is a significant cause of saddle soreness. When the spin bike saddle and handlebar are not correctly positioned for your riding style, it creates excessive pressure on specific areas, leading to discomfort. Adjusting the saddle height, fore-aft position, and tilt according to your body measurements and riding style is crucial to avoid saddle soreness. Later I explain how you can do a correct spin bike setup and fit.
Insufficient padding or cushioning in the spin bike saddle can also contribute to discomfort. A poorly cushioned and designed saddle increases pressure points and friction, leading to inner thigh blisters and soreness. To address this, consider investing in a saddle with adequate padding or using a gel or foam seat cover to provide additional cushioning and reduce pressure on sensitive areas.
The choice of clothing is another factor to consider. Wearing padded cycling shorts or bibs adds an extra layer of cushioning and reduces friction between your body and the saddle. The padded chamois in cycling shorts absorbs shock and protects the skin from irritation, significantly improving overall comfort during long rides. I strongly recommend using spinning shorts or bibs.
In addition to the above, maintaining proper hygiene practices is important for preventing saddle soreness. Moisture and sweat accumulation in the perineal area can increase friction and promote bacterial growth, leading to irritation and soreness. This brings us back to the last point on why you should opt for moisture-wicking clothing and ensure to clean and dry the saddle area after each workout to minimize the risk of developing spin bike saddle sores.
Gradually building up your cycling duration and intensity is also recommended to prevent saddle soreness. Pushing yourself too hard or engaging in prolonged rides without sufficient conditioning puts excessive strain on the buttocks and perineal area. Gradually increase your cycling time and intensity, allowing your body to adapt and reducing the likelihood of saddle soreness.
Another solution, especially for beginners, is the use of chamois cream. Applying chamois cream to the chamois padding or directly to your skin helps reduce friction and prevents serious blisters and chafing. This extra layer of protection can be beneficial, particularly if you are new to indoor cycling and want to avoid discomfort during your first weeks of rides.
How to achieve a correct indoor bike fit if you feel discomfort?
Achieving an appropriate spin bike fit is crucial for indoor cycling to optimize comfort, minimize injuries, and maximize performance. Here’s a brief guide on how to properly set up your indoor bike to reduce saddle soreness:
Saddle height adjustment: Begin by positioning the saddle at a height that allows a slight knee bend when the pedal is at its lowest point. When seated on the bike, your leg should fully extend without any hip rocking. This promotes proper alignment and reduces strain on your joints.
Saddle fore-aft position: Set the saddle horizontally so that your kneecap aligns directly above the pedal spindle when the crank arms are parallel to the floor. This alignment enhances your leg’s biomechanics and minimizes unnecessary stress on your knees.
Saddle tilt evaluation: Ensure the saddle is level or slightly tilted downward at the front. Experiment with the tilt to find a comfortable position that supports your riding style and preference.
Handlebar height and reach: Adjust the handlebars to a height that allows a slight bend in your elbows, avoiding strain on your back and shoulders. Find a reach that promotes a relaxed posture while gripping the handlebars.
Cleat position consideration: If you use cycling shoes with cleats, verify that they are properly positioned on the shoe sole. Misaligned cleats can cause discomfort or injuries. Seek professional guidance if needed to achieve correct cleat alignment.
Fine-tuning adjustments: Once initial adjustments are made, take a few minutes to pedal and assess your comfort level. Make minor modifications to the saddle height, fore-aft position, or handlebar height as needed to achieve the optimal fit for your body.
Remember, each person’s body shape, arms and leg lengths and riding style is unique, so these guidelines serve as a starting point. If you experience persistent discomfort or pain, it may be beneficial to consult a professional bike fitter who can assess your individual biomechanics and make personalized adjustments.
Robbie Ferri from “Riding with Robbie” has been cycling for almost ten years. In that time, he has broken World Records, Bikepacked all over the World, and also raced ultra distance at a top-level. Robbie picked up a bike and started cycling when he was about 25 years old and said it was the best thing he ever did. The experiences and the fun he’s had have given him a huge passion for helping inspire others to ride further, farther, and get fitter.
