By Fitnosia Team: Updated in 2022
Indoor cycling is one of the best ways to stay fit. No longer do you have to brave the elements or even leave your house to get your daily exercise. Cycling is a great low impact activity that improves your health, fitness, and overall well being. As with most sports, the longer you spend cycling, the more health benefits will come your way. However, indoor cycling bike seats have a horrible tendency to be uncomfortable, especially for extended periods.
The best spin bike seats allow you to nail your fitness goals without leaving you feeling battered and bruised. The most comfortable spin bike seat’s size and design are often personal to you and will depend on your size, riding style, and personal preferences. Here is a list of the best spin bike seats that will help you decide which indoor bike seat is best for you. All of these seats fit the most common double rail clamp system used on indoor spin bikes.
| Number | Name | Breathable | Padding | Clamp | Type | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wittkop Gel Seat | Yes | Gel | Included | Standard | 1.5 LBs |
| 2 | Xmifer Bike Seat | Yes | Foam | Included | Oversized | 1.2 LBs |
| 3 | Selle Royal Respiro Soft | Yes | Gel & Foam | Not Included | Narrow | 1.17 LBs |
| 4 | Planet Bike A.R.S. | No | Gel & Foam | Included | Standard | 0.95 LBs |
| 5 | Bikeroo Bike Seat | No | Foam | Not Included | Standard | 1.45 LBs |
| 6 | Velmia Bike Seat | Yes | Foam | Included | Standard | 1.9 LBs |
| 7 | Schwinn Bike Saddle | No | Gel & Foam | Not Included | Wide | 1.9 LBs |
| 8 | TONBUX Bicycle Seat | No | Foam | Not Included | Wide | 1.52 LBs |
| 9 | West Biking Bike Seat | Yes | Foam | Not Included | Standard | 1.45 LBs |
| 10 | Zacro Gel Bike Saddle | No | Gel & Foam | Not Included | Standard | 1.55 LBs |
The Wittkop Comfortable Bike Seat is an excellent upgrade to the usual hard and firm seats that come with spin bikes. The added protection comes from the thick shock-absorbing padding. You also get a seat clamp and waterproof cover thrown in.
Thanks to the anatomically supportive design, this indoor bike seat is very comfortable to ride for long periods of time. It has a central groove running down the middle, with extra support on either side for your sit bones.
The addition of a hole in the middle of the seat allows for increased airflow, helping to keep you that little bit cooler during more intense spin bike sessions. The PU leather finish is 100% waterproof, resulting in a longer life span for your new spin bike seat.
Conclusion
As an affordable exercise seat replacement, this is a bargain. You will instantly notice the improved comfort you get from the fatty gel inside. That, combined with the ergonomic design, makes for a surprisingly reliable and durable seat at a fraction of the cost of others in the market.
Pros
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If you are sick of trying to perch on the tiny stock seat that came with your indoor spin bike, then this extra-wide spin bike seat replacement is the one for you. This seat is designed for the large rider or anyone that wants to be more comfortable during their spinning session.
The cushion comes from extra thick foam padding, combined with dual suspension balls at the back of the seat. Do not expect the added suspension to make this seat bouncy, but it does save this seat from being too hard.
In addition, the Xmifer Oversized Bike Seat has an ergonomic design, with a large central groove to improve airflow. As part of the package, you get a saddle clamp and all the tools you need to replace your existing exercise bike seat.
Conclusion
For the larger rider, this is a great option. Although the foam padding is not as bouncy or cushy as gel versions, it is still much more comfortable than the hard, narrow seats that come with an exercise seat. This wider design is also great for people who prefer to sit in a more upright position instead of being hunched over the bars.
Pros
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The Selle Royal Respiro Soft Athletic Bike Saddle is an excellent upgrade for experienced cyclists. If you are already used to spending hours in the saddle but want to upgrade to a performance-orientated spin bike seat, this is worth the investment.
The combination of gel and foam padding makes this seat the perfect combination of stiff but forgiving. It is not as comfortable as some of the thicker exercise bike seats on this list, but it is far from uncomfortable.
The anatomically designed surface combines with the unique central groove combine to improve airflow and provide you with support where you need it most. The unique design makes this exercise bike seat look aggressive and wants to help you achieve your PB during your spin sessions.
Conclusion
To be clear, this exercise bike seat is only suitable for riders that like to ride in an aggressive position and are used to a firmer saddle. Nonetheless, the gel and foam combination does make this seat more comfortable than the stock seats that often come with indoor exercise bikes.
Pros
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The Planet Bike A.R.S. Standard Bike seat provides a good balance between comfort and performance. This is a comfortable narrow exercise bike seat for riders that sit forward on their seat in an aggressive riding position.
This exercise bike seat is foam padded throughout. However, there are small gel pads for added comfort where your sit bones will be resting at the back of the seat. This gives you the best of both worlds, the stability that foam provides with the added bounce from the slither of gel protection.
It comes with a full-length recess through the middle, which is relativity unique but makes perfect sense. It also keeps pressure off your sensitive areas even if you are riding while perched on the front of the seat.
Conclusion
The integration of foam and gel protection combine to make this one of the most comfortable spin bike seats available. The hardwearing, weather-resistant covering and unique full-length central grove result in a very comfortable and durable exercise bike seat replacement.
Pros
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The Bikeroo wide exercise bike seat is there to support you where you need it most. The extra-large recess in the middle of the seat makes it a very comfortable exercise bike seat for women.
The cushioning comes from extra responsive memory foam, with the addition of dual spring suspension to get a bit more bounce. This exercise bike seat is excellent for larger riders and those with wide sit bones.
As part of the deal, you get a complete installation kit included (including saddle adapter). Along with an easy to follow installation guide. This comfortable indoor bike seat suits riders that are cycling in a more upright position.
Conclusion
If you need a wide seat to improve your comfort, especially in sensitive areas, this is the upgrade you need to enjoy spinning again. The extra-large recess in the middle of the seat is anatomically designed to give you much-needed relief during long periods spent in the saddle.
Pros
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Here is another Touring-style padded bike seat for spinning. It comes with high-density memory foam padding, which is soft and comfortable. In addition to a dual spring suspension at the rear of the seat, for added comfort.
The coating is tough and abrasion-resistant PU leather, which helps this seat to be durable. In addition, it has an anti-slip design where your sit bones go, which is a nice addition as it keeps you rooted to one spot. Vital for this seat to be comfortable, as you need to be on the back of the seat in an upright position.
The high-density memory foam is incredibly comfortable, but it can feel too soft when combined with the dual spring suspension. If that is the feeling you are going for from your new indoor bike seat, then perfect.
Conclusion
If you need a nice wide seat with a central groove design to help keep you cool, this is a great option. It literally is like sitting on a cloud. Which may be what some people are looking for. However, during intense spin sessions, you may notice that the bounce generated from this seat is wasted energy.
Pros
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The Schwinn Comfort Bike Saddle is wide and has a combination of three different materials to help make your spin session as smooth as possible. The main cushion is memory foam, but it also has elastomer springs underneath and additional gel pads where your sit bones will rest.
It may not be the widest seat on the list of best spin bike seats, but it is one of the few seats that uses all three comfort inducing technologies to provide a smooth ride. The gel pads are a nice addition as they absorb vibrations and reduce aches and pains from your sit bones.
The seat has an ergonomic design with a deep recess in the center of the seat; this reduces pressure on sensitive areas and helps with airflow. The covering is waterproof and super easy to clean and wipe.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a smooth ride on your indoor exercise bike, why not make the most of all three of the latest bicycle seat technologies. Although the gel pads are a nice addition to keep you comfortable, they also feel a little unstable and exposed, almost as if they are ready to burst at any time. That said, from a renowned brand such as Schwinn, this seat will be a great addition to your indoor cycling set up.
Pros
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If you are getting a super-wide exercise bike seat, why not also get the thickest you can find. At its thickest, this beast is nearly 5”s, well over an inch more padding than on most of the other wide indoor bike seats on this list.
Not only does it come with extra thick foam padding, but you also get a dual shock-absorbing ball design for that extra bounce. The combination of which makes you feel like you are floating.
The seat is ergonomically designed, with a large recess down the middle. There is also an air vent in the middle. This promotes a healthy circulation and should help with heat dissipation during those longer spin sessions you can withstand, thanks to this seat being so damn comfortable.
Conclusion
Not only is this one of the thickest indoor bike seats you can get, but you also get to choose from 4 different colors, which makes a nice change to the stock Black most exercise bike seats seem to be. The Tonbux also comes with a seat post clamp and wrench, making the installation of your replacement indoor bike seat seamless.
Pros
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West Biking Black Gel Bike Seat comes with a combination of gel, foam, and suspension, making it one of the most comfortable exercise bike seats for indoor cycles. You may not need the red light at the back during indoor cycling, but it is a stylish addition. Especially if you are thinking of buying a regular bike once you have built up your fitness indoors.
The ergonomic design of this seat is geared towards the larger rider. Not only is this seat wide, but it is also over an inch longer than most other indoor bike seats. This is great if you have not felt like you get the support you need from previous indoor bike seats.
The air vent in the middle of the seat works great to keep you that little bit cooler during your spin session. The addition of dual rubber ball suspension completes this indoor exercise bike seat to be one of the most comfortable available for larger riders.
Conclusion
Do not be put off by the red light on the back, who knows, one day you might use it. Every other feature of this seat makes it a great replacement exercise bike seat. The anti-slip design on the covering works great and keeps you rooted in one place while using it. However, due to the dimensions, this bike seat is only suitable for larger riders.
Pros
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To round off the list of the best spin bike seats, we have another super wide and ultra-comfortable exercise bike seat. The Zacro gel bike saddle is nearly as thick as it is wide. This is in part due to the coiled spring suspension at the rear of the seat.
If you have tried other large exercise bike seats but did not find that they helped with the pain you feel after sitting on them for a while, it is worth trying out the Zacro Gel Bike Saddle. The coiled spring suspension combined with the foam and gel cushioning makes for a very soft (if sometimes bouncy) ride.
The artificial leather coating feels robust and is easily wipeable. It is also lovely to see a nice big air vent in the middle to help prevent overheating. A helpful addition when buying this seat is the Zacro wrench they chuck in for free, making it super easy to install this seat right away.
Conclusion
If you are fed up with being in pain after every spin session and want a seat that will make you feel like you are gliding, then look no further. The increased bounce and response given by the large rear coil suspension is not for everyone. However, if your saddle comfort (or lack of) prevents you from using your exercise bike, this is an inexpensive upgrade that will see you wanting to ride your indoor spin bike more often.
Pros
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Check to make sure your exercise bike seat replacement will fit
Fortunately, all exercise bikes conform to a similar system making it easy to replace your seat. You may need to remove the clamp from your existing seat, but you will find that the seats from this list will fit that clamp or go directly onto the seat post. It is useful if your brand new padded spin bike seat comes with a seat post clamp as it means that you can keep your old seat in tack.
Ergonomic and anatomically designed
Just as important as the material used to provide the cushioning, you need to pay attention to the design of your new exercise bike seat. Many manufacturers make use of a central grove in the middle of the seat. This is there to reduce pressure on sensitive areas and nerves while you are riding. By only having your sit bones making contact with the sides of the seat, you can stay comfortable and remain on your spin bike for longer. Unlike the flat seats, you get on cruisers, which are only used for short journeys. Your spin bike seat replacement should be anatomically designed to improve comfort and reduce the risk of aches, pains, and numbness after longer spinning sessions.
It is also worth mentioning that once you have decided on the best spin bike seat for you and your needs, you need to make sure you fit it in the correct position. If you continue to have hip, knee or back pains, it may be because your seat is too low, too far forward, or too far back. It is not worth getting a professional bike fit for an exercise bike. However, you should take the time to make sure your new seat is set up correctly.
As a general rule of thumb, your seat should be parallel with your hip when you stand next to your exercise bike. Next, you need to make sure your seat is not too far forward or back. Sit on the seat and move the crank arm to around 3 o’clock. When you put your foot on the pedal, your knee should be directly above the pedal spindle. This does not consider all the factors that will affect your comfort. Still, it is worth experimenting with positioning before you start accusing your replacement exercise bike seat of being ineffective.
Wide or Narrow
The width of your new stationary bike seat is down to your personal preference and size. Wide seats are more suitable and comfortable for larger riders, but that does not mean you cannot ride on a narrow seat. If you go for a wide indoor bike seat, then be prepared to change your riding style. Their size is more suited to an upright and relaxed riding position. This is not a problem on an indoor bike as, unlike riding outside, you do not have to worry about aerodynamics and wind resistance. Many people prefer a more relaxed riding position as it means that they can happily cycle for longer.
Not all narrow spin bike seats are uncomfortable, and all those on this list of the best spin bike seats will be an upgrade to any stock, hard seat that comes with most indoor exercise bikes. While riding with a narrower seat, it allows you to lean forward in a more aggressive riding position. This position is similar to that which you would have on a road bike. Therefore, if you use indoor cycling as training for an upcoming cycling event, it is worth getting your body more used to leaning forward to reach the handlebars.
The Planet Bike A.R.S. Standard Bike seat is the best all-round spin bike saddle. It has the perfect combination of comfort and support without being too bulky and heavy. It may not be as wide as some of the other seats on the list, but the unique ergonomic design is perfect for all shapes and sizes. The addition of gel pads where you sit bones go, in addition to the recess down the middle (for the whole length of the seat), means that the seat molds to your body perfectly and removes those aches and pains you get from the more rigid and less well-designed exercise bike seats.
