By Chris Honett
It would be difficult to overestimate the importance of a quality saddle — any cyclist knows how the wrong saddle can so easily ruin a great ride. While most saddles work just fine for short excursions, for those who spend hours on their machines, top-performance fit and long-term functionality are key.
It’s not always obvious at first glance what might be most ideal for the long haul, and many cyclists try a few different saddles before finding the most comfortable fit. Here’s a roundup of some our top bike saddle picks that are specifically for the ladies that give you a very good chance of picking a comfortable, dependable bicycle seat. If you have a personal favorite, please let us know in the comments.
Bontrager Ajna Comp Bike Saddle
$89.99
Designed for both road and mountain biking, this cutaway saddle is engineered specifically to yield both fit and comfort for female riders, offering increased stability with a wider cut-out and shaped nose, soft cushion padding, advanced pressure dispersion, and rounded edges for convenient off-the-back movement. The Bontrager Ajna is also available in alternate versions that weigh less, for an additional premium. Available size options include 270 X 144mm, 270 X 154mm, or 270 X 164mm.
Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow
https://us.selleitalia.com/en/saddles/lady-gel-flow-s
Or find it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3i6HiE6
$139.99 Manufacturer suggested price.
Thin, aerodynamic, and padded for maximum shock-absorbency, the high-performance Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow boasts a sleek design, manganese rails to minimize weight, and Fibra-tek cover for long-term surface durability. 135 X 262mm.
Bisaddle
$239-389 price, depending on the model.
Great for men and it’s just as fantastic for the female cyclists. We reviewed it in great detail here. The Bisaddle differentiates itself largely through its ease and convenience of adjustability. Both in terms of width and curvature (it comes with additional wedges to this end), the Bisaddle is manipulatable toward nearly any configuration, ensuring a custom fit even as one’s body and riding style may change over time. A great saddle for any serious rider, it also works well for those just getting back into biking after a hiatus. With a variety of surface options for its sleek cut-out design, the frame is available in chrome, carbon, or titanium.
Terry Butterfly Century Women’s Bike Saddle
http://www.terrybicycles.com/Saddles/Womens-Saddles/Butterfly-Century
Or find it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/32kv8lA
Manufacturer suggested price of around $179.95
While there are several great Terry bike saddles for women, we chose this one due to its reputation for being particularly ideal for road endurance riding and sustained comfort in the long haul. Designed specifically for distance rides, the low-key cutaway Butterfly Century Saddle boasts a sculpted design and layer of Poron XRD material with additional targeted gel padding that allows the saddle to remain relatively thin while still maintaining exceptional shock-absorbency, amplifying key soft tissue relief, and dramatically decreasing rider discomfort. 262 X 152mm.
Brooks B17 S saddle
https://www.brooksengland.com/en_us/b17-short.html
Or find it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3enV3LC
$130 manufacturer suggested price.
Brooks’ flagship B17 has been around for more than 100 years for good reason. An acknowledged classic, this traditional handmade leather saddle maintains the level of comfort, durability, and quality of craftsmanship for which Brooks became famous. While somewhat on the heavier side, this saddle will nevertheless not disappoint on those long rides. Guaranteed for two years from the date of purchase, a 10-year extended warranty is also available. 242 X 176mm. Available in black, brown, and tan leather.
Ergon SR Sport Gel Women’s Bike Saddle
https://www.ergonbike.com/en/product-details.html?a=saettel&w=road&anr=44061020&s=srroad
Or see it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3fsWEB3
$89.95 manufacturer suggested price.
Ergon has long been known for its ergonomically-designed technology and the SR Sport Gel Women is no exception. Engineered for long-term road comfort, this sleek saddle features a tapered cutout, gel inlays, and a sculpted shape perfectly fit for women operating in the bent-forward position. The Ergon SR Sport Gel is available in a lighter, more expensive version as well. Small or Medium sizes available.
SDG Allure Women’s Bike Saddle
https://sdgcomponents.com/products/allure-ti-alloy?_pos=1&_sid=07e213811&_ss=r
Or find it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/2ZrsTei
$89.99 Manufacturer suggested price.
SDG Components’s Allure offers hours of comfortable, pain-free riding, whether on road, gravel, trails, or traveling cross country. With a wide design, strategic cut-out, and full-foam padding, this saddle targets sit bone support while simultaneously relieving key soft tissue pressure. Additionally, the down-curved nose makes it easy to mount and dismount without snagging your shorts while the flat-forward platform encourages ample maneuverability during the ride. Sleek and anatomically-designed, this is another one that’s hard to beat for the price. 265 x 143mm.
Fizik Tempo Argo R5 Women’s Bicycle Saddle
https://www.fizik.com/us_en/tempo-argo-r5.html
Or find it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/2AWPxlq
$109 manufacturer suggested price.
This saddle was designed specifically so that the rider could maintain a single planted position over time. As opposed to alternative models that tend to encourage a cyclist to regularly shift position during a ride, the Argo R5 instead aims for more advanced weight distribution and increased stability, with a medically-inspired ergonomic cutout and extra padding in key areas around the sit bone, the saddle’s shorter length also permits the rider to lean forward comfortably and without undue pressure. The Argo is the Tempo endurance model, designed specifically for long-distance comfort. 150 or 160mm options available.
Specialized’s Women’s Power Comp Saddle with MIMIC
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/womens-power-comp-with-mimic/p/159199
$130 manufacturer suggested price.
With an array of proprietary engineering advances toward offering all-day comfort in any riding position, the Power Comp Saddle with MIMIC is designed to adapt to your individual body. Specialized’s patented body geometry technology encourages blood flow to particularly sensitive areas while working to limit soft tissue swelling, and the company’s Level II padding utilizes medium-density foam for additional targeted cushioning. The base of the saddle also boasts SWAT™-compatible mounts for convenient storage while out on the road. Available in in 144, 155, or 168mm.
ISM PR 1.0
https://shop-us.ismseat.com/collections/performance-saddles/products/pr-1-0
Or find it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3iYZcsW
$124.88 manufacturer suggested price.
Oriented for maximum comfort, ISM’s PR (Performance Recreation) 1.0 is equally ideal for hybrids as well as full-scale road, mountain, or racing/triathlon machines. A noseless saddle with more padding than typical ISM performance saddles, the PR 1.0 guarantees a soft ride while avoiding undue soft tissue pressure and promising maximum blood flow. 130 X 245mm.
Top Hybrid, Casual and Commuter Women’s Bike Saddles
In the market a somewhat larger saddle for more comfortable everyday riding, designed for hybrids and commuter bikes where you’re sitting upright?
Here are some additional options out there:
ISM’s Metro Women’s Bike Saddle
https://shop-us.ismseat.com/collections/comfort-saddles/products/metro
Or find it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/32iO9on
$99.88 manufacturer suggested price.
Don’t want to bother with those padded shorts as you ride around town? The Metro is ideal for anyone seeking a little more cushion without having too wide of a saddle and is perfect for cycling in a more upright position. A noseless saddle, this one is great for enjoying hybrid, spin, road, or commuting bikes.
Specialized’s Expedition Gel
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/expedition-gel/p/131517?color=220040-131517&searchText=27314-0510
$50 manufacturer suggested price.
The Expedition Gel is another saddle designed for relaxed, upright cycling around town. Engineered for casual and commuter transportation, this saddle’s spring base and extra padding help ensure a gentle, comfortable ride. Another great option for the price.
Terry’s Cite X Gel Saddle
$52.95 manufacturer suggested price
The Cite X Gel Saddle by Terry was made specifically for the upright, recreational rider. Great for those with lower back pain or who just prefer a little extra cushioning, this cutaway saddle also utilizes shock-absorbing elastomers designed to mitigate vibrations typically transferred to the spine. Also, it comes with a lovely flower design.
http://www.terrybicycles.com/Saddles/Womens-Recreational/Cite-X-Gel-Saddle_2
Or find it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/2OkNcUC
Did we miss your favorite women’s saddle, or do you love or hate one of these? Please leave a comment and let us know.
Which would you recommend tor no pressure on the sciatica ? Womens, med.?