Riding your bike on a sunny Sunday morning might sound like a great plan. However, that beautiful idea can be ruined simply by an uncomfortable saddle. An inappropriate bike seat can lead to pain, chafing, and bruising. The good news is that you can do something to change that. In this article, we’ll guide you through to find the best bike saddles for women. We’ve rounded up some of the best products around, tested them thoroughly, and shared which ones we think will make the best women’s bike saddle for you.
Table of contents
- Ergon SM
- Terry Butterfly
- Fizik Luna
- WTB Deva
- Selle Italia Lady
- Fizik Luce
- ISM PN 3.1
- Prologo Scratch M5
- Ergon SR Pro
- Brooks B17S
- Fizik Tempo
- ISM PR 1.0
- Terry Cite
- How to Choose Best Bike Saddles for Women
- Why Do Women’s Bike Seats Have Holes?
- Why Do My Bones Hurt When Cycling?
- How Do I Know What Size Bike Saddle to Buy?
Ergon SM
13
As the name implies, Ergon focuses its energy and time on ensuring that each product is as ergonomic as possible. Ergon SM is one of the bike saddles for women that might provoke two opposing opinions. Regular cyclists will say this bike seat doesn’t look too sleek. But on the other hand, veteran riders will notice that it’s done on purpose to give you a proper fit.
Compared to a regular bike saddle for women, the SM has a bigger cut-out. If you had more generous soft tissue proportions, this would be a remarkable choice. Apart from that, the nose is shorter than most similar products. There are two different sizes to choose from. The S/M model is 143mm wide, while the M/L one is 155mm.
- What We Love:
- Perfect for riders with sensitive soft tissues
- Pros:
- Ergonomic shape
- Microfiber cover
- Nylon composite shell
- 2-year limited warranty
- Cons:
- Limited sizing options
Terry Butterfly
12
Terry Butterfly has a remarkable reputation as the best women’s bike saddle in the cycling community. This Chromoly bike seat comes with a wide rear and a narrow nose. It also has a precise cutout, making it suitable for riders with different physical attributes. The fact that the saddle comes with a fun print only makes it even more desirable.
From a price standpoint, the Terry Butterfly would make a great pick. A brand new unit won’t cost you more than 80 USD. And if you prefer the carbon version, you only need to add another 100 USD. Both models come with the same design, only differing in the material of the rails and the core.
And speaking of cycling, are there any mountain bikers here? Because we have a great article for you! Check out our best mountain bike pedals for some of the greatest alternatives and the best deals on the market today.
- What We Love:
- A versatile saddle with a wide rear, a narrow nose, and a fun print
- Pros:
- Gel pad
- Seamless top
- Dura-Tek
- Versatile
- Cons:
- Not recommended for long rides
Fizik Luna
11
Fizik Luna was released as a female-specific saddle. It’s made for riders who love intense adventures on mountain bikes. That’s why this bike seat features a stiff construction with carbon inside. Nevertheless, it’s still soft and flexible enough to suit your body profile.
Being one of the most recommended bike saddles for women on Amazon, the Luna comes in two different models. One is 145mm wide, while the other is 155mm. Both have more or less the same basic design and provide similar performance. Our only complaint is that the cover material isn’t that great. It tends to snag shorts on more intense maneuvers.
- What We Love:
- Carrying a stiffer construction, designed for more intense adventures on mountain bikes
- Pros:
- Wide sitting area
- Flexible strong anels
- Carbon rail
- Flex cover
- Cons:
- The cover material tends to snag shorts
WTB Deva
10
WTB Deva is the right choice for riders who don’t have a problem with soft tissue soreness. This female-focused bike seat promises more support around the sit bones area in the absence of a cut-out. Apart from that, the nose is slightly shorter than a regular bike saddle for women. And thanks to its flatter overall profile, this saddle is perfect for fast maneuvering.
At 145mm wide, the WTB Deva is a medium-sized best women’s bike saddle. Unfortunately, there are no alternative sizes available. So if you’re looking for something narrower or wider, we recommend looking at the other options. As for the price, the basic titanium model is offered at around 70 USD. Meanwhile, a slightly more upgraded version with steel/cromoly rails will cost you more than 20-40 USD.
- What We Love:
- Has a flat profile, suitable for a variety of fast maneuvers
- Pros:
- Generous padding
- Female-focused design
- Microfiber cover
- Universal fit
- Cons:
- It doesn’t get many reviews
Selle Italia Lady
9
If you think you’ve seen the Selle Italia SLR Lady Flow before, then you have a good observation. That’s because this composite saddle is a remodeled version of one of the brand’s most popular products. Compared to the male version, this bike seat comes with a wider back and a cutout.
Road bike owners will love the Lady Flow SLR because this bike seat is ultra-lightweight. Apart from that, this product is one of the lightest bike saddles for women around. It has a sleek design, allowing you to accelerate faster. If you prefer a large cutout, this durable bicycle seat will be perfect.
- What We Love:
- Ultralight saddle, perfect for riders who prefer a wider seat
- Pros:
- Flow anatomic cut-out
- Ultralight
- Extra padding
- Steel rails
- Cons:
- Not recommended for those with petite frames
Fizik Luce
8
Fizik Luce is designed to reduce thigh chafing. One of its main attractions is the taper, which is positioned toward the nose. This allows you to gain an extra range of motion. If you often suffer from thigh rub, this Microtex seat will be a remarkable choice.
Another reason to fall for Fizik Luce is the price. You can get these manganese saddles on a bargain, confirming to all the cyclists out there that paying more doesn’t always equal more comfort. And for those pursuing a lighter bike setup, there’s a carbon version available. It comes with the same design, only with much lighter rails.
- What We Love:
- Affordable saddle with a specific design to reduce thigh rub
- Pros:
- Made for women
- Carbon-reinforced nylon
- Microtex cover
- Manganese/carbon rail
- Cons:
- Not suitable for cruiser bikes
ISM PN 3.1
7
ISM PN3.1 is guaranteed to grab some attention thanks to its unusual noseless design. It’s specifically designed for cyclists who’re looking to stay in the ‘attack’ position throughout the ride. The absence of a nose and a central cutaway allows you to get support on the rear side without putting extra pressure on the soft tissues around your sensitive area.
Among the cycling community, ISM is a brand that needs no introduction. They’ve made some of the best bike saddles for women over the years. The PN series, which stands for Performance Narrow, is crafted for riders who prefer a more aggressive riding position. If you’re one of them, this Chromoly bike seat will be great.
And since we’re on the topic of cycling, why don’t you check out our best bike pedals with clips. Discover some of the best gear to get the most out of your bike’s potential!
- What We Love:
- Nose-less design, designed to help you be in a more aggressive position
- Pros:
- Super thigh clearance
- Tapered-edge mold design
- Great for fast riding
- Lightweight
- Cons:
- It’s not for everyone
Prologo Scratch M5
6
Finding the best women’s bike saddle can be tricky. The most common problem is having the nose part of the seat snag your cycling shorts. This situation will have you bouncing up and down on the saddle until it’s unsnagged. While this isn’t a big deal, it can be not very pleasant, especially in the long run.
Luckily, you can fix all these problems with Prologo Scratch M5. This unisex saddle has a unique four-section design and works well. It moves with the rider and feels just as comfortable as a bike seat with a central cut-out. With carbon rails, single-cell padding, and a perineal area system, you can easily spend 4-5 hours in this seat without straining your buttocks. Unfortunately, it’s only available in a 140mm wide model.
- What We Love:
- Unique four-section design and works well, eliminating pressure spikes and numbness
- Pros:
- Multi-sector system
- PAS channel
- Round shape
- Tirox seat rails
- Cons:
- Only available in one model
Ergon SR Pro
5
With a cutout channel that extends up to the seat’s nose, the Ergon SR Pro Carbon promises more comfort than a standard bike saddle for women. It’s not the most generously padded bike seat around, making it even less suitable for touring or long cycling trips. But if you’re looking forward to doing some short race session or time trial, this ergonomic seat will be remarkable.
You might’ve guessed from the name, and yes, this saddle features a carbon composite shell and carbon rails. This means that this bike seat is really light, great when you want to shed some weight from your current bike setup. And thanks to its wider nose, the SR Pro is better for the female pelvis. It takes the pressure off the front area, allowing the cyclist to focus on pedaling fully.
- What We Love:
- An ultra-lightweight saddle perfect for cyclists who prefer a ‘racier’ bike seat
- Pros:
- AirCell foam
- OrthoCell inlays
- Pressure-free comfort
- Wider nose
- Cons:
- Not ideal for long rides
Brooks B17S
4
Brooks B 17 S is one of the bike saddles for women to be reckoned with. This is basically a modified version of one of the brand’s most popular products. To accommodate the comfort of female cyclists, this women’s version has a wider and shorter rear.
The shiny leather cover will most likely feel weird on your skin. But don’t worry too much, after spending a couple of hours on it you’ll forget it’s there. In fact, this material helps reduce friction in several vital areas significantly. Our only complaint is that the B 17 S isn’t available in different widths. So if you happen to have broader sit bones, we suggest looking at other alternatives.
- What We Love:
- It has a shiny leather covering that helps reduce friction in vital areas
- Pros:
- Durable full-grain leather cover
- Steel rails
- Wide rear section
- Short length
- Cons:
- Only comes in black
Fizik Tempo
3
If you prefer to be in a single-planted position throughout your entire ride, Fizik Tempo is a bike saddle for women to get. This bike seat is designed in such a way so that the cyclist can maintain such a precise position for a long time. Compared to regular saddles, which allow users to change positions periodically, the Tempo offers even weight distribution and much better stability. It also has ample padding in important areas, including around your sit bones.
And thanks to its relatively short length, the Tempo allows you to sit a bit more forward without ruining your overall performance. And in case you’re still not too sure, this 150/160mm saddle is designed for endurance riding. So if you’re planning on going on a long cycling tour or trip, Tempo would be a great choice.
When it comes to the cycling experience, make sure that you only use the proper gear to get the best riding possible. For cruiser cyclists, don’t forget to check out our best commuter bike pedals!
- What We Love:
- Offers even weight distribution and better stability than regular bicycle saddles
- Pros:
- Carbon-reinforced nylon shell
- S-Alloy Rail
- Made for endurance
- Type 2 Foam
- Cons:
- The bottom doesn’t use a flat rail
ISM PR 1.0
2
The ISM PR 1.0 is basically the best women’s bike saddle that can do it all. Designed for optimal comfort, this synthetic saddle is suitable for hybrid, road, and mountain bikes. And just like all PR (performance recreation) series, this bike seat comes with a unique noseless design and has a bit more padding.
The PR 1.0 promises a significant increase in comfort when you ride. The surface design allows you to get decent performance while reducing excessive pressure on soft tissues and helping improve blood flow. Right now, the model you’re looking at has dimensions of 130x245mm, so that it might be more suitable for cyclists with smaller frames.
- What We Love:
- Unique noseless design and offers more padding to avoid excessive pressure on soft tissues
- Pros:
- Synthetic material
- Extra padding
- Nose design
- Outer foam
- Cons:
- The setup takes some time
Terry Cite
1
If you consider yourself a recreational rider, then the Terry Cite x Gel Saddle is one of the bike saddles for women that should be on your wishlist. This vinyl-top bike seat is made for cyclists who prefer to sit in a more upright position. Anyone with back problems or wanting extra support will find their comfort zone with this saddle.
Being a cutaway saddle, the Terry Cite X Gel Saddle also comes with shock-absorbing elastomers. They’re vital for cutting off the vibrations that are normally sent straight to your spine. And last but not least, this steel rail seat also features a lovely print design.
- What We Love:
- Promotes an upright sitting position, great for recreational riders
- Pros:
- Steel rail
- Vinyl top
- Made for recreational riders
- Sculpted foam
- Cons:
- Takes some time to get used to it
How to Choose Best Bike Saddles for Women
Finding a bike saddle for women can be a little tricky. That’s because each person has a different profile, body proportions, and riding style. It would be impossible to find a bike seat that works equally well for all cyclists. Your favorite saddle will probably be the worst for your best friend or partner.
To make your life easier, we’ve put together some tips for choosing the best women’s bike saddle. Keep reading to discover some of the crucial factors you might want to consider on a quest to find your bike saddle for women.
Style
First and foremost, make sure that you’re completely confident in your riding style and bike type. If you prefer a leaned-over position, a saddle with a wider cut-out will be perfect. On the other hand, if you’re more comfortable with a less aggressive style, you can try bike saddles for women with some extra padding.
Fittings
Still haven’t found the level of comfort you’re looking for, even after trying dozens of different saddles? Well, then maybe it’s time to get a professional bike fitting. Trust us; you’ll get a better idea of what’s actually causing the inconvenience, outside of design-related factors. Remember, the idea of the best women’s bike saddle can be different for each person. So don’t be shy about getting professional help if you continue to experience pain.
Talking about fittings, you also need to consider the same thing when looking for a cycling bib. And in case you’re not too sure which one to get, check out our best cycling bibs for women.
Price
When it comes to a bike saddle for women, the more you pay, the more aero and lighter the bike seat you get. That extra cash will give you a few seconds of advantage, which will be invaluable if you’re a time trialist or a professional athlete. However, if you’re a casual cyclist, any mid-range saddle will work just as well. Some other things that may skyrocket the price of a saddle are the core material and the rails. For example, a bike seat with a carbon inner will cost you more as it is lighter and performs better at absorbing shocks.
Why Do Women’s Bike Seats Have Holes?
The hole in the center of the seat serves to relieve pressure on sensitive tissues in the perineum. It also provides better ventilation and airflow. However, this kind of design takes some getting used to, and it’s definitely not for everyone.
Why Do My Bones Hurt When Cycling?
Most likely, it happened because you’re sitting in the wrong position. We recommend that you check your bike seat settings. See if it’s too low, too high, too forward, too backward, or even slightly tilted. Also, make sure that you can reach the handlebar easily, so you don’t easily have numbness around the arm area.
How Do I Know What Size Bike Saddle to Buy?
There are two important things you should consider. First, make sure the saddle is wide enough. Second, see if it has enough padding to support your sit bones. To get an accurate result, we recommend getting a professional fitting at your local bike shop.
Apart from that, think about how you’ll use the saddle, whether it’s for speed, endurance, or comfort. And if you’re looking for the latter, don’t forget to check out our best bike saddles for comfort.
