Your saddle can make a huge difference when comes to overall comfort on your bike. Most beach cruisers typically use a wider, more cushioned seat since there is less emphasis on pedaling and riding distance.
Having a comfortable cruiser saddle is essential for a good riding experience. Here are a few types of saddles to consider when purchasing your first one.
Gender specific saddles
You can get cruisers saddles for men or cruiser saddles for women. What is the difference between these two gender-specific seats?
Men’s saddles typically consist of less cushion and have a reduced horn in the front. Women’s saddles typically contain more cushion and have a wider profile.
Dual padded saddle
This type of saddle is designed with two cushions, one for each butt cheek. Not only do they help with prostate issues but also serve as an excellent option if you have a larger body frame and size. The extra support is convenient for accommodating longer rides.
If your prostate is making you feel uncomfortable then try sitting on this dual padded bike seat I found on Amazon, which should help ease your pain. This type of seat is one of the best bike seats for an enlarged prostate because it will help relieve pressure and increase blood flow.
Beach cruiser saddle with backrest
Some people may need extra back support when riding. So if you are looking for a comfortable seat that will reinforce your lower back, I found this Sunlite backrest saddle at an affordable price on Amazon. It will certainly upgrade your cruiser and allow you to ride in more comfort.
Inflatable seats
Air-filled saddles can provide amazing comfort because it is designed to fit your body. When you sit on these types of saddles it will conform to the shape of your bottom side.
To give you a better idea of what one of these seats looks like, check out this high-quality inflatable bicycle seat on Amazon. The only downside to these types of seats is that you will have to refill with air every so often.
Gel foam saddles
You will love gel foam saddles because they are the perfect combination of support and comfort. They mold to the shape of your bum but also provide excellent stability.
These types of saddles are very durable and typically have a long lifespan because the gel enables this saddle to preserve the shape of the seat. If you are interested in this type of saddle then get the Schwinn wide gel comfort saddle. It is one of the best you can find on Amazon and is surprisingly very affordable.
Leather cruiser saddle
Leather cruiser bike seats are super durable and will make your ride very comfortable. Plus, this type of saddle provides a classy, clean image for your cruiser. I found this leather saddle on Amazon with triple coil springs for maximum comfort. It is perfect for upright riding and has a vintage design.
What is the most Comfortable beach cruiser seat?
The biomechanics of the cruiser saddle is fairly involved and can impact the comfort of your ride. The 3 most important features to consider when purchasing a saddle are the width, length, and contour.
Width
People will feel discomfort if they experience asymmetrical saddle sores. This is a result of the saddle either being too wide or too narrow. Riders may also experience chafing of the inner thighs if the saddle seat is too wide when cruising long distances.
Rule of thumb: Make sure you have a saddle that is directly proportional the width of your sit bones. For maximum comfort, it is best to have a saddle that is wider than your sit bones. Anything narrower will cause too much discomfort.
The radius of the saddle curve is also something to consider regarding the width of the seat. If there is more curvature there is less of a chance of saddle interference while pedaling. If there is less of a radius, your inner thighs may rub against the seat while pedaling causing you to chafe.
Length
The length of the saddle impacts the angle of your back when riding. Shorter saddle length will cause your hips to roll forward and reduce the pressure on soft tissue.
The length of your saddle will affect your overall reach and drop to the handlebars. The type of handlebars you get will additionally affect your posture. I dedicated an entire page that discusses every type of cruise handlebar and which ones are the best for your style of riding.
Contour
The contour of the saddle involves can be observed in 2 different ways.
- Front-to-Back
- Side-to-Side
A curved saddle will allow the rider to settle down into the seat while a flatter saddle enables you to adjust your positioning easily. A highly contoured saddle will help you really lock your sit bones into position.
A dip in the front-to-back contour of the seat is typically best for upright riders who are planning to take long rides. Furthermore, a dip in the profile of the saddle is also best for upright riding.
The curvature designed into the structure of the saddle can help to balance your pelvis. Be aware that too much curvature could actually increase pressure in that area.
A flatter saddle will be more comfortable if you find yourself constantly adjusting your seat. This type of saddle provides a more consistent feel regardless of the position of your body. This seat contour is excellent for a forward lean.
The amount of contour your seat needs depends on how comfortable you are in certain riding positions. Some like to be tall and upright, which calls for a flatter seat. Others prefer to remain in a long, low position, which calls for more of a concave shape.
Saddle Material
The type of material that is used to manufacture your cruiser saddle can impact the overall durability and lifespan. Carbon-made saddle shells are light and excellent absorbers. However, carbon shells are more stiff than plastic shells, which means less give and flexibility.
If you decide to get a carbon saddle, note that carbon rails will require an extra seat post clamp for proper fitting. In regards to purchasing rails, titanium rails are lighter than steel rails but steel rails are more durable.
Why are there channels in bike seats?
They are designed to relieve pressure in the pelvis region for both men and women. However, the cutouts or channels in a cruiser seat may improve or worsen your riding experience. Whether or not this saddle design will help you can’t be determined unless you actually try sitting on it.
Should you get a saddle with excess padding?
You might think that additional padding equates to more comfort. However, this can be a double-edged sword. While additional padding may be comfortable for some, the extra layers of the squishiness can increase pressure for others.
When your sit bones sink into extra padding, more pressure is placed on your pelvis, which can lead to discomfort. So if you intend to ride a lot for long distances then get a saddle with thinner padding.