Bike Saddle Buyer’s Guide

Your bike saddle plays a big part in how comfortable and enjoyable your rides are. The right one can reduce pressure, improve posture, and make cycling much more fun — whether you’re commuting, hitting the mountain trails, or going for long-distance road rides.

In this guide, we’ve pulled together the main saddle types, so when it comes to buying the perfect one for your riding style, you’ll have everything you need to know at your fingertips.

Riding Style

Think about what you use your bike for the most — commuting, mountain biking, road racing, or short-distance leisure and fitness rides.

Riding Position

If you usually ride in an upright position, choose a wider saddle to support your body weight. If you tend to lean forward, a narrower saddle will improve aerodynamics.

Padding Preference

Your riding style influences how much padding you need. For short, leisurely rides, more padding provides extra comfort. Competitive riders in time trials or road races typically prefer less padding for efficiency.

Test & Adjust

Testing and adjusting your saddle ensures comfort, improves pedalling efficiency, prevents strain or injury, and keeps you safe. Mountain bikers may prefer a slightly nose-down saddle for balance on climbs and descents, while leisure riders often find a level saddle most comfortable.

Types of Bike Saddles

Comfort Saddles

Comfort saddles are wide and padded for relaxed, upright riding, making them perfect for casual or leisure cycling — ideal if you have a hybrid bike.

Selle Royal Rio Videogel Relaxed Saddle

The Rio comfort saddle is an ideal everyday option for both men and women. Selle Royal saddles are ergonomically designed to accommodate all ischial bone widths, guaranteeing pressure relief in soft tissue areas. The Royalgel™ padding also provides ultimate comfort.

Performance Saddles

Performance saddles are slim, lightweight, and have less padding than comfort saddles. Designed for speed and efficiency, they’re ideal for road cyclists and racers.

Selle Royal Rio Videogel Athletic Saddle

The Selle Royal Rio Athletic Saddle features an indent down the middle to mirror the body’s natural contours. It offers targeted pressure relief in soft tissue areas while providing enhanced support in the ischial region, keeping you comfortable and competitive on long rides.

Mountain Bike Saddles

Mountain bike saddles are typically more durable and slightly wider than performance saddles. Built for rough terrain, they’re shaped to give riders control when shifting body weight on climbs and descents.

Selle Royal Essenza Moderate Saddle

Designed with a specially engineered base for smooth, stable rides across all terrains, the Essenza is the perfect sustainable companion for outdoor adventures. It’s also water-resistant and fully sealed, keeping you dry and comfortable even in heavy rain.

Gel & Memory Foam Saddles

Gel and memory foam saddles provide excellent cushioning for maximum comfort. They’re perfect for leisurely rides, riders needing extra support, or those returning to cycling after a break.

Selle Royal Rio Videogel Moderate Saddle

This saddle features best-in-class Royalgel™ padding. Durable and versatile, it absorbs pressure and evenly distributes it across the seat, providing comfort on both long and short rides — ideal for riders who prioritise comfort.

Cut-Out Saddles

Cut-out saddles relieve pressure on the coccyx and lower back, making them ideal for long rides. They’re also popular with mountain bikers and trail riders who spend hours on woodland routes.

Prologo Akero R PAS 150mm Saddle Black

The Prologo Akero is a high-performance saddle designed for cyclists who ride for enjoyment and wellbeing. Its Perineal Area System — a central cut-out — reduces pressure points. Suitable for both urban routes and light off-roading, this eco-friendly saddle is made from partially recycled materials.

Fitting Service

Here at Halfords, we offer an expert accessory fitting service from just £5. By letting an expert handle it, you won’t run the risk of fitting the saddle incorrectly or causing it damage, meaning you can ride away with extra peace of mind.

If you’re still unsure which bike saddle is right for you, visit your local Halfords store, where one of our friendly experts will be happy to help you find the best option for you and your bike.