New bike seat - can anyone recommend one?

BS Dave · 15 Aug 2025 at 12:33

I've torn up my meniscus badly on my left leg, so running and a lot of other sports are now out of the question for me, but cycling I can do. I'm getting some shorter cranks to reduce the angle me knees need to bend, but as I'll hopefully be spending more time in the saddle wondered about getting a more comfortable one.

I don't wear padded shorts - so want something on the softer side, maybe something a bit wider, and something that accommodates an aging guys physiology... (something with a dip in the middle??)

I'll be commuting (only about 7 miles each way), but then hopefully adding a loop or 2 of regents park on the way home to get my miles up...

I did a search for seat before posting this, but then realised there might be a thread under 'saddle' if there is, apologies.

Don't really want spend more than £100, less if possible.

Thanks in advance

ElliorR · 15 Aug 2025 at 12:36

I commute 10 miles each way and I bought this seat. I find it comfortable enough without padded shorts on.

Junglist · 15 Aug 2025 at 12:58

Padded bibs/shorts will be better than a big plushy saddle.

Sit on some tinfoil on a step and measure you sit bones have created an indentation and find one that fits that dimension.

UTmaniac · 15 Aug 2025 at 13:13

Selle SMP saddle variant, those weird looking beaky ones, but super comfy when setup right for you.

You will probably want the front peak ~11mm lower than the rear peak.

BS Dave · 15 Aug 2025 at 15:57

UTmaniac said:
Selle SMP saddle variant, those weird looking beaky ones, but super comfy when setup right for you.

You will probably want the front peak ~11mm lower than the rear peak.

Thanks for this. I'm tempted by a Well Gel - there seem to be some good deals...

BS Dave · 15 Aug 2025 at 15:58

Junglist said:
Padded bibs/shorts will be better than a big plushy saddle.

Sit on some tinfoil on a step and measure you sit bones have created an indentation and find one that fits that dimension.

A step like my stairs at home (with carpet?) - from the middle of each indent? I know I could google a video, but it's always nice to get it from the horses mouth!!

Junglist · 15 Aug 2025 at 19:03

BS Dave said:
A step like my stairs at home (with carpet?) - from the middle of each indent? I know I could google a video, but it's always nice to get it from the horses mouth!!

Yep! Probably have better luck putting some cardboard or a book beneath your rump though

arknor · 16 Aug 2025 at 16:11

BS Dave said:
Don't really want spend more than £100, less if possible.

Ergon ones are really good but in the upper end of your budget (cheapest is £80 although you can probably find deals) , expensive but some of their saddles are endorsed by some medical groups in Germany

Saddle Selector · Ergon Bike

Ergonomic products for cyclists.

www.ergonbike.com

I've sat on mine for 2-3 hours on leisure rides with only a few short stops and never had any issues at all.

had it about 2 years but only done 1400miles on it so far, still looks and feels as it did when new, no compacted parts of the saddle at all from my weight. (100kg btw)