The design and fit of a bike's seat -- technically known in biking terms as a "saddle" -- is often overlooked, but it can be especially important for overweight bicycle riders. If you're packing extra pounds, you want a seat design that's padded for extra comfort and also provides extra width for greater support. With dozens of bicycle seats available, it can be hard to find the best seat for your money. Thankfully, biking experts have tested and reviewed the countless seats on the market so you don't have to, identifying the exact seats that give the best performance.
Prologo Scratch Pro Nack
Prolongo's professional saddle earned top marks from BikeRadar.com -- four stars out of the site's five star rating scheme. The reviewer, from "Cycling Plus" magazine, said that it offered "greater comfort for heavier riders" thanks to extra padding in the nose and a more rounded, gentle shape. But all that extra padding doesn't add much to the saddle's overall weight thanks to the use of injected carbon fiber, which improves strength and support without creating excessive weight. In the end, that creates "a high level of comfort without sacrificing a racing spec."
Fizik Arione Versus
Fizik's saddle was one of 2010's best products, according to "Bicycling" magazine who handed it a "Gear of the Day" award. The editors report that it combines features from three of the manufacturer's most popular saddles. Design components that overweight riders will fall in love with include extra padding -- the magazine says the manufacturer "built up the foam a bit" to help relieve pressure and stress -- plus a maximum surface area for greater support of your backside. In contrast, many other bikes have very narrow designs with gaps down the middle which can prove uncomfortable for larger riders. In the end, the magazine concludes that the manufacturer may have just created the "perfect throne."
Selle San Marco Zoncolan
Selle's saddle was one of the highest rated saddles of all time on BikeRadar.com -- it won 4.5 stars out of five. The site's editors note that it comes in numerous sizes for every body weight on the market, noting that it "really will suit just about anyone." Heavier riders who are intimidated by the narrower back piece will find that the carbon-reinforced frame won't just hold them up, but will also provide a level of forgiveness support as it naturally spreads out to create a wider form factor.
Fizik Vesta
Women have specific biomechanics that are different from men, including a different bone structure that requires support in different areas of the saddle. Fizik's female-focused saddle, winner of a "Gear of the Day" award from "Bicycling" magazine, takes all that into account. The magazine loved its wider profile, which heavier cyclists will like, plus a channel down the middle that relieves any excess pressure that your overweight frame my feel. Plus, the magazine notes that the manufacturer added extra padding to the nose area, which helps keep heavier riders comfy when they're leaning forward.
Member Comments