A bicycle seat, unlike a

bicycle saddle A bicycle saddle, often called a bicycle seat, is one of five contact points on an upright bicycle, the others being the two pedals and the two handles on the handlebars. (A bicycle seat in the specific sense also supports the back.) The bicyc ...

, is designed to support the rider's buttocks and back, usually in a semi-reclined position.

Arthur Garford Arthur Lovett Garford (August 4, 1858 – January 23, 1933) was a noted industrialist, inventor, and politician. Today, Garford's home serves as the Hickories Museum and home of the Lorain County Historical Society. Biography Garford was born o ...

is credited with inventing the padded bicycle seat in 1892, and they are now usually found on

recumbent bicycle A recumbent bicycle is a bicycle that places the rider in a laid-back reclining position. Most recumbent riders choose this type of design for ergonomic reasons: the rider's weight is distributed comfortably over a larger area, supported by ba ...

s. Bicycle seats come in three main styles; mesh, hardshell and combination

Seat types

Mesh

A typical mesh seat consists of a metal frame with mesh stretched over it and secured with adjustable straps, zip ties, string or shock cord.

Hardshell

Hardshell seats are normally made of a composite material such as GRP or carbon fibre although metal and wood versions do exist. A hardshell seat is normally covered with some-form of padding, this is usually closed or open cell foam although some extreme racing machines do not have any padding on the seat to reduce weight and increase efficiency. Hardshell seats are generally used at more reclined angles than mesh seats. Some riders complain of excessive road noise vibrating through the hardshell seat. Also, the hardshell seat is "closed", providing no ventilation, which may cause excessive sweat to build up on the cyclist's back on hot days.

Combination

A combination seat has a padded hard seat base with a mesh back.

Seat types

Mesh

Hardshell

Combination

See also