The body of a male is structurally different from that of a female. This is reflected in the different types of clothes worn by women and men. These differences are also reflected in bicycle saddles. So if you are buying a bicycle or a looking for saddle replacement and have to make a choice, pay attention to your body structure (geometry and posture in relation to the bicycle’s handlebars and saddle), as well as where your body contacts the saddle, so that you get the best saddle that will not only be comfortable to ride on but also help you avoid injury.

Definitions

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Women’s bicycles are fitted with shorter and wider saddles because they have a wider pelvis while men’s saddles are fitted with longer and narrower saddles.

Comparison Chart

Men’s vs Women’s Bike Seats

What is the difference between Men’s and Women’s Bike Seats? The difference is based on their structural design, i.e. width and length.

• Because of the differences in the structural bodies of men and women, bicycle saddles must reflect these differences.  A man’s seat is usually narrow and long, while that of a woman is wide and short. A woman’s seat is wide to reflect their generally wide hips. Women have their pelvic bones set wider apart than men, hence the wide seats. A major concern for both men and women is too much pressure that can affect the flow of blood to the genitals. This means that the design of a seat is important.
• However, there are unisex seats in the market which can be used by both women and men. These seats are widely used in most fashions of bicycles, especially those for hire or intended for use for a short period of time. Also, taller women tend to fit on men’s bike seats and shorter men often prefer women’s seats as their posture on the bicycle tends to be similar.
• Women ride differently from men. So if you are looking for a seat that you intend to use for a considerable period of time, it is advisable that you look for a gender sensitive one that fits to avoid injury to your pelvic area and bones. If, however, you are using the bicycle for a short period(s), you can go for a unisex seat. The best way to judge a seat, whether made for men or women, is to see if they are well padded. A good seat should have a comfortable gel pad, with a nice cut-out at the center set lower than the rest of the seat in order to help reduce pressure on the genital area.