We tested everything from gel and memory-foam cushions to sheepskin covers and made note of how well they worked in comparison to an uncovered saddle. We even tested a pair of padded bike shorts, just to see how well these could work as an alternative. In the end, choosing the right cover will come down to personal preference. Other factors like the size of your saddle, and whether you’re a seasoned pro or not, will come into play, so you may have to try out a few before you find the right model for you. Whatever you decide though, we can attest that any one of these covers will make for a far more pleasant ride – minus the bruises. Christmas cushions are great home accessories, as they can be used year after year and there are already a huge range of both ready stuffed and cushion covers available for you to choose from this year. Whether you're planning to keep your Christmas decor traditional or hope to make your home feel like a winter wonderland, there is a Christmas cushion to suit any colour scheme.

We so nearly put this seat as our best buy – it was only its size that pushed it from pole position. The Daway bike seat is approximately 27cm wide – by far the widest seat we tested – which meant there was no chance it was fitting on our narrow mountain bike seat, so it lost points for versatility. However, for our home exercise bike and spin sessions, it was ideal. When riding it is important to ensure that there is some kind of padding or cushioning to help you feel a little more comfortable while sitting on the very small surface area of your mountain bike seat.

And if you’re just getting into mountain bike riding and starting on city streets, then gel-based saddle cushions are the sensible decision. This is because gel-based saddle cushions are treated as introductory saddles and provide the best initial comfort. Your sit bones are crucial to maintaining your weight pressure, so it’s important to know how to choose the best mountain bike saddle cushion for maximum pressure reduction as this article from the Medicine and Science in Sports Exercise Journal explains. Our guide that provides easy steps for improving mountain bike saddle comfort could also be a handy reference. From contemporary Christmas cushions to personalised covers and novelty designs, there's something for everyone in our shopping guide. We've also selected a handful of Christmas cushions that feature more playful designs, making them the perfect addition to a child's bedroom this December. XC riding has two key focuses: distance and speed. Having the right saddle cushioning can help you manage both factors of cross-country riding as discussed in this article from the Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences explains. Another thing you are likely to encounter when deciding on the right mountain bike saddle cushion is how light the modern cross-country mountain bikes are. If you would like to know more about the materials that mountain bikes are made from have a look at our article that looks at carbon mountain bikes vs. aluminum and which will be best for you.

You should look into other options like padded bike shorts for maximum comfort on a long ride as suggested by this survey conducted by the Dokuz Eylül University. Padded shorts like these are a popular choice for cyclists needing some extra padding. We also suggest that you take a look at our article that lists mountain bike armor names and our mountain bike armor pieces guide so that you know what other protective clothing is available. Step-by-step instructions on how to make a mountain pillow with a free pattern. Bring the spirit of the great outdoors to your home decor in a fun, creative wayAnd if you ride a lot in rainy conditions, avoid leather seat covers. These are easily damaged in the rain and rain protection doesn’t always work with them. 3. Nylon or Silicone Seat Cushions for Snow and Heavy Winter Conditions Gel-based mountain bike saddle cushions are perfect for molding to your bodies, providing ultimate support. As city bike riding is not as tiring, the gel from the saddle cushions is not at a high risk of displacement. This article from the Journal of Sports and Exercise medicine explains that when riding your mountain bike on city streets, it is unlikely that you will need much padding on your mountain bike saddle cushion. Choosing the right mountain bike saddle cushion for your mountain bike rides is essential. First, identify what you need based on where you live and your physical attributes, and then choose the best possible saddle cushion to cater to those needs. From the exhilarating thrill of skiing and snowboarding down the snow-covered Alps to the breathtaking beauty of the Norwegian fjords where the sea meets the mountains, we find a unique joy in the rugged charm of high-altitude landscapes. XC riders need a foam cushion for support with distance and speed. Image Source: Red Bull. 3. Gel-Based Saddle Cushions for Riding on City Streets