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Editor’s Note: On May 11, 2023, Peloton announced a recall of seat posts on original Bike models sold in the US since January 2018. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has additional information about the recall and how to obtain the replacement part here. Members are advised to cease riding until they receive the replacement part.

Throughout a ride on your Peloton or stationary bike from Amazon, you’re guaranteed to encounter a multitude of “hurts so good” sensations. Your triceps will ache as you power through a set of handlebar push-ups. Your heart rate will increase as you sprint. Your quadriceps will tremble as you increase the resistance to conquer a hill. And upon completion, you’ll ultimately feel even more resilient than before.

However, there’s one thing that can put a damper on your workout – it’s practically a pain in the posterior. Aching buttocks (likely caused by sore sit bones – the bony protrusions beneath your pelvis) from the rigid, undersized, or minimally cushioned seats that often accompany any stationary bike.

To simplify matters, begin by attaching a bike seat cushion to your Peloton (or any indoor bike for that matter), which can provide padding and reduce the impact on your rear end. Additionally, you can use these cushions on your road, folding, or mountain bike if you plan on taking your ride outdoors. (And if that still doesn’t solve the problem, follow the lead of this writer and explore a stationary bike specifically designed for comfort and stability.)

To give your buttocks the necessary support, browse these comfortable Peloton seat cushions that have all received approval from fellow members. (Don’t forget to add Peloton dumbbells to your shopping cart as well.)

The Champions

Top Choice: Domain Cycling Premium Bike Gel Seat Cushion Cover

Amazon

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Reasons We Like It: The supple gel inserts and flexible lycra material conform to the contour of your saddle.

It’s Important to Note: This is not suitable for wide bicycle seats.

Offered in vibrant fuchsia, fluorescent violet, and three other attention-grabbing hues, this Peloton seat cushion will inspire you to experience every energetic, 80s-inspired ride (and perhaps incorporate a blacklight into your workout area). The cushion features an elastic lycra exterior that easily envelops your bike’s seat and remains secure no matter how many times you rise from it. Additionally, it is fabricated from pliant silicone gel that conforms to your buttocks, ensuring a pain-free experience (especially during lengthy exercise sessions).

This Peloton bicycle cushion does have a tendency to slide slightly, even when tightened to the maximum extent. This distraction can lead to discomfort and distract you during your rides. It is also worth mentioning that this cushion is not suitable for wide bicycle seats.

Price at the time of publication: $40

Colors: 6 | Dimensions: 10.5″ x 7″ x 1″ | Material: Silicone and gel

Top Pick for Affordability: Zacro Gel Bike Seat Cover

Amazon

Reasons We Like It: It is designed with a pressure relief channel and a non-slip interior surface.

It’s Important to Note: You will need to tightly fasten the drawstring in order for this Peloton seat cushion to stay in place.

As the best-selling bike saddle on Amazon, this Zacro Peloton seat cushion has a lot of expectations to meet. And based on its features that prioritize comfort, it lives up to the hype. This bike accessory is crafted from soft gel to provide support for your gluteal muscles, is easy to install, and includes a water- and dust-resistant cover to maintain the pristine condition of your saddle. Additionally, it is unbelievably affordable, priced at under $20. The non-slip surface, combined with an additional strap, ensures that this Peloton bike cushion remains secure regardless of how frequently you dismount. We also appreciate that it comes in two sizes — small and wide — to accommodate various bike seat sizes.

If the Zacro has one drawback, it’s that you really have to tighten the drawstring to keep it in place. Take a few extra seconds before your ride to ensure that this seat cushion is secure, and you’ll be well on your way to a personal record.

Price at time of publish: $19

Colors: 4 | Dimensions: 11″ x 8″ x 1.2″ | Material: Polyester and gel

Easiest Installation: LuxoBike Exercise Bike Seat Cushion Cover

Amazon

Why We Like It: It’s extremely simple to set up this seat cushion on your bike.

It’s Worth Noting: The cushion may move around.

If you’re searching for a “set it and forget it” style of Peloton seat cushion, turn to this option. The cushion is made from a comfortable combination of silicone gel and memory foam and can be installed on your bike in just two simple steps. Additionally, it features a non-slip bottom that helps prevent it from sliding around while you ride (although it’s not foolproof — you may still experience some slippage).

Either way, the simplicity of installation makes this bike seat cushion an excellent choice if you also enjoy attending in-person spin classes or cycling at your local gym. You can easily store the LuxoBike seat cover in your gym bag, place it on top of any indoor cycling bike seat, and quickly remove it once your workout is finished.

Price at time of publish: $17

Colors: 3 | Dimensions: 11″ x 7″ x 1.5″ | Material: Silicone, gel, foam

Best Wide Cushion: Bikeroo Large Bike Seat Cushion

Amazon

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Why We Like It: This bike seat cushion is 10 inches wide and extremely comfortable.

It’s Worth Noting: It’s susceptible to pilling.

If you possess a broad bike seat (imagine: exceeding seven inches), this Peloton seat pad is definitely a intelligent addition to your home fitness center. The pad is slightly wider than other options available, which will offer your backside more support, and is crafted from a combination of conforming gel and soft foam. Even if you do not have a wide bike seat, the Bikeroo pad might be suitable: It is available in sizes slim, large, and extra-large. (The extra-large, just so you know, is one inch lengthier and one inch wider than the large.)

Regrettably, the polyester fabric appears susceptible to pilling. The fabric composition may be aggravating, despite the fact that this bike pad is inexpensive and easy to replace.

Price at time of publish: $18

Colors: 4 | Dimensions: 11″ x 10″ x 1″ | Material: Polyester and gel

Ideal for Indoor and Outdoor Cycling: Schwinn Comfort Bike Seat

Amazon

Reasons We Like It: The memory foam cushioning provides extra comfort at critical pressure points.

It’s Important to Note: This bike seat is designed for sport and road performance, not commuting or leisure riding.

This Peloton bike pad may originate from Schwinn, a prominent road bike manufacturer, but it functions perfectly fine on spin bikes, including the Peloton model. The Peloton bike pad is comprised of memory foam, which will aid in alleviating pressure on your backside during your ride, and comes with a lycra cover to prevent your perspiration from seeping into the seat.

Just be aware that the product page might be a little perplexing, particularly if you are not yet an advanced cyclist. Schwinn offers bike seat pads for cruisers (a relaxed bike that encourages an upright riding position), which might not be the most suitable option for your Peloton, as you ride in a bent-over position (which exerts pressure on different areas of your buttocks). Instead, opt for the ones labeled as “sport seat.”

Price at time of publish: $22

Colors: 1 | Dimensions: 9.65″ x 6.7″ x 1″ | Material: Memory foam

Excellent Ventilation: Cevapro Bike Saddle Cover

Amazon

Reasons We Like It: The mesh detailing provides additional airflow.

It’s Important to Note: It provides a snug fit on top of the bike seat.

This Peloton chair pad from Cevapro may appear straightforward, but it contains numerous advantageous features. The accessory has multiple layers of supportive memory foam and shock-absorbent gel, as well as a layer of lycra fabric to keep the seat moisture-free. To reduce the likelihood of developing swass (sweaty rear end), the bike pad is designed with a “breathing hole” that enhances air circulation. The pad will not slide out from beneath you when you stand up out of the saddle, either; it is equipped with anti-slip bumps and two slightly stretchy straps that keep the pad in place while you ride.

While this pad technically fits the Peloton bike seat, it is a snug fit. You may need to gently stretch the fabric to make it work. On the positive side, the tight fit means nothing moves or shifts during rides.

Price at the time of publication: $25

Colors: 2 | Dimensions: 11″ x 6.7″ x 1″ | Material: Foam, gel

How We Chose

After spending hours on our Pelotons and experiencing the discomfort to prove it, we conducted research on the most important features in a Peloton chair pad, searched for the top product options on Amazon, and supplemented this with previous interviews with Shape experts. Then, we thoroughly examined product details for hours to determine the cream of the crop before narrowing it down to these selections.

What to Understand About Peloton Chair Pads

If your standard Peloton chair pad is not sufficient, you are not alone. In fact, it is completely common to experience some discomfort down there after your initial few rides or after endurance rides—regardless of whether it is a Peloton vs. NordicTrack bike. However, just because it is common does not mean it is normal, says Lauren Streicher, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist and clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. If you have attempted to adjust your seat and are still experiencing discomfort, it is time to try a cushioned bike pad, she advises. Peloton chair pads are typically easy to slide onto and off of your existing bike seat, and they are made of soft, flexible materials such as silicone gel or lycra. They may also include anti-slip traction on the inside to keep the pad in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I determine if I require a Peloton chair pad?

  The moment you feel pain after a Peloton ride, it is time to make a change. “Pain is never normal.

  It’s your physique indicating to you to cease engaging in something, expresses Dr. Streicher. If you’ve attempted modifying your seat and your handlebars, or you don’t find pleasure in wearing cushioned cycling shorts, a Peloton seat padding might be suitable for you.

  • What is the size of a Peloton seat cushion?

  • Bike seat cushions of standard size will fit the cycling seat included with your Peloton. If you have replaced the original seat, make sure to measure your existing bike seat before purchasing. It should be approximately seven inches wide. Buy a Peloton seat cushion that matches those specifications. Be cautious not to buy a wide bike seat cushion unless you have a wide bike seat, which would be around ten inches wide. Otherwise, it will be too large and prone to slipping.

  Why Have Confidence in Shape

  Megan Falk specializes in covering fitness equipment, workout advice, different fitness methods, current exercise trends, and more. Previously, she worked as an editorial assistant at Shape, reporting on food trends and nutrition, sustainability, well-being, and beauty, among other topics. She is presently in the process of obtaining her certification as a personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise. Additionally, she contributed to the development and production of Shape’s inaugural Best in Fitness Awards, where nominees and winners were chosen across almost 170 categories.

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