Many Peloton users complain that their Peloton seat hurts, especially those new to the equipment.
Sometimes that’s just because you often ride your Peloton bike for longer at home than you would in a spin class, but it’s still helpful to know how to make the Peloton seat more comfortable.
If your Peloton seat hurts, you may be put off riding, as it makes your sessions less enjoyable.
Luckily, your backside doesn’t have to suffer when you ride your Peloton. There are several proactive things you can do to remedy this unfortunate characteristic.
In this article, we’ll be covering:
- How To Make The Peloton Seat More Comfortable In 4 Steps
- How To Sit On The Peloton Seat Properly
- What To Wear To Make The Peloton Seat More Comfortable
- Peloton Seat Cushions
Ready to get comfy on your Peloton seat?
Let’s get started!
How To Make The Peloton Seat More Comfortable In 4 Steps
When someone complains that their Peloton seat hurts, there is a good chance that they haven’t set their seat up correctly. So the first thing to do is check the seat and alter its position accordingly.
You can adjust the seat both vertically and horizontally to fine-tune it for your body’s dimensions.
#1. Adjusting Your Peloton Seat Height
The first thing to do is set your seat to the correct height. You should be able to sit on the seat and still have a slight bend in your knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke, just like on a regular bike.
If your toes drop at the bottom of the pedal stroke, you’ve set your saddle too high, which creates extra pressure on your seat.
You’ll see numbers on your Peloton’s seat post, ranging from 0 to 26. Use these numbers as a reference point for future adjustments.
Adjusting your Peloton’s seat height is very simple. All you need to do is turn the lever located under the seat to the left. Then manually move the seat to the appropriate height.
To get a starting point for your seat height, stand next to your Peloton and align the seat with your hip bone. Then turn the handle to the right to lock the position.
#2. Adjusting Your Peloton Seat Position
If your Peloton seat hurts, you may have your seat too far backward. This will cause additional pressure on your perineum as you pedal. Additionally, you may feel that you have to stretch when your hands are on the handlebars.
You’ll notice that you can slide the seat forwards to the A position and backward to the J position. Again, use these markings as a reference point.
You could start with your seat in the middle setting and try different positions until you are comfortable. Alternatively, you can establish a starting point by placing your elbow on the front of the seat. Then slide the seat forwards until you can touch the handlebars with your fingertips.
It’s a good idea to make a note of your perfect seat positions, especially if several people in your household ride your Peloton bike.
#3. How To Level Your Peloton Seat
A saddle that is tilted up or down is a common reason why a Peloton seat hurts. If your saddle isn’t level, it will cause unwanted pressure on soft tissue.
It’s very simple to level your Peloton seat. All you need is an adjustable wrench and a spirit level. If you don’t have a spirit level, you can download an app for your smartphone.
Loosen off the nut and bolt under the seat, just enough for you to easily move it with your hand. Check that the seat is level and retighten the nut and bolt.
#4. Consider Peloton’s Bike Fitting Service
If you struggle to get the optimum Peloton seat position, you can book a bike fitting appointment. This is one of Peloton’s services where an expert will talk you through the process of setting your Peloton up perfectly.
All you need to do before your appointment is to film yourself riding your Peloton. You can choose to have a virtual bike fitting appointment or go to a local store.
How To Sit On The Peloton Seat Properly
If you find that your Peloton seat hurts, you may be sitting too far forward on it. When you do this, your private parts are pushed into the front of the saddle, which is pretty skinny, making the pain worse.
When you take part in a Peloton class, pay attention to the directions from the instructors. They will often tell you to put your backside on the seat’s widest part.
This is not to say that your bum should be as far back as possible. But, you should be able to feel your sit bones towards the rear of the seat.
What To Wear To Make The Peloton Seat More Comfortable
If your Peloton seat hurts after all this tweaking, you may need to consider what you’re wearing.
Investing in a pair of padded cycling shorts will go a long way to making your Peloton session more comfortable. You can buy padded cycling shorts in a range of thicknesses and lengths.
It is also worth noting that you should go commando under padded cycling shorts. Not wearing underwear will reduce friction between the saddle and you, as there is one less layer rubbing away while you pedal.
Additionally, you can apply a layer of chamois cream, which is another weapon in a cyclist’s arsenal for reducing friction. The best chamois creams have antibacterial properties.
Peloton Seat Cushions
The next potential solution to make your Peloton seat more comfortable is with Peloton seat cushions.
Peloton seat cushions just slip over your seat to provide extra padding and comfort. They help you concentrate on your session, as they can relieve common discomfort.
Here are 5 of the best Peloton seat cushions.
#1. Bikeroo Padded Gel Cushion
The Bikeroo Padded Gel Cushion is an excellent choice, as it is a very well-priced way of enhancing comfort on your Peloton.
Its ergonomic design improves on the standard Peloton seat, using extra-thick gel padding. But it is still firm enough to provide excellent support, while the oversized fit provides cushioning at the sides.
The gel used in this cushion doesn’t retain heat, and the inside features anti-slip material, so it stays in place as you pedal. To enhance the cushion’s security, Bikerroo has included adjustable drawstrings and robust straps to fasten it to the seat.
The outer shell of the cushion is water-resistant, so it will stay dry while you work up a sweat. But this also means you can use it on your regular bike on soggy days.
#2. Zacro Gel Bike Seat Cover
This gel bike seat cover from Zacro is ideal if you have multiple peloton riders in your household. With its easy-to-use velcro straps and drawstring, you can quickly cover the seat and remove it.
Zacro has used a water-resistant material to cover the super-comfortable gel cushion. The gel cushion itself provides supportive padding while not retaining as much heat as a memory foam bike seat cushion.
#3. Schwinn Comfort Bike Seat Cover
Some people find that when their Peloton seat hurts, a memory foam bike seat cover suits them perfectly. The Schwinn Comfort Bike Seat Cover is compatible with Peloton seats, and the ergonomic design reduces pressure on sensitive areas.
It features an open-air channel to improve airflow and comfort. But bear in mind that memory foam holds heat more than gel, so if you are concerned about temperature, you may want to try the Zacro cover above.
#4. Bikeroo Extra-Wide Bike Seat Cushion
Narrow bike seats are not for everyone, as wider ones simply suit some riders’ anatomy and preferences better. This is where the Bikeroo Extra-Wide Bike Seat Cushion comes in handy.
This cushion measures 10 inches wide, which gives you an extra 3 inches over the standard Peloton seat. Therefore, if you prefer a wider bike seat or require more cushioning, this is a great option.
The cushion is made from gel, which should keep you a little cooler than a memory foam cushion, especially at this extra-large size.
Larger bike seat covers are prone to slipping, but Bikeroo has used an anti-slip material to keep it firmly in place.
#5. Fitivate Peloton Bike Seat Cover
If your workout space gets pretty warm, you may want to look at peloton seat cushions with good ventilation. This one from Fitivate has a small recess that provides maximum airflow to keep you cool.
Fitivate has designed this cover with a silicone gel layer covering a hollowed-out center. The combination gives you lots of padding without retaining too much heat.
Time To Get Back In The Saddle!
Now that you have some practical ways to make your peloton seat more comfortable, it’s time to hit the (virtual) road again!
Your comfort is important, as you are more likely to use your Peloton if you don’t have to suffer from a sore behind for days after using it. If your Peloton seat hurts, you can use any of the methods above – or a combination of them – to create a more comfortable ride.
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