Do you have a bad back? Or do you experience occasional back pain in the lower parts of the back after long rides?
If you answered yes to these questions, it’s time to consider getting a bike seat with back support…
The right bike seat with backrests provide your back with the correct geometry and set-up. This is exactly what you need for a non-strained posture.
In this article, I will tell you about what to look for in bike seats with backrests. And I’ll also include some recommendations for those of you who need bike seats with more support.
So let’s get right to it!
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In a Rush? Here are Our Top Picks
Who Needs a Bicycle Seat with Backrest?
If you have problems with your back, you will probably need a bike seat with backrest.
Although it’s not common to see bike seats with backrests, they are necessary, or at least advised, in many situations.
Here are the types of individuals who might need this kind of bike seat.
1. Lower Back Pain or Back Injury
Bike seats with back support are going to be necessary for people suffering from lower lumbar pain and injury.
A doctor may recommend the use of a saddle with backrest.
Whether you’ve had a back injury or the pain is just coming up due to unavoidable circumstances, the right bike seat with back support can help you ride without aggravating your injuries.
2. Old Age
Unless you are told by a doctor to use a backrest seat, young riders generally don’t like support on their bike seats. But for elderly people, this may be a wise decision.
People with the most back health problems are the elderly. This means that bike seats with support would benefit this demographic the most.
3. Overweight Riders
Weight comes with its own fair share of problems. And a bike seat with backrest will add that extra level of support for a comfortable ride.
You can imagine the pressure that’s being overweight exerts on the spine. This requires that your bike seat is not only has back support, but is also wide enough to support your weight. You can get some great recommendations and information about bike seats for overweight people here.
4. Carriers
Those whose job is to move around the town for extended periods as carriers may need the bike seat with backrest. This will offer more comfort especially when you start getting tired.
The seat will ensure that you maintain the correct posture all through the ride.
5. First Time Riders
If you are just starting out with riding, or are a younger rider, you might consider a saddle seat with backrest. It will give you more support on your body, and you can always remove it once you’ve outgrown the bike seat.
Best Bicycle Seats with Back Support Reviewed
1. SunLite Saddle Seat with Backrest
- Integrated adjustable backrest (9" max height)
- Fits on standard seatposts
The Sunlite Backrest Saddle seat with backrest can fit on most standard bicycle seat posts. The seat comes is ergonomic and lightweight and can be easily installed using a bike tool kit.
This saddle seat is wide and the backrest is cushioned for comfort. The seat features an adjustable backrest that can be positioned to accommodate different kinds of people.
It’s cushioning ensures that it’s long-lasting and comfortable, thanks to the vinyl padding. With the universal build fitting on most seat posts, expect the saddle to fit on many bikes, adult trikes, exercise cycles, etc.
2. Micargi Bike Seat with Backrest
The Micargi Bicycle Seat with backrest is a universal saddle that fits on most seat posts. The brown shaded saddle features little padding.
Which means that if you like extra cushioning you may be a bit disappointed in this seat.
Generally, the seat is large and comfy for the rider. So your buttocks and back won’t be embroiled in the mix of pain and pinch.
If you taller than 6 feet, you’d appreciate the far-placed backrest. The adjustable function applies to the height of the backrest – you won’t be able to change the position of the backrest towards the seat.
This bicycle seat can be used on a beach cruiser, chopper, BMX bike, and lowrider. Overall this is a solid choice is you are looking for a bike seat with backrest.
3. AlveyTech Deluxe Comfort Bike Seat with Backrest
- Comfortable – The AlveyTech oversized bike saddle seat provides riders with...
- High Quality – Not only is this seat and backrest covered in soft foam...
- Near Universal Compatibility – This saddle seat is compatible with almost any...
- Perfectly Sized – Coming in at 10-9/16” wide and 11-3/4” long, this seat...
- Deluxe Seat - The AlveyTech oversized bike saddle seat is equipped with dual...
The AlveyTech Deluxe Comfort bicycle seat with backrest is your choice if you want the maximum lumbar support. This is a great option in particular for long rides.
The material used on the seat is black vinyl, which excels in ease of cleaning and moisture repulsion.
Use it on your exercise bike or Pelaton, as long as you have a standard 7/8″ seat post. And if you want to relax a bit more, it is also ideal for a cruiser bike if you need a saddle seat with backrest for your leisurely.
4. Flying Horse Bicycle Seat – Best Bike Seat for Cruiser/Road Bikes with Back Support
- OVERSIZED DESIGN FOR ENHANCED COMFORT: The bike seat with backrest features an...
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION WITH BLACK FINISH: Crafted from high-quality materials,...
- RELIABLE BACK SUPPORT FOR LONG RIDES: One of the key features of this bike back...
- EASY TO INSTALL & ADJUST: Installing the big bike seat is a breeze, thanks to...
- STYLISH & FUNCTIONAL ADDITION TO YOUR BIKE: In addition to its practical...
The Flying Horse Bicycle Seat is one of the best on the market in terms of durability and ruggedness. You will attribute these features to the sturdy aluminum frame and the thorough PVC stitching.
The seat offers comfort and helps to eliminate the lumbar pain in victims. You will be able to install this seat effortlessly on different bike seat posts- especially on the cruiser and road bikes.
5. Monster Motion Bicycle Saddle Seat
Among the best bicycle seats with back support, this seat by Monster Motion comes with three things to note: a traditional design, traditional mounting, and compatibility to fit many seat posts.
The seat is wide and sturdy for comfort and safety. It also features a black vinyl cover that you won’t have to spend a lot of time to clean.
The Monster Motion Bicycle Saddle, however, needs some effort during installation. And the backrest, although fairly wide, isn’t adjustable.
For some, this rigidity is good for support.
How to Choose a Bicycle Seat with Backrest
Choosing the best bike seat with a backrest is not simple.
With the few options that you have on the market, you need to keep a few key aspects in mind when looking for a bike seat with backrest support.
- Saddle Seat with Backrest
For your saddle seat with backrest, you will need to think about a few things. Not only do you want one that is comfortable, but also wide enough to support your back.
The height should also be adequate enough to ensure you are seated in a good position. You want to make sure that the lumbar support is solid.
An added plus is a bicycle seat with backrest positioning that is adjustable. This makes it easy to make the type of small tweaks to your bike seat that go a long way in comfort.
Ensure that the bike seat and backrest are mostly upright and rigid. This will ensure that you will have support when it counts the most- when you go over bumps or hills.
- Cushioning
It goes without saying that bad cushioning on your bicycle seat can be bad for your comfort. Which means that checking on the suspensions and padding of the seat is important.
Not all bike seats come with suspensions and springs. In this situation, you can go with thick padding to compensate for the lack of suspension.
- Seat Width
Another aspect of comfort is the seat width. You should not gamble with a thin or narrow saddle as it can impact negatively on your comfort.
For overweight guys, a wide seat should be top on your priority list. There is nothing worse than having a bike seat that is not properly aligned with your sit bones.
More Considerations for Bike Seat with Backrest
- Bike Saddle Cover Material
Besides getting a wide bicycle seat with backrest, the cover material is another function to consider. Most saddles of the modern era use synthetic materials.
But, if you get leather covering, you can be sure of a high-quality, durable seat. And this is exactly what you want for a bicycle seat – to keep long.
- Mounting
Last and lost least, it’s great that you find a seat which is easy to mount. Most seats with backrests can be mounted as traditional saddles.
Also, you will find other models which would come with their own rigid frames for mounting.
Final Thoughts on Bicycle Seats with Bike Support
When searching for the best bicycle seats with back support, ensure that you consider the comfort and safety of the seat. Your seat should be wide enough and with proper cushioning and padding to ensure that your ride is smooth.
Remember the off-road environments are not the easiest to navigate. Do yourself a favor to have the best seat and enable your back to recover from any potential spinal issues.
Alex Mwangi is the creator of Outdoor Right and an outdoor enthusiast. During his free time he enjoys riding his road bike or traveling the world looking for his next adventure.