Padded Saddles Suck. Padded Shorts Rock.

I once bought a couch so soft it felt like sitting on a marshmallow. Thought I was living the dream. Three months later, my back was ruined, and I had to lie on the floor like some tragic figure from a Russian novel. That’s when I learned: Too much comfort is a trap.

Same goes for cycling.

You think a big, cushiony saddle will cradle your delicate behind like a mother’s embrace. But no. That fluffy monstrosity is plotting against you. It’s betrayal in gel form.

Want real comfort? Ditch the padded saddle. Get yourself some good padded shorts. Here’s why.

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1. Your Butt Moves. The Saddle Doesn’t.

Your legs are pedaling. Your glutes are flexing. Your whole lower body is in constant motion. But your saddle? It’s just sitting there, dead weight, unmoving. This is why padding works better in your shorts—because it moves with you. A padded saddle, on the other hand, just rubs against you like a sandpapered betrayal.

2. Chafing: The Hell You Didn’t Expect.

Imagine a long ride. You’re feeling great—until suddenly, your nether regions start screaming. Chafing is real, and a padded saddle makes it worse. Instead of your body moving smoothly against a firm, stable surface, now you have padding on padding. The friction will eat you alive.

3. Sit Bones Need Support, Not Fluff.

Your sit bones (ischial tuberosities, for the nerds) are the only parts of your rear that should be making real contact with the saddle. A firm saddle supports them properly. A padded saddle buries them in mush, making your weight rest on all the wrong soft tissues. That’s pain. That’s numbness. That’s regret.

4. Blood Flow Matters—Unless You Enjoy Numb Junk.

Sitting on a padded saddle for too long can press into sensitive areas, restricting blood flow. Ever felt your crotch go numb mid-ride? That’s your body screaming at you. High-quality cycling shorts have strategic padding that keeps pressure off the wrong areas. A padded saddle? It just mashes everything down.

5. Padded Saddles Age Like Warm Yogurt.

That luxurious gel saddle you bought? Give it a few months, and it’ll be compressed and uneven, offering all the support of a soggy pancake. Meanwhile, good padded shorts keep their form, wash after wash. And when they wear out? You just buy new ones—way cheaper than a fancy new saddle.

6. You’ll Never See a Pro on a Padded Saddle.

Ever watched the Tour de France? Ever seen a cyclist rocking a giant couch cushion on their seat? No, because pros figured this out ages ago. Firm saddle, good bib shorts, end of discussion. If it’s good enough for someone biking thousands of miles a year, it’s good enough for you.

7. Padded Saddles Are for Short Rides and Grandpa’s Cruiser.

Look, if you’re just biking to the grocery store or taking a leisurely cruise by the beach, fine—go ahead and sit on a cloud of deception. But if you’re doing real mileage, it’s time to upgrade your setup. Your butt will thank you.

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Table Summary: The Truth at a Glance

Feature	Padded Shorts	Padded Saddle
Moves with you?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Prevents chafing?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Supports sit bones?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Keeps blood flowing?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Longevity	✅ Lasts longer	❌ Breaks down fast
Pro-approved?	✅ Absolutely	❌ Never
Best for long rides?	✅ Yes	❌ No

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Conclusion: Don’t Let a Gel Seat Ruin Your Life.

I once knew a guy who swore by padded saddles. He also swore at every ride, walked funny, and eventually quit cycling altogether.

If you want to survive—no, thrive—on your bike, stop looking for a cushy throne. Get a solid, firm saddle. Get good padded shorts. Ride pain-free.

And if you don’t believe me?

Enjoy your numb junk, pal.