A year into riding my Peloton, one thing still holds (and has since the beginning) [1]: Pelotons are a pain in the butt, literally. Sitting on a bike is uncomfortable enough, but mix in Tunde Oyeneyin's ass-kicking HIIT workouts, and my glutes — along with the rest of my muscles — are constantly sore. Ironically, this is exactly what motivates me to hop back on the bike [2] — it's what the Peloton community calls the "sore bum conundrum."
But if an uncomfortable seat is holding you back from longer rides, it might be time to invest in a seat cushion. Fortunately, there are a number of Peloton-compatible cushions to help you power through bruised tailbones and achy glutes. Keep reading to shop the options and get closer to those buns of steel.
LuxoBike Exercise Bike Seat Cushion
The LuxoBike Exercise Bike Seat Cushion [4] ($12) is a must for long-distance riding. Its breathable memory foam and nonslip grip mean you'll stay comfortable throughout every ride, no matter how long your classes last.
Komfy Bike Seat Cushion Cover
Designed to feel like padded cycling shorts, the Komfy Bike Seat Cushion Cover [5] ($30, originally $32) uses open-cell high-density foam instead of gel to provide support and comfort. It's machine washable and dryable.
Cevapro Bike Saddle Cover
If you need a comfortable cushion that stays in place, look no further than the Cevapro Bike Saddle Cover [6] ($25). With a layered silica gel base and double elastic straps, this seat cushion is both flexible and durable.
KT-Sports Gel Bike Seat Cover
If most of your soreness tends to be concentrated in your upper glutes, the KT-Sports Gel Bike Seat Cover [7] ($15, originally $26) is for you. The concave shape and soft material of this seat will help ensure that your focus is on your performance — not on where the seat is jabbing into you.
Domain Cycling Premium Gel Seat Cushion
Ride in style and comfort with the Domain Cycling Premium Gel Seat Cushion [8] ($30). It's made of soft silicone gel and hot-pink lycra, in case you feel like re-creating Ariana Grande [9]'s "Side to Side" music video.
Bikeroo Exercise Bike Seat Cushion Cover
If you share your Peloton with a partner or roommate but still need to ride with a seat cushion, get the Bikeroo Exercise Bike Seat Cushion Cover [10] ($19). It can be fastened and removed easily and comes with a storage bag.
Zacro Gel Bike Seat Cover
The shock-absorbing technology built into the Zacro Gel Bike Seat Cover [11] ($12, originally $13) lets you pedal as hard and as fast as you can without having to take a break from an uncomfortable seat.
Fitivate Bike Seat Cover
The liquid silicone and hollow design of the Fitivate Bike Seat Cover [12] ($40) maximises breathability while minimizing pressure on sensitive spots.
ViMall Bike Saddle Cover
Made of a neoprene and urethane composite, the ViMall Bike Saddle Cover [13] ($7) combines the comfort of a gel cushion with the ergonomics of memory foam for easy, pain-free rides.
Deer U Gel Bike Seat Cover
It's time to take that nine-rating class you keep skipping. The Deer U Gel Bike Seat Cover [14] ($15) has an extra-thick gel pad, which means minimal vibration during your most vigourous rides and climbs.
CBTYOOH Oversized Comfort Bike Seat
Not only is the CBTYOOH Oversized Comfort Bike Seat [15] ($24) waterproof, it also has an air vent built right in.
PDXtraordinary Bike Seat Cushion
It's hard to pedal fast when you feel like you're sitting on a brick, but the ultra roomy PDXtraordinary Bike Seat Cushion [16] ($28, originally $31) will maximise your mobility with its anatomy-friendly design.
Bluewind Oversized Comfort Bike Seat
Memory-foam bike cushions are comfortable, but if you don't like to sink in too much, try the Bluewind Oversized Comfort Bike Seat [17] ($49). It has a durable backrest and is made of a soft, dense layer of foam.
iseMesi Gel Bike Seat Cushion
Installation doesn't get any easier than the iseMesi Gel Bike Seat Cushion [18] ($28). It fastens onto your bike with heavy-duty velcro bands so you don't have to bother with complicated straps or screws.
Zacro Oversized Bike Seat
Balancing on a tiny seat can feel impossible, especially if you're on a level-10 ride. The right cushion, however, can make a big difference. The Zacro Oversized Bike Seat [19] ($36) increases your saddle size so you'll never have to worry about losing your balance.