A bicycle seat, unlike a bicycle saddle

Bicycle saddle

A bicycle saddle, often called a seat, is one of three contact points on an upright bicycle, the others being the pedals and the handlebars.The bicycle saddle has been known as such since the bicycle evolved from the draisine, a forerunner of the bicycle...

, is designed to support the rider's buttocks and back, usually in a semi-reclined position. Arthur Garford

Arthur Garford

Arthur Lovett Garford was a noted industrialist, inventor and politician. Today, Garford's home serves as the Hickories Museum and home of the Lorain County Historical Society.- Biography:...

 is credited with inventing the padded bicycle seat in 1892, and they are now usually found on recumbent bicycle

Recumbent bicycle

A recumbent bicycle is a bicycle that places the rider in a laid-back reclining position. Most recumbent riders choose this type of design for ergonomic reasons; the rider's weight is distributed comfortably over a larger area, supported by back and buttocks...

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Bicycle seats come in three main styles; mesh, hardshell and combination

Mesh

A typical mesh seat consists of a metal frame with mesh stretched over it and secured with adjustable straps, zip ties, string or shock cord.

Hardshell

Hardshell seats are normally made from of a composite material such as GRP or carbon fibre although metal and wood versions do exist. A hardshell seat is normally covered with some-form of padding, this is usually closed or open cell foam although some extreme racing machines do not have any padding on the seat to reduce weight and increase efficiency. Hardshell seats are generally used at more reclined angles than mesh seats.

Some riders complain of excessive road noise vibrating through the hardshell seat. Also, the hardshell seat is "closed," providing no ventilation, which may cause excessive sweat to build-up on the cyclist's back on hot days.