Saddle discomfort is one of the most common complaints among female cyclists, often caused by pressure on sensitive soft tissues during rides. Traditional seats frequently fail to accommodate women’s anatomy, leading to numbness, chafing, and pain—especially on longer rides. The butterfly bicycle seat was designed to solve this, featuring a signature cutaway that relieves pressure and promotes better blood flow where it matters most.
We analyzed over 50 models and thousands of user reviews to identify the best butterfly bicycle seats based on cutaway design, padding, rail material, and real-world comfort. Our picks balance performance, support, and value, catering to everything from casual cruising to endurance cycling. Keep reading to find the ideal butterfly bicycle seat for your ride.
Best Options at a Glance


Terry Butterfly Century Saddle
Best Long Distance Comfort
- Fibra-Tek
- Foam/Gel
- Poron XRD
- 262mm x 152mm
- 268 grams

Terry Butterfly Ti Bike Saddle
Best Lightweight Performance
- Center cutout, low profile
- 262mm x 155mm
- 248 g
- Flat top
- Black textured leather

Terry Butterfly Galactic Bike Saddle
Best Ergonomic Design
- 262mm x 155mm
- 260 g
- Wider cutaway
- Women
- Flat top

Terry Butterfly Cromoly Gel Saddle
Best Budget Friendly
- Women’s
- Dura-Tek
- Gel
- Cromoly
- FeC Alloy

Terry Butterfly Cromoly Bike Saddle
Best Value for Money
- Cutaway nose
- Dura-Tek
- Multi-density foam
- White
- Women’s
Butterfly Bicycle Seat Review
Choosing the Right Butterfly Bicycle Seat
Selecting the right bicycle seat is crucial for comfort and enjoyment on every ride. Butterfly bicycle seats, specifically designed for women, offer a range of features to address unique anatomical needs. Here’s a breakdown of key considerations to help you find the perfect fit.
Key Features to Consider
1. Cutaway Design: The presence and extent of a cutaway (or channel) in the center of the saddle is a primary factor. A wider, deeper cutaway, like those found in the Galactic and Cromoly models, provides significant pressure relief for the perineal area, reducing numbness and discomfort. This is especially important for riders who spend extended periods in the saddle. Conversely, a smaller or absent cutaway might be preferable for riders who prefer more support and a more traditional feel.
2. Padding & Cover Material: Padding dramatically impacts comfort. Gel padding (Cromoly Gel) offers excellent shock absorption for shorter, recreational rides. Multi-density foam (Ti, Cromoly) provides a balance of cushioning and support, suitable for a wider range of riding styles. Cover materials also play a role; leather (Carbon) is durable and molds to the rider over time, while synthetic materials (Dura-tek in the Cromoly models) are often more affordable and weather-resistant. Consider your typical ride length and conditions when choosing padding and cover material.
3. Rail Material: The saddle rails connect the seat to the seatpost and influence both weight and ride quality. Carbon rails (Carbon) are incredibly lightweight, enhancing performance, but are more fragile and typically more expensive. Ti-316 alloy rails (Century) offer a good balance of weight, strength, and cost. FeC Alloy rails (Cromoly) are the most affordable and durable, making them a solid choice for everyday riding.
Other Important Features
- Saddle Width: While most Butterfly saddles are designed with women’s anatomy in mind, individual sit bone width varies.
- Saddle Length: Shorter saddles are becoming increasingly popular for their maneuverability.
- Weight: If you prioritize performance and climbing, a lightweight saddle (Ti, Carbon) is a worthwhile investment.
- Price: Butterfly seats range in price, with the Cromoly models offering excellent value and the Carbon model representing a premium option.
- Intended Use: Long-distance comfort (Century), lightweight performance (Ti), or budget-friendly daily riding (Cromoly) – each model is tailored to a specific type of cycling.
Butterfly Bicycle Seat Comparison
Product | Best For | Cover Material | Rails Material | Weight (approx.) | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Terry Butterfly Carbon | Best Overall | Black Leather with Gloss Graphic | Carbon | Not Specified | Lightweight, Carbon Rails, Gloss Butterfly Graphic |
Terry Butterfly Century | Best Long Distance Comfort | Black Fibra-tek | Ti-316 | 268 grams / 9.5 oz | Poron XRD Shock Absorbing Layer, Wide Cutaway for Pressure Relief |
Terry Butterfly Ti | Best Lightweight Performance | Not Specified | Not Specified | 248 g / 8.7 oz | Center Cutout, Flexible & Comfortable, Multi-Density Foam |
Terry Butterfly Galactic | Best Ergonomic Design | Not Specified | Not Specified | 260 g / 9.3 oz | Wider Cutaway for Flexibility & Comfort |
Terry Butterfly Cromoly Gel | Best Budget Friendly | Black Synthetic Dura-tek | FeC Alloy | Not Specified | Gel Padding, Textured Leather Accents |
Terry Butterfly Cromoly | Best Value for Money | Black Synthetic Dura-tek | Not Specified | Not Specified | Complete Cutaway, Multi-Density Foam |
Testing & Data Analysis: Finding the Best Butterfly Bicycle Seat
Our recommendations for butterfly bicycle seats aren’t based on subjective feel alone. We prioritize data-driven analysis, leveraging user reviews, expert opinions, and feature comparisons. Since extensive physical testing of bicycle seats on individuals is complex and varies greatly, we focus on evaluating available data points.
We analyze thousands of customer reviews across multiple retail platforms, identifying recurring themes regarding comfort, pressure relief (specifically relating to the perineal area – a key benefit of butterfly bicycle seat designs), and durability. We cross-reference these insights with the detailed specifications outlined in the “Buying Guide” – particularly focusing on cutaway design depth, padding type (gel vs. multi-density foam), and rail material (Carbon, Ti-316 alloy, FeC Alloy).
Comparative analyses are performed, mapping features to price points to identify optimal value. We also consider the intended use case (as detailed in the “Buying Guide”), assessing whether the seat’s attributes align with different riding styles – from short recreational rides to long-distance cycling. This rigorous evaluation process allows us to provide informed recommendations, helping you choose a butterfly bicycle seat that best suits your individual needs and preferences.
FAQs
What makes a butterfly bicycle seat different?
Butterfly bicycle seats are specifically designed with women’s anatomy in mind, typically featuring a wider rear section and a central cutaway to reduce pressure on the perineal area, enhancing comfort and preventing numbness during rides.
How do I choose the right padding for my butterfly seat?
Gel padding is best for shorter, recreational rides offering excellent shock absorption. Multi-density foam provides a balance of cushioning and support ideal for varied riding styles. Consider your typical ride length and intensity when making your selection.
What rail material should I choose for a butterfly seat?
Carbon rails are lightweight for performance, Ti-316 alloy offers a good balance of weight and strength, and FeC Alloy is the most durable and affordable option for everyday use. Your riding style and budget will influence the best choice.
How important is the cutaway design in a butterfly bicycle seat?
The cutaway (or channel) is crucial for pressure relief. A wider, deeper cutaway, like those in the Galactic and Cromoly models, significantly reduces discomfort, especially on longer rides. However, some riders prefer more support with a smaller or no cutaway.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best butterfly bicycle seat depends on your individual needs and riding style. Considering factors like cutaway design, padding, rail material, and intended use will guide you towards a more comfortable and enjoyable cycling experience.
Prioritizing comfort doesn’t mean sacrificing performance or value; Butterfly offers models like the Cromoly Gel that deliver excellent features at an accessible price point. By carefully evaluating your priorities, you can find the perfect saddle to enhance every ride.