A bike seat, often called a cycling saddle, is one of three contact points on an upright bicycle, the others being the pedals and the handlebars. The bike saddle has been known as such since the bicycle evolved from the draisine, a forerunner of the bicycle. It performs a similar role as a horse's saddle, not bearing all the weight of the rider as the other contact points also take some of the load.
A bicycle saddle is commonly attached to the seatpost and the height of the saddle can be adjusted by the seatpost telescoping in and out of the seat tube. While small cycling saddles are available for children's bikes, the primary size parameter for adult saddles is width. Performance saddles for racing, tend to be narrow. Comfort saddles, often found on hybrid bicycles, tend to be wide.
Women-specific bicycle saddles have now been introduced by manufacturers. These incorporate a variety of differences designed to suit the female anatomy. These differences may include a wider seat area, shorter nose, and center relief.