Vans BMX Seats - Style, Comfort and Durability for Freestyle Riding

The Evolution of Vans Bike Seats

Vans, the iconic skateboard shoe brand, has made major inroads into the BMX and freestyle bike scene over the past few decades. What started as just stylish skate shoes has evolved into a full range of BMX components and accessories. One of Vans' most popular offerings for the freestyle bike crowd is their line of custom bike seats.

Vans Enters the Bike Scene

Vans first dipped their toe into the freestyle BMX world in the mid 1990s, sponsoring pro riders like Jamie Bestwick and Dave Mirra. They provided shoes and clothing to some of the top names in the sport. But it wasn't until the early 2000s that Vans started getting more deeply ingrained in BMX culture by producing their own bike components.

In 2002, Vans partnered with Cult, an old school BMX parts brand, to produce co-branded products like grips, pegs, forks, and bike frames. The edgy, creative Vans aesthetic meshed perfectly with Cult's roots in 80s and 90s street riding. Before long, complete Cult X Vans collaboration bikes were available at bike shops around the world.

The Vans BMX Seat Line Arrives

Perhaps the most iconic product from the Vans and Cult partnership has been the Vans BMX seats. First introduced in 2006, the seats came in a few classic Vans checkerboard color patterns, along with plain black or white options. They featured thick, cushy padding wrapped in rugged vinyl material. This combination provided both comfort and durability, perfect for standing up to harsh landings.

The initial reception from BMX riders was extremely positive. The Vans seats provided a cool, stylish look and a comfortable feel compared to many stock BMX saddles. And priced around $25-30, they were reasonably affordable as an aftermarket upgrade part. Vans had clearly hit a sweet spot in the market.

Expansion of the Vans BMX Seat Line

With the success of their initial seat offerings, Vans steadily expanded the line over the next decade. They added more colors and patterns like red checkerboard, blue checkerboard, gray checkerboard, and various camo prints. The color combinations made them one of the most eye-catching and popular seats in BMX.

Vans also collaborated with other brands on special edition seats. They worked with ODI grips on checkerboard seats with matching ODI logos. And they partnered with Ethic wheels on Ethic branded camo and leopard print seats. These co-branded products generated buzz and variety in the line.

In addition to stylish colors, Vans seeded their pro riders with limited edition seats featuring their names on the sides. Riders like Dakota Roche, Sean Sexton, Courage Adams, and Dennis Enarson got personalized signature models. For diehard fans, these seats quickly became collectors items.

Vans Bike Seats Today

Now firmly established in the freestyle bike seat market, Vans offers one of the most extensive options when it comes to style and colors. Their distinctive patterns like checkerboard and leopard print have become signature looks. And their co-branded collaborations and pro models keep their lineup fresh and exciting.

Beyond eye-catching aesthetics, Vans seats continue to deliver on comfort. Their ample padding absorbs vibrations and cushions landings, especially welcomed on hard street sessions. And their rugged vinyl cover stands up to abuse from tailwhips and barspins.

On the Cult side, they offer matching Cult branded 24.7 and 25.4mm seat posts in a variety of colors. This makes it easy to put together a complete Cult X Vans seat and seat post kit. And for riders looking for an old school vibe, Cult even has a 22.2mm layback seat post to match the Vans seats.

Why Vans Seats are Popular

There are a few key factors that have contributed to the popularity of Vans bike seats over the past 15+ years.

Style

One of the biggest appeals is the style and aesthetics. Riders looking to customize and personalize the look of their bikes are naturally drawn to the checkerboard patterns and bold colors. The seats allow BMXers to showcase their personal sense of style.

Comfort

Compared to slim, minimal stock seats, the padded Vans options provide way more cushioning. The ample foam protects the tailbone and sits bones from harsh impacts and vibrations. This extra comfort is extremely valued for hardcore street and park sessions.

Durability

BMX riding is tough on equipment, but Vans seats stand up to abuse. Their vinyl covers resist scuffs, scrapes, and scratches from botched tricks and bails. And the interior foam retains its shape even after being compressed thousands of times.

Affordability

At around $25-30, Vans seats deliver great value. Riders get stylish, comfortable, durable seats that completely transform the look of their bikes at a very reasonable price. Compared to fancy carbon fiber or leather seats costing $100+, Vans seats provide big benefits without breaking the bank.

Customization

Being able to customize a bike to match someone's personality is important in BMX. The array of color options from Vans allows each rider to put their own unique stamp on their setup. They can always find a pattern or color combo that fits their style.

Cult X Vans BMX Seats Review

After being in the BMX scene for over 15 years, Vans has their bike seat formula dialed. Here's a quick overview of their key features:

Padding

Vans uses a medium density foam padding. It's firm enough to hold its shape and provide support, but with enough cushion for comfort and absorption. It's a great balance between plushness and responsiveness.

Cover

The rugged vinyl cover resists damage from crashes, slides, grinds, etc. It also plays a part in weatherproofing the seat. The sleek material makes it easy to position yourself on the saddle while riding.

Size

Vans seats come in a mid-size width of approximately 9 inches. This gives ample under-seat clearance for barspins and tailwhips. The length ranges from around 7 inches for the slimmer seats up to 9 inches for the larger raced out options.

Colors

From basic black to unique collaborations, the color options are almost endless. No matter your taste, there's sure to be at least a couple great looking choices.

Compatibility

Vans seats fit standard 25.4mm and 24.7mm seat posts. Cult also offers their X Vans branded posts in colors to match. And their 22.2mm layback posts allow use with old school bikes.

Price

With most models priced around $25-35, Vans seats are very reasonably priced. They deliver great upgrades in style, comfort, and performance without breaking the bank.

Finding the Perfect Vans BMX Seat

With so many options available, choosing the right Vans seat can be a bit overwhelming. Here are some tips on selecting the perfect one for your bike and riding style:

Match It

If you want to accessorize, look for a seat color that matches other parts on your bike like grips, pegs, forks, or frame color.

Complement It

For an accent look, find a seat color that complements but contrasts the main color scheme on your bike.

Size It

Make sure to get the right size seat for your body type and bars. The slimmer seats work best for smaller riders with narrower bars requiring more clearance underneath.

Longer and Wider?

If you want more surface area coverage, go for a longer and/or wider seat. The big "raced out" models provide maximum support.

Old School

Using an old school 22.2mm seat post? Get a layback seat post from Cult to match the vibe.

Personalize It

Add your name or nickname to a seat with custom embroidery for the ultimate personal touch.

With the right seat choice, you can give your bike just the look, performance and comfort you want while showing off your own unique style.

FAQs

What sizes do Vans BMX seats come in?

Vans seats are available in a range of widths, usually around 8-9 inches wide. Lengths range from about 7 inches for slimmer seats up to 9 inches for larger models. They are designed to fit standard 25.4mm and 24.7mm seat posts.

How much do Vans bike seats cost?

Most Vans saddles cost $25-35. This makes them a very affordable upgrade from standard stock BMX seats. They deliver great value for the money.

How durable are the Vans seat covers?

The rugged vinyl covers are made to withstand the abuse of street and park riding. They resist scuffs, scrapes, scratches, and damage from crashes and bail. The seats hold up very well under repeated hardcore use.

Can I put a Vans seat on my old school BMX bike?

Yes, Cult offers a 22.2mm layback seat post designed to work perfectly with Vans saddles on old school bikes with smaller diameter seat tubes.

Do Vans seats come in different padding thicknesses?

No, Vans uses their own medium density foam padding in all their saddles. This provides a great balance of cushioning comfort and responsiveness when riding.