I'm just looking at the various options that are available for me to improve my comfort level whilst riding. I've read a fair bit on the forums and am just trying to get my head around what might be best for my situation.
I'm not so much looking for advise with "I went this way and are happy" because I know that everyone's mileage can vary(I've already read plenty of reviews like that) - but more so are interested in comments on the pro's and con's for each option over another, and/or if there is any other points to consider that I haven't.
I enjoy a spirited ride in the twisties, but would like to have comfort on long rides in between. From what I have gathered so far I have the following options below. I just wanted to air it out here to get some feedback as to whether my understanding is correct, if there's something I've overlooked or other attributes I should be considering.
I'm 6"1 and 230lbs. I do have a minor injury in my lower back that can give back pain (and sciatic issues) after a while. It's quite minor and I have put up with it so far - but I'm also aware I'm not getting any younger...
Replacement Seat (Sargent or Corbin):
I've read mixed reviews on these. It appears as though it all depends on your butt's shape, height and weight. There appears to be no option but to try out and hope for the best unless you're lucky to have someone with the same ride and seat near by that you can try first (which I don't). They are a more expensive of the options that appear available as well. I see I have options of return but being in Australia the shipping here and back is going to be expensive anyway - so it's a costly way to 'try' if I don't like.
Pros:
Full replacement seat (Can revert if unhappy)
Aesthetically Pleasing (Looks good)
Can recover some of the price if I am not happy. (Sell on or return)
Can recover some of the price if I am happy. (Sell OEM seat, or keep as a spare?)
Permanent solution. (Not an add-on)
Low Maintenance
Extra Storage (Sargent Seat has a section I believe)
Con's:
Unknown as to how well it will work for me. (Individuals Milage will vary)
One of the more expensive option
Custom Seat / Reupholster:
I could look at taking my seat to a local upholster to get foam changed / re-padded. The problem with this that I see is that the change is permanent. If they do a bad job, and make things worse, I have no 'back out' plan. (ie, with Sargent or Corbin I still have my original, and can try and sell). I'm also not sure just how much difference it may make, and I have no option to recover costs if it doesn't make much of a difference. Could get quite expensive too from what I've read.
Pros:
Custom solution to suit me.
Aesthetically Pleasing (Looks good)
Permanent solution. (Not an add-on)
Low Maintenance
Con's:
Can not recover any of the price if it doesn't work / stuck with changes without buying a new seat.
No idea on how much change I can expect. Mileage may vary depending on skills of upholsterer.
Downtime: Can not ride whilst the seat is being customised.
Potentially the most expensive option.
Airhawk Cover:
This looked promising with the reviews. It's certainly cheaper, and is 'revertable' if it doesn't make a difference or to the way I like. However it appears as though from the reviews that it's mainly designed for commuting / highway roads, and does not fair well in the twisties or sporty riding which I like to enjoy, so I'd be putting it on / taking it off / putting it back on again.
Pros:
Most cost effective option
Good for Touring
Reports that it aids in airflow / cooling in warmer climates.
Appears to be a more uniform distribution of entire weight. (Less 'hot' patches).
Con's:
Doesn't look as nice as a dedicated seat.
Reports that they don't handle well in the twisties? (May need to take on / take off)?
Sheep Skin:
This is what I have found the least amount of information on. It seems as though it may increase the comfort level considerably, but I haven't read reports about sport style riding (in the twisties). I'm also not sure about what happens in rain, etc - how it fairs, or whether it will require washing, will smell, etc? Lastly, I'm not sure what difference there is in comfort level between this and something like a Sargent's seat. (Which is more comfortable)
Pros:
Reports as being Comfortable
Have the option to use, or not use depending on the situation.
Con's:
Maintenance? (Cleaning, etc)?
Need to try and keep out of rain?
I'm probably going to cop digs from some of my younger fellow riders about being an old fart. ;)
At this stage I'm really in no-mans land. All 4 are still options for me - just trying to figure out which way is best, because I don't really have the spare cash to try one and then try another if it doesn't work. I'm leaning ever so slightly towards trying out the Airhawk and just put up with taking it off and putting it back on depending on my riding style of the day or leg, but am concerned it's just going to end up being a PITA. (No pun intended :) )
Question
adamv
Hi,
I'm just looking at the various options that are available for me to improve my comfort level whilst riding. I've read a fair bit on the forums and am just trying to get my head around what might be best for my situation.
I'm not so much looking for advise with "I went this way and are happy" because I know that everyone's mileage can vary (I've already read plenty of reviews like that) - but more so are interested in comments on the pro's and con's for each option over another, and/or if there is any other points to consider that I haven't.
I enjoy a spirited ride in the twisties, but would like to have comfort on long rides in between. From what I have gathered so far I have the following options below. I just wanted to air it out here to get some feedback as to whether my understanding is correct, if there's something I've overlooked or other attributes I should be considering.
I'm 6"1 and 230lbs. I do have a minor injury in my lower back that can give back pain (and sciatic issues) after a while. It's quite minor and I have put up with it so far - but I'm also aware I'm not getting any younger...
Replacement Seat (Sargent or Corbin):
I've read mixed reviews on these. It appears as though it all depends on your butt's shape, height and weight. There appears to be no option but to try out and hope for the best unless you're lucky to have someone with the same ride and seat near by that you can try first (which I don't). They are a more expensive of the options that appear available as well. I see I have options of return but being in Australia the shipping here and back is going to be expensive anyway - so it's a costly way to 'try' if I don't like.
Pros:
Full replacement seat (Can revert if unhappy)
Aesthetically Pleasing (Looks good)
Can recover some of the price if I am not happy. (Sell on or return)
Can recover some of the price if I am happy. (Sell OEM seat, or keep as a spare?)
Permanent solution. (Not an add-on)
Low Maintenance
Extra Storage (Sargent Seat has a section I believe)
Con's:
Unknown as to how well it will work for me. (Individuals Milage will vary)
One of the more expensive option
Custom Seat / Reupholster:
I could look at taking my seat to a local upholster to get foam changed / re-padded. The problem with this that I see is that the change is permanent. If they do a bad job, and make things worse, I have no 'back out' plan. (ie, with Sargent or Corbin I still have my original, and can try and sell). I'm also not sure just how much difference it may make, and I have no option to recover costs if it doesn't make much of a difference. Could get quite expensive too from what I've read.
Pros:
Custom solution to suit me.
Aesthetically Pleasing (Looks good)
Permanent solution. (Not an add-on)
Low Maintenance
Con's:
Can not recover any of the price if it doesn't work / stuck with changes without buying a new seat.
No idea on how much change I can expect. Mileage may vary depending on skills of upholsterer.
Downtime: Can not ride whilst the seat is being customised.
Potentially the most expensive option.
Airhawk Cover:
This looked promising with the reviews. It's certainly cheaper, and is 'revertable' if it doesn't make a difference or to the way I like. However it appears as though from the reviews that it's mainly designed for commuting / highway roads, and does not fair well in the twisties or sporty riding which I like to enjoy, so I'd be putting it on / taking it off / putting it back on again.
Pros:
Most cost effective option
Good for Touring
Reports that it aids in airflow / cooling in warmer climates.
Appears to be a more uniform distribution of entire weight. (Less 'hot' patches).
Con's:
Doesn't look as nice as a dedicated seat.
Reports that they don't handle well in the twisties? (May need to take on / take off)?
Sheep Skin:
This is what I have found the least amount of information on. It seems as though it may increase the comfort level considerably, but I haven't read reports about sport style riding (in the twisties). I'm also not sure about what happens in rain, etc - how it fairs, or whether it will require washing, will smell, etc? Lastly, I'm not sure what difference there is in comfort level between this and something like a Sargent's seat. (Which is more comfortable)
Pros:
Reports as being Comfortable
Have the option to use, or not use depending on the situation.
Con's:
Maintenance? (Cleaning, etc)?
Need to try and keep out of rain?
I'm probably going to cop digs from some of my younger fellow riders about being an old fart. ;)
At this stage I'm really in no-mans land. All 4 are still options for me - just trying to figure out which way is best, because I don't really have the spare cash to try one and then try another if it doesn't work. I'm leaning ever so slightly towards trying out the Airhawk and just put up with taking it off and putting it back on depending on my riding style of the day or leg, but am concerned it's just going to end up being a PITA. (No pun intended :) )
Link to comment
Share on other sites
10 answers to this question
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.