Topic: Gel Seat pad (Read 6015 times)

Shootpool · « **on:** May 31, 2007, 02:17:17 PM »

Hi everyone!

After last years ride to Sturgis from Florida, I asked some riders about seat cushions because my butt

was around my chin when I arrived home. I'm planning another extensive ride up to New Hampshire (Laconia) and around the mountains. I've heard allot about Gel Seat pads. Any particular brand that comes to mind? Anything to avoid? Anybody have any must-see routes I should consider?
Thanks
Shootpool.

VaEagle · « **Reply #1 on:** May 31, 2007, 02:29:12 PM »

Hi Shootpool,
You might like to check this company outy for a pad or get the pad installed in the seat so you don't increase the seat height.
http://www.thepropad.com/default.asp?cookiecheck=yes&

BalDeagle · « **Reply #2 on:** May 31, 2007, 02:54:38 PM »

Hi Shootpool.

to the CVO forum. Might be an idea if you hop up to the new mwmbers thread and say hi, preferably with a few pics of your scoot.

Cheers,

Nige

FLHRSE3 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 31, 2007, 05:12:15 PM »

I bought an Airhawk cushion last week to hold me over until I decide which way I want to go on a seat replacement but unfortunately I haven’t used it yet and am unable to report on its usefulness. It is a little pricier than gel seats but from what I read the gel seats can get very warm by being form fitting and these supposedly allow airflow. I bought the medium from Derby Cycles for about $133 delivered and it took 2 days to deliver.

Good luck

Gregg

http://www.shapefitting.com/category.aspx?categoryid=54&startpage=0

http://www.derbycycles.com/?gclid=CO602ff0iYwCFQkjWAod6Qn

iski · « **Reply #4 on:** May 31, 2007, 05:46:02 PM »

Quote from: Shootpool on May 31, 2007, 02:17:17 PM

Hi everyone!

After last years ride to Sturgis from Florida, I asked some riders about seat cushions because my butt was around my chin when I arrived home. I'm planning another extensive ride up to New Hampshire (Laconia) and around the mountains. I've heard allot about Gel Seat pads. Any particular brand that comes to mind? Anything to avoid? Anybody have any must-see routes I should consider?
Thanks
Shootpool.

I tried several gel pads and frankly found them all to be lacking. FLHRSE3 gave a good suggestion - Air Hawk. http://www.cyclesaddles.com/home/Accessories/Airhawk_styles.htm

Several sizes are available and there are quite a few outlets for this product. I have used one for years and have had great success with it. I ride with several others who also use it and are pleased with its performance as well. In addition to cushion, it keeps your butt cooler & drier.

Have fun on your ride to Laconia -never been- wish I was going this year.

bgregston · « **Reply #5 on:** May 31, 2007, 06:05:12 PM »

I have a ProPad like VaEagle suggested. Its good but not great. While I was on Run for the Wall last year a lot of people were picking up the bead seat covers. If you think about the car seat covers from the 60's made of marble sized beads, thats what I'm talking about. They were getting them at K-Mart and Walmart for super cheap. Apparently they work very well. There were several who were still using them this year.
Bret

charlie · « **Reply #6 on:** May 31, 2007, 07:35:44 PM »

hi shootpool. try butt buffer there on the web. that is what i use ,my wife and i road from here in Atlanta to Pa. 13 hours ibought it up there and would not have made it back with out it.

Ironhorse · « **Reply #7 on:** May 31, 2007, 08:03:01 PM »

I have the gel built into my Road Sofa, and given the chance, I would not do it again. I have found it to be too temperature sensative. Park it out in the hot desert sun, and you will fry your nuts when you sit on it. On the other end of the spectrum, sub zero temps turn it into Blue Ice. I have had to buy sheepskin pelt to lay over it to keep comfortable. On the other hand, when the temps are nice, it is very comfy.

Your milage may vary.

Boatman · « **Reply #8 on:** May 31, 2007, 11:24:42 PM »

www.airrider.com Take a look.

I currently have a 16"L X 14"W Air Rider memory gel pad on Ebay right now-item # 130120279952 . It did not suit my wife's needs on her 03 Fatboy. Same as new. Bought in March 07..

103_RK · « **Reply #9 on:** June 01, 2007, 07:26:28 AM »

I would recomend an Airhawk seat pad. I have had a gel seat pad installed in a mustang seat and had the seat end up being less comfortable than before. The Airhawk is adjustable, I use one for both my passenger and myself on long rides.

REGGAB · « **Reply #10 on:** June 01, 2007, 02:18:14 PM »

I bought one of those Air Rider gel cushions. Used it one my trip to Rolling Thunder. Worked very well, and I'm quite happy with it.

http://www.airrider.com/store/product.php?id=67

screem · « **Reply #11 on:** June 09, 2007, 11:56:46 PM »

Hey shootpool, you'll love riding up in the northeat and White and Green Mountains it's beautiful up there. About 15 years ago while riding up there , I found a rode side shop that sold deer skin gloves,,,,,and he had whole sheepskins also, I bought a sheepskin from him......had some grommet wholes put in it, and trimmed it to fit a dresser seat, my wife and i call it wooly bully, when ever we travel we throw wooly on and ride in comfort, it keeps you cool on hot days an warm on chilly days, and provides allday long comfort and extra padding.....just a thought

Smiler · « **Reply #12 on:** June 10, 2007, 05:56:58 PM »

I noticed an advert in Easyrider mag, June issue, there is an ad offering gel seats with a sheepskin covering. Unfortunately I binned it yesterday before I saw this post but take a look.

FLHRSE3 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 11, 2007, 05:00:49 PM »

Update on the Arihawk; I spent 7.25 consecutive hours in the saddle today only stopping for gas. I could have kept on going no problem, the last time I tried to spend that much time on this bike I was squirming all over the last 150 miles attempting to ease the discomfort. So it was definitely a worthwhile investment.

Gregg

nixobilly · « **Reply #14 on:** June 11, 2007, 05:19:26 PM »

iski,

Like everything else, it is purely personal. I bought propads for me and the backseater when I was in sturgis in 05 (sheepskin covered). I was riding roadking classic with HD tallboy seat. GF said it was the best thing since the invention of the credit card and my ass still hurt after a tank full of gas.

I bought a corbin about 500 miles ago and even though it is not exactly broken in yet it is MUCH more comfortable than stock or stock plus propad.

Just my $.02.

Good luck -- If you decide to get the propad drop me a line and I'll make you a deal....

Mark

Smiler · « **Reply #15 on:** June 12, 2007, 11:43:57 AM »

Just HOW GOOD is a corbin seat. All you guys seem to have them, I have only ever known the deep bucket sundown seat on my Heritage Springer and my present seat on the SERK

Bubba · « **Reply #16 on:** June 12, 2007, 12:10:04 PM »

Quote from: FLHRSE3 on June 11, 2007, 05:00:49 PM

Update on the Arihawk; I spent 7.25 consecutive hours in the saddle today only stopping for gas. I could have kept on going no problem, the last time I tried to spend that much time on this bike I was squirming all over the last 150 miles attempting to ease the discomfort. So it was definitely a worthwhile investment.

Gregg

Airhawk sure has my vote as I bought different seats when I had my RK for my wife still unconformable for her. Then I came across the Airhawk and she loves it. Then I started using it and I love it so now I am the owner of two. Another secret I have found out for long rides is Bicycle pants they have a padded butt built in and it don't bunch up like your underwear does..... Hey they work...

nixobilly · « **Reply #17 on:** June 12, 2007, 12:37:56 PM »

Before this corbin, I've only ridden on HD seats with and without the propad and my arse always was sore.

I always thought the corbins felt (by hand) that they wouldn't be soft enough but I really like this seat after I have ridden it.

I'll be able to give you a true evaluation after Nelson this summer -- my trip is going to be about 9k miles.

Mark

ccr · « **Reply #18 on:** June 12, 2007, 01:05:23 PM »

Quote from: Smiler on June 12, 2007, 11:43:57 AM

Just HOW GOOD is a corbin seat. All you guys seem to have them, I have only ever known the deep bucket sundown seat on my Heritage Springer and my present seat on the SERK

I've got an estimated 50,000 miles over four years on mine, and can't imagine riding on anything else. How many thumbs up do you have to hear that they are one of the better seats?

Smiler · « **Reply #19 on:** June 12, 2007, 01:25:33 PM »

Quote from: Mrs.WeCVO on June 12, 2007, 01:05:23 PM

I've got an estimated 50,000 miles over four years on mine, and can't imagine riding on anything else. How many thumbs up do you have to hear that they are one of the better seats?

Apologies for my ignorance but my wife sure likes her comfort and I thought corbin only made saddles for small bums.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #20 on:** June 12, 2007, 01:30:08 PM »

Quote from: Smiler on June 12, 2007, 01:25:33 PM

Apologies for my ignorance but my wife sure likes her comfort and I thought corbin only made saddles for small bums.

Did he really just suggest here in a public forum that his wife has something other than a small bum

?

ccr · « **Reply #21 on:** June 12, 2007, 01:32:25 PM »

Well if he did, and there have been more than enough pics of my super sized bum, he will know that corbin makes a seat that a plus sized women can ride on comfortably.

Smiler · « **Reply #22 on:** June 12, 2007, 01:41:58 PM »

Mrs WeCVO without casting any aspersions (since I neverknow when not if I run into you guys) I will look at accomodating my lovely wife with a orbin. Whats the most comfortable touring double they do $:-\$

Twolanerider · « **Reply #23 on:** June 12, 2007, 01:47:37 PM »

Quote from: Smiler on June 12, 2007, 01:41:58 PM

Mrs WeCVO without casting any aspersions (since I neverknow when not if I run into you guys) I will look at accomodating my lovely wife with a orbin. Whats the most comfortable touring double they do $:-\$

"Dual Tour."

ccr · « **Reply #24 on:** June 12, 2007, 01:49:14 PM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on June 12, 2007, 01:47:37 PM

"Dual Tour."

Hopefully you are only buying the seat once. Get the one with the heat.

Wish I had it.

Smiler · « **Reply #25 on:** June 12, 2007, 01:50:00 PM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on June 12, 2007, 01:47:37 PM

"Dual Tour."

Thanks 2Lane

Twolanerider · « **Reply #26 on:** June 12, 2007, 01:51:48 PM »

Quote from: Mrs.WeCVO on June 12, 2007, 01:49:14 PM

Hopefully you are only buying the seat once. Get the one with the heat.

Wish I had it.

More than one Corbin dual tour would be what? Dual Tour²?

roadrunner · « **Reply #27 on:** July 26, 2007, 08:34:32 PM »

How high does the Air Hawk pad sit?

FLHRSE3 · « **Reply #28 on:** July 27, 2007, 03:41:06 PM »

Ideal inflation is about 1/2 inch off the seat. Here is a link to their directions

http://www.shapefitting.com/custom.aspx?id=24

skippy49 · « **Reply #29 on:** July 27, 2007, 05:12:17 PM »

I've got an Air Rider gel pad that my wife bought to use but didn't like it so it's for sale if anyone wants to try one.

roadrunner · « **Reply #30 on:** July 27, 2007, 06:09:03 PM »

Anyone have photos of the airhawk on their seat?

iski · « **Reply #31 on:** July 30, 2007, 01:56:10 PM »

Quote from: roadrunner on July 27, 2007, 06:09:03 PM

Anyone have photos of the airhawk on their seat?

I have used several gel pads and have not found them to be as comfortable as the Air Hawk.

Key is to not use much air in the Air Hawk seat.

SEEG Geezer · « **Reply #32 on:** July 30, 2007, 03:36:58 PM »

Mine looks essentially the same........I'm also very pleased with mine.......haven't bought one yet for the wife...but I'm expecting her to request it soon. As an aside, I bought a gel pad for the seat to try and get some relief when I was in Sturgis last year, but it was really uncomfortable (made it actually hotter).

Maybe it was just me.

REGGAB · « **Reply #33 on:** July 30, 2007, 05:49:59 PM »

I'm actually pretty well pleased with my Air Rider Gel Pad, BUT I'm open to better alternatives. The gel pad does increase my tolerance of the stock seat, and as such I'm good for about 500 miles per day. Towards the end of a 500 mile day, I'm wanting to get off it tho'. It gets hot. This Air Hawk thing.....does it get hot? Does it increase your tolerance of the stock seat? What is farthest you've ridden in one day with it? Any trouble with hot spots toward the end of a high mileage day? Finally, how much does it cost, and who sells 'em? Thanks.

Henry

roadrunner · « **Reply #34 on:** July 30, 2007, 07:30:06 PM »

THanks, ordered one online today!

iski · « **Reply #35 on:** July 31, 2007, 08:49:28 PM »

Quote from: REGGAB on July 30, 2007, 05:49:59 PM

I'm actually pretty well pleased with my Air Rider Gel Pad, BUT I'm open to better alternatives. The gel pad does increase my tolerance of the stock seat, and as such I'm good for about 500 miles per day. Towards the end of a 500 mile day, I'm wanting to get off it tho'. It gets hot. This Air Hawk thing.....does it get hot? Does it increase your tolerance of the stock seat? What is farthest you've ridden in one day with it? Any trouble with hot spots toward the end of a high mileage day? Finally, how much does it cost, and who sells 'em? Thanks.

Henry

Henry - I use the air hawk for rides of 300+ miles per day - less than that I never bother. The Air Hawk does not get as hot as any seat I have sat - it has some air channels that allows air under the butt - less sweat basically and that equates to more comfort. It does increase the tolerance of my stock seat and I have used it on the Mustang on my RK and on the stock seat on my SEULTRA. Fartherest ridden in one day - almost 1,100 miles in about 18 hours. Butt was not sore but most everything else was. No sore spots - no hot spots. I have had no trouble with hot spots - sometimes let a little air out or add a little as it suits me. Not much air needed.

Several places sell them. Around $150 or less delivered - believe I read somewhere here that some were paying around $129 now. Bought mine about 4 years ago. Read the Air Hawk company made seats for folks in wheelchairs originally - comfort and elimination of sore spots was the primary reason for its invention. Then somebody figured they would try it on a motorcycle.......

Here is a link to a website with pics of the seat inside and out (it has a cloth cover):

http://www.cyclesaddles.com/home/Accessories/Airhawk_styles.htm

d o g o l s · « **Reply #36 on:** August 01, 2007, 02:06:03 AM »

Shootpool welcome aboard

might be an idea if you sign up to the new members thread and say hi

70_GTX · « **Reply #37 on:** August 06, 2007, 08:05:11 PM »

About five years ago I bought my wife a Pro Pad and she was reasonably satisfied with it. We just got back from a 1250 mile trip and the pad is starting to deteriorate. I didn't know what was happening at first. There was something on the seat with the consistency of donut glaze and smattering of elastic booger-like objects. The microfiber rag took both offending materials off.
The Air Hawk looks to be the way to go. Thanks for the information.

porthole · « **Reply #38 on:** August 27, 2007, 12:32:54 PM »

Before my trip to Gatlinburg I got an Air Hawk.
I got it for the interim until I can afford to fly to CA and have a Corbin built to order. Although after dealing with Jim 2 weeks ago the Corbin may be on hold

Under 2-3 hours I probably wouldn't use it, looks silly.
But for long days it was "more" comfortable. I still had a sore butt, but nothing like riding with just the HD Comfort Stitch seat. Where did they get that name anyway

The Comfort Stitch got very hot after a couple of hours, unbearable almost. That was not an issue with the Air hawk, the venting really does work.

I didn't use it on the Dragon, I wanted to be completely "in touch" when riding that and similar roads.

I got the standard size, I think 14 x 18. My wife tried and although she liked it she said the sides cut into her legs. So I may try the rectangle pad for her.

You do not need to tie it down, it doesn't move, and that is one less step when you stop, to put it away.

Author Topic: Gel Seat pad (Read 6015 times)

charlie

REGGAB

REGGAB