Gel Seat Pad

Milar · 07-19-2000, 10:13 AM

Has anyone tried a gel seat pad on their "S"? I'm generally ok with the stock seat, but a bit of extra cushion for those super long days would be nice.

DevDel · 07-19-2000, 02:11 PM

I use an Airhawk seat cushion for interstate miles. It will keep you from getting a numb ass (though finding numb asses is easier than ever!). To squirmy for sport riding, but then a good section of curves rarely leaves you thinking about aching body parts.

Dev

Danhunt · 07-19-2000, 05:59 PM

I had a gel insert in my seat on my RT for one long ride, it did not work on that bike, it took a custom seat. I'd be leary of it on any bike, the gel is quite firm and does not change any of the pressure points. and if you use a stap on pad you will be sitting higher putting you in a worse riding position. Anyhow that is my experience.

Daniel

SBMW · 07-20-2000, 01:47 PM

I have used gel pads on seats a couple of times...on my RS it helped for comfort on long-mile days. The one I had is held on with straps around the seat that mate up to velcro on the bottom of the gel pad which was about 1.5" thick. It was a little squirmy and not good all for sporting riding. A friend has one that is much larger and thinner and has no mounting kit - you just flop it on the seat like a big pancake and sit on it and it pretty well stays in place...So I'd look for one of those. Maybe made by Bun-Ease in TX? I'm not sure.

Also some of the seat-refurbishers will insert gel into the saddle foam, however I have heard that these get pretty hot in the sun. Also when I had Seargent rework my seat they did not recommend the gel inserts since there is so little data available regarding long-term use and how the material holds up. The external seat pads have the advantage of portability so you can take them inside and set next to an AC vent, or in a bucket of ice water, to cool down. I'd guess you could microwave them for warmth as well.
sb

DCooper · 07-20-2000, 02:51 PM

Rich's in Seattle puts a gel pad in all the seats he builds (500 -700 a year) and swears by them. He won't leave it out unless the customer insists. I don't know what type of life span he expects, but he stands behind the work forever, that was good enough for me.

SpaCovers · 07-24-2000, 07:29 PM

http://www.saddlemen.com
These guys sell just a large gel pad that you have to put in or have put in. I have tried to order one 3 times and got the run around. This thread just reminded me to call again.

CARacic · 07-25-2000, 07:19 PM

I have a separate gel pad. Yes if you are going sport riding it is not good, but if you are spending hours on the super slab then it helps with the but burn. I got mine from JC Whitney,but it is the saddleman unit. Good Luck

SpaCovers · 07-25-2000, 07:32 PM

Yeah, I just order mine from JC whitney and it is the Travelcade/Saddlemen brand for less money than direct and someone who wants to talk to you and sell you more stuff. I think it was about $50 with shipping.