Fifty Plus (50+) - Has anyone used a Spongy Wonder or SpiderFlex Seat?

I'm thinking about buying either the Spongy Wonder (http://www.spongywonder.com/) seat or the SpiderFlex (http://www.spiderflex.com/) seat. Has anyone used these and what did you like or dislike about these seats. My doctor told me to stop riding bicycles because of some nerve damage that I got from a century ride on my birthday. Another doctor suggested that I could ride a recumbant bicycle. Since the seat is much less expensive, I thought I would try that first. Hopefully, someone out there can provide a recommendation to help me decide.

I'm thinking about buying either the Spongy Wonder (http://www.spongywonder.com/) seat or the SpiderFlex (http://www.spiderflex.com/) seat. Has anyone used these and what did you like or dislike about these seats. My doctor told me to stop riding bicycles because of some nerve damage that I got from a century ride on my birthday. Another doctor suggested that I could ride a recumbant bicycle. Since the seat is much less expensive, I thought I would try that first. Hopefully, someone out there can provide a recommendation to help me decide.

Cheesy,

I rode a Spiderflex for over a year. Over 3000 miles by a rough estimate. Due to some issues I was having with prostatitis, it was the seat that allowed me to start biking and lose some weight. I've had it mounted on a comfort bike, a hybrid and two road bikes, including my Roubaix. For me, it was ride that type of saddle or don't ride at all.

I found it to be very comfortable. I did 65 miles on it earlier this year, and a few rides of 40-50mi as well. It was very, very comfortable for long rides. I cannot stress just how comfortable it was to sit on. My complaints with it were 1) it was heavy. Around 700g I believe, 2) Its lack of a nose made it slightly more difficult to find your way back into the saddle after standing and peddling, and 3) worst reason of all not to use one - it didn't look very sexy.

All in all, I owe a lot to this saddle. However, while I'm not *healed*, I am in remission at the moment, and have started using a Specialized Alias which I love. At the first sign of 'tate issues, I'm running, not walking, to mount the spiderflex back on.

I happen to have two of these, both in excellent shape, and would be willing to part with one. PM me if you're interested and we can work something out, I'm sure.

Take care,

Steve

My experience with the Spongy Wonder is exactly the same as cheeseflavour's experience with the SpiderFlex. I used it for similar reasons, it was very comfortable and, I have gone to a more conventional saddle for the same reasons. I think there are several threads on these saddles it you do a search.

I used a spiderflex for several months and liked it. It resolved the prostate problems and was comfortaqble. Continuing wrist pain lead me to make the switch to a recumbent and I'm much happier now. However, I do recommend the Spiderflex to those who are having problems and wish to stick with DF bikes. If it helps you ride more, the $95.00 shouldn't get in the way. bk

I'm thinking about buying either the Spongy Wonder (http://www.spongywonder.com/) seat or the SpiderFlex (http://www.spiderflex.com/) seat. Has anyone used these and what did you like or dislike about these seats. My doctor told me to stop riding bicycles because of some nerve damage that I got from a century ride on my birthday. Another doctor suggested that I could ride a recumbant bicycle. Since the seat is much less expensive, I thought I would try that first. Hopefully, someone out there can provide a recommendation to help me decide.

I bought a Spongy Wonder seat about a year ago, just after I had picked up a used Radius recumbent. Both are excellent solutions. Riding a 'bent in traffic has drawbacks, though. I plan to buy a second Spongy Wonder for a Roubaix road bike with f & r suspension I picked up off ebay, should be the best of both worlds.

As far as likes and dislikes of the seat, I find it very comfortable. They send a spare set of pads, but after a year of use, the original pads show little wear. Only one drawback: you have to think to put your butt on the seat after standing in the pedals, something you quickly get used to.

The Spongy Wonder on a diamond frame or the recumbent's seat both eliminate the problems of pain, numbness, etc..

Here's another seat: http://www.solutionbicycleseat.com/
and another: http://www.thecomfortseat.com/
moon as you ride: http://www.moonsaddle.com/
No experience with any of the above but they seem to be a good idea.
Will post some other saddle sites or threads as recommended by other forum members:
http://www.saddleco.com/flowmain.html
http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/bicycleseats.html
http://www.koobi.com/
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=67873&highlight=comfortable+bike+seats
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=147147&highlight=comfortable+bike+seats
http://www.serfas.com/
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/saddles/springs.html
http://www.rido-cyclesaddles.com/content.php?categoryId=3
http://www.icyclesusa.com/catalog/seat/titec-hellbent-dh-seatpost.htm
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=123498&highlight=comfortable+bike+seats
about split seats: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=127742&highlight=comfortable+bike+seats
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=68730&highlight=comfortable+bike+seats

http://www.roadbikerider.com/pbs_page.htm
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=168267&highlight=comfortable+saddles
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=166960&highlight=comfortable+saddles
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=157611&highlight=comfortable+saddles

A list of manufacturers:
http://www.mikebentley.com/bike/seats.htm

A Mega Link:
http://www.mikebentley.com/bike/index.html

Another seat: Revla
http://www.revla.com/ order http://www.cycleincomfort.com/

The Super Saddle:
http://www.abs-sports.com/

Just wondering Cheesy, if you purchased either one and how it worked? I'm seriously thinking of trying one. I never see them posted on ebay so I'm assuming that most who buy them like them.

PS See that your school got beat the other night in the bowl game. Tough, but then there's always next year.

Anyone tried "The Easy Seat?" It can be had for around $35 including S&H from a number of places, like Niagra Cycle Works or eBay.

Or the cheap one from Schwinn off of Amazon

Or "The Ergo", also around $30-$35.

http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=6122

http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-No-Pressure-Bicycle-Seat/dp/B000DZGLVY/ref=pd_sbs_sg_2/104-8058278-3821549

http://www.amazon.com/Ergo-Ultimate-Lycra-Bicycle-Saddle/dp/B000AO7MKM/ref=pd_sbs_sg_3/104-8058278-3821549

The design of the "Easy Seat" is conceptually fundamentally flawed. Saddles have a nose for a reason. The only saddle which has caused me grief in the perinaeum was a narrow padded Marin. In contrast, I have had great luck with old-fashioned tensioned leather saddles (Brooks, Ideale, etc.) and with a Serfas ARC.

Here's another variation on the theme: DDwings. Claims to be superior to Spiderflex and is Italian made.

They were reviewed in an Australian cycling magazine:

http://www.australiancyclist.com.au/showarticle.php?s=9&a=1821

When I read an assortment of reviews of these saddles, a number of people complained that they put extra stress on their arms. But this guy liked his:

http://www.thirdwave-websites.com/bike/easy-seat.cfm

There are now three versions of the EasySeat:

http://www.hobsonseats.com/products.htm

Has anyone tried the BiSaddle?

Does a bisaddle enjoy both men and women sitting on it?

The image on their web page is oh, so lovely!

The design of the "Easy Seat" is conceptually fundamentally flawed. Saddles have a nose for a reason. The only saddle which has caused me grief in the perinaeum was a narrow padded Marin. In contrast, I have had great luck with old-fashioned tensioned leather saddles (Brooks, Ideale, etc.) and with a Serfas ARC.
I agree that the Easy Seat is a flawed design. However, it is a lot less flawed when used with an upright geometry. I used it for about 6 months last year on my hybrid commuter and it seemed the only seat that would let me bike at all. However, when I tried it on my Bianchi Volpe, I pretty much kept falling off. Luckily, I did find a seat that worked for me... a Terry Liberator.

Still, if you do have severe perinaeum pain, it can be a major relief.

I got a SERFAS RX for Christmas, love it! Only rode once so far, 20 miler with NO numbness or pain.
I will post soon on longer rides.

But isn't the Serfas RX a traditional design with a nose?

But isn't the Serfas RX a traditional design with a nose?
Yes and it is pretty soft as well. I was going to try it, but went for the Terry Liberator which is very similar in style but not nearly as cushy. If you are going for longer rides, IMO you need the benefit of a more rigid seat.

I asked because this thread was about saddles that don't have noses and the various designs thereof.

Interesting and funny replies. One question (or maybe two)......Is control the solitary purpose of the horn or does it also function to "hold one on" or "hold one up"? If so, would it not by its nature require pressure to be put on it?

PS I'm also thinking of a Terry Liberator Y gel saddle so glad to hear good things about that saddle.

Spongy Wond
I'm thinking about buying either the Spongy Wonder (http://www.spongywonder.com/) seat or the SpiderFlex (http://www.spiderflex.com/) seat. Has anyone used these and what did you like or dislike about these seats. My doctor told me to stop riding bicycles because of some nerve damage that I got from a century ride on my birthday. Another doctor suggested that I could ride a recumbant bicycle. Since the seat is much less expensive, I thought I would try that first. Hopefully, someone out there can provide a recommendation to help me decide.


Cheesy,

I rode a Spiderflex for over a year. Over 3000 miles by a rough estimate. Due to some issues I was having with prostatitis, it was the seat that allowed me to start biking and lose some weight. I've had it mounted on a comfort bike, a hybrid and two road bikes, including my Roubaix. For me, it was ride that type of saddle or don't ride at all.

I found it to be very comfortable. I did 65 miles on it earlier this year, and a few rides of 40-50mi as well. It was very, very comfortable for long rides. I cannot stress just how comfortable it was to sit on. My complaints with it were 1) it was heavy. Around 700g I believe, 2) Its lack of a nose made it slightly more difficult to find your way back into the saddle after standing and peddling, and 3) worst reason of all not to use one - it didn't look very sexy.

All in all, I owe a lot to this saddle. However, while I'm not *healed*, I am in remission at the moment, and have started using a Specialized Alias which I love. At the first sign of 'tate issues, I'm running, not walking, to mount the spiderflex back on.

I happen to have two of these, both in excellent shape, and would be willing to part with one. PM me if you're interested and we can work something out, I'm sure.

Take care,

Steve

Seems like this saddle might also be worth considering:
http://mcmwin.com/saddle%20shop%20new.htm?gclid=CLPx-p7FwpcCFQyfnAodwlUJSQ

Seems like this saddle might also be worth considering:
http://mcmwin.com/saddle%20shop%20new.htm?gclid=CLPx-p7FwpcCFQyfnAodwlUJSQ

I sent them a Brooks B17 and had a cutout done. I already had the saddle so...I figured why not. Best thing I ever did. :love: :thumb:

You might also look at these, I have ridden one for over 3000 miles now, including rides up to 85 miles, with no problems.
http://www.allaysaddles.com/

You might also look at these, I have ridden one for over 3000 miles now, including rides up to 85 miles, with no problems.
http://www.allaysaddles.com/

That looks worthwhile too. :thumb:

I never had problems when I was younger but that was so long ago that maybe I just forgot. :D

Get the bent! A saddle will not satisfy the N+1 requirement..

As a bent rider, I don't understand noseless saddles. The nose is supposed to keep you from sliding off the front. Without the nose, don't you have to hold yourself up more with your hands? It seems to me that doing that would cause more hand problems.

How did the doctor determine you had nerve damage and what type of doctor is it?
if you don't mind sharing that information-- that's ok --I may have a lot of nerve asking that question.
I have been having my own problems in that area and nerve damage has not come up yet.

Hi!

I've bought a Spiderflex and here's my review.

First of all, i bought it of curiousosity. I read positive and negative opinions about it. Positive ones were from people suffering from pains/illnesses that would not let them ride a conventional saddles. Negative opinions were from bikers who did not actually try it!

It is clear that opinions of both camps can't be considered unbiased. So i decided to try it myself.



Here's what it turned out to be:

PROS

* It really saves you from pains in the ass when you ride long. If you ride it for a long time, you might feel pain, but it is a lot smaller than from a usual seat. It would be like when sitting for a long time on a wooden bench. It is way less painful than
* It amortizes bumbs. When you ride it, rough asphalt is smoother. The amortization only covers small bumps. Inside the cartridge there is just a simple spring without any absorber.
* It lets you hop to the ground easily — thanks to lack of nose.

CONS

* It doesn't let you control your bike with your thighs. It is a great disadvantage! If you ride between cars, you can only control the bike alignment with your hands which is way more difficult. Releasing one hand (to gesticulate or wipe sniffles) might be dangerous, releasing both hands is almost impossible.

*It might be dangerous when taking a bumpy slope. When riding over bumps, the saddle kicks your ass to the front. A strong bump during a descent may push you off the seat. And as there's nothing between your thighs you will most likely lose control of your bike. :(

* It requires a set back seat post bought separately. When looking at Spiderflex, you might think: why there are so long brackets? In fact, they aren't long enough! That's because Spiderflex should be under your buttocks, not under your perineum like a conventional seat. Spiderflex manufacturer admits that on their website and suggests that you buy a set back seatpost.

* It costs a fortune . I paid $150 for the seat and overseas delivery. Here in Russia you can buy a nice road bike for this sum.

* The spongy material wears out quickly and it's not replaceable. Consider wrapping the spongy halves with a reinforced sticky tape.

I rode Spiderflex once on my commuter (Marin Muirwoods 29er) and immediately put a usual seat back. I will never ride Spiderflex on a sport-like bike again. But i found a great use to it on my custom stretch cruiser Joseph Stalin (http://www.picamatic.com/view/3508062_02052009328/) (i'm going to replace its seat with Spiderflex, assembled a prototype fastening already).

Here's a seat i found on ChainReationCycles that might be better than Spiderflex:

Allay Nomad 1.1 (http://www.allaysaddles.com/products/detail/Nomad1_1_m)

Riding a 'bent in traffic has drawbacks, though.

The Spongy Wonder on a diamond frame or the recumbent's seat both eliminate the problems of pain, numbness, etc..

I have found no 'bent-related problems with riding in traffic; when I commute to work (suburban/urban) it's on a short wheelbase 'bent.

I have issues with hand/arm/wrist comfort on upright bikes but my seat never complained about bike seats.
Note: The RANS Comfy Chair is so comfortable that it's a pleasure, at stop lights, to put one or two feet flat on the ground and just relax.

...
As a bent rider, I don't understand noseless saddles. The nose is supposed to keep you from sliding off the front. Without the nose, don't you have to hold yourself up more with your hands? It seems to me that doing that would cause more hand problems.

As a conventional safety cycle rider, I don't understand noseless saddles, either, and I would be very afraid to try one, for fear of falling off at an inopportune moment or being unable to find my way gracefully and quickly back into a seated position after starting up or standing on the cranks. I find the saddle nose is very helpful when I lean into turns or otherwise try to control the bike with a bit of body English.

I too would be afraid to ride a seat without a nose. I like to sit up and relax hands free and I steer with the nose of the saddle when doing this and probably a lot more than I realize. I think the Allay that Lolmaus recommended might be the best of both worlds, but he looks a little young to be giving advice in this forum :D