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.

http://www.spiderflex.com/images/left_seat_intro_b.jpg

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:
http://www.allaysaddles.com/mediafiles/products/1405/
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

I gave this bike seat a good shot and put 200+ miles on it. I tried it in multiple different positions and gave it a good shot, couldn’t find any comfort on it. Anything over 30 miles and you start to really realize how uncomfortable it is. But I won’t say it wasn’t worth trying, BUT do not buy because if you don’t like it, you’ll have a night mare trying to return it.

I bought the seat in May and returned it late May. The website for Spongy Wonder asks you to call them before returning. It’s a one man operation and you will speak to the owner Jeff, who will relentlessly try to convince you his seat is the best hornless seat in the universe and you will never find anything better (An ear full though not a short conversation). Jeff got pretty worked up and resulted to using profanity at one point. He let one or slip out that I found extremely unprofessional for a business owner to communicate with his customers. After beating me up over wanting to return the seat and acting totally unprofessional he then told me how to return the seat. I spent almost $30 bucks to return the seat from the US to Canada. The seat was returned to the owner Jeff. A month went buy and no refund so I contacted Jeff. He replied with a one liner email saying I purchased his seat through Tesco and they will coordinate the return. More time went by and I contacted Tesco to inquire and I carbon copied Jeff on the email. I’m still waiting on Tesco and Jeff sent an email back to me stating once again Tesco will coordinate the return. By the way things are going I got a vibe Jeff from Spongy Wonder does bad business like this on a routine basis. DO NOT BUY THIS SEAT UNLESS YOU WANT TO DEAL WITH THE SAME GUFF I AM NOW. I did not return the product to Tesco I returned it to the Spongy Wonder, but Spongy Wonder has no concern of helping get my refund when they have the returned product.

I read a prior post about the seat and another customer mentioned the horrible customer service and they also mentioned Jeff’s negative demeanor during conversations about his product. NOT A GOOD COMPANY/ PERSON TO DO BUSINESS WITH!!:mad:

Glad the thread title wasn't "Anyone have a Spongy Wonder"? I would have been afraid to look. ;)

Dear Mr. Schwartz,

Jeff Dixon here. I would like to reply to your post. First of all never I swore at you.

Secondly, by your own words you have confirmed that you bought the seat from Tesco. I wholesale to Tesco and drop ship for them. You were their client and therefore your return was to go to them and your refund was to come from them. We have no mechanism for making a refund to another company's client. I am sure the vast majority of readers out there understand this. You seem like an intelligent man but for some reason you either could not understand this or could not accept it even though I explained it 4 times. Following which you were the one who became angry. I gave you Tesco's toll free number and told you Greg Muzzatti was an honourable man and would provide your refund. Then I spent at least a half hour on the phone trying to discover your issues so you could be helped going forward. You have spun a story out of anger.

Thirdly, we get returns on occasion. I received one Friday from ZIP 97224. The postage on the box was $13.74. If you chose to send it in some way that cost you $30.00 I am not sure why you did that when it was unnecessary to spend that kind of cash. You stated you bought the seat in May and returned it in May and because we have a 50 day return policy there was no urgency on your part to spend more than the cost required by the basic service back to me.

Fourthly, naturally I try and discover why a client wants to return a seat because almost all issues can be solved. The conversation was long not because I was "beating you up" but because (a) you kept refusing to contact Greg Muzzatti at Tesco. By your own admital: " A month went buy and no refund so I contacted Jeff. He replied with a one liner email saying I purchased his seat through Tesco and they will coordinate the return. More time went by and I contacted Tesco to inquire and I carbon copied Jeff on the email." you did not immediately contact Tesco as instructed. What you did, as proven by your own words, was refuse to accept that SW has no mechanism for refunding to another company's client, and refuse to contact Tesco in a timely manner - with the toll free number I gave you - so you could get your refund as instructed. I am not sure if you have received a refund or not. If not I am not sure why. (b) I tried to determine the nature of your issues in order to help you get off your destructive single platform seat.

There are two sides to every story and most people have seen other people act very poorly at service desks etc. Most people accept that the axiom "The customer is always right." is not true and have seen honest hardworking owners, and company employees "assaulted" by disgruntled customers who are so worked up they refuse to receive help. I am sorry you did not like our seat and I will contact Mr. Muzzatti and inquire about your refund. As you are his client I am not required to do that any more than I was required to be subject to the all abuse and slander you have turned loose on me thus far.

While the internet is great in some ways, one way it is horrible is that it allows the flip side of the principle that every one has the right to face their accuser: that flip side being that no one has the right to accuse in such a way that the accused cannot respond - to be easily nullified. Thankfully I found this thread and can respond.

You also say you found another customer who said they received horrible service. Now you are operating on third person reports. This is called "hearsay" and once again this is the flip side of the principle that every one has the right to face their accuser: that flip side being that no one has the right to accuse in such a way that the accused cannot respond. Who is this person and once again did I have the chance to respond? Once again, most people understand why there are provisions in law to protect from such inappropriate behavior.

I have no doubt that some readers may not be completely "amused" that I am responding so vigorously to this. I must ask them if they would be willing to stand by and have their living destroyed in such a manner. Also, I am sure that anyone reading this response can go to our website and read all the glowing testimonials - those posted being a fraction of what I have received.

I freely admit that my tone of voice and choice of words may be less than the "sweetest gentle breeze" on occasion. Anyone who spends a lot of time on the phone will tell you that the are not always on the top of their game and that sometimes a very difficult customer will make one irritated. At this point the vast, vast majority of readers will respond "Yeah I get that and its nice to receive a little mercy when I foul up just like I give because I do understand."

I have never sworn at anyone who has called - including yourself, and if I seemed less than fully polite to you I apologize now.

As far as service goes, and as far as I know, I am the only owner and/or inventor of a bicycle seat that purchasers may call for help. I have been on the phone tens of thousands of times. Even if there are other reports of folks believing I provided bad service I would ask what percentage is that when that number is divided by the tens of thousands of calls I have taken. I am sure the percentage of of times I have been less than "complete sweetness and light" is a percentage that anyone would gladly take as a percentage of being less than perfect. And once again I would state that I am sure most people upon reflection would understand that:

"Anyone who spends a lot of time on the phone will tell you that it is impossible to always be on the top of their game and that sometimes a very difficult customer will make one irritated. At this point the vast, vast majority of readers will respond "Yeah I get that and its nice to receive a little mercy when I foul up just like I give because I do understand."


Sincerely,

Jeff Dixon
President and Owner of Spongy Wonder (An imperfect person like everyone else.)

Dear Mr. Schwartz,

It is now about 10 minutes since I posted my reply to you. It is 7:52 Sunday Morning and I just left a message on Greg Muzzatti's phone at Tesco saying asking him to please contact you if (a) he somehow missed your refund and (b) to confirm a refund has been made and manner it was made if the refund was done (which I am sure it was as Mr. Muzzatti is an honorable man). Once again his toll free number is 1-877-823-5776.

Jeff Dixon
Owner and President of Spongy Wonder (And still imperfect now at 7:59 Sunday Morning.)

Hi Everyone! Jeff Dixon again. I realised I made a mistake when writing so quickly my response to Mr. Schwartzand want to correct. I did not mean to say this:

You stated you bought the seat in May and returned it in May and because we have a 50 day return policy there was no urgency on your part to spend more than the cost required by the basic service back to me.

but this:

You stated you bought the seat in May and returned it in May and because Tesco has a 50 day return policy there was no urgency on your part to spend more than the cost required by the basic service back to them.

Thanks,

Jeff