I'm looking for alternatives to the seat foam that came with my Bachetta Corsa. I like the breathability of the current foam but was wondering is there anything with more density. I've heard a few talk about Zotefoam and high density furniture foam. I'm just currious about all the possible options available out there.

I'll add a +1 on the Zotefoam. Great stuff for a very comfy ride. You wouldn't know it to look at it but a 1/2" of Zotefoam is perfect for my hardshell seat. What really helps is that you don't get the pressure where you don't need it like you do with other 2" foams.

Zote foam is dense, one might even call it stiff; but it is not breathable.

I took my EZ Sport seat base to an upholstery shop, and asked them to put on much firmer foam. They put on two layers of firm foam, with a layer of jute in between, and a layer of thinsulate on top. The thinsulate is closed cell and doesn't absorb sweat. It is soooo comfortable. They knew what I was looking for better than I did. Cost; $50.00 Comfort; Priceless. bk

I'm looking for alternatives to the seat foam that came with my Bachetta Corsa. I like the breathability of the current foam but was wondering is there anything with more density. I've heard a few talk about Zotefoam and high density furniture foam. I'm just currious about all the possible options available out there.

I can make a custom ZoteFoam seatpad for your Corsa if it has a hardshell seat. This is my 4th year riding on ZoteFoam, and I won`t be using anything else on any bike I own with a hardshell seat. I currently have ZoteFoam pads on a NoCom/VK1/Streamliner/Rotator Tiger/Homebuilt Highracer Project....

Don

What size is the seat on a Corsa? The replacement seat pads I sell are 11" wide by 36" long, maybe they'd fit your bike.

I can make a custom ZoteFoam seatpad for your Corsa if it has a hardshell seat. This is my 4th year riding on ZoteFoam, and I won`t be using anything else on any bike I own with a hardshell seat. I currently have ZoteFoam pads on a NoCom/VK1/Streamliner/Rotator Tiger/Homebuilt Highracer Project....

Don

The seat I have is a Euromesh which I don't think would need any foam at all if it weren't for the frame rails. My problem is that my upper body is tall and I deal with upper back issues where I must keep it fairly straight.(must not hunch my shoulders foreward) On Bacchetta's the seats have a curve at the top that arches my back in the wrong place. I've put a wedge of firm sofa foam in that bend and cures the problem. I'm just not fond of the stock foam that comes on the bike. After awhile you start to feel those frame rails.

Ideally I would like to find a carbon seat that only has the curve at the bottom to catch your butt without any curve at the top. That or a seat long enough for someone nearly 6'4".

I've heard some good things about Zotefoam with the only drawback being breathability which I can live with if it is ventilated. Any suggestions about locating a seat as I've described or whether or not Zotefoam will work with the Euromesh? I saw fairly inexpensive carbon seats on Ebay. Anyone know about those? How about a number of aftermarked seat manufacturers? Where can I see any photos of your seat Don? I just might be interested.

Chris

The seat I have is a Euromesh which I don't think would need any foam at all if it weren't for the frame rails. My problem is that my upper body is tall and I deal with upper back issues where I must keep it fairly straight.(must not hunch my shoulders foreward) On Bacchetta's the seats have a curve at the top that arches my back in the wrong place. I've put a wedge of firm sofa foam in that bend and cures the problem. I'm just not fond of the stock foam that comes on the bike. After awhile you start to feel those frame rails.

Ideally I would like to find a carbon seat that only has the curve at the bottom to catch your butt without any curve at the top. That or a seat long enough for someone nearly 6'4".

I've heard some good things about Zotefoam with the only drawback being breathability which I can live with if it is ventilated. Any suggestions about locating a seat as I've described or whether or not Zotefoam will work with the Euromesh? I saw fairly inexpensive carbon seats on Ebay. Anyone know about those? How about a number of aftermarked seat manufacturers? Where can I see any photos of your seat Don? I just might be interested.

Chris


Hi Chris,
The ZoteFoam pads should really be used for hardshell seats only. It sounds to me that all you need is a carbon seat that fits properly. VeloKraft, as well as a few others, make X-large carbon seats. Here`s a pic of my old bike with a VeloKraft carbon seat and one of my ZoteFoam seatpads... http://tinyurl.com/2vcvvh

Don

I'm one of Don's biggest ZoteFoam supporters, if not his biggest. I think I've bought at least 4 pads and turned a few other people on to them, too. Good stuff.

http://home.insightbb.com/~dtresenriter/fujin3.jpg

Hi Chris,
The ZoteFoam pads should really be used for hardshell seats only. It sounds to me that all you need is a carbon seat that fits properly. VeloKraft, as well as a few others, make X-large carbon seats. Here`s a pic of my old bike with a VeloKraft carbon seat and one of my ZoteFoam seatpads... http://tinyurl.com/2vcvvh

Don

I think you're right about the seat. I'm aware of Velokraft's seats, but I'm a notorious "look at all the options" kind of guy. Any idea of who else makes carbon seats? I have a Bacchetta Corsa and the carbon seat from Bacchetta is too short. Nice pads by the way. They actually look CNC milled. Very clean.

Chris

swanson makes or did make carbon fiber seats I believe. I also vote for dons zotefoam pads.

As soon as my TICA gets here - which should be tomorrow I hope - I plan on weighing the pad and seeing if I can't shave a few ounces off with Don's Zotefoam pads. Don - what does the typical pad weigh? It's an M5 seat, so it's still in the Vk/Baron/Fujin size range.

As soon as my TICA gets here - which should be tomorrow I hope - I plan on weighing the pad and seeing if I can't shave a few ounces off with Don's Zotefoam pads. Don - what does the typical pad weigh? It's an M5 seat, so it's still in the Vk/Baron/Fujin size range.

Greg, the pads for my VK seats which are slightly narrower than an M5 weigh less than 100g.

I'll bet it'll be much lighter than the stock m5 pad then. I ought to be able to get the tica down to 18 or 18.5 pounds within a year I bet, including the wheel discs.

I'll bet it'll be much lighter than the stock m5 pad then. I ought to be able to get the tica down to 18 or 18.5 pounds within a year I bet, including the wheel discs.

I just weighed a spare pad with a bunch of Velcro on it and it weighed 105g. I know without the Velcro, it's well under 100g. By contrast, a Volae dual density foam pad weighed 292g.

If you get a chance check out the foams in the auto racing industry. Found an interesting one here http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productdetails.asp?RecId=3124

Also check out this one: http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productselection.asp?Product=2396

The first one really has my curiosity piqued.

Chris

Has anyone tried the Ventisit cushions? (www.ventisit.nl)

I thought this site had seat foam, but the site is acting funny, I don't know:

http://www.hpv-heaven.com/

Has anyone tried the Ventisit cushions? (www.ventisit.nl)

Babelfish translation:
At last ligfietsen without wet back with 14 days not well money guarantee (at sale by means of Internet) the Ventisit ligfietsmatje prevents a wet back during your bicycle excursions! The open structure of the Ventisit ensures a very effective ventilatie. Also the Ventisit are very comfortable by being clearly present, but not too gentle vering. Dry and a comfortable zit, a benefit for your back. Further large advantages are: very slijtvast. take no vocht super lichtgewicht (as from 220 gr). clothing does not damage. UV insensitive fragrance-rather-colourfast continue also after years good to see washable on 40 degrees C. in a lot of half-measures and models individual obtain adaptations possible. 2 years guarantee at normal use. The Ventisit make it ligfietsen more comfortable. You can choose which measured the bests at you are appropriate, because the Ventisit there are in 2 implementations: Classic (approximately 2 cm thick) want you a still better ventilatie and then you, comfort choose comfort (approximately 3 cm thick).

Just weighed the pad that came with the Tica - 9 ounces on the dot. Looks like Don will be getting some bidness from me in a few weeks.

Update: Okay I got a small piece of the Backsaver Foam ( http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productdetails.asp?RecId=3124 ) for the bottom half of the seat and WOW!!. It's really a very dense version of memory foam and really gets rid of the preasure points. Cuts with scissors pretty easily. I put it between the seat and the original breathable foam to keep things cool. I've gone 90 minutes without having to adjust once and I'm dying to go longer. It's really not that heavy either. About 250grams. If you're a gram-shaver you may not want the extra weight( I shave weight by using the bathroom before the ride) but if you have "recumbutt" issues, it just might work.

The seat I have is a Euromesh which I don't think would need any foam at all if it weren't for the frame rails. My problem is that my upper body is tall and I deal with upper back issues where I must keep it fairly straight.(must not hunch my shoulders foreward) On Bacchetta's the seats have a curve at the top that arches my back in the wrong place. I've put a wedge of firm sofa foam in that bend and cures the problem. I'm just not fond of the stock foam that comes on the bike. After awhile you start to feel those frame rails. Chris

Glad to hear that putting some foam in that upper curve helps. I have exactly that same problem with the Euromesh seat. In fact, if it weren't for that problem, I would probably already have bought a Corsa. Ideally, I'm hoping that Bacchetta will offer a large size Euromesh seat, like the hardshell seats.

The Euromesh I think is a great seat with the size being the only drawback. I just put that wedge in the recurve and problem solved. I cuts out some of the breathability and is only really noticable in 90+ degree weather. Anyone have any ideas about longer carbon seats and where I could find one? I know about Velokraft's seat and it looks good, I just want to see all the alternatives. Anyone?

Hi Chris,
The ZoteFoam pads should really be used for hardshell seats only. It sounds to me that all you need is a carbon seat that fits properly. VeloKraft, as well as a few others, make X-large carbon seats. Here`s a pic of my old bike with a VeloKraft carbon seat and one of my ZoteFoam seatpads... http://tinyurl.com/2vcvvh

Don

Just bought a Zotefoam from Don... full review to follow. At this point, it looks awesome. More contoured than stock Optima foam, without some of the water holding problems I have had. If it turns out to be as comfortable as I think it is, I will be hooked.

Two thumbs up on Don and his service.
Jorin

I can make a custom ZoteFoam seatpad for your Corsa if it has a hardshell seat. This is my 4th year riding on ZoteFoam, and I won`t be using anything else on any bike I own with a hardshell seat. I currently have ZoteFoam pads on a NoCom/VK1/Streamliner/Rotator Tiger/Homebuilt Highracer Project....

Don

I bought one of Don's ZoteFoam seats. Great service and dealing with Don, BTW... Thanks, Don!

Love the seat. Very firm, relative to the thick stuff that came on the bike, but it is like a firm seat on a weggie. When I first started riding a DF, I thought soft was best... now I am on firm and stiff, and understand why serious riders like "hard" saddles. Zotefoam is the same. Better for moisture regulation, too. My plan is to stick with them, even if I switch 'bents.

Two thumbs up as an upgrade, and Don is great to buy from.

Don

I saw your note on the foam pad you have made. I might be interested in one for my recumbent a Streetmachine GTE. Have you made one for one of these?

Deane

Don,

My main concern with the foam pad that comes with the AB HiRacer is that it makes for wet t-shirts in the back in hot weather. How is the Zote in this respect ?

Cheers.

Hi Deane,
I don`t have a template for a StreetMachine GTE seat, but I could make you a seatpad if you could make a tracing of your seat and send it to me. If your seat is normally used in a more upright position the Zotefoam seatpad might not be a good idea....its better to use a Zotefoam pad on a seat thats more laid back. Personally, I would only use a Zotefoam pad on a seat that was at an angle of 25 degrees or less.YMMV

Don

carcassonne,
I personally, have not had any issues with wetness with the Zotefoam seatpad. It does not absorb moisture like a sponge ...

Don

Don,

I don't mean the seat pad itself. The foam pad that's given with the AB HiRacer stays quite dry. I was more thinking along the lines of a seat pad that lets the air flowing somehow thus refreshing the back, preventing 'wet t-shirts'.

Cheers.

carcassonne,
airflow between the rider and the zotefoam pad is provided be the grooves that I cut into the seatpad with a router. I am planning on experimenting soon with cutting wider grooves into the pad to see how much of an effect it has compared to the narrower 1/4" grooves I currently use. Are you wearing a cycling jersey or a T-shirt while riding?

Carcassonne... I have one of the Zotefoam pads on my Actionbent trike and I do love the feel of the pad. Very comfortable on the buns for long rides and it does hold you in the seat suprisingly well.

As for sweat, it all depends... I sweat at 70-1/2 degrees F and get that sweat line on the front of my t-shirts so the back definitely gets wet. The chevrons that Don routers into the pad works well to wick away sweat, but everyone will have different experiences with this. Air certainly doesn't circulate around your back.

I have had the Zotafoam take on some sweat. It doesn't wick it from your body, but it will replace air with sweat where the pressure points are. It is very little, but I do need to figure out a way to keep it 'hygenic'.

If you have the FRP seat with the vent holes slotted into it from Actionbent, do include the slots in your template. That will help most of all for ventalation. I would also consider a built in neck rest in the pattern.

I can't say enough about the endurance this pad give you. It is extremely lightweight and super comfortable. I can't comment on Don's observation about seat angle, but my trike is at it's most extreme reclined position at maybe just more than 30 degrees from horizontal.

Oh, and it is comfortable without a shirt too :p

Don, how do I contact you to order one of your ZoteFoam pads? I purchased a XL Velokraft carbon seat and need the foam to fit. I think I'd like to try your's since you're getting so much praise. Website or email?

Chris

Hi Chris,
You can contact me at airxxxwolf@yahoo.com .........Also, since I already have a template for a VeloKraft X-large seat, I could make you a seatpad right away without the need to have you send me a tracing of your seat.

Don

Awsome Don. Look for my email shortly.

Chris

Don, I'm not at all happy with the seat pad.......... my back got soaking wet.

I see no reason why my back should sweat when it is only 98 degrees out on a hilly 112 mile course. I want a refund!

If you have the FRP seat with the vent holes slotted into it from Actionbent, do include the slots in your template. That will help most of all for ventalation. I would also consider a built in neck rest in the pattern.
Shaman,

I think there's an error. Here's a pic I took from the seat I got with the AB HiRacer. The HiRacer spec from AB's web site reads like:

"Seat: UltraLite FRP (Fiberglass-Reinforced-Plastic) w/ Headrest and velcro-detachable pad "

I got the HiRacer a little more than a month ago. If I then look at the AB web site in the Seats/Pads section, clearly the ultralight FRP seat had those vent holes you're mentionning.

So it seems I did not get the right seat. Hmmm...

You got the right seat, carcassonne. They don't put the holes in there anymore. That doesn't mean you can't cut your own. You just need the trim pieces to relieve the sharp edge. I would drill a hole or two in the base of the seat to avoid puddling of sweat in the seat pan.

Don, I'm not at all happy with the seat pad.......... my back got soaking wet.

I see no reason why my back should sweat when it is only 98 degrees out on a hilly 112 mile course. I want a refund!

Hmmm,
Since your seatpad was a freebie, I think I will triple the amount of your refund....:D

Don

I just got the pad and it is very well done. Perfectly cut and sculpted like it was done on a jig. The firmer foam seems more to my liking. Haven't ridden on it yet so we'll test the preasure point and fatigue factors tomorrow. To be honest Don, the quality is such that I think you could sell these for more money. Of course I'll say that after I've bought mine, not before. Nice work.

I have never seen Don's pad, but I recently acquired a Ventisit pad and tested it extensively on very hot and humid days. Even while wearing a regular cotton tshirt.

The ventilation is unbeatable.

bk,
where is that shop located? If it is close enough to me, I'd like to use it.
Thanks!

You got the right seat, carcassonne. They don't put the holes in there anymore. That doesn't mean you can't cut your own. You just need the trim pieces to relieve the sharp edge. I would drill a hole or two in the base of the seat to avoid puddling of sweat in the seat pan.

Shaman, strange thing that they let go of the seat with holes in it. I was told that was made to accomodate the new foam seat. I guess the previous arrangement was not so comfortable.

As to make holes in the seat... This would have to go with holes in the seat foam. The problem is not water puddling up in the seat, but the lack of ventilation that simply soaks up the back of a t-shirt on hot humid days. Not to mention the white 'salty' waves it leaves on the t-shirts (washable, though). I guess I'll look at a replacement seat pad instead of making holes.

Hostel Shoppe sells a dual density open cell/closed cell seat pad. See:
www.hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/readitem.pl?Accessory=1082759829

If you decide to go the new seat route, their Volae seat comes in four sizes. See:
www.hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/readitem.pl?Accessory=1089843061