Mountain Biking - Gel or Foam?

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bewg10
05-11-08, 09:04 PM
I am looking to buy a new saddle and was wondering what u all thought the differances, good or bad, were between haveing Gel or Foam. I am a 5' 10" 197 lb rider. Thx.

BP302
05-11-08, 09:26 PM
At your height and weight, I'd only consider a gel saddle like my Serfas on my '88 bike with no suspension. But I guess it depends if you have HT or a FS bike too. Plus, how long are your rides? At 6' 1" and 177 lbs., I felt comfortable on my Fizik Gobi saddle for a 2 1/2 hour ride on my FS bike. Gel is much more comfortable and shock absorbing than foam.
bewg10
05-12-08, 02:05 AM
I ride a hardtail and ride around 3 hours at a time normally. The ask because I read once that Gel seats should not be considered, but for what reason I cannot recall. Im looking at the SELLE ITALIA SLR GELFLOW.

http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=5936&page=SELLE+ITALIA+SLR+GELFLOW+BICYCLE+SADDLE

Bike Lover
05-12-08, 11:56 AM
There are differences. A good saddle with a bit of gel in it is different than an all gel seat. You're looking at the former. Many people like the SLRs but saddles are a very personal thing. What one person likes, another may not.

If you have an LBS near you with a demo program, you should try that. Alot of people have bought many seats over the internet only to find they don't like them much. Specialized dealers, and other LBSs have a measuring device for your "seat bones" and can get you close.