Originally Posted by
GravelMN
Ditch the gel seat. It is a big mistake to associate the amount of padding with the comfort of the saddle. In fact, an overly padded saddle can lead to chaffing, numbness in places you don't want to be numb, and saddle sores. Far more important to comfort are proper bike fit and the proper size and design of saddle FOR YOU...............
I seriously second this. I dislike gel in anything other than, mebbe, bar tape. My far and away preferred road bike saddle is a Selle Anatomica NSX. "Fits like a glove" is an apt descriptor. Second choice/backup is a Brooks B17 that's not as good for me but entirely workable. Others out there I'm sure but I'm not looking anymore. Point is, neither is at all padded and I could ride either naked in reasonable comfort.