On bentrider online's review of 2008 interbike there is a picture of a Greenspeed with a hardshell seat. I can't find anything on Greenspeed's website about that but I hope it is an option because I'd really love a cool Greenspeed trike someday but I can't stand web seats. Does anyone have any info on this?

You can always email Mick Sims at GS and he generally will get back to you within a day. Go back to the GS Website and you will find a link there. What is wrong with the mesh seat? It's pretty darn comfortable even for long long rides.

I can't speak for paupie's reasoning, but carbon seats can be lighter and stiffer - both of which translate into getting down the road further and faster for the same effort. I think VegasTriker is right - mesh is more comfortable because it breathes better than a hardshell.

What BP said. Carbon equals better power transfer and mesh breathes better.

A quick warning, though: mesh can require a fender on the back wheel on a tadpole or you may ruin your favorite jersey if it rains.

For what it is worth...I made a short wheel base with one of those 'form fitted' plastic chairs and it is pretty light and comfortable too. However I have not taken any long rides so can not speak to that angle of the question. I think I prefer softer, but I am not into speed.

I did a 100 miles yesterday on my VK2 (not a trike) with a hard seat and was very comfy.

Yeah, I realize a lot of people swear by the mesh seats on both 2 and 3 wheelers but I have developed an aversion to them. It's not all a comfort thing; it's also an aesthetic thing to me and maybe I've just made up my mind I don't like them. Whatever. This weekend I'm going to ride the bike I have with the mesh seat and try to learn to like it. Maybe I'll have a change of heart.

One other thing does come to mind. When it is hot in the summertime (115F+ here) a mesh seat lets some of the perspiration evaporate from your back. You might just end up swimming in your hard shell seat. I've read that complaint from some riders who post on bentrider.

One of the techniques I use to ride in ugGodly hot weather is to get wet first and then ride. It takes about 4 miles at 115 degrees and 10% humidity to go from soaking wet to bone dry. That includes my back so the mesh seat must allow quite a bit of air movement.

Yes, I've had a bit of a heat rash problem with my hardshell seat if I do a tour in hot weather. One or two days of having a soaked back isn't a problem, but 5-6 days in a row, is. Never had that problem with the mesh seat on my V-Rex; but then I'm not usually willing to give up the extra speed of the lowracer for the sake of a dry back.