Air cell cushion saddle cover
Likes For kahn:
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,107
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1037 Post(s)
Liked 1,300 Times
in
747 Posts
Seems like there is a very little threshold with air, at one point it feels like it's poking in you, at another with slightly lower pressure it feels too mushy. They can also be filled with water which doesn't compress like air. Should feel like a water bed then.
With water it might whick away the heat too much below certain temperature though. Gell is something in between water and solid so it doesn't feel too hot during the summer when not exposed to direct sunlight and not cold during the winter.
With water it might whick away the heat too much below certain temperature though. Gell is something in between water and solid so it doesn't feel too hot during the summer when not exposed to direct sunlight and not cold during the winter.
On the bicycle, I cannot see it working the same way. The pad will simply raise you off the seat, and I cannot imagine the chafing between the legs, and I am a thin guy. It looks like a bad idea designed by someone who has good intentions, but doesn't ride very far at a time, if at all.
Likes For phughes:
#28
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,614
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4403 Post(s)
Liked 4,036 Times
in
2,693 Posts
If you need to put on a cover on your saddle, more importantly you probably need a fit and a better saddle (which your fitter could recommend) A saddle should only need covering if you are trying to keep rain off of it, otherwise it is already a single unit. A lot of pain can be caused by thing being in the wrong position, height, setback, angle, bar position (including angle) and other factors. None of which have to do with the actual saddle.
Also if you only ride occasionally you won't have a chance to get used to riding and that will cause pain and is not something adding a cover is going to help with. People have already pointed out the differences between a bike which you pedal and a motorcycle you don't (and also typically sit on with your whole butt or most of it). However that is quite important to note for this.
Though when I get sultry I may want that but I try not to get high temperature and sultry when riding. When you see goofy wording like that from someone who used google translate so they could pump out the product cheaply and quickly, you should probably avoid it. It is great for comedy but probably wasn't much R+D going into it just hey lets just make something silly and someone will buy it.
Also if you only ride occasionally you won't have a chance to get used to riding and that will cause pain and is not something adding a cover is going to help with. People have already pointed out the differences between a bike which you pedal and a motorcycle you don't (and also typically sit on with your whole butt or most of it). However that is quite important to note for this.
Though when I get sultry I may want that but I try not to get high temperature and sultry when riding. When you see goofy wording like that from someone who used google translate so they could pump out the product cheaply and quickly, you should probably avoid it. It is great for comedy but probably wasn't much R+D going into it just hey lets just make something silly and someone will buy it.
Likes For veganbikes:
#29
Full Member
Thread Starter
If you need to put on a cover on your saddle, more importantly you probably need a fit and a better saddle (which your fitter could recommend) A saddle should only need covering if you are trying to keep rain off of it, otherwise it is already a single unit. A lot of pain can be caused by thing being in the wrong position, height, setback, angle, bar position (including angle) and other factors. None of which have to do with the actual saddle.
Also if you only ride occasionally you won't have a chance to get used to riding and that will cause pain and is not something adding a cover is going to help with. People have already pointed out the differences between a bike which you pedal and a motorcycle you don't (and also typically sit on with your whole butt or most of it). However that is quite important to note for this.
Though when I get sultry I may want that but I try not to get high temperature and sultry when riding. When you see goofy wording like that from someone who used google translate so they could pump out the product cheaply and quickly, you should probably avoid it. It is great for comedy but probably wasn't much R+D going into it just hey lets just make something silly and someone will buy it.
Also if you only ride occasionally you won't have a chance to get used to riding and that will cause pain and is not something adding a cover is going to help with. People have already pointed out the differences between a bike which you pedal and a motorcycle you don't (and also typically sit on with your whole butt or most of it). However that is quite important to note for this.
Though when I get sultry I may want that but I try not to get high temperature and sultry when riding. When you see goofy wording like that from someone who used google translate so they could pump out the product cheaply and quickly, you should probably avoid it. It is great for comedy but probably wasn't much R+D going into it just hey lets just make something silly and someone will buy it.
Now when trying out it on a Lepper Concorde instead of Selle Anatomica with carefully adjusted pressure it feels like floating, can't feel any pressure points or poking only gentle pressure fluctuations as you pedal, so the main thing is the right saddle shape and structure (matress spring loaded hammock) + air pressure which is more on the low side. Thin gel cover on top of it also adds some protection and makes it look less conspicuous.
Last edited by sysrq; 05-28-21 at 09:13 AM.
#30
Advanced Slacker
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,213
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2763 Post(s)
Liked 2,537 Times
in
1,433 Posts
Never thought I would see “sultry” associated with “hemorrhoids” or “skin acne”.
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: northWET washington
Posts: 1,197
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 383 Post(s)
Liked 690 Times
in
396 Posts
Well it's a hit and miss with everything not just things that come out of China so things like bad translation sometimes can be overlooked.
Now when trying out it on a Lepper Concorde instead of Selle Anatomica with carefully adjusted pressure it feels like floating, can't feel any pressure points or poking only gentle pressure fluctuations as you pedal, so the main thing is the right saddle shape and structure (matress spring loaded hammock) + air pressure more on the low side. Thin gel cover on top of it also adds some protection and makes it looks less conspicuous.
Now when trying out it on a Lepper Concorde instead of Selle Anatomica with carefully adjusted pressure it feels like floating, can't feel any pressure points or poking only gentle pressure fluctuations as you pedal, so the main thing is the right saddle shape and structure (matress spring loaded hammock) + air pressure more on the low side. Thin gel cover on top of it also adds some protection and makes it looks less conspicuous.
#32
Full Member
Thread Starter
Not sure yet since I haven't tried it properly on the road and it might be just a confirmation bias/optimism bias. I will probably keep the gel cover as well just in case it doesn't feel right during more "technical" situations or due to any other number of reasons during the ride. It feels like it's just as good without the gel cover though.
Last edited by sysrq; 05-28-21 at 08:54 AM.
Likes For sysrq:
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,319
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18446 Post(s)
Liked 15,671 Times
in
7,367 Posts
#34
Advanced Slacker
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,213
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2763 Post(s)
Liked 2,537 Times
in
1,433 Posts
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,319
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18446 Post(s)
Liked 15,671 Times
in
7,367 Posts
#36
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,614
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4403 Post(s)
Liked 4,036 Times
in
2,693 Posts
Well it's a hit and miss with everything not just things that come out of China so things like bad translation sometimes can be overlooked.
Now when trying out it on a Lepper Concorde instead of Selle Anatomica with carefully adjusted pressure it feels like floating, can't feel any pressure points or poking only gentle pressure fluctuations as you pedal, so the main thing is the right saddle shape and structure (matress spring loaded hammock) + air pressure which is more on the low side. Thin gel cover on top of it also adds some protection and makes it look less conspicuous.
Now when trying out it on a Lepper Concorde instead of Selle Anatomica with carefully adjusted pressure it feels like floating, can't feel any pressure points or poking only gentle pressure fluctuations as you pedal, so the main thing is the right saddle shape and structure (matress spring loaded hammock) + air pressure which is more on the low side. Thin gel cover on top of it also adds some protection and makes it look less conspicuous.
Yes a proper saddle shape is important putting covers on it beyond rain isn't as they can and do move around which doesn't help your ischial tuberosity. If you find yourself needing to slap gel and air and other stuff on top that saddle is clearly not the right saddle for you. Also if you are worried about being conspicuous over comfort while riding maybe don't ride? I personally find comfort while riding to be of the utmost importance over brief moments of being conspicuous. I can find ways to secure my saddle and seatpost if I am worried but if I lock up my bike properly I am not so worried about that and then in the end I can just put a rain cover on it when I park.
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,521
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4451 Post(s)
Liked 4,911 Times
in
3,041 Posts
Not sure yet since I haven't tried it properly on the road and it might be just a confirmation bias/optimism bias. I will probably keep the gel cover as well just in case it doesn't feel right during more "technical" situations or due to any other number of reasons during the ride. It feels like it's just as good without the gel cover though.
But seriously I think you are going about this problem the wrong way. You would be better off doing some research on different saddle types and maybe find a shop that has demos available. Specialized are quite good in this respect and have a fit system to help you choose the right saddle for your butt. Aftermarket covers are certainly not the answer to a comfortable saddle. There's always a degree of trial and error involved, but padding is not really the key to saddle comfort. Shape and position are the primary factors and only a modest amount of padding should be required. Too much padding can actually make a saddle unbearable to ride for any distance.
Likes For PeteHski:
#38
Full Member
Comfort
I`d give it try.
Seats that I found comfortable at age 17, are now unbearable pushing age 70.
Anyone remember the hydro seat or seat cover from the early 1970`s?
It had a water filled bladder.
Must not have caught on.
Likes For roadsnakes:
#40
Full Member
This one looks promising..................
https://www.ergo21.com/bicycle-seat-cushion/
Or, at least an alternative to the Air Cushion.
https://www.ergo21.com/bicycle-seat-cushion/
Or, at least an alternative to the Air Cushion.
#41
Full Member
Thread Starter
"These aren't the droids covers you're looking for"
But seriously I think you are going about this problem the wrong way. You would be better off doing some research on different saddle types and maybe find a shop that has demos available. Specialized are quite good in this respect and have a fit system to help you choose the right saddle for your butt. Aftermarket covers are certainly not the answer to a comfortable saddle. There's always a degree of trial and error involved, but padding is not really the key to saddle comfort. Shape and position are the primary factors and only a modest amount of padding should be required. Too much padding can actually make a saddle unbearable to ride for any distance.
But seriously I think you are going about this problem the wrong way. You would be better off doing some research on different saddle types and maybe find a shop that has demos available. Specialized are quite good in this respect and have a fit system to help you choose the right saddle for your butt. Aftermarket covers are certainly not the answer to a comfortable saddle. There's always a degree of trial and error involved, but padding is not really the key to saddle comfort. Shape and position are the primary factors and only a modest amount of padding should be required. Too much padding can actually make a saddle unbearable to ride for any distance.
The key is what kind of padding depending on specific requirements. The air cell cushion one is supposed to even out/spread the pressure points while not creating pressure in undesirable anatomical areas.
Now after riding riding the one from Amazon for 8 hours there was only slight overall discomfort at the last 3 miles of riding. Previously was unable to sit on chairs for 3 days after riding. Whereas now was able to sit immediately without any pain at all.
Last edited by sysrq; 06-15-21 at 09:26 PM.
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: northWET washington
Posts: 1,197
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 383 Post(s)
Liked 690 Times
in
396 Posts
I already tried out different saddles, the Lepper Concorde felt the most similar to the one I was used to before, just had to cut out the central slit and soak it in a hot water and apply things like Dubbin to keep it soft. As I understand Specialized are mainly intended for racing and weekend warrior applications.
The key is what kind of padding depending on specific requirements. The air cell cushion one is supposed to even out/spread the pressure points while not creating pressure in undesirable anatomical areas.
Now after riding riding the one from Amazon for 8 hours there was only slight overall discomfort at the last 3 miles of riding. Previously was unable to sit on chairs for 3 days after riding. Whereas now was able to sit immediately without any pain at all.
The key is what kind of padding depending on specific requirements. The air cell cushion one is supposed to even out/spread the pressure points while not creating pressure in undesirable anatomical areas.
Now after riding riding the one from Amazon for 8 hours there was only slight overall discomfort at the last 3 miles of riding. Previously was unable to sit on chairs for 3 days after riding. Whereas now was able to sit immediately without any pain at all.
I'm still looking but a friend is in dire need of cushioning.
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 3,947
Bikes: Trek 1100 road bike, Roadmaster gravel/commuter/beater mountain bike
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2281 Post(s)
Liked 1,710 Times
in
936 Posts
That's your entire problem right there. Your butt's not broken in. No saddle in the world is going to feel comfortable for you if you're only getting on your bike once every 2 months, and then riding 4 hours. If you ride your bike every day, say like for half an hour to an hour or so, it will toughen up the muscles around your sit bones so it won't feel like you're sitting on a brick when you do the occasional 4 hour ride.
#46
Full Member
Thread Starter
So which one did you finally opt for? Was it the Brand: VANTEN. Did you just use it or also cover with gel or just a saddle cover?
I'm still looking but a friend is in dire need of cushioning.
I'm still looking but a friend is in dire need of cushioning.
Likes For sysrq:
#47
Full Member
Thread Starter
To prevent sliding had to resort to some DIY and stitch some loop tape to the gel cover since it had a slightly thicker surrounding fabric compared to Vanten while attaching some hook tape to saddle rails.
#48
Full Member
Thread Starter
Now after trying out this thing for a second time it has become apparent that the increased air pressure in the nose part of the cover is pressing too much on perineum. Had to go back to gel only cover during the middle of the tour only to experience severe sitbone pain after 20 minutes. Unfortunately figured out a bit too late towards the end of the tour that you can bind something around the nose to stop putting too much pressure where it doesn't need to be. Then it started to feel a bit more acceptable. Even those air cell covers intended for motorcycle use have been described as redustributing too much air pressure on the front part of the saddle.
Last edited by sysrq; 07-18-21 at 05:24 AM.
#49
Zip tie Karen
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Posts: 7,004
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1465 Post(s)
Liked 1,542 Times
in
806 Posts
I'm going to guess that your fit and bike position are not optimal, and that's why there's so much apparent need to solve a saddle "problem". If your posture were corrected on the bike, it's likely that the saddle would then disappear beneath you. Remember that this is a guess. I may not know what I'm talking about...
Likes For Phil_gretz:
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Hollister, CA (not the surf town)
Posts: 1,738
Bikes: 2019 Specialized Roubaix Comp Di2, 2009 Roubaix, early 90's Giant Iguana
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 643 Post(s)
Liked 1,530 Times
in
552 Posts
Loved my Airhawk when I was motorcycling but I don't see it being something I would want on a bicycle. The airhawk has air pockets with small openings between them. The idea is to get just enough air in it to relieve the pressure points, while keeping you connected to the saddle.
On a bike where you're pedaling, I don't think the air would move around fast enough to achieve the desired result. If a saddle doesn't fit your posterior, its not likely going to get better with any add-on device.
On a bike where you're pedaling, I don't think the air would move around fast enough to achieve the desired result. If a saddle doesn't fit your posterior, its not likely going to get better with any add-on device.