I've been on two, what I would consider long distance rides, on the Bonnie now. What I've noticed is after a hundred miles or so I start a little seat dance. I keep shifting to one butt cheek and then the other. It probably looks like I have to use the bathroom, but no, it's just because my "board" of a seat offers very little cushion. It's not bad at all for short rides. I actually like that I have a lot of _flat_ surface area, compared with a narrow saddle surface you'd find on a crotch rocket.
So I'm not prepared to swap out the seat, yet, but I'd like to add a little padding in the mean time. Sounds like this trip would be a great test of a
Airhawk Seat Cushion. I'd heard of these things before but I've never had a chance to sit on one. So after my friend called me about California, I fired up the PC, checked out Airhawk's website, and purchased the Large Pillion Cruiser cushion. Fine, Fine, call me old. I don't care. In my defense I have a pretty boney butt and I don't want to ruin what little I have.
I was concerned it might not make it here in time, but I shouldn't have worried. They shipped it same day and I had it four days later. On the packaging "Longer Rides Start Here". Well lets hope so! I'm going to be pushing ~500 miles the first day.
Oooooo, Ahhhhhh!
So this is what you get in the package. Outer cover. Soft rubber inner air cushion. Seat Straps and instruction book.
This is the nozzle that you fill the air pockets up with. Per the instruction book, which I've already misplaced (See! that's why we shouldn't clean the house honey!!) they say not to fill it up completely. You blow it up only slightly. You know if you have the right about of air in the cushion by sitting on the bike, shifting left or right, and you'll feel the air slowly migrate between the air pockets. Your butt should be only slightly suspended off the seat. What this really means is I'll be outside my hotel in the morning and some group of "real bikers" will come along and think I'm kissing the side of my bike as I try to get the right seat pressure:) Anyway the nozzle twists counter clockwise, you blow into it and then tighten it back up. There is no cap. The book states that the cushion can be punctured, so no sharp objects in the back pockets.
And here's what it looks like on the bike, minus the seat straps.
Believe it or not I haven't had a chance to use it yet. So the trip will be the first trial run. I'll give you my reviews as the trip goes on.
OH MY GOSH, action shots!
More posts to come!
I've seen these before, but don't know anyone who has used one. Will be interesting to see if you feel it helps with comfort.
ReplyDeleteLOL about folks thinking you are kissing your bike while getting the correct inflation. You can love your bike, just don't 'love' your bike.
I fitted an Airhawk pad to my Street Triple for last October's 1000 miles (1600km) in 24 hours ride. Prior to that, I could only manage 700km days in relative comfort on the stock seat.
ReplyDeleteThe Airhawk was a revelation - only minor discomfort after 1000 miles in 21 hours. You're right about only a tiny amount of air being optimal - half a breath in my small pad. It feels slightly odd on a run but you soon get used to it.
Enjoy your comfort!
Greetings from New Zealand,
Geoff