Of course there's been a lot of discussion regarding seats/saddles over the course of time. Recently there's been some happy, and some disgruntled campers regarding Corbin. And the very topic begs for more understanding, given the importance of comfort and endurance. And so it was that I was lurking around another forum when I ran across the following which I thought to be useful for anyone weighing out the issues of seat replacement and/or enhancement.
From that other forum...
"OK.
I've been an upholsterer for 30 years.
Here's what's at play as far as I can tell.
The problem with long distance riding isn't softness or firmness, it's sheering of the soft tissues of our backsides.
When a force strikes an object the energy doesn't travel "thru" or "into" the object, it is deflected somewhat perpendicular. When this "sheer" happens to flesh there is a tearing of tissue.
As we ride, the continued, repeated tearing of our backsides, results in "monkeybutt".
Softer foam will absorb more of the sheering effect than hard foam, a saddle-style seat, like a Corbin, provides a more stable "platform" which holds the rider in place, thus reducing sheering. Sheepskin fleece will almost eliminate the side-ways tearing. In this case the seat moves, we move and the fleece acts as a membrane between. Gel seats act the same. The lower foam shifts, the bottom of the Gel goes with it, the top stays in contact with the vinyl and the rider, absorbing the sheering force and minimizing tear. The bicycling underwear will act this way too. It's like putting a saddle on a horse. There must always be a blanket in between the horse and the saddle, not just for the animal but for the rider also. Those hard bead things the cab drivers use work great, the beads "turn",Like bearings, between the two surfaces.
If your butt anatomically fits a Corbin, great. If not, it won't work.
The same for the factory seat.
As a true S/T the Trophy's seat is rounded so we can slide sideways while leaning into hard curves, it's not very easy or advisable to "put a knee down" with a saddle seat. If your riding style is very conservative a cruiser is probably a better choice for a bike.
If this is a real problem, find a suitable "membrane" for when your burning the asphalt on the interstate, then "bare back" it in the twisties.
I prefer to get out at least 3 times a year and build up some scar tissue, I call it staying' in shape. I also don't want to add to the seat height.
Just my ideas.
Carry on!"
