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[25Tom]

Hi, I've done two x 240 mile return trips on my new C5 classic, to complete the running in period this summer (just gone over the thousand miles on the way home last night - yay!). I'm loving the bike and generally find it very comfy. But I've noticed on each of the longer trips, that my bum starts to go numb after about an hour and it's hard to find a comfortable position. I've done lots of much longer trips on other bikes and don't usually have this problem. I don't know if it's something to do with being sat more upright rather than my usual 'sports-tourer'position, or the very wide rear of the 'tractor' style single seat. Anyone got any advice for better long-distance saddle?

[Rattlebattle]

I use an Airhawk on mine. I've used them for years; it saves shelling out on aftermarket seats every time I change a bike. I leave it permanently strapped to the C5 seat, which TBH isn't bad in my view anyway but as the bike is an LE Dispatch the brown leather seat may be more comfortable than the standard one.

[nigelphoto]

As Rattlebattle says - Airhawk. Oh, and +1 tooth on the g'box sprocket makes fora much more relaxed ride.

[25Tom]

Thanks guys - which model of airhawk did you go for on the single seat?

I'm also considering the leather saddle: 91456, which is a similar price to the airhawk. Has anyone tried one?

[nigelphoto]

Airhawk 2 Medium Cruiser . . . and don't overfill it.

[jefrs]

I had to lower the seat for me. So I removed the springs, and the rubber bush, and substituted substantial steel brackets. Although this was done to lower the front/solo seat, it made the ride far more comfortable, the bike handling improved too. The seat has a good later of padding and the rear shocks work. Gone is the rocking wobbliness, wallowing and pogoing. I've ridden it like this for up to two hours at a time and could easily go further.

[scotty]

Try the duel seat on the new b5 only the indians could cover a bit of cast iron in vinyl, they say that it improves with age but I was told the same about myself.

[jefrs]

Typo - "layer of padding".

Imo a seat that is too soft can become uncomfortable. The english-made dual seat does have decent padding, the front section has the profile of the C5 solo seat, but it is unsprung, fits at the nose and screws to the mudguard. The seat should support your weight evenly, not sink into it and not be bounced around by it. I found riding on the Airhawk uncomfortable like sitting on a layer of big-bubble bubble-wrap, which is what it is.

[Rattlebattle]

No it isn't. Each air pocket is inter-connected allowing air to pass between pockets. Bubble wrap is comprised of individual pockets that are not connected. You may not like Airhawks but many of us do and at least no surgery to the bike is needed.