Andy:
First of all, I need to fill you in on my problems with the standard seat. It varied from day-to-day, but generally I would be fidgety after about 40 minutes, getting uncomfortable after an hour, in agony after two. I would be constantly shifting backwards and forwards, standing up when stopped at lights, and even trying to fit on the back seat for stretches of motorway journey. The discomfort would manifest itself as numbness but then tightness and aches down the back of my buttocks and upper legs. I also suffered badly from lower-backache and some aching across my back under the shoulderblades. I've ridden 8 hour days with breaks but always experiencing discomfort and not being able to relax.
I've had Corbin saddles before and was going to go that route but couldn't wait several months as I had some big trips planned for summer.
(1) I had Melvyn widen the saddle at the back so that it just about squeezes in between the pannier rails;
(2) I had about an inch of extra height added at the back of the rider's seat and an inch and a half added to the front;
(3) I had the front widened slightly;
(4) Both front and back seats are "scooped" as they should be and not convex as the OEs are;
(5) I had gel mesh inserts front and back;
(6) Deep basketweave fabric gives slightly more cushioning as well and stops you sliding around.
Initial rides were extemely favourable and I was not getting any sort of backache and mild discomfort until after two hours. That was with the saddle in the lower position. I then put it in the higher position. This has cured bumache entirely but not backache. At the Baskerville Hall weekend we rode hard and fast all day Sunday from 10am to 3pm and covered about 175 cross-country miles. A group of us went back out again at about 5pm and did another 120 miles up until 8pm. I had no bum problems at all.
I've now put Verholen footpeg lowers on the bike. I've also raised the handlebars with 35mm Touratech risers. Bear in mind I'm just over 6'4" with longer than average legs and arms and a slightly shorter torso for somebody my height. I now find the bike extremely comfortable and can ride all day without complaint. The Verholen footpeg lowers in conjunction with the seat raised over an inch on the high setting means I get no knee aches at all.
Would I change anything?
The best aspect of Melvyn's modifications by far (for me) has been widening the rear of the saddle so that my entire bum is supported. Changing the profile of the saddle so that it is relatively flat and doesn't slope forwards has been good but I do think it changes the look of the bike slightly and loses a little bit of the unique look of the bike. In retrospect I wouldn't have the front of the rider's seat widened at all. Because I now sit more upright with my legs less bent the wider seat puts pressure on the inside of my thighs (a bit like riding a horse) which can be irritating (but it's only a minor niggle. Other than that I've very pleased). It's not been instant bliss but then I've never had that on any bike because my anatomy just doesn't allow it (I've got one leg longer than the other and a tilted pelvis to compensate so I tend to sit slightly off-centre and find all seats uncomfortable whether on bikes or not). And for £195 all-in I think it's well worth it. However, as I've said it has changed the seating position entirely and I now sit virtually bolt upright with little forward lean. It changes how I ride - more motorcross style now, no hanging off. The downside is my perfect Ermax screen is now too short!
So, finally, is it wearing well? I've done about 4,000 miles on it with no signs of wear and tear. I'd say it's easier to look after than the standard seat and the materials better quality.
Hope this helps.
Simon
