[Shrek]

Going to ge doing some serious miles soon, wondering if anyone has a preference between the Airhawk or gel seats. Any opinions?
Cheers Shrek

 

[Gerald]

I have a gel seat on another bike. Not more comfortable than the stock and holds in heat like crazy. Never had an airhawk product.

 

[Kingpin05]

I haven't tried either. I bought a sheepskin from Alaska Leather and it helped but not quite enough. On my return trip I bought a pair of bicycle shorts with padding which also helped a bit. I'd like to try the sheepskin with a gel insert. The sheepskin may offset the heat retention of the gel.

 

[GrayWings]

I've tried (and still own) both. I originally liked the AirHawk, but eventually preferred the sheepskin covered medical gel foam seat. Both are easy add-ons for a Vision. I'll say up front that I really use the stock seat most often. I travel with the gel seat for a change of pace and feel after fuel stops. The trick to the AirHawk seat is using minimal air in it. Most folks initially use too much. It ends up needing only a bare minimum of air - just enough to get your butt slightly above sinking through it. That is how it works best, but I still prefer the gel seat with sheepskin cover overall.

 

[spider]

I have a gel seat on another bike. Not more comfortable than the stock and holds in heat like crazy. Never had an airhawk product.

Agreed.
The gel pad helps a little but the heat retention is not worth it, in my mind.
I should have saved my money, cost me $250 for the pad installed.
Stock seat plain sucks unless you weigh under 150 lbs.

 

[soutterjack]

I purchased an Airhawk for my ride to Montana this summer from MN. Previous rides longer than 8-9 hours would have me a little uncomfortable on the stock Vision seat. A 13 hour ride to AK had me shifting a lot. I used the Airhawk and found I was good for another 4-5 hours in the saddle in comfort. I do not use it around town and for short 5-8 hour rides but anything longer it worked miracles. I found it for $125 on a medical website. It was worth the money. If it matters, I am 6'4 and weigh 215.

 

[Andy]

The trick to the AirHawk seat is using minimal air in it. Most folks initially use too much. It ends up needing only a bare minimum of air - just enough to get your butt slightly above sinking through it.

I tried an AirHawk inflatable seat cushion when I had the Spyder RT. While the seat got better once it was broken-in, initially it became a bit uncomfortable after around 100 miles of riding.

As GrayWings stated, the trick of the AirHawk is to only use a minimal amount of air. It has a valve that lets you release the air while you're sitting on it and it's very easy to adjust.

The manufacturer has a 60 Day Full Refund Policy...that's a good thing! They have a sense of humor too as the name of the Guarantee is: "You Bet Your a$$!"

http://www.therohostore.com/60-Day-Money-Back-Guarantee.aspx