Seat Pad Buyers Guide
Anyone who has even been on a real-deal long ride can tell you that his or her gluteus maximus is the first thing that starts hurting. With pretty much all of weight bearing down on his backside, a seat that may be normally comfortable on shorter jaunts, wreaks havoc when the miles rack up. One could go out and spend some high dollars on a seat that may only be used a few times a year, but many choose to go the route of the seat pad. Seat pads are relatively cheap and there are many styles to suit an individual's needs. We picked a few of the best offerings available, rode some miles on them, and came right back with the scoop on which seat pad may be best for you.
Receiving 5 Stars Is Still The Mark Of The Best!
Bad = 1 Star
Ok= 2 Stars
Good= 3 Stars
Better = 4 Stars
Best= 5 Stars
Alaska Leather
$44.95 (907) 562-2324
www.alaskaleather.com
A 100-percent natural sheepskin pad keeps your bottom from burning in the summer and toasty warm in the winter. Constructed of a real sheepskin this low-tech offering is one of the tops with us due to the inherent padding of the cover, which naturally occurs within the fleece of the sheepskin.
Comfort 4 Stars
Looks 2 Stars
Construction 3 Stars
Value 4 Stars
Airhawk
$189.99 (800) 851-3449
www.shapefitting.com
The most advanced seat pad on the market, the Airhawk seating system is similar to medically designed orthopedic pads used on wheelchairs and in hospital beds. Constructed out of air-adjustable segmented cells within the seating surface, this seat pad allows you to fine-tune the firmness of the unit. This is one versatile pad.
Comfort 4 Stars
Looks 3 Stars
Construction 5 Stars
Value 3 Stars
Bead Rider
$35.99 (301) 540-6868
www.beadrider.com
Similar to what the nation's taxi drivers use, the Bead Rider pad offers a massaging action as well as increased airflow between the rider and seat which eliminates "monkey-butt." Constructed of painted wooden beads that are woven together with monofilament, this pad is a simple solution that just plain works.
Comfort 4 Stars
Looks 3 Stars
Construction 3 Stars
Value 5 Stars
Butt Buffer
$107.50 (866) 859-5699
www.buttbuffer.com
A simple yet full-featured padded seat cover, the Butt Buffer is great for the long haul. Made from a dry-visco elastic polymer, this pad was designed to relieve pressure and evenly distribute weight throughout the pad.
Comfort 4 Stars
Looks 3 Stars
Construction 3 Stars
Value 3 Stars
Butty Buddy
$99.95 (865) 806-2975
www.buttybuddy.com
A different take on the passenger pad, the Butty Buddy is a three-piece design that transforms into a wider platform above the passenger seat on the fender providing much better comfort on long rides. Constructed of high-density closed cell foam with a concave ergonomic design, it is no wonder why Butty Buddy is called the "thousand mile seat."
Comfort 3 Stars
Looks 2 Stars
Construction 4 Stars
Value 4 Stars
Comfort-Max
$104.95 (800) 710-7237
www.amspecialtiesusa.com
The Comfort-Max pad uses a top layer of memory foam to conform to the rider's body. The middle layer of the pad employs 3/4 of an inch of Viscoelastic gel witch dampens vibration, distributes weight evenly, and eliminates hot spots and pressure sores. The Comfort-Max is available with a real Australian sheepskin or neoprene cover.
Comfort 4 Stars
Looks 3 Stars
Construction 4 Stars
Value 4 Stars
Pro-Pad
$149.95 (800) 403-2714
www.thepropad.com
Pro Pad's Cycle Top Pads are the easiest of the bunch to install due a non-slip bottom no straps are need to attach it to the bike. The Pro-Pad features a medical-grade 1/2-inch Viscoelastic dry polymer insert with custom-cut, ultra-comfy sheepskin top. This pad drastically reduces rider fatigue and stops the dreaded "numb butt."
Comfort 4 Stars
Looks 3 Stars
Construction 5 Stars
Value 3 Stars