Gel Saddles

My bike has a standard racing type saddle which I find reasonably comfortable. The bike I bought for my son has a gel saddle which I actually found not as comfortable as my own saddle. It's a different shape. Up at ASDA Walmart tonight I had a wander round the bike section. They were selling Bell gel saddle covers for under £7 so I decided to get one to try. It's exactly the same size and shape as my saddle so I'll be trying it out later today. It has a hollow for a certain part of our anatomy so hopefully that'll help take the pressure off. I'm hoping to start using my bike to get to and from work shortly which is in the centre of town, about 3 miles from where I live. The good news is, it's downhill all the way. The bad news is it's uphill all the way home. At least I can take my time going home - no rush.

What do others think of the gel saddles and gel saddle covers?

the only time I ever had a bruise to the girlie parts was after using a gel saddle cover. I was ALOT thinner then, too...

I am extremely happy with my unpadded Brooks leather saddle, so I am biased.

But I had a rotten saddle once that I used for years with a gel cover. The cover really did help. Once I discovered the Terry Sport (not made anymore) I never went back to gel of any kind.

It just depends on what works for you, so try whatever you find.

Someone once mentioned a TE'er saddle exchange for the saddles gathering dust in everone's basements and closets. Did anything ever come of that?

well, Knot, i got rid of all the extra saddles I had (no, none were Brooks!)

I've got a ladies gel saddle and love it.

I ride without special bike pants, and the only time I started getting a sore butt was when I did a 115 km ride which was hilly and took a long time.

I did a reasonably flat 105 km ride and was fine with the saddle.

I'll be trying it out this afternoon so I'll let you know what I think of it when I come back. I'm one of those really skinny, bony people - and I eat loads!

OK. I've been out for the first bike ride this year. Not too far, only just over 4 miles. Lovely day, warm, sunny and very pleasant. Son came with me for the first time. We got really close to a squirrel. Wished I'd taken my camera.

Verdict on the gel seat cover. I like it. I was much more comfortable with it than without so I'll give it a big thumbs up:D