Corbin seat forms busted back
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 763
Likes: 15
From: New Jersey
Corbin seat forms busted back
I had back fusion surgery and was looking to get a seat that is comfortable. I've read a lot about the Corbin seat. But saw some posts that it is stiff and can be uncomfortable. Was seeing if anyone rides with the Corbin that has back issues. Thanks
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 205
From: ORYGON
i have a low back hip issue from time to time... im on my 2nd bike with corbin seats... i love mine very comfortable...but i know some of those giant puffy touring seats feel like a couch if u can get past the look
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I have minor back issues, although not that riding has any bad affect on. I've also been riding a Corbin for almost 15 years, along with Mrs B. They are odd things! The cushion is very firm, however it is also very cleverly shaped and we both love ours. We've done long tours with long days and been ready for the next day, without hesitation.
Are they stiff? I'd prefer to say firm. Are they uncomfortable? Not for us two, quite the opposite. Are they the same today as our older one? Dunno! We have no hesitation recommending one.
Having said that, our more recent experience is that installing Ohins shocks has had the greatest improvement on comfort. If you want to protect your back buy them first! It's the only way to travel.....
Are they stiff? I'd prefer to say firm. Are they uncomfortable? Not for us two, quite the opposite. Are they the same today as our older one? Dunno! We have no hesitation recommending one.
Having said that, our more recent experience is that installing Ohins shocks has had the greatest improvement on comfort. If you want to protect your back buy them first! It's the only way to travel.....
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I'm using a cop seat
L3/L4 discectomy
there are a couple of current threads mentioning corbin seats-
I had a bad experience with a corbin seat- when offered the chance to make it right, they declined.
I'll second the comment below about backrests- it seemed that with the conventional seats (not sprung like the cop seat), when using a backrest as I moved up and down with bumps the backrest caused more discomfort than support.
Mike
L3/L4 discectomy
there are a couple of current threads mentioning corbin seats-
I had a bad experience with a corbin seat- when offered the chance to make it right, they declined.
I'll second the comment below about backrests- it seemed that with the conventional seats (not sprung like the cop seat), when using a backrest as I moved up and down with bumps the backrest caused more discomfort than support.
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Apr 13, 2016 at 01:11 PM.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
I've spent a lot of hours sitting comfortably on iron tractor seats. Soft does not equate comfortable, nor does hard equate discomfort. BUT, a hard seat has to be formed into a comfortable shape in order to be comfortable.
Personally, I find the Corbin solo to be close, but not spot on. By the end of the day, I am a bit sore and uncomfortable in the bum and my thighs.
As for my back, that's a function of the handlebar location largely. Too far back and I'll slouch. Too far forward and I'm leaning forward reaching. Neither is comfortable for an all day ride. For me, something that positions me so I'm sitting upright, with my weight over my hips is what works best. Again with the tractors. Most tractor steering wheels are positioned such that I'll be sitting in that comfortable iron seat just that way.
Backrests are something I want to like, but generally don't. Well, not on a bike or a tractor. It seems to throw me off in how I sit and I seem unable to ever find that all day riding sweet spot.
Ymmv, wnine.
Personally, I find the Corbin solo to be close, but not spot on. By the end of the day, I am a bit sore and uncomfortable in the bum and my thighs.
As for my back, that's a function of the handlebar location largely. Too far back and I'll slouch. Too far forward and I'm leaning forward reaching. Neither is comfortable for an all day ride. For me, something that positions me so I'm sitting upright, with my weight over my hips is what works best. Again with the tractors. Most tractor steering wheels are positioned such that I'll be sitting in that comfortable iron seat just that way.
Backrests are something I want to like, but generally don't. Well, not on a bike or a tractor. It seems to throw me off in how I sit and I seem unable to ever find that all day riding sweet spot.
Ymmv, wnine.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 885
Likes: 14
From: SoCal
I have major back issues and the Corbin with the backrest makes a world of difference for me. I have had Corbin seats for over 16 years and like them. Also as GBrown said Ohlins shocks make a remarkable difference in ride quality. Well worth the money to be able to continue riding!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,101
Likes: 1,013
Corbin will make a seat with softer foam if you ask them.
I recommend calling the Florida store, the rep I talked to in Ca was a total jerk.
She told me that I would not be happy with the seat if made with softer foam!
I told her that was up to me, but the conversation went downhill from there, so I hung
up and called Fl, where the manager spent 45 minutes with me ordering my custom setup.
I'm very happy with the close solo they made for me.
I had bought a used standard corbin solo just to try out, and it was way to hard for me.
I recommend calling the Florida store, the rep I talked to in Ca was a total jerk.
She told me that I would not be happy with the seat if made with softer foam!
I told her that was up to me, but the conversation went downhill from there, so I hung
up and called Fl, where the manager spent 45 minutes with me ordering my custom setup.
I'm very happy with the close solo they made for me.
I had bought a used standard corbin solo just to try out, and it was way to hard for me.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 263
Likes: 30
From: Canada, Thailand
Comfort is subjective, my Corbin seat is alright but the customer service I received and many issues I had with the seat turned me off to Corbin forever. A good backrest and smooth riding shocks are the key.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 205
From: ORYGON
all of my corbins have been great seats....i did however experience a bit of discomfort dealing with ..Angela ? in Cali... and ended up dealing with Chris in Florida and he restored my confidence and was great to deal with....
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 298
From: Central Fl
As mentioned above the Ohlin shocks were by far the biggest bang for the buck as to comfort on my bike. That and the Corbin 2 up touring seat. I think my seat is the softer foam as it was comfortable right out of the box. My Ohlins are the #2 adjustable as per Howard's recommendation reviewing my riding style and habits. Hope this helps.