seat ergonomics-vintage designs/materials better than contemporary?

Submitted by zenith on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 23:35

rode a lot as a kid, learning in 1965 at age 5 on a circa 1950 full size women's CCM.  Always loved biking but gave up decades ago mostly on account of terrible ergonomics of retail rolling stock availabe for the past 40yrs-especially ubiquitous non-shock absorbing "racing" seats that don't fit/support my adult size/weight (I am  200lb/34"waist). 

Then on a whim I sat on a 1952 (CCM) Zenith on display at an upscale junk store, & I bought it because of the relatively comfortable seat and handlebars & even the wide rubber pedals.  The seat has since disintegrated & needs replacement.  I've checked all local retail stores but have yet to find a suitable replacement.  Does anyone know of a place that sells good new/used seats or perhaps can custom make a seat with springs and a wide concave surface like a 100 yr (motor?) cycle might have had?

TIA,

Z.

2 Comments

Submitted by rusty wheels on Sat, 07/14/2012 - 01:23.

Don't know the exact look/budget you're going for, but every "Brooks" leather saddle I've sat on has been very comfortable.  Lots of shapes and sizes to choose from too.  I can't say the same for the matress saddles of the '70s, but some of those have been good too.

Submitted by Lawrence Ruskin on Sat, 07/14/2012 - 10:43.

Brooks is a good suggestion. Also if you look at the seat on ''bought this beauty'' thread that's not a bad seat and would be period. Then you get someone to make you up a lambs wool seat and you're done