I just finished a 111 mile ride on my M5 AERO. I used to have a mild backache with the RANS and the
Bacchetta seat. Nothing debilating just annoying. No backache with the M5. Keep in mind two things.
The first 52 miles were non-stop except for intersections. Lunch was a half-hour and then it was
non-stop for 59 miles again except for intersections which are actually few. The second thing is
that the roads here are great mostly smooth and what tar and chip we ride is in good shape..so if
your roads are crappy it can make a comfort difference. The M5, like any seat is not for everyone or
every bent for that matter. However, it works for me.
So far this year I have all of 400 miles 221 of it on two rides. I usually have 1K or more by now.
It does appear that spring is here.
Jude....///Bacchetta AERO St. Michaels and Tilghman Island.. Maryland Wheel Doctor Cycle and Sports,
Inc 1-800-586-6645 "George" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
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>
[email protected] (DeVon) wrote in message
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> > Can anyone speak from experience STRICTLY on the comfort of the M5 vs mesh seats at the end of a
> > 60-100 mile ride?
>
>
> Just got my Strada with an M5 seat (1.5 to 2 inch foam pad) about 2 weeks ago, and have not done a
> 60 to 100 mile ride yet. Did ride 50 yesterday, several 12 to 25 miles rides over the last two
> weeks, a couple of 36 to 39 miles rides, one the week before I bought the bike. 236 miles on it so
> far. I previously rode a Lightning Stealth for about a year and a half. That was a very
> comfortable seat. I put 3690 miles on it last year including 160 in a single day on the RAIN (Ride
> Across INdiana) and can attest that the Lightning seat was very comfortable. That said, I always
> felt like I was leaning my shoulders a bit forward on the Stealth. On the Strada with the M5,
> which I have tilted fairly far back, I have yet to feel that way. The solid support of the M5 has
> me leaning my shoulders back solidly into the seat without thinking about it. Makes for lots
> better climbing - at least it feels that way to me. Overall, the Lightning seat is a softer ride
> and absorbs a lot of the bumps on chip and seal and other bumps in the road. I think the
> performance is way better with the M5 however, and won't hesitate to use in for the RAIN this
> year. I am about ready to consider Pantour hubs on both wheels however. Can't compare it to the
> RANS seat on the standard Strada or on the RANS bikes as I've only ridden them for a few test
> miles. I like the Lightning seat a lot better than the RANS seat though. I'm happy with the M5
> seat, and have not experienced any neck issues.
>
> I'm also using the FastBack hydration system - works great and nice fit to the seat! Just wish the
> hose was about 3 inches longer. I was going to hose-clamp a water bottle cage on since there are
> no braze-ons on the Strada, but I know I'll need more than one water bottle come summer -
> especially if I do the RAIN again.