I think I need a new saddle!! Ouch!
Discussion
zed4 said:
Know that well, lived in Hordle through my teens in Heath Road and cycled to New Milton for School. I used to be able to just make the road off that lump in the middle of the picture on my BMX.. oh the days of no fear!zed4 said:
Perhaps you could explain why one would opt for padded shorts over a softer saddle? Advantages to either?
I don't know what the actual science behind it is or whether anyone else feels the same but I find that a softer saddle moves about under you as you cycle and seems to make my legs feel like they are cramping up. Padded shorts however just feel a bit like your backside has a bit more squishiness on the bony parts so it doesn't hurt as much. I also now have a very thin, light and slightly flexible saddle which was very inexpensive and makes the ride much more comfortable:http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/SASFSL100/selcof-sl-1...
I can't believe this thread has gone to over 20 replies without someone suggesting the default option, so I will:
Charge Spoon saddle. £20ish, and I haven't heard of many people who don't like them.
As for shorts, I would definitely go for some padded ones. I wear Altura bib shorts when out for longer rides, and on my commute (11-15 miles each way, depending on my route,) I wear either Aldi cheap baggy shorts with a removeable padded liner, or some Endura mountain biking baggy padded shorts.
This is more to do with the fact that my commute is broken up by a train journey, and I prefer not to offend strangers by wearing full lycra kit on the train!
Charge Spoon saddle. £20ish, and I haven't heard of many people who don't like them.
As for shorts, I would definitely go for some padded ones. I wear Altura bib shorts when out for longer rides, and on my commute (11-15 miles each way, depending on my route,) I wear either Aldi cheap baggy shorts with a removeable padded liner, or some Endura mountain biking baggy padded shorts.
This is more to do with the fact that my commute is broken up by a train journey, and I prefer not to offend strangers by wearing full lycra kit on the train!
littleandy0410 said:
I can't believe this thread has gone to over 20 replies without someone suggesting the default option, so I will:
Charge Spoon saddle. £20ish, and I haven't heard of many people who don't like them.
As for shorts, I would definitely go for some padded ones. I wear Altura bib shorts when out for longer rides, and on my commute (11-15 miles each way, depending on my route,) I wear either Aldi cheap baggy shorts with a removeable padded liner, or some Endura mountain biking baggy padded shorts.
This is more to do with the fact that my commute is broken up by a train journey, and I prefer not to offend strangers by wearing full lycra kit on the train!
+1Charge Spoon saddle. £20ish, and I haven't heard of many people who don't like them.
As for shorts, I would definitely go for some padded ones. I wear Altura bib shorts when out for longer rides, and on my commute (11-15 miles each way, depending on my route,) I wear either Aldi cheap baggy shorts with a removeable padded liner, or some Endura mountain biking baggy padded shorts.
This is more to do with the fact that my commute is broken up by a train journey, and I prefer not to offend strangers by wearing full lycra kit on the train!
Also means you have to change when you get to work, so you're not sitting around in sweaty boxers all day. Which is a good thing.
Despite all the rule 5 cr4p don't ignore the fact that the saddle might not be a good fit.
Once you've given the padded shorts a go, if it's still not comfortable then change it. My Cannondale road bike came with a horrendously uncomfortable - for me - saddle that got replaced with a different one from the same manufacturer and since then all's been well.
Sometimes they just don't work with the individual using them.
Once you've given the padded shorts a go, if it's still not comfortable then change it. My Cannondale road bike came with a horrendously uncomfortable - for me - saddle that got replaced with a different one from the same manufacturer and since then all's been well.
Sometimes they just don't work with the individual using them.
Silver940 said:
zed4 said:
Know that well, lived in Hordle through my teens in Heath Road and cycled to New Milton for School. I used to be able to just make the road off that lump in the middle of the picture on my BMX.. oh the days of no fear!
You can't do that anymore, it's been fenced off!Next time I'm in Bournemouth I'll pop into Primera Bike Shop and look at the shorts and saddles. 
I've stuck a piece of foam on the saddle with some parcel tape (proper Heath Robinson style) and it's made things better. I think I'm getting used to the ride too, it's definitely getting easier and the saddle isn't hurting as much. I did the 6.65 mile commute in 25 minutes today with a max speed of 33mph
The ride home nearly killed me yesterday. I really struggled to climb the big long hill through Lymington. Got to the top and thought to myself "What's going on, this is ridiculous". Lifted the front wheel and the front brake was locking on!!! No wonder it was hard to ride up hill!! I let a little fluid out of the lever and it's better now, not locking on. When I get some time I'll exercise the pistons in the brakes and give it a bit of a service.
I've stuck a piece of foam on the saddle with some parcel tape (proper Heath Robinson style) and it's made things better. I think I'm getting used to the ride too, it's definitely getting easier and the saddle isn't hurting as much. I did the 6.65 mile commute in 25 minutes today with a max speed of 33mph
The ride home nearly killed me yesterday. I really struggled to climb the big long hill through Lymington. Got to the top and thought to myself "What's going on, this is ridiculous". Lifted the front wheel and the front brake was locking on!!! No wonder it was hard to ride up hill!! I let a little fluid out of the lever and it's better now, not locking on. When I get some time I'll exercise the pistons in the brakes and give it a bit of a service.
Edited by zed4 on Wednesday 23 July 11:26
zed4 said:
Silver940 said:
zed4 said:
Know that well, lived in Hordle through my teens in Heath Road and cycled to New Milton for School. I used to be able to just make the road off that lump in the middle of the picture on my BMX.. oh the days of no fear! You can't do that anymore, it's been fenced off!donfisher said:
Despite all the rule 5 cr4p don't ignore the fact that the saddle might not be a good fit.
Once you've given the padded shorts a go, if it's still not comfortable then change it. My Cannondale road bike came with a horrendously uncomfortable - for me - saddle that got replaced with a different one from the same manufacturer and since then all's been well.
Sometimes they just don't work with the individual using them.
Whereas - if only to demonstrate that everyone's different - the OEM saddle on my CAAD8 was perfectly comfy for me up to 4 hours, when it started to sag. Each to their own...Once you've given the padded shorts a go, if it's still not comfortable then change it. My Cannondale road bike came with a horrendously uncomfortable - for me - saddle that got replaced with a different one from the same manufacturer and since then all's been well.
Sometimes they just don't work with the individual using them.
The charge saddles are pretty good for the money and I would recommend one to most people for short to medium rides.
If it is your sit bones hurting try tilting the saddle nose up a tiny amount, it will move the pressure forwards and distribute it over a wider area. I wouldn't do this without lycra shorts though as it might rub a bit!
I use these shorts for commuting : http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-morro-baggy-short-remo... but they can get quite warm in hot weather and I wouldn't want them on all day in high temps.
If it is your sit bones hurting try tilting the saddle nose up a tiny amount, it will move the pressure forwards and distribute it over a wider area. I wouldn't do this without lycra shorts though as it might rub a bit!
I use these shorts for commuting : http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-morro-baggy-short-remo... but they can get quite warm in hot weather and I wouldn't want them on all day in high temps.
Saddle rule #1. The more comfortable a saddle looks, the more uncomfortable it will be.
Saddle rule #2. Use a spirit level to get it level. Up to One or two degrees up or (more likely) down to trim.
Saddle rule #3. Those gel cover things are utter s
t.
Buy a padded short but you will harden up anyway. I can comfortably ride 2hrs mtb in just baggies now. Maddison Flux saddle here, which is the same as a charge spoon - there's loads the same pattern out there.
Saddle rule #2. Use a spirit level to get it level. Up to One or two degrees up or (more likely) down to trim.
Saddle rule #3. Those gel cover things are utter s
t.Buy a padded short but you will harden up anyway. I can comfortably ride 2hrs mtb in just baggies now. Maddison Flux saddle here, which is the same as a charge spoon - there's loads the same pattern out there.
Specialized dealers have a gizmo thing that you sit on to get the right width saddle for your bum size. I use the saddle that came with my bike but my wife used this method and is well pleased with her saddle. Padded shorts are a must. Endura Humvees are good but the clip in padded insert isn't as good as a proper pair of cycling shorts, or better still, some bib shorts to fill the gap that appears between shorts and top.
Saddles are a very personal thing but as others have said, a pair of padded shorts is a good start. 30 minutes in the saddle will zip by in a comfy saddle with decent shorts.
Everyone is different but I love Endura FS260 shorts, just wear them under whatever baggies you fancy.
SDG saddles are ok (for me) but if you can find a decent LBS they might be able to get you to try some out to find what works for you.
Best of luck.
Oh Chamois Cream works a treat when you're getting back into cycling.
Everyone is different but I love Endura FS260 shorts, just wear them under whatever baggies you fancy.
SDG saddles are ok (for me) but if you can find a decent LBS they might be able to get you to try some out to find what works for you.
Best of luck.
Oh Chamois Cream works a treat when you're getting back into cycling.
In order of expense, and therefore ease of fix... (IMHO)
1) Are you reaching too far for the bars and inadvertently putting your arse pressure in the wrong place on the saddle? Are you rocking in the saddle due to too much seatpost hanging out - knee should be slightly bent at the bottom of the downstroke (ie does the bike actually fit you?)
2) How much air are you running in your rear tire? If it's rock hard then expect a sore arse.
3) Get padded shorts - and the best you can afford to buy (although anything is better than nothing...)
4) As has been said - think about changing the saddle, I converted from over 15 years of Flites to Charge Spoons and they are fab. Rarely have I found someone who doesn't get on with one - and they are exceptional value for money at about £20. Brooks are said to be sofa like in terms of comfort, but expensive and look spoddy on anything other than tourers...
For the love of god don't waste money on gel saddle covers or suchlike.
1) Are you reaching too far for the bars and inadvertently putting your arse pressure in the wrong place on the saddle? Are you rocking in the saddle due to too much seatpost hanging out - knee should be slightly bent at the bottom of the downstroke (ie does the bike actually fit you?)
2) How much air are you running in your rear tire? If it's rock hard then expect a sore arse.
3) Get padded shorts - and the best you can afford to buy (although anything is better than nothing...)
4) As has been said - think about changing the saddle, I converted from over 15 years of Flites to Charge Spoons and they are fab. Rarely have I found someone who doesn't get on with one - and they are exceptional value for money at about £20. Brooks are said to be sofa like in terms of comfort, but expensive and look spoddy on anything other than tourers...
For the love of god don't waste money on gel saddle covers or suchlike.
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