Sore rear Help!
Discussion
So wife and I have bought mountain bikes, we are both reasonably fit 60 yr olds. We have used them a few times, to be honest, I find using a bike on the road terrifying. I feel a lot safer on my Suzuki 1400.
However when we find a cycle track or canal bank it’s a nice way to get some exercise. We are quite happy to potter along for the odd 20 mile ride.
But, not to put to fine a point on it, it hurts your backside. We bought a comfort saddle for her and a stretchy seat cover for mine, but it still hurts!
So what’s the answer?
However when we find a cycle track or canal bank it’s a nice way to get some exercise. We are quite happy to potter along for the odd 20 mile ride.
But, not to put to fine a point on it, it hurts your backside. We bought a comfort saddle for her and a stretchy seat cover for mine, but it still hurts!
So what’s the answer?
You need to get bib shorts with a gel or padded insert.
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Endura-Xtract-Gel-Cycling...
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Endura-Xtract-Gel-Cycling...
You can get padded undershorts, if you don't fancy prancing around in Lycra getting motorists excited.
Ditch the saddle cover as well. You want a saddle that is the right width for your sit bones, which is often narrower than what comes on more leisurely oriented bikes.
There is an unavoidable delay of your body getting used to it again though.
Ditch the saddle cover as well. You want a saddle that is the right width for your sit bones, which is often narrower than what comes on more leisurely oriented bikes.
There is an unavoidable delay of your body getting used to it again though.
Just to expand on a few things that have been said. Padded shorts are worn without underwear. They won’t work as intended otherwise. The pad can be enhanced with the use of chamois cream. A really important but often poo pooed concept is that a harder saddle will ultimately be more comfortable once you’ve acclimatised to it. A big soft, squishy ‘leisure’ saddle will cause pressure on all your soft, squishy bits as you sink into it. A firm, correct width for your sit bones, saddle will support you properly. Once combined with time in the saddle to get used to it, and a good pair of padded shorts, it will be by far the comfiest long term option.
Also I’ve heard good things about the Brookes saddle too, though never used one. I may have one for sale soon as my new bike, I think, comes with one. Message me if interested. I should have it by the end of the month.
Also I’ve heard good things about the Brookes saddle too, though never used one. I may have one for sale soon as my new bike, I think, comes with one. Message me if interested. I should have it by the end of the month.
RoadToad84 said:
Part of it is just acclimatisation. The first few rides hurt like hell, but over time, your body gets used to the pressure and your muscles around your sit bones develop. Fit is equally important though.
I agree with this,. I started cycling again after about 25 years out the saddle. First couple of rides, I was in agony from the saddle. I bought various padded shorts etc., but after about five rides, my butt was fine without any padding. ( doing about 26 miles per ride) Padded shorts are not essential. I don't use them. I use lycra boxers (sold by Decathlon as running boxers) under Ron Hill tracksters.
Saddle are very much personal choice. As said above too soft doesn't work. Your weight needs to be on your sit bones not surrounding soft tissue.
Getting the right width matters. I use 175mm saddles but I'm 6ft3 so taller and wider than the average person.
Cycling posture matters as well. The more upright your posture the wider the saddle.
I prefer saddles with a a little padding
Saddle angle matters. Start level and see how you are getting on. If you feel you are sliding forward the. angling the saddle slightly back. May help.
https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/how...
Saddle are very much personal choice. As said above too soft doesn't work. Your weight needs to be on your sit bones not surrounding soft tissue.
Getting the right width matters. I use 175mm saddles but I'm 6ft3 so taller and wider than the average person.
Cycling posture matters as well. The more upright your posture the wider the saddle.
I prefer saddles with a a little padding
Saddle angle matters. Start level and see how you are getting on. If you feel you are sliding forward the. angling the saddle slightly back. May help.
https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/how...
Saddle choice is a very personal one and you really need to try different brands, shapes. It isn't easy for others to recommend. Once people find a saddle that works really well for them, they often stick with that Brand and shape forever. Pro's do this - new bike every year, same saddle.
I prefer a firm saddle with a cut-out; Selle Italia being my favourite brand.
Initially, we all suffer from saddle soreness but this goes away if you cycle frequently enough. I wear bib shorts and tights with a good quality chamois that are comfortable for 2-9 hours riding at a time. Like everything, you pay for quality so the longer you ride, the more you would benefit from high quality materials. If you suffer from chafing, then chamois cream can help.
I prefer a firm saddle with a cut-out; Selle Italia being my favourite brand.
Initially, we all suffer from saddle soreness but this goes away if you cycle frequently enough. I wear bib shorts and tights with a good quality chamois that are comfortable for 2-9 hours riding at a time. Like everything, you pay for quality so the longer you ride, the more you would benefit from high quality materials. If you suffer from chafing, then chamois cream can help.
irc said:
Padded shorts are not essential. I don't use them. I use lycra boxers (sold by Decathlon as running boxers) under Ron Hill tracksters.
Not essential, but there’s a very good reason why anyone who spends a reasonable amount of time on a bike uses them, and that’s the crux of the OPs issue.andyeds1234 said:
irc said:
Padded shorts are not essential. I don't use them. I use lycra boxers (sold by Decathlon as running boxers) under Ron Hill tracksters.
Not essential, but there’s a very good reason why anyone who spends a reasonable amount of time on a bike uses them, and that’s the crux of the OPs issue.As above - personal choice and another option for the OP to try.
irc said:
andyeds1234 said:
irc said:
Padded shorts are not essential. I don't use them. I use lycra boxers (sold by Decathlon as running boxers) under Ron Hill tracksters.
Not essential, but there’s a very good reason why anyone who spends a reasonable amount of time on a bike uses them, and that’s the crux of the OPs issue.As above - personal choice and another option for the OP to try.
Unless you have a unique anatomy, I can’t see how anyone would have a preference for underpants and trackie bottoms, over tried and tested kit.
Choice is one thing, how that pans out in the real world is another.
irc said:
Well 6 to 10 hours a day in the saddle when touring is a reasonable amount of time I think. I get on fine without padded shorts.
As above - personal choice and another option for the OP to try.
I would spend a whole day out cycling on my BMX as a kid - no padded shorts either. Once used to the saddle with regular rides, they aren't necessary, as you say, but they do make a ride more comfortable nonetheless and if we do more than touring pace, they are much more comfortable. I wouldn't train or race without them at circa 20-25mph for 5hr Gran Fondos with lots of lumpy terrain. As above - personal choice and another option for the OP to try.
Thanks for everyone for replying, much appreciated.
I don’t really want to wear cycle shorts, want to be able to cycle somewhere and then wander around in normal gear. Will definitely look into underwear.
I get using it more often will build up resistance, but realistically it’s a matter of taking them on holiday and using them in odd days.
Stupid question, but what exactly are sir bones and how do you measure them?
I don’t really want to wear cycle shorts, want to be able to cycle somewhere and then wander around in normal gear. Will definitely look into underwear.
I get using it more often will build up resistance, but realistically it’s a matter of taking them on holiday and using them in odd days.
Stupid question, but what exactly are sir bones and how do you measure them?
Stevemr said:
Thanks for everyone for replying, much appreciated.
I don’t really want to wear cycle shorts, want to be able to cycle somewhere and then wander around in normal gear. Will definitely look into underwear.
I get using it more often will build up resistance, but realistically it’s a matter of taking them on holiday and using them in odd days.
Stupid question, but what exactly are sir bones and how do you measure them?
I wear cycling shorts, and have thin shorts on the top, so you don't look like an 80's aerobic instructor.I don’t really want to wear cycle shorts, want to be able to cycle somewhere and then wander around in normal gear. Will definitely look into underwear.
I get using it more often will build up resistance, but realistically it’s a matter of taking them on holiday and using them in odd days.
Stupid question, but what exactly are sir bones and how do you measure them?
No-one even knows you have them on.
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