Best padding for 8+hours in the saddle

[Hoolio]

Hi, I'm after some advice. Over the winter I've been using Altura Pro Gel tights and have been very impressed with the level of padding on rides of up to 55 miles.

I'm attempting to cycle to Le Mans in 24 hours in June so I'm after some advice regarding padding, specifically padding for long-distance rides / over 8 hours. Who makes the best padding / bib shorts for the job? and who makes the best padding / bib shorts for a budget? I appreciate these could be at opposite ends of the comfort spectrum.

Thanks in advance!

[anonymous-user]

With pads, you generally get what you pay for.

£80+ seems exorbitant to spend on bib shorts, but ask yourself: "how much would I pay someone to avoid having my scrotum sanded with a belt sander?"

OK, it's not quite that bad, but you get the idea.

A good chamois creme (eg Assos) can help a middling pad quite a bit.

[Batfink]

I've just bought some Castelli bib shorts and they have really thick padding. Its the most comfortable I've been on the bike.

[Black can man]

I find the chamois cream you use more important ybh.

[SomersetWestie]

I always use gore Bikewear bib shorts and tights..... not tried anything else as the pads in these for me can take me on many all day rides without any problem at all...... Or maybe my arse is just used to the riding nowadays !

[Daveyraveygravey]

Batfink said:

I've just bought some Castelli bib shorts and they have really thick padding. Its the most comfortable I've been on the bike.

+1 for Castelli, although mine were the Nanoflex tights version. Best pad I've used, but have only had Lusso and DHB before so more budget.

I haven't really ever had the need for creams, that's to alleviate chaffing isn't it? If I am going for an 8 hour ride I'll dab some sudocrem on, but never really felt it was necessary.

[E65Ross]

The top of the range castelli pad is great (X2, not the KISS pad). I also really like Sportful Super total comfort bib shorts....they aren't cheap but they are very comfortable.

If you do get issues, don't rule out getting another saddle....changing my saddle (now using a Selle SMP stratos - lots of dosh but worth it!!) has made a massive difference. With that saddle, it doesn't matter what chamois I wear I no longer get chafing, admittedly the longest ride I've done on this saddle was 6 hours, but that's long enough. I find, however, a thicker pad can help make things generally more comfortable. The sportful shorts I mentioned or Castelli are good bets for you.

[frisbee]

Daveyraveygravey said:

+1 for Castelli, although mine were the Nanoflex tights version. Best pad I've used, but have only had Lusso and DHB before so more budget.

I haven't really ever had the need for creams, that's to alleviate chaffing isn't it? If I am going for an 8 hour ride I'll dab some sudocrem on, but never really felt it was necessary.

I don't get on with the creams, they give me spots - where you don't really want spots.

Fortunately I don't need them either if I'm wearing even an averagely good pair of shorts - DHB.

I think the important thing is to trial your exact setup over a couple of good long runs before you need to use it in anger.

[JustinF]

Buy Assos s5 mille, don't look at the receipt for 12 months then work it back as pence per mile of comfort.

[E65Ross]

JustinF said:

Buy Assos s5 mille, don't look at the receipt for 12 months then work it back as pence per mile of comfort.

Hasn't this been upgraded to the S7?

[lukefreeman]

With the correct saddle and fit, you shouldn't need a chamois.........

[JustinF]

E65Ross said:

JustinF said:

Buy Assos s5 mille, don't look at the receipt for 12 months then work it back as pence per mile of comfort.

Hasn't this been upgraded to the S7?

Aye the latest is the s7, some seem to prefer the s5 still, I think both are available. I can't personally comment on the 7 as I've not worn them.

Edited by JustinF on Tuesday 15th March 06:12

[gazza285]

Black can man said:

I find the chamois cream you use more important ybh.

Feels a bit weird when you slather it on mind, but I use it on races and long rides.

[matt-ITR]

ASSOS s7 are incredible. Also the ASSOS chamois cream is good, or Aussie Butt cream if you can find it.

[Hoolio]

Thank you everyone, lots to think about. Will try a few, Hopefully I'll find something that means I don't end up with a baboons bum.

[Hoolio]

matt-ITR said:

ASSOS s7 are incredible. Also the ASSOS chamois cream is good, or Aussie Butt cream if you can find it.

Can get hold of some Aussie Butt cream, thanks for the suggestion.

[Barchettaman]

I'd be looking at a well broken-in Brooks B-17 saddle for that kind of ride.

There is a reason all - well, a majority - of the Audax guys use them.

The new Brooks rubber saddles seem to get good reviews too.

Apologies for the slightly skewed answer!

[Matt_N]

Barchettaman said:

I'd be looking at a well broken-in Brooks B-17 saddle for that kind of ride.

There is a reason all - well, a majority - of the Audax guys use them.

The new Brooks rubber saddles seem to get good reviews too.

Apologies for the slightly skewed answer!

I think it's the perfect answer, with a long ride, saddle and pad are equally important.

[SoliD]

frisbee said:

I don't get on with the creams, they give me spots - where you don't really want spots.

Fortunately I don't need them either if I'm wearing even an averagely good pair of shorts - DHB.

I think the important thing is to trial your exact setup over a couple of good long runs before you need to use it in anger.

No spots without cream? I only get this when my saddle isn't set 100% right and only forms after a number of hours, I'm just a basic Sudocrem user, it's messy but cheap and does the job for me.

Rapha are my go to shorts for long days, yes they're expensive, but price per mile/minute is bargain tastic to ensure no pain or discomfort.

[Gruffy]

More padding is often the answer to the wrong question. Saddle shape has much more bearing on your comfort levels.