Saddle recommendations
Discussion
As you can see in my other thread (What beginner bike) I've just started commuting to work which is a 12-13 mile round trip.
Problem is the saddle is uncomfortable from the moment I sit down! It took me days to recover from my first trip.
Im sure some of this is lack of time on the bike but I would like a more comfortable saddle.
Any recommendations that won't break the bank?
Problem is the saddle is uncomfortable from the moment I sit down! It took me days to recover from my first trip.
Im sure some of this is lack of time on the bike but I would like a more comfortable saddle.
Any recommendations that won't break the bank?
Happy with this after a bumpy, gravelly, no suspension 20 mile trundle this morning.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/BioFlex_Ozone_Sa...
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/BioFlex_Ozone_Sa...
Saddles are the one item of bike kit where how much you spend is no indicator of how happy you can expect to be.
I've just gone from a Fi:zik Arione, which is generally regarded as the closest thing to a universally adored saddle to a Fi:zik Aliante. I was never completely completely happy with the Arione and no matter what I did, if I didn't use baby nappy paste I would end up chafed after a long ride. The Aliante is much happier for me.
Try and work out whether you need a narrow or wide saddle. A bike saddle should support you ischial tuberosities (sit bones). If a saddle support you correctly, amount or absence of padding makes next to no difference. In fact the general wisdom is that padding is usually more harm than good because it compresses and then chafes.
Happy hunting!
I've just gone from a Fi:zik Arione, which is generally regarded as the closest thing to a universally adored saddle to a Fi:zik Aliante. I was never completely completely happy with the Arione and no matter what I did, if I didn't use baby nappy paste I would end up chafed after a long ride. The Aliante is much happier for me.
Try and work out whether you need a narrow or wide saddle. A bike saddle should support you ischial tuberosities (sit bones). If a saddle support you correctly, amount or absence of padding makes next to no difference. In fact the general wisdom is that padding is usually more harm than good because it compresses and then chafes.
Happy hunting!
If I spend a couple of months off the bike I get the same problem for the first month or so.
You have to get your derrier used to it and that can take while.
I'd say save the dosh get out on the bike a bit more and if after 6 weeks it's not better then buy.
At least you'll have long enough to know exactly what hurts by then if nothing else.
All the recommmendations in the world mean nothing if you're bum hasn't basically MTFU'd first
They'll all hurt!
You have to get your derrier used to it and that can take while.
I'd say save the dosh get out on the bike a bit more and if after 6 weeks it's not better then buy.
At least you'll have long enough to know exactly what hurts by then if nothing else.
All the recommmendations in the world mean nothing if you're bum hasn't basically MTFU'd first
They'll all hurt!+1 for the shorts they are a must. As always personal preference comes first but I have only ever worn pearl izumi ones as the fit is great and they are constructed in a way that the seams don't chafe and the chamois pads are well shaped. Same goes for their tights too. Saddles are personal choice again I always rode on Flites so had to get one for my new bike. Murder on the arse for a bit but once your bum is used to it you won't even know you are sitting on it.
For the most comfortable saddle bar none, I'd suggest a Brooks B17. They're a bit err... retro and will probably set you back £50 but your arse will thank you for it in the long run. I rode 93 miles on one yesterday with no ill effects today, not something I could say about the razor blade on another of my bikes. Good shorts with decent padding make all the difference as well.
SkinnyBoy said:
+1 for the shorts they are a must. As always personal preference comes first but I have only ever worn pearl izumi ones as the fit is great and they are constructed in a way that the seams don't chafe and the chamois pads are well shaped. Same goes for their tights too. Saddles are personal choice again I always rode on Flites so had to get one for my new bike. Murder on the arse for a bit but once your bum is used to it you won't even know you are sitting on it.
I'd disagree with this. I have a gel saddle instead of padded shorts on my commuter bike and have never had any sore bum issues since I got it, even when I got back on it after several years without riding anything.It is a very personal thing though, you need to find a saddle which suits you (not necessarily an expensive one).
Thanks for all the replies guys, I'm currently googling the suggestions of both shorts & saddles.
Shorts wise I have some muddy fox padded shorts, which were cheap but perhaps don't have the best padding so will look at the decathlon ones.
Otherwise I am taking the advice to MTFU and take the pain for a few weeks and seeing how things go - can't say I enjoyed sitting down at work today though! To be honest once I'm into the ride I kind of forget about the pain but it sure hurts at first and when I get off!
Shorts wise I have some muddy fox padded shorts, which were cheap but perhaps don't have the best padding so will look at the decathlon ones.
Otherwise I am taking the advice to MTFU and take the pain for a few weeks and seeing how things go - can't say I enjoyed sitting down at work today though! To be honest once I'm into the ride I kind of forget about the pain but it sure hurts at first and when I get off!
Another vote for the Decathlon shorts - An absolute bargain compared to some of the premium brands, and very comfortable... Certainly worked for me on the L2B
I also took on board the recomendations of the collective PH crowd when this question was raised before, and bought a Charge Spoon saddle (About £25 IIRC), which was far more comfortable than the original Bontrager saddle that came on the bike
I also took on board the recomendations of the collective PH crowd when this question was raised before, and bought a Charge Spoon saddle (About £25 IIRC), which was far more comfortable than the original Bontrager saddle that came on the bike
Edited by Superhoop on Thursday 24th June 19:00
I loved the Selle Italia C2 Gel flow with its 'pressure relief channel.' You can do miles on it in complete comfort and still feel everything at the end....if you know what I mean.
See if you can borrow one of two spares from other cyclists though to get a taster, that's how I came to try the above.
Cheers,
Tom
See if you can borrow one of two spares from other cyclists though to get a taster, that's how I came to try the above.
Cheers,
Tom
there isn't a saddle that is right for everyone so consider widely
be sure, imo, to include the www.smpsaddle.co.uk range in your musings.
the evolution solved a lot of problems for me
be sure, imo, to include the www.smpsaddle.co.uk range in your musings.
the evolution solved a lot of problems for me
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