Choosing a saddle

[andy69]

After my first ride yesterdy my ar$e is literally bruised. Tried sitting on my bike this morning and I can't believe how sore it is. Still won't put me off going on it today though.
What's the best way of finding a comfy road saddle? Will the bike shops let me try different ones? Does anyone have any recommendations?

 

[BSRU]

Are you wearing padded shorts commando style?, they make a huge difference especially in warm weather.

 

[Soltydog]

What's the best way of finding a comfy road saddle? Will the bike shops let me try different ones? Does anyone have any recommendations?

I had a bike shop that let me take 3 saddles to try & then return the ones I didnt like. Trouble is I tried them all for a 10 mile ride, chose the best 1, but then found anything more than 20 miles it wasnt comfortable, but a little too soft So if you do manage to test a few I'd recommend a fair old ride on them to judge properly.
As for recommendations, you could ask 10 people & get 10 different answers, its all down to personal choice & I suppose the size & shape of your rear

 

[BSRU]

I have read somewhere that Specialized offer a saddle fitting service.

 

[andy69]

Are you wearing padded shorts commando style?, they make a huge difference especially in warm weather.

Funnily enough I am an ex commando and I have worn my padded shorts commando style. Is this the best way? Maybe I need extra padding?

 

[helston90]

As BSRU mentions Specialized have an ass-ometer- for you to sit and measure where your sit bones put pressure etc and advise accordingly, you'll need to live near one of their concept stores though.
Failing that we'll get a fan fair soon regarding the Charge Spoon I expect!

 

[MaxInc]

It takes weeks, maybe months to get perfectly used to a saddle, especially if you haven't been cycling for a while. I would try and go with the stock one for at least a couple of weeks for the soreness to dissipate and then try to understand what saddle may bring extra comfort or benefits. At this stage any saddle is likely to feel uncomfortable.

After my last 4 out long trip last week I though I finally got used to it. In reality my back end was so numb that and I couldn't feel any pain. That changed later in the day

 

[BSRU]

Funnily enough I am an ex commando and I have worn my padded shorts commando style. Is this the best way? Maybe I need extra padding?

Yes, you should always ride commando style to avoid saddle sores.
If you wear padded shorts then the next thing to check is saddle height/positioning, I recently put another saddle, of the same type, on my main commuter which caused problems due to the saddle not being horizontal and the nose of the saddle pointing up slightly.
Which saddle are you currently using?

 

[Shortmember]

If you're new to cycling, and even if you fitted your favourite armchair in place of the saddle,you would still
get saddle soreness initially.The more miles you pedal the more your backside will develop resistance
to it.I have been cycling for many years but I only have to stop for a week or so and when I get back on
the bike I get a bit of soreness until my butt gets 'run in' again.

 

[andy69]

Yes, you should always ride commando style to avoid saddle sores.
If you wear padded shorts then the next thing to check is saddle height/positioning, I recently put another saddle, of the same type, on my main commuter which caused problems due to the saddle not being horizontal and the nose of the saddle pointing up slightly.
Which saddle are you currently using?

Looking at my bike its a carrera saddle- components?

 

[PeteXXX]

Maybe I've been lucky on this one, but both the decent LBS in my area have an assometer. It'll measure the distance between the sit bones,and help you with the best size. It's like a flat seat with memory foam on it so when you stand up, the ass-shape is still there.
Ask at a few LBS in your area to see if they have one.

 

[Cycleops]

Andy, I would endorse the foregoing comments regarding getting used to sitting on a saddle if you haven't been riding for very long. You will find that the softest one is not always the most comfortable. You might have to try several before you find one that suits. Some also prefer to have the nose of the saddle pointing down about 10%. Sorry I can't be more helpful but you will get there in the end!

 

[SpokeyDokey]

As said already Specialised do a bum fit and trek dealers do the same for their Bontrager saddles (I have an Affinity R).

My stock saddle was too wide and was very uncomfortable - following bum fit and purchase of new saddle it was bliss.

Your bum will still need to toughen up a bit so keep your rides short for a while.

 

[rovers1875]

As others have said it can take months to get used to a saddle, especially if your not used to riding. I have a saddle that I have had for twelve months and its comfy for 15 - 20 miles but soon after becomes excruciating. I have recently replaced it with an Aldi road saddle and its been comfy from the off. What I'm trying to say is, some take ages to break in others fit from the off. or you can pay a fortune and never be comfy.

 

[Chris Norton]

Give the stock saddle a good try before you decide to splash your cash. But if you do decide to get your credit card out then the measuring services are an excellent starting point. Specialized, Bontrager (I did not know about the fit service BUT they have the unconditional guarentee) and Selle Italia.

My wife had all kinds of pain and we went to a selle italia dealer and got fantastic service but it came at a 70 quid price tag for the new saddle.