Comfort For Beginners.

[Scrappy]

I have just got into cycling again after 10years of even sitting on a bike, after some receiving advice and reading through the threads on here I decided to buy a Carrera Subway (this one).

I spend an hour or so the last couple of morning cycling around a local country park and I haven’t found it very comfortable. I’m not sure if this normal considering I’m a little out of practice by having a lazy ten year gap


The handle bars seem a little low and with it not being something I really thought about at the time, the model I bought they're not adjustable . After a quick search I've found that I'm not the only one whining about it and it can be sorted by purchasing an adjustable stem will solve the problem, like this one. I'm just not sure about which size fits the bike.

The other issue I have is with the seat, it seems to be very hard and uncomfortable. After about a 40 minute cycle this morning I can feel the bones in my bum are sore to sit on if that makes sense. After doing a search I am tempted to try a seat called ‘Charge Spoon’

After I get these issues sorted I am looking forward to a long ride on the road somewhere to see exactly how unfit I am .


What are your thoughts?

 

[smokeysmoo]

Although the bars are not hugely adjustable, depending on the length of the steerer there may be a small gain to be had by removing the stem and moving any spacers about, but if there are no spacers then admittedly you are stuck.

Second option, some stems give different heights dependant on which way round they are. So flipping it through 180 degree may give you more height.

Third option, swap the stem for one of THESE. It's called a riser stem and they are available in different angles. IMO these look far better than the adjustable type. I've just provided a link to to a Halfords one, but I'd recommend you make friends with a proper LBS as they will have the knowledge and experience to assist you fully.

As for the saddle, I've stopped making recommendations due to the personal nature of saddle, but, many many people will say the Charge Spoon is a great choice, and you've clearly done some homework in this department. I did the same and bought one for the same reasons, however, I really don't like mine and I'm not unique in this either. That said, and based purely on the fact that the majority seem to love theirs, I'd wager the chances are you'll like one. Remember though, there's nothing more personal than a saddle, and one man's sofa is another man's razor blade!

 

[raindog]

The discomfort you're feeling from your saddle is most likely due to the fact you haven't ridden a bike for ten years. Just stick at it, ride regularly and your bum will get used to it. Simply buying another saddle might not help at all.

 

[biggs682]

first you have got to set the saddle at right in height in relation to the pedals , then just keep making minor adjustments to angle and height of bars , once basics done and it feels right .

i would not go out buying parts to try and make a bike comfy before finding a comfy starting point if that makes sense

 

[Fab Foodie]

Read and learn!

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

Saddles are a personal Choice. I have a 'Spoon' and it's OK. I have a Fizik Arione which also suits and a couple of Brooks B17's for long days out.

Keep tweaking.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

FF has posted an excellent link.

Get your contact points (saddle, bars and pedals) in the right places to start with, and then 'covered' with appropriate materials to suit your feet, arse and hands. (For me it is spd pedals, mtb shoes, brooks B17 (or variant) saddle - with or without padded shorts - and brooks leather tape over bar gel wearing Specialized BG gel gloves/mitts)

Fit is key, even tiny adjustments make a big difference, but there is no getting away from a degree of discomfort when starting over after a long break.

 

[Scrappy]

Thanks for the tips and information everyone. I shall look into it more thoroughly. But I guess it’s more a case of getting into it like some of you said.

It seems strange though, in my teens it was just a case of jump on any bike (too big or too small) and a rough guess on seat adjustment, and it was fine.

 

[cyberknight]

Another bike fit site that i find works for me
http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/bikefit.html
As greg said tiny adjustments make a lot of differance, my knees starting hurting recently and i found my saddle height had slipped by maybe 5 mm ....

 

[Globalti]

If you raise the handlebars you will be putting more weight on your bum. You need to achieve the right balance of weight on hands and bum.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Both Fab Foodie and cybernight have posted excellent links, you need to get the fit right before you start changing things, you might well find once you've got the fitting right you will find you can fine tune the fit a little bit once you start getting the miles in. The backside should harden up over time and miles, if it doesn't you might need padded shorts.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Another bike fit site that i find works for me
http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/bikefit.html
As greg said tiny adjustments make a lot of differance, my knees starting hurting recently and i found my saddle height had slipped by maybe 5 mm ....

I've discovered that one needs to raise a Brooks a bit over time as it indents....

 

[Fab Foodie]

I've discovered that one needs to raise a Brooks a bit over time as it indents....

Yep, Brooks saddles always need a bit of adjustment as the shape changes a tad with time ... but then don't we all ....

 

[Electric_Andy]

I have a similar problem, I have set up everyhting to what feels like a comfortable riding position, however I am not that new to cycling (have done over 300 miles in the past few months) but I still get a very sore arse. I wear Ten Outdoors padded shorts and have this saddle http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002CLMI3M/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00
but I still think it is the saddle that is the problem.

I guess my question is - should I spend money on a saddle, or better shorts?

 

[Globalti]

Ouch! That saddle looks too narrow and not shaped enough. It is shaped like a really minimal roadie saddle but only costs a few quid so I bet it's hard and unyielding.

Have a look at this, they are the most comfortable saddle I've ever used:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-spoon-saddle-with-cromo-rails/

Going at a great price right now, I might even buy one to keep for later.

 

[Electric_Andy]

Ouch! That saddle looks too narrow and not shaped enough. It is shaped like a really minimal roadie saddle but only costs a few quid so I bet it's hard and unyielding.

Have a look at this, they are the most comfortable saddle I've ever used:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-spoon-saddle-with-cromo-rails/

Going at a great price right now, I might even buy one to keep for later.

Thanks for the advice - I have just bought Spoon (as others have advised this is generally the most popular if you don't know what to get). Yes my current one was only a fiver but it was "reduced" from 30 odd quid so thought it would be ok. I am now thinking I will slowly ocnvert my pedelec to a raod bike piece by piece! Wonder how long it will be before I part-ex it for a road bike.