Cycling Position and Saddle Soreness

[Andrea]

Hi there,

I recently got myself an entry level road bike and have been on a few trips with it.

The first problem I have got is that I do suffer from saddle soreness, but I assume that for the moment I will just have to get through that and get used to it.


As a result of the first problem, I created myself a second problem - that of my cycling position. For my behind it is more comfortable to sit and bend at the waist rather than the hip and I end up sitting on the bike quite hunched over. Not good for the back and neither for the shoulders as I found out.

Is there anything you can advice me about either one of the problems? Or is it for now really just a matter of hanging in there till either my bum gets used to the saddle or I can say for sure that bum and saddle don't fit?

Thank you.

 

[a_n_t]

it definately takes a while for your arse to toughen up.............to be blunt!

 

[fossyant]

No. 1...... your saddle is probably not the best - possibly seek a better one - ask the ladies on 'ere - I'm using Race saddles from 15 years ago......

Have you bought a good pair of cycling shorts - for modesty, wear under some other clothes like baggy shorts or long trackie bottoms....

 

[Radius]

If you came from another type of bike ('hybrid' / tourer) it may be a little slimmer and harder than that, which will take getting used to.
Out of interest, what bike did you get?

 

[spandex]

What I would do first is move the saddle back I would say by what you have said is all the way. I am thinking you will have a 6ml bolt there if so just undo it a bit and it should slide back? keeping it flat! try that and see how it goes. But do let us know how it goes

 

[mickle]

If you are rotating your pelvis backwards it's because one or more of the following;

*Your bars are too far away from (or too low relative to) your saddle. You are therefore overstretched, leaning too far forwards which is forcing your pelvis to rotate forwards which in turn is putting too much weight on your frontal nethers. Rotating your pelvis backwards is an attempt to relieve this pressure.

*Your saddle is too narrow for you. The rear part of the saddle should fully support your sit bones (ischial tuberosities). If it's to narrow it will transfer pressure to your frontal nethers and again, rotating your pelvis back is an attempt to relieve the pressure.

*If you have, as I expect you do, a ladies arse and are riding a saddle designed for a gentleman's arse you'll never get comfortable on it so you should give up now before you do yourself an injury.

*A cheap saddle with its squidgy foam doesn't provide proper support, it might be worth investing in a high quality saddle from a reputable company such as Selle Italia, Fizik, Terry, Specialized etc. A good saddle is one which you can spend all day on and not think about for a second, they do exist.

*Maybe your behind just needs to acclimatise to the new experience. A cheap pair of cycling shorts or padded undies will certainly help.

* Stop riding in tight jeans, they don't bend the way they need to and where the four seams meet under your crotch the material is eight or more layers thick. Right where you don't want it to be when sitting on a saddle.

 

[punkypossum]

I think it depends what kind of saddle soreness you've got. If it is just a case of the bones feeling bruised, you are probably just getting used to the saddle and it will sort itself out - if it doesn't improve in a couple of weeks, you might need another saddle or have to adjust its position.

However, if it is actual chafing, then either the position or the saddle are seriously wrong (unless, as mickle said you are wearing jeans or similar for cycling).

But, overall, I would say if it's the bones, there is a very good chance it will sort itself out, if it is the skin, you might have more of a problem...

(Based on my experience at least...)

P.S. Also, is your saddle level? Just asking because mine looked it and I was getting pressure pain at the front, only to find out it was actually sloping UP at the nose when it got measured properly...

 

[xpc316e]

All of your problems stem from the fact that you have chosen to ride an under-developed Victorian anachronism. Visit a decent dealer and try out a recumbent bike - they are so comfortable and your ribcage isn't crushed by attempting a racing crouch either. Few return to conventional bikes after sampling the delights of the Dark Side.

 

[summerdays]

If you find a specialized concept store (think that's the right name), you can have your derriere measured - I presume other places do it. Its a simple process - just need to sit on a sort of memory foam seat, which then records an impression of your sit bones. I also had a go at doing a homemade version with some playdoh too - much to the hilarity of my family.

 

[ASC1951]

try out a recumbent bike ... Few return to conventional bikes.

Killed in town traffic, presumably. "What bump, dear?"

 

[snorri]

Try taking short trips on the bike, stopping before the discomfort starts.
A lot of short trips are better than a few longer trips for getting used to a bicycle seat.

 

[Andrea]

Thanks for your replies and apologies for the long delay in my response.

I think my problem needs probably a combination of the solutions you guys mentioned. The bike is a Specialized Allez 09 and the saddle that came with it is probably not the best.
I still think it is worth trying to change a couple of things about the setup and getting used to cycling before spending money on a new saddle - especially without knowing what the biggest cause for the problem is.

The saddle looked quite level but at the moment I am trying out different set ups to see whether I can tilt it forward a bit without me sliding off it. It seems to be working better (unfortunately I have not had many opportunities to cycle in the last 10 days).
I will also move the saddle forward a bit and flip the handle bar stem to raise the bars a bit.

I have been cycling in trekking trousers which are quite comfy and a bit baggy, but I think I will get some cycling shorts as well.

At the moment (well, not the last week) I do a 10 mile round trip to the station about 3x per week. So I am no longer than 30 min on my bike.

I'll make a couple more changes to my bike and will let you know how it goes.

 

[Radius]

Probably more to do with setup than anything on a bike like that. Saddles are a good money making device, so people will lie and tell you it's better to get a new saddle.
Good luck

 

[wafflycat]

Killed in town traffic, presumably. "What bump, dear?"

Having both 'normal' upright bikes and a recumbent trike, I am given far, far more room on the road when on the recumbent. Why? Several reasons I think.

1. It's different so it gets noticed.
2. There's a bit of the 'WTFIT? Must avoid!' factor at work.
3. Some folk see it as a disability cycle and I'm sure they don't want their name splashed all over the local press as being the idiot motorist who killed the valiant disabled lady trying to maintain independence.

And, it's fun, it's far more stable on icy/slippy roads than a two-wheeled upright. It gets a smile from little kids. Surly yoof see it as different and 'cool' and want to have a go.

 

[peanut]

I think the shorts arn't helping with comfort. Do they have padding and no seams between the legs ? Might be a good idea to wear some padded shorts underneath for hidden comfort . No one will be any the wiser and you'll still look cool in your baggies

I have been cycling in trekking trousers which are quite comfy and a bit baggy, but I think I will get some cycling shorts as well.

At the moment (well, not the last week) I do a 10 mile round trip to the station about 3x per week. So I am no longer than 30 min on my bike.

I'll make a couple more changes to my bike and will let you know how it goes.