Cycling Position and Saddle Soreness

[BentMikey]

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

I commute on a very low bent - it's much safer and far more visible than an upright.

To the OP - try lots of different saddles is my suggestion. Maybe start with getting your behind measured (or at least your sitbones) on a Specialized measurer and get a saddle based on that.

 

[ASC1951]

a recumbent trike..... it's fun, it's far more stable on icy/slippy roads than a two-wheeled upright.

I know, Waffly, I know. I find myself looking at Classifieds and the only things that stop me getting one are:-
- it would be bike #5 (plus others in bits)
- where would I keep it?
- even secondhand, it's a lot to spend on something I don't know I will take to.

I'm not bothered about having to grow a beard again and I assume that most recumbents come pre-fitted with sandals.

 

[yello]

Beginners forum people. Can we stay on topic please?

Andrea, playing with the set up is a good idea. Remember to keep notes and measurements about what changes do what. If you're not having any joy there, it might also be worth your while getting a decent bike store to do a proper set up for you.

The solution to my wife's problems on the bike came in the form of a Selle Italia Lady saddle but even then we had to play with set up to get that right.

 

[ed_o_brain]

Andrea,

You have bought a gents bike, which I'm presuming fits you okay other wise the retailer would have recommended the ladies equivalent, the Specialized Dolce.

As it's a gents bike, it will have a gents saddle. A ladies saddle would probably be a good start. My partner likes the Specialized Jet saddle we bought for her Dolce.

I'm afraid getting comfy on a bike, is trial and error. No reason for it to be a painful experience, not even on a road bike.

 

[mickle]

Saddles are a good money making device, so people will lie and tell you it's better to get a new saddle.

Huh? Very few women will find a gent's saddle comfortable due to the difference in the distance between men's and women's ischial tuberosities or 'sit bones'. I'm surprised that the bike shop (and you) aren't aware of this fact.

 

[Radius]

No I know that, there's an important difference in body structure in that area. On the other hand, saddles that are just very padded with loads of gel etc aren't necessarily the best to go for, but people can be tricked into buying one because their current setup is hurting, and they think that is the solution. That's what I mean.