Does seat choice matter?

[LouiseK]

Hi

My boyfriend enjoys cycling and i thought it would be good to tag along but i found that i was ok cycling away from home, but on the way back it just seemed to take forever and my mental focus turned to my sore backside!

So, i'm thinking of getting a really huge comfy cycling seat - but i want to make sure that there isn't anything else i need to be aware of besides the obvious extra weight a large seat brings...

It won't effect how fast i can go or how many calories i burn or anything like that?

Will i need to adjust the angle/height of my seat or the handle bars a different way than usual?

Thanks

 

[snapper_37]

Hi Louise and welcome

From my experience, those big padded saddles prove even worse on the old ass.

I've got specialized BG ladies saddles on all my bikes and they are dead comfy.

However, whatever the saddle, you will still have to *harden* your ass and other bits. Wearing padded shorts does help.

It takes time getting used to it, so expect a bit of discomfort at first

 

[4F]

Hi Louise and welcome

From my experience, those big padded saddles prove even worse on the old ass.

I've got specialized BG ladies saddles on all my bikes and they are dead comfy.

However, whatever the saddle, you will still have to *harden* your ass and other bits. Wearing padded shorts does help.

It takes time getting used to it, so expect a bit of discomfort at first

Yep agree with that, It will take several weeks for your saddle and your backside to become friends

 

[MessenJah]

Is the pope Catholic?!

Specialized body geo seats are highly praised, and make sure you get some decent padded shorts. Endura ones (£20ish) are good, Decathlon ones (£6) are crap. You get what you pay for.

 

[girofan]

Is the pope Catholic?!

Specialized body geo seats are highly praised, and make sure you get some decent padded shorts. Endura ones (£20ish) are good, Decathlon ones (£6) are crap. You get what you pay for.

Yes IMO good shorts come before suitable saddles. Go for the best pair you can afford and if this means spending £100+ on shorts don't hesitate they will last longer and save you untold discomfort.

 

[Scoosh]

Hi LouiseK and Welcome !

It won't effect how fast i can go or how many calories i burn or anything like that?

It might have an effect on your speed, because a happy backside = a happy cyclist = more focus on the ride, how fast you are going etc . Similar for calorie burning, I would think.

Will i need to adjust the angle/height of my seat or the handle bars a different way than usual?

Not by much - strictly the difference in height between the old and new saddles, which shouldn't be a lot

 

[Landslide]

The key is to find a saddle that suits the shape of your bum, rather than one that has lots of padding. One of the most uncomfortable rides I have ever endured was on a hire bike with an excessive amount of padding.
I believe there are Specialized dealers that have a device for measuring the width of your sit-bones, and can therefore advise on which (Specialized) saddle you should buy. If you don't like the look of the Specialized saddles, you can always get summat of a similar shape.

 

[yenrod]

QUOTE=LouiseK;375398]Hi

My boyfriend enjoys cycling and i thought it would be good to tag along but i found that i was ok cycling away from home, but on the way back it just seemed to take forever and my mental focus turned to my sore backside!

You dont say - thats part of the challenge.

So, i'm thinking of getting a really huge comfy cycling seat - but i want to make sure that there isn't anything else i need to be aware of besides the obvious extra weight a large seat brings...

Wide seats need'nt be heavy: mines 145mm wide and only weighs 250gmrs !

145mm is seen as being wide

Its a SanMarco SLK

It won't effect how fast i can go or how many calories i burn or anything like that?

Will i need to adjust the angle/height of my seat or the handle bars a different way than usual?

Thanks[/QUOTE]

 

[jasper]

You don't say what type of cycling you do. If going fast (road bike) then you need a narrow racing saddle because your riding position will be shifted forward and most of your weight will be on your hands/feet, not the saddle. The faster your legs spin, the less you'll want interference from the sides of the saddle.

If you ride casually (sit up and beg), then most of you weight will be on the saddle. As your not spinning very quickly, the width of the saddle is no longer a factor. Therefore, a wide, heavily padded saddle is ideal to support your weight and provide cushioning.

Whichever saddle you decide to go for make sure it fits and buy a women's saddle as it'll fit your wider pelvic bones better. Generally, a man's saddle is narrower and longer; whereas a women's is shorter and wider.

Also, ensure that the saddle is positioned correctly and make sure that you alternate your position on the bike from time to time by standing on the pedals or shifting on the saddle. This will ensure tension will be relieved on any pressure points.

Always wear cycling shorts as they'll have a chamois in, although this is most likely to be synthetic these days and not natural. Whilst some chamois have extra padding for comfort, the reason for wearing them is because they draw the sweat away and they are seam free, so will not chaf. Do not wear underwear with your shorts as it defeats the object and will chaf. As well as the typical racing shorts (tight) you can also get a more relaxed cut (baggies) that also come with a chamois. Alternatively, you can get underwear with a chamois that you could wear with normal shorts, suited for a more leisurly ride.

 

[snorri]

Regardless of the type or style of new seat you decide buy, take a few short trips at first, rather than longer runs, in order to get you and your seat used to each other.
I have never quite understood why people advise padded shorts. I find its too cold for shorts most days, and have never felt the need for padding. Probably different if you are competitive or greatly concerned about performance, other wise no need.

 

[swee'pea99]

Your first para suggests this was your first ride (of any distance). If that is the case, the fact is yer bum would have been sore regardless of saddle, shorts or anything else. It takes awhile. If you do, say, half a dozen rides and still get sore bum, *then* have a think about buying stuff. Till then, grit your teeth. It does get better - and quicker than you might think.