Help with adjusting bike for comfort

[barongreenback]

Evening all. Went out for a 20 mile ride this morning on my Specialized Sirrus Sport, which was great fun in this weather but I am seriously feeling the pressure on what can only be described as my 'scruttocks' (well, it could be described as my perineum but scruttocks is childish and amusing). I have comfy padded shorts and I have Assos cream so I can only assume that something is not quite right in the way I have the bike set up. The height of the saddle is right based on a very slight bend in my knee at full stretch - is there something else I'm missing? Thanks.

 

[ianrauk]

have you tried tilting the saddle so it dips at the front a few mm's?

 

[barongreenback]

Nope - hopefully I should be able to do that. Come to think of it, it is a little bit more comfortable if I shift myself towards the rear of the saddle (my reach seems fine - arms slightly bent but not uncomfortably stretched). Thanks - will have a look at that.

 

[Landslide]

You could try adjusting the angle of the saddle - absolutely level seems to be the recommendation (and saddles are designed with this in mind), but given the variance between peoples' physiques, you may need to vary from this point.

 

[byegad]

I've always found slightly nose down is best. It's such a personal thing, all you can do is try for yourself.

 

[barongreenback]

Thanks all - seat now adjusted in preparation for tomorrow's ride. Considerably easier adjustment than spending 2 hours on the rear mech this afternoon!

 

[dellzeqq]

It may be that
- your scruttocks have a bit of toughening up to do
- you would be better off with a grooved saddle
- your bars are too low, or, then again, too high.
- your cadence is too high

I'd look up your local CTC group and go out with them. Speak to the club sec first and check that there is a ride for your kind of speed, but many CTC groups run beginners rides with the very purpose of setting people on their way.

 

[Fab Foodie]

For general understanding of bike comfort and set-up, take a look at this...

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