Improving comfort (seat)

[Deckitout]

I have only just started cycling again after a long layoff. I am coping well with 12 mile rides from a fitness perspective and feel I could easily do more.

My main issue is with seat comfort. I have read various threads and spoken with staff at a few LBS and don't really feel a lot wiser.
After approx 45 mins I start to feel real discomfort in pressure in my backside. The only relief is to take weight off of the seat, but the discomfort
returns again after a few minutes. I don't think this is just a matter of time in the saddle as I had the same problem previously.


I purchased a new seat (specialized Gel body Geometry) which has improved comfort slightly but I still feel I need more comfort to achieve
distances of 25/30 miles.

I really cannot afford to keep throwing £50 at seats without a positive result. I am pretty sure this is a common problem having spoken with a few
people and would appreciate any advice on a way forward.

Thanks Phil

 

[DrSquirrel]

If you've only just started - it will probably get better in time.

Soft seats will move and rub more.

Saddle is usually a personal preference, maybe your LBS has a "saddle bin" that you can try a few out and sell them back (mine does), some are even new saddles installed as stock on bikes. If you find a saddle you like, carry it from bike to bike

It can also take time for a saddle to bed in...

You will less likely have problems over 12 miles than say 50 - so the fact you are getting aches at 12 means you have something wrong - maybe saddle height or position - or putting too much weight on the saddle (not enuogh pedaling? ) I get this on the MTB due to more of my weight being on the saddle for longer periods of time.

 

[livpoksoc]

I found this when I started riding, I would get a numbness in the gentlemans region but after some decent saddle time, it's gone away...I now suffer from chafing on longer rides, but I've heard this isn't uncommon.

It is probably a point of your body getting used to the saddle, as much as your saddle breaking in for you.

It also depends on how much weight you're applying to the saddle, if you're a rider who sits heavy in the saddle, that can cause issues, try to level out your weight across your hands, feet & bum so that some of the downward pressure from your torso is taken by your legs and arms.

I found a lot of this out from trial and error, be persistent & don't be deterred, you will find the comfort eventually as you develop your technique to be a smoother rider.

 

[Fiona N]

When you say your 'backside hurts' - without being too nosy, can we have a bit more detail?

What I mean is - is it the region of your sit bones which gets tender or what someone else has called 'gentlemen's parts'. If the latter, I can't help much and probably others can give more specific advice but if it's the former, this is a two part problem. This is the part of your anatomy which should be bearing your weight, so part of the problem is just getting used to that and the other part is getting a suitably sized saddle - wide enough that the sit bones are properly supported on the top back of the saddle but not so wide that you get chaffing on your legs. If the saddle isn't wide enough, the sit bones will be only partly supported which will cause discomfort itself and whatever other bit of flesh is being called upon to do supporting duties will also complain.

If you're doing long mileages or high speeds (with a low position), there are also considerations of the position of your pelvis - people who are rather inflexible in the lower back / hamstrings will have different needs from those with greater flexibility but this shouldn't be an issue over 12 miles unless you're in an extreme position or have unusual physiology.

 

[vickster]

Are you wearing padded shorts?

 

[HLaB]

Are you wearing padded shorts?

Echo

 

[Sleeper]

May I add that I seem to have struck lucky with the Charge Spoon model - it fits like a glove, and only £22, new on the 'bay try one!

 

[Deckitout]

Thanks for your reply

I don't think it's a set up problem, I also had the problem appprox 10 years ago when cycling, both on mountainbike and road bike.
Thanks for your advice

If you've only just started - it will probably get better in time.

Soft seats will move and rub more.

Saddle is usually a personal preference, maybe your LBS has a "saddle bin" that you can try a few out and sell them back (mine does), some are even new saddles installed as stock on bikes. If you find a saddle you like, carry it from bike to bike

It can also take time for a saddle to bed in...

You will less likely have problems over 12 miles than say 50 - so the fact you are getting aches at 12 means you have something wrong - maybe saddle height or position - or putting too much weight on the saddle (not enuogh pedaling? ) I get this on the MTB due to more of my weight being on the saddle for longer periods of time.

 

[Deckitout]

I do think it may be the amount of weight I am applying to the saddle, I am riding an old mountain bike and a new Fuji Hybrid with a more upright riding position, mainly due to shoulder injury following motorcyle crash which makes less upright bikes uncomfortable on the shoulder

I found this when I started riding, I would get a numbness in the gentlemans region but after some decent saddle time, it's gone away...I now suffer from chafing on longer rides, but I've heard this isn't uncommon.

It is probably a point of your body getting used to the saddle, as much as your saddle breaking in for you.

It also depends on how much weight you're applying to the saddle, if you're a rider who sits heavy in the saddle, that can cause issues, try to level out your weight across your hands, feet & bum so that some of the downward pressure from your torso is taken by your legs and arms.

I found a lot of this out from trial and error, be persistent & don't be deterred, you will find the comfort eventually as you develop your technique to be a smoother rider.

 

[Deckitout]

Hi

It is the sit bones that are tender, and get the general feeling that a wider seat with more support may be the answer. When cycling a few years ago I was riding approx 80 miles a week and it didn't ever seem to improve back then either

Thanks for the input

When you say your 'backside hurts' - without being too nosy, can we have a bit more detail?

What I mean is - is it the region of your sit bones which gets tender or what someone else has called 'gentlemen's parts'. If the latter, I can't help much and probably others can give more specific advice but if it's the former, this is a two part problem. This is the part of your anatomy which should be bearing your weight, so part of the problem is just getting used to that and the other part is getting a suitably sized saddle - wide enough that the sit bones are properly supported on the top back of the saddle but not so wide that you get chaffing on your legs. If the saddle isn't wide enough, the sit bones will be only partly supported which will cause discomfort itself and whatever other bit of flesh is being called upon to do supporting duties will also complain.

If you're doing long mileages or high speeds (with a low position), there are also considerations of the position of your pelvis - people who are rather inflexible in the lower back / hamstrings will have different needs from those with greater flexibility but this shouldn't be an issue over 12 miles unless you're in an extreme position or have unusual physiology.

 

[Deckitout]

Yes wearing padded shorts, without them I think it would be way worse

Are you wearing padded shorts?

 

[Deckitout]

Thanks I will look into that model

May I add that I seem to have struck lucky with the Charge Spoon model - it fits like a glove, and only £22, new on the 'bay try one!

 

[slowmotion]

Hello Deckitout,

As another has said, beg , borrow or steal a Charge Spoon. They are not the cure-all for all saddle problems, but they work well for some here who are enthusiastic fans. Good luck anyway