Probably another stupid question but....

[VictorL]

Which is better - paying for a decent seat or getting cycle shorts (or both?)

 

[marinyork]

You should always have a saddle that agrees with you. Shorts are an added extra. So a good saddle is the more important of the two. However many people have both (I don't do cycle shorts).

 

[Gerry Attrick]

IMHO both is best, but you will never get true comfort with a duff saddle. The problem is that no-one can really tell you which saddle is best because our a***s are all shaped differently. Try as many as you can.

 

[VictorL]

Okay, without sounding silly, how can you try saddles - sitting on one for a minute or two isn't really going to tell you much is it? The saddle on my current bike doesn't start getting uncomfortable until at least 1/2 an hour

 

[Gerry Attrick]

I accept it is not easy, but try as many friend's saddles as poss. I belive some dealers have a selection of try out saddles. If not, then it's trial and error. That isn't as bad as it seems because you do get an idea of what shape/size suits.

What type of cycling do you do? That has a bearing on a suitable saddle and many will offer you the benefit of their experience which may, I stress may, help.

 

[VictorL]

Comuting - 5 miles each way but often go a bit longer and come home for lunches.

Am also planning to go out at weekends (by myself) for up to 30 mile runs.

Really looking to get a bit fitter and lose weight.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

I suspect you are hampered by being fairly new to cycling. All saddles will feel uncomfortable for a while. It takes a few weeks to get your bum accustomed to riding.

For what its worth, my advice is to go to a reputable lbs and throw yourself at their mercy. They will have an idea of saddles they stock which customers like. I would only advise against a gel type saddle as most people find them comfy for the first ten minutes. After that, sheer agony.

 

[Dobbin]

Having recently purchased a new saddle from my lbs I would agree with Gerry. My lbs has a gel pad on which they get you to sit to measure the distance between your "sit bones". Saddles do come in various widths. Having this information they sold me a Toupe saddle which does have a lot of padding but is surprisingly comfy.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Hi Dobbin, welcome to the forum. I have to say I agree with you about the Toupe. I have one on my road bike which I find superb. I was shying away from mentioning specific saddles though because everyone is different, and let's face it, the Toupe ain't cheap.

 

[HJ]

Saddle first, then shorts. Even the best shorts are not going to make an uncomfortable comfortable...

And here is some advice on how to find a comfortable saddle...

 

[VictorL]

Thanks all