Saddle concerns

[Lien Sdrawde]

Firstly, thanks to all who have helped in answering questions posed by those of us with little know-how

Ive managed a few 15 - 20 milers so far and wearing the cycling pants I got from Aldi, the issue of 'saddle sore' seems to be dissapearing...

That is until the weather turned bad and i've used my 'trainer' for the last couple of days. When your out on the road your often out of the saddle for various reasons; waiting at lights after stoping etc etc. But, on a trainer you can sit on your tush constantly.

The first time I did this for an hour my whole 'bits' went numb An adjustment to the saddle (slight tilt up at the front) has completely resolved the numbness but last night after 45 mins it was just downright uncomfortable - not saddle sore, but uncomfortable. Should I invest in a saddle that will improve this (not too worried about cost) or will my current one 'bed in' as I get more time sat on it?

 

[BSRU]

I had problems with the cheap saddle I got with my bike, changed it for a Brooks Flyer Special and no problems since.

 

[guitarpete247]

If you decide to go for a Brooks (or similar), either off ebay or from new and your LBS, remember that being leather it will change shape. It may take a while but it will take the shape of your rear and be comfortable. That is unless you are one of the few who don't have a Brooks Compatable Rear End.

 

[Amanda P]

There is no perfect saddle that suits everyone. And you're right, sit in the saddle without changing position for a long time and it will be uncomfortable - you need to get out of it now and again. Tea stops were invented partly for this purpose, I believe.

If your present saddle is not a leather one (like a Brooks), it won't bed in much. It may begin to break you in, though! Seriously, your skin will get tougher down there as you get used to it. Small changes to the saddle's angle and fore-aft position can make a big difference to how comfy it is, so don't be afraid to make small tweaks and try them. You need to give it at least a couple of hours' riding before you decide whether a tweak is an improvement or not: sometimes a change feels wrong just because it's a change. Give yourself time, and at least a couple of separate rides, to get used to it each time.

In an ideal world, you'd be able to try different saddles for a few days each to see whether they suited you. In practice, you'll probably need to buy one and see how you get on with it. Do this if you just cannot get on with the one you have.

 

[Alan Whicker]

FWIW I've found the Charge Spoon fits me perfectly. A bargain at £24 too.

Some shops have a 'saddle library' allowing you to try a few out, and so does cyclechat! https://www.cyclechat.net/

 

[Fab Foodie]

Different saddles suity diferent people, BUT, it's worth taking time to wok on getting any one working just right. Mostly I use a Brooks B17, but last year go a Fizik Aliante (as much lighter), it's taken most of the season to get it dialled-in to the point I barely know it's there. Persevere, or you'll have to try a few until you find what works for you.

Also... Turbos tend to be hot sweaty work compared to being out on the road which is much cooler and that can have a big impact on comfort and chaffing in particular.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I noticed in the current issue of 'cycle' that Spa Cycles have a CTC offer for black Brooks B17s at £40, so if you're a CTC member it could be the cheapest way of finding out if you have a Brooks compatible arse.

 

[fossyant]

FWIW I've found the Charge Spoon fits me perfectly. A bargain at £24 too.

Some shops have a 'saddle library' allowing you to try a few out, and so does cyclechat! http://www.cyclechat...orrow-a-saddle/

I can highly recommend Charge Saddles - got the Knife on the fixed. Very comfy.

 

[edindave]

I nearly forked out on a new saddle but persevered with the one I had. It took a few adjustments over a couple of weeks and after that it was spot on.
I looked online at saddles and I roughly measured the distance between my sitbones and it turned out that the £70 all singing all dancing saddle I was about to click purchase on was roughly the same width as the razor blade my bike cane with!
I think unless your sit bones are not making contact with the saddle you have, there is no point in replacing it. You'll just go through the same process until you get it comfy.
I wonder how many people end up perservering with an expensive and avoidable purchase.
All my opinion mind - and I'm a newbie ;0)