Saddles

[Big Jim]

I find the saddle on my Giant seek 1 very hard compared to other bikes.

For my long ride http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/my...t-im-going-to-do-about-it.100354/post-1821696

I was looking at one of those saddle toppers. Have seen a few in Amazon like this one :http://www.amazon.co.uk/ETC-Saddle-...ZIP8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1335510238&sr=8-4 for £8.95

Does anybody have any advice as to if they're any good? Worthwhile. Should I buy a different make. or just get a different saddle to start with.

What's the advantages between a hard saddle and a soft saddle? Should I pick either for a long ride?

thanks Jim

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

You would think that a heavily padded gel saddle would be the most comfortable option, however if you turned up at the start of an Audax or similar long-distance event you wouldn't find one rider using one.

Although a well padded saddle will be comfy to begin with, after a while your sit bones will sink into the cushioning and put pressure on everything that lies between them.

As you're averaging something like fifty miles a day, your current saddle should prove adequate provided you spend enough time riding to give your backside a chance to harden up.

The majority of long-distance riders will use a leather saddle: over time it mould's to the shape of the rider. Some people find them comfortable from the off, some require a breaking-in period (like shoes) and some people never get on with them.

As you're not riding until September, that's enough time to see if a leather saddle would suit you. If it doesn't their resale values are strong, so you wouldn't lose much; but as I said, I think your current saddle would prove adequate provided you train your butt!

 

[Big Jim]

You would think that a heavily padded gel saddle would be the most comfortable option, however if you turned up at the start of an Audax or similar long-distance event you wouldn't find one rider using one.

Although a well padded saddle will be comfy to begin with, after a while your sit bones will sink into the cushioning and put pressure on everything that lies between them.

As you're averaging something like fifty miles a day, your current saddle should prove adequate provided you spend enough time riding to give your backside a chance to harden up.

The majority of long-distance riders will use a leather saddle: over time it mould's to the shape of the rider. Some people find them comfortable from the off, some require a breaking-in period (like shoes) and some people never get on with them.

As you're not riding until September, that's enough time to see if a leather saddle would suit you. If it doesn't their resale values are strong, so you wouldn't lose much; but as I said, I think your current saddle would prove adequate provided you train your butt!

Thanks Jimmy The Whiskers. I have to say I've never head the expression train your butt, but I will give that a go. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Mike!]

Another cheap alternative is the Charge Spoon, lots swear by them and for £20 it's worth a try.

Just got one myself and it seems more comfortable than the stock item although i haven't done any long distances as yet so the jury is still out!

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Another cheap alternative is the Charge Spoon, lots swear by them and for £20 it's worth a try.

Just got one myself and it seems more comfortable than the stock item although i haven't done any long distances as yet so the jury is still out!

+1 Good call!

 

[cyberknight]

Another alternative is to look at the fizik/boardman clones .
I tried the spoon and found them ok but felt to planted as i found i could not move forward and back on the spoon so after 50 miles or so i was getting uncomfortable.
Once i switched to the fizik clone i was a lot more comfy on long rides.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_f...nkw=boardman+saddle&_sacat=See-All-Categories

 

[Big Jim]

Silly question (and I'm a relative novice, so excuse any silly questions), but are these suitable for hybrid type bikes on a mountain bike frame? I have a giant seek 1
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/giant-seek-1-2011/

 

[HovR]

Silly question (and I'm a relative novice, so excuse any silly questions), but are these suitable for hybrid type bikes on a mountain bike frame? I have a giant seek 1
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/giant-seek-1-2011/

For the most part, you can fit any saddle on any bike - Suitable is what you find comfortable for your type of riding, not whether it matches your bike!

 

[Cubist]

Yes they're great for mtb and hybrids

 

[Big Jim]

ok brilliant, worth a go.
thanks for that.

 

[Aushiker]

For what it is worth my vote is for Brooks England saddle such as the B17. Mind you I am biased ... I use four of them

This is the Team Professional on my Kinesis Racelight Granfondo which I use as a commuter.

 

[MattHB]

+1 for the spoon. It only became like a sofa tho once I'd lost lots of weight so my sit bones were directly on it. Now I'm good for at least 4 hours

 

[Big Jim]

Just ordered a spoon. So will see how we get on.

one more question that I have is, I have some cycle shorts. The fact that I'm doing a 5 day ride, does anyone usually wear anything over them? I mean usually and also if it's raining?

Sorry for really novice questions.

 

[MattHB]

For me anything not skin tight just feels horrid when wet. If youre able to change at your destination don't try to fight the rain on the bottom half. It just doesn't seem to work. Skin tight shorts or longs act like a wetsuit when wet.

 

[Big Jim]

For me anything not skin tight just feels horrid when wet. If youre able to change at your destination don't try to fight the rain on the bottom half. It just doesn't seem to work. Skin tight shorts or longs act like a wetsuit when wet.

BRilliant thanks.

I actually got a size up on the my top size, being a little overweight (but not too bad), it just looks wrong of me wearing skin tight tops. Like that hairdresser off benidorm T.V. prog.

thanks for the advice.