How to avoid having your arse reshaped?

[ishaw]

It may have nothing to do with the saddle and thet your glutes etc simply aren't used to the miles.

Note: I have no idea how much riding you've been doing other than the recent few 30mile rides but its quite common for people who suddenly increase their road miles to find their a$re gets sore for the first few longer rides simply as they aren't used to being in the saddle that long.

It's definitely a case of more miles than my posterior is used to, especially as I've had a long lay off after knee surgery.

So, I think creams, extra padded shorts and possibly a new saddle are in order. Can anyone recommend some shorts that would fit the bill?

 

[unkleGsif]

.....Can anyone recommend some shorts that would fit the bill?

Strange name to give to your Jacksy...


G

 

[ishaw]

.....Can anyone recommend some shorts that would fit the bill?

Strange name to give to your Jacksy...


G

Short for William obviously

 

[RadNomad]

Wanting to get as comfortable as possible on my steel hardtail, i went to a Specialized shop, did their 'body-fit test' for seat bone width and took the assistant's advice on recommended saddle width and type from their expansive selection. The saddle i ended up with is very slim, sporty looking (uncomfortable looking!) and lightweight, yet is easily the most comfortable saddle i've ever used. Following this experience i will never just use a stock/original saddle in future. The difference is huge and when you get it right you will wonder why you ever put up with the wrong saddle previously. A big, wide, spongey saddle is not necessarily the most comfortable option and it looks crap. Get a proper fitting you won't regret it. I don't work for Specialized by the way so sorry if this sounds like an advert!

 

[dbmtb]

Looking into trying out one of these with a view to reselling via the shop.

http://www.rido-cyclesaddles.com/new-ri ... 00130.html

 

[jujupunk]

+1 on the Spoom

Best saddle i've ever ridden

I even have one for sale PM me if you're interested. Only reason I'm selling is I want a black one

 

[drystonepaul]

In 2004 I did a John O Groats to Land's End ride. Concerned about comfort I opted for a big, wide, soft, padded saddle. (Coincidentally it was a Specialized).

At first this seemed very comfortable as I was used to using a Flite saddle for all my off-road miles.
But after a few days I was suffering from saddle sores which got progressively worse as each day of the the ride continued.

The extra padding and contact meant that my nether regions got very hot and sweaty which is of course the ideal breeding ground for bacteria and the cause of saddle sores. It all got a bit messy...

Since then I've reverted back to much narrower and less padded saddles.
My touring bike now has a Brooks B17 and my road bike has a Flite. Both of these have seen many 100 mile plus days since my first mistake on the JOGLE.
I've ridden out from the UK to Switzerland twice without even a hint of saddle sore.

The narrower saddle means less contact and better airflow. The Brooks is especially good for this as it has no padding at all, just a few mm of compliant leather.
This of course keeps everything much cooler and more comfortable.

So the combination of a well fitted saddle, a good pair of shorts (cleaned daily) and some form of chamois cream or Sudocrem makes a massive difference on longer and multi day rides.
Keeping everything clean also helps enormously.

None of this though is a substitute for just getting out there and just toughening up your arse with a few thousand miles.

 

[cornholio's RC200]

For me, well broken in Flite + decent shorts = fluffy comfort. Got one on all my bikes and I'm no svelte racing snake either (quite the opposite); I've just never ridden anything else in years so I guess I'm "moulded" to it.

I also have a 3-year old nipper so no problems with infertility either :shock:

 

[trek_y]

Madison Flux for me very very comfy saddle, very similar to a charge spoon.

Having also suffered post Flitewedgie another vote for the Flux from me.
I have a Spoon too but the Flux is definitely that little bit more comfortable, must have different padding in it ?
Bargain for £15 new and looks nice and sort of retro especially in brown.

 

[gradeAfailure]

Selle Italia Turbo, or Charge Bucket if you want to buy new. Classic comfort.

Failing that, do the Specialized Body-Fit thing and get a Spesh saddle, they're great.

Or a Charge Spoon/Madison Flux, loads of people swear by them.

Or...