softer seat

[garrykiller]

So I have had my bike 2 days and I am cycling to and from work roughly 7 miles each way my arse is killing me and I need some advice. Currently on the bike is the basic VooDoo seat.

Do I get a softer seat?

Or padded shorts?

Or just man up and accept the punishment?

[Pulse]

Man up. It gets better, honestly. Once you're used to it, the pain goes away. Give it 2 weeks max. You could also get some padded shorts if you need them though.

[Fluffsri]

Depends on the saddle you have. Ive been suffering with the saddle on my Ribble for months. I was thinking Ill get used to it, in the end I realised I wouldnt and bought a WTB to match the other WTB saddles on my MTBs, Less than a week and my arse doesnt hurt anymore. I should have changed it months ago!

[bikemonster]

A softer saddle is never the answer, but a saddle that fits you better often is.

[MadDad]

As with anything bike related there is science behind it! Depends on your sit bones - or ass ergonomics!

TBH before you go spending any money on a new saddle I would suggest investing in a decent pair of padded shorts, then man up for a few weeks and it should get better. The pain from a badly fitting saddle is different from the pain you experience in the first few weeks (or months) of cycling. If your backside (muscles/flesh) feels bruised it is likely to be the process of ‘getting used’ to your saddle, if it feels like you bones are being pushed apart, or your hips are killing you then it may be a badly fitting saddle.

I find saddles with lots of padding significantly more uncomfortable than a saddle with minimum padding, one of the most comfy saddles I have used (and fitted to my two MTB’s) is the Charge Spoon.

It really is a personal thing, my road bikes are carbon bases with a bit of leather wrapped over the top of them which is fine with padded shorts, would not want to sit on them for a couple of hours in ‘normal’ shorts though!

[daz3210]

LBS suggested padded shorts for me.

One thing he pointed out is I have two bikes, but only one ass, so one pair of shorts were better than two saddles.

[Gren]

Padded shorts work wonders. Get some regardless of your saddle.

The Charge Spoon mentioned above is one that's usually recommended. It fits a lot of people and is as cheap as you'll ever find a decent saddle.

[Burrow01]

Got a Charge Spoon on my bike and can do 100Km comfortably

The padded shorts can make a big difference, I have one pair that is very comfortable for longer distances, and another that is noticably less so

[NIIKME]

you can also get padded boxers...(I got mine from halfords) and then double up the padding with shorts!

[garrykiller]

thanks for the advice guys.

i think i will invest in padded shorts. its not bone pain its the muscles where i sit that hurts. i will power through for now till i can get some shorts.

[Rolls]

A pair of proper cycling shorts (with nothing under them) will help, and should ensure they don't rub either :-)

[Fluffsri]

More layers = more friction = more sorer arse LOL

[DrMekon]

All my bikes have Brooks saddles. Never had any soreness with a Brooks.

[billzeebub]

you should get used to it, but at £25 get a Charge Spoon

[Jimbo.]

Soft saddles are worse. They seem more comfortable at first, what with being softer/feeling more "luxurious", but with the bunching up and increased contact area, they soon become less comfortable as the miles rack up.