Saddle for a fatty

[Pizzaeatingking]

I suspect this will be a 'everyone is different' question but I'll ask anyway.

I'm a fat bd and I have a lovely hybrid bike but I need a more comfortable saddle. The original one was a tiny race style saddle so I binned that off for this one:

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/brand-x-xl-comfort-saddle...

This hasn't lived up to my expectations and I get a sore arse pretty quickly. Are there any suggestions for what to try next? A saddle buyers guide? The annoying thing is I had a fairly comfortable saddle on my old bike but I stupidly let it go with the old bike! I have no idea what it was.

Any help or suggestions much appreciated!

[bigdom]

Here's a couple of things to read through, there's a plethora of resources to help you sort out the comfort. Being fat isn't the issue.

https://www.bikeradar.com/features/how-to-choose-t...

https://fabric.cc/findyourfit/

[Blink982]

Do you have padded shorts? Your rear end will eventually get used to it. I have a Fabric Radius Scoop saddle and I'm not exactly skinny!

[Tony1963]

[Tony1963]

If you are a larger gentleman, I’ll assume your posterior is already padded. For that reason I’m not so sure that a padded saddle is the answer for you. How big are you? I’m over 16 stone but tall. The best saddles I’ve used are Charge Spoons. Light, comfy from day one, and £25-30. I’m not the only rider who is a fan of them.

[Coin-Slot]

I’ve got a jumbo sized arse, Charge Spoon for me, but it took about 200 miles to properly bed it in.

The comfort saddles are rubbish, I’ve tried loads.

And as above, padded shorts with chamois cream.

[bristolbaron]

Ignoring the obvious ‘go and get a saddle fit’ answer,
I went for a Charge Spoon and padded shorts and found it a great improvement over the standard one. The next one up the list would be a Fabric cell elite, after that you’d really need to go for the obvious answer.

[firemunki]

Regardless of your size, a saddle like the one linked will rarely be comfortable, a bit counter-intuitively more padding is less comfy.

You need one the correct width for your sit bones, it needs to support you correctly and then a pair of padded liner shorts to finish it off. You can easily measure your bones with the stairs and bit of cardboard - place the cardboard on the steps, sit and then measure between the two points.

Once you've got the width you can start hunting, I know Fabric and Fizik both have trial periods so you can see if you like them.

[Neil_Sc]

I swear by the Selle SMP TRK saddles, you can get them nice and wide and comfortable with a cut out to stop your bits going numb, works with my fat arse.

[frisbee]

Even with the perfect saddle (and shorts) the first few rides of a decent distance will leave your sit bones tender for a few days. So don't immediately give up on a new saddle. The angle and height of the saddle make a big difference as well.

Padded wide saddles are never the answer.

[Dnlm]

Big fan of the new short nosed saddles - Specialized Power Expert particularly. Massively reduced next day sores and ride numbness.

Also just got an ec90 (Chinese Power rip off) for 15 rather than 100 quid, not a disaster but too early to say if effective copy.

[Pizzaeatingking]

Wow, this shows how little I know about cycling and bike saddles. I just though uncomfortable saddle = more padding needed.

So it sounds like I need to get some corrugated card and measure the dents from my arse bones and work from there.

I do not have padded shorts, I have 'Mike Ashley special' Slazenger joggers.

I am on the wrong side of 20 stone, hence the desire to get on me bike!

One thing I have realised while looking at those links is that how far you are leaning forwards makes a difference to the type of saddle needed, my new bike has quite low bars so I'm leaning forwards a little more than my old one, clearly the seat I have doesn't match well with this position (and most likely my measurements) hence the discomfort.

I've had the bike for a while now but barely used it, mainly due to the discomfort. I miss riding though so I'd like to get on it again.

I'll get measuring and have a look at some of the options mentioned. Thanks for the links and replies, I will update how I get on.

[jontymo]

You need padded shorts - don't be shy we all wear them. Do this before messing with saddles.

Edited to add, don't wear boxers or undies under shorts but get some chamois creme.

[missing the VR6]

Blink982 said:

Do you have padded shorts? Your rear end will eventually get used to it. I have a Fabric Radius Scoop saddle and I'm not exactly skinny!

I've now had 2 of these on 2 different bikes and will get another when I get a new bike. I', 6'1 and about 19 stone. Really comfy.

[Pizzaeatingking]

I'm 20 odd stone, I don't think I can go padded shorts yet.

I done the sit bone measuring and done some hunting, in the end after using their online guide I went for a Selle SMP TRK. It's on it's way so I'll update when it's here and I've had some use from it.

Thanks again all.

[bristolbaron]

Pizzaeatingking said:

I'm 20 odd stone, I don't think I can go padded shorts yet.

Even more reason to do so - you’ve got more weight pushing down on your sit bones than most!

[KingofKong]

Padded undershorts we meant, not those all in one things that roadies use.

Super comfy - https://fatladattheback.com/products/mens-padded-u...

[ChilledOut]

Neil_Sc said:

I swear by the Selle SMP TRK saddles, you can get them nice and wide and comfortable with a cut out to stop your bits going numb, works with my fat arse.

I concur how great Selle are, as a company, to deal with. I read somewhere they will lend you a saddle to try (I paid about £50 deposit). If you don’t like it you just return it and get a full refund. I was a bit concerned that if you liked it you could be buying a saddle which had been on loan many times.... I needn’t have worried..... the loan saddles are bright duo coloured and clearly marked as a tester. If you decide to go ahead they send you a brand new one and you return the sample.
After the trial I explained my butt was more in tune with my old Brompton saddle and returned the sample one. I received a lovely email saying they had received the sample saddle, were pleased they helped me make the decision and returned my deposit. A truly fabulous company to deal with.

[beambeam1]

Padded shorts all the way, can manage 40-50km on my mountain bike thanks to them and I'm 150kg.

[Pizzaeatingking]

Ok, padded shorts are getting ordered. No lycra on show.