Does your @rse get tougher?
Discussion
brummiewedge said:
I went out for a run on Sunday with the local cycle club, we clocled up 62 miles in all. This was my 1st run out, but the bones of my @rse feel bruised, will my butt get tougher with time or should i get a new saddle?
Black5 said:
Basically, yes.
60+ miles is very good for a first ride.
You'll walk like John Wayne for just a few days...60+ miles is very good for a first ride.
Quality riding shorts are more important than a saddle, unless the saddle is complete garbage.
Edited by Trooper2 on Tuesday 10th July 01:13
Combination of fitting properly (no bunching), no seams in the "wrong" places and a little bit of padding in just the "right" places.
Decent shorts make all the difference.
As for saddles, don't be fooled into thinking that big, squashy ones will be more comfortable.
{eta:} Oh, and your arse does get tougher, too!
Decent shorts make all the difference.
As for saddles, don't be fooled into thinking that big, squashy ones will be more comfortable.
{eta:} Oh, and your arse does get tougher, too!
Edited by pdV6 on Tuesday 10th July 09:38
Some of the most uncompromising looking saddles (think Flites here) are actually the most comfortable.
For instance, and I've still never brought myself to try it, but many audax'ers swear by their Brooks leather saddles.
Its all about the shape of the saddle - you want a saddle that will 'learn' your shape, and more expensive saddles, ala Selle Italia Flites, SLRs etc will do this very well, irrespective of thickness.
I have swapped the saddle after from my mountain bike after trying that up the road after my longish stint, the differance was major, as in the mountain bike one was vastly more comfortable, the original was a Specialized allias 143, it looks the part but hurts like hell, the mountain bike seat is also Spesh but more padded and more comfortable, just doesnt look as good! 
brummiewedge said:
I have swapped the saddle after from my mountain bike after trying that up the road after my longish stint, the differance was major, as in the mountain bike one was vastly more comfortable, the original was a Specialized allias 143, it looks the part but hurts like hell, the mountain bike seat is also Spesh but more padded and more comfortable, just doesnt look as good!
Theres your problem.Buy a reputable brand saddle - Selle Italia or a Selle San Marco (Rolls) being the best (IMHO) and you'll find you can have something that looks the part, but is also comfortable.
Do NOT be fooled into thinking that initial comfort is better - you will wish you hadn't when you get to the 50th mile on your 'soft' saddle.
Ask anyone whos got years behind them, and you'll find that the best saddles have less padding on them.
If I am correct, and I've never tried one, but if you want something for the distance, then get a Selle San Marco Rolls saddle, and spend some time bedding it in. Your arse will thank you.
Edited by neil_bolton on Tuesday 10th July 10:51
Yup. Experience will tell you that the best saddles are small and thin, and mould to the shape of your ass with a bit of flex.
Proper lycra cycling shorts are a must - you dont have to look a fool just wear them under some baggies.
Personal faves are the Endura 6 panels, good value, good performance. If you ride more than two days on the trot, buy two pairs - they get VERY stinky.
And no, you do not wear undercrackers under the lycra (common question!).
Proper lycra cycling shorts are a must - you dont have to look a fool just wear them under some baggies.
Personal faves are the Endura 6 panels, good value, good performance. If you ride more than two days on the trot, buy two pairs - they get VERY stinky.
And no, you do not wear undercrackers under the lycra (common question!).
Trooper2 said:
Quality riding shorts are more important than a saddle, unless the saddle is complete garbage.
Interesting point there. As a mountain biker, I tend to wear ordinary shorts and on the odd occasion I do a longer distance (more XC) I invariably get problems with cramp way before my overall fitness becomes an issue. I'm aware that I don't have especially good circulation and wonder if the seat (via unpadded shorts) is cutting some of the blood flow to my legs (thus reducing their ability to get oxygen and get rid of lactic acid....) 
It's always a problem I've had even if I'm walking (20+ miles a day I hasten to add, I don't mean the shops and back) but I'm keen to find anything that can improve it, as it stops me way before general fatigue would do.
Chris - DEFINITELY get some proper lycra riding shorts. You dont have to look like a tool, I wear mine under my Troy Lee grand prix baggies, so I still look 'rad'. Lol.
As said, try the Endura 6 panel shorts, middle of the range, leg grippers, nice and stretchy and a good chamois.
They keep the circulation going in the nether regions and being seamless, there ultra comfy. Take a while to get used to the nappy feeling, but its good.
Also, check your saddle position - your not extending your legs too much?
As said, try the Endura 6 panel shorts, middle of the range, leg grippers, nice and stretchy and a good chamois.
They keep the circulation going in the nether regions and being seamless, there ultra comfy. Take a while to get used to the nappy feeling, but its good.
Also, check your saddle position - your not extending your legs too much?
snotrag said:
Chris - DEFINITELY get some proper lycra riding shorts. You dont have to look like a tool, I wear mine under my Troy Lee grand prix baggies, so I still look 'rad'. Lol.
As said, try the Endura 6 panel shorts, middle of the range, leg grippers, nice and stretchy and a good chamois.
They keep the circulation going in the nether regions and being seamless, there ultra comfy. Take a while to get used to the nappy feeling, but its good.
Also, check your saddle position - your not extending your legs too much?
As said, try the Endura 6 panel shorts, middle of the range, leg grippers, nice and stretchy and a good chamois.
They keep the circulation going in the nether regions and being seamless, there ultra comfy. Take a while to get used to the nappy feeling, but its good.
Also, check your saddle position - your not extending your legs too much?
I do the same - I still ride my old school shorts - but under some cooler DH/Freeride shorts...Regarding saddle position - I notice the difference considerably switching between my two Treks. The hardtail is perfectly set up - but I have to set up the Y bike so that when the suspension sages, the saddle is at the right angle. This feels wierd to say the least! However it means that in the long run when the suspension works, the saddle is at the right position for me - and I am comfortable.
I'd start with making sure that your saddle is bang on level, and further forward - this spreads the weight better and prevents you putting too much pressure on the 'bits' as it were. I've only had my 'bits' go numb once - and I vowed never to have that happen again!!!
neil_bolton said:
I've only had my 'bits' go numb once - and I vowed never to have that happen again!!!
Can immagine that would sort of prompt action!Will invest in some Endura 6's. See what Wiggle can do after lunch I think.
Seat position wise, if I have a lot of climbing coming up, I tend to set it so my legs are just ever so slightly bent at bottom dead centre on the crank. I do however lower the seat quite a lot (on a quick release) and if it's especially steep or technical (or jumps) I'll drop it right down. It has occured to me before, that if you ride a decent way out to the woods, then lower the saddle for some trails, you're probably using a slightly different muscle group for the pedalling, which might not be fully warmed up, unlike the ones you've just pedalled however many miles on.....
Which is why I'm going to gte a car and drive to the damn things!
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