Cycling question. (sore bum)

sarahp86

When does your @ss get used to the saddle? I've been cycling a few months now and it still hurts by bum bone. (some times it hurts my lady parts too {sorry for tmi}) I think my saddle might actually be too wide? I've no idea. I got a padded saddle (but is very wide) with the bike and I'm thinking of going back to the original. It's slim and has no padding. I find my Inner thighs chafe too, even with shorts. I'm training for a 150km cycle. Anyone have any advice please?

My @ss will thank you for it.

P.s. I do wear padded shorts

weethebest

I have the same problem! so I would love to get feedback as well!

Speedtrap

Yup, dump the big padded saddle.
I have one of those on one of my bikes and it is not comfortable at all.
If you have a good quality fitted saddle and some good bike shorts that should make it better. as well you can get some cream from the bike shop that should take care of the chaffing.

One mistake a lot of people make is to see the big seats or the gel covers and think that will make things better, but in truth you need to look at people that ride all the time and see they have smaller seats and little padding. if the saddle is fitted properly, it will fit to your "sit bones" it should not cause too much pressure and should break in pretty quick (Under 2 weeks for most).

scott091501

Yup, dump the big padded saddle.
I have one of those on one of my bikes and it is not comfortable at all.
If you have a good quality fitted saddle and some good bike shorts that should make it better. as well you can get some cream from the bike shop that should take care of the chaffing.

Yep. The saddle most bikes come with is crap and then people throw padding on them making them wider which just makes all the issues worse. Take a look at Terry Bikes website. They make good female specific saddles.

islandmonkey

Saddle: many women find the wide ones hurt more. Do some online research around women's specific saddles - they have strategic cutouts underneath, and are much narrower.

Positioning: depending on what surface you're riding on, this could make a difference. Ex: one of the first things you learn mountain biking is get that bum off the saddle, especially on the bumpy bits. You can practice on the road - kind of rise up about 1/2-1 inch, and use your inner thighs to squeeze against the saddle. It's really hard to explain, but try it out and you'll see what I mean. So you aren't standing, but just getting up a smidge, and using your legs to stabilize. Do this when going up/down curbs, on bumpy bits of road, on trails etc.

Shorts: are they lycra padded shorts? (thinking of the thigh chafing) You can also try baby powder on your inner thighs, or some of the anti-blister rubs that runners use.

myofibril

You need to go to your LBS and find a good bike seat based on your anatomy. Some high end bike shops will be able to measure sit bone width with a specialist device to find a saddle with the correct width for you as well as advising on the right shape

Generally padding needs to be in your shorts / tights rather than the seat but it really comes down to the individual.

Also, the positioning of your saddle maybe too high or tilted which can cause undue pressure.

sarahp86

You need to go to your LBS and find a good bike seat based on your anatomy. Some high end bike shops will be able to measure sit bone width with a specialist device to find a saddle with the correct width for you as well as advising on the right shape

Generally padding needs to be in your shorts / tights rather than the seat but it really comes down to the individual.

Also, the positioning of your saddle maybe too high or tilted which can cause undue pressure.

I did a 100km cycle during the weekend and had to adjust the saddle because I kept sliding off it. Think I'll go into the shop and ask them. Thanks guys!

Also I have a hybrid with knobbly tires (don't know the technical term) would smooth tires be better for long distance? My friend has a road bike and it's so much lighter and faster. Just can't afford a new bike

monicalosesweight

I just bought what they call a hornless saddle. I still haven't had a chance to ride it (need to take it to the store as there are some gear issues that need to be addressed). That might be an option though for you.

Monica

myofibril

Also I have a hybrid with knobbly tires (don't know the technical term) would smooth tires be better for long distance? My friend has a road bike and it's so much lighter and faster. Just can't afford a new bike

Slick tyres may give you an advantage depending on the terrain but I don't think it matters a huge amount that your tyres have knobbles or more thread. If it's a hybrid then it probably came with 700c tyres of some description which will be ok.

Enjoy your ride

Speedtrap

Slick tires reduce rolling resistance a lot.
The good news is in many cases they are also the lease expensive tires. If you can, change out to slicks and you will pick up an extra 2-3 mph and that can make a big difference on a long ride.

ColletteNicole

I have the same problem, the lady bits get especially sore glad it's not just me! getting ready to try out seat #3!

islandmonkey

You need to go to your LBS and find a good bike seat based on your anatomy. Some high end bike shops will be able to measure sit bone width with a specialist device to find a saddle with the correct width for you as well as advising on the right shape

Generally padding needs to be in your shorts / tights rather than the seat but it really comes down to the individual.

Also, the positioning of your saddle maybe too high or tilted which can cause undue pressure.

I did a 100km cycle during the weekend and had to adjust the saddle because I kept sliding off it. Think I'll go into the shop and ask them. Thanks guys!

Also I have a hybrid with knobbly tires (don't know the technical term) would smooth tires be better for long distance? My friend has a road bike and it's so much lighter and faster. Just can't afford a new bike

That's a really good point on saddle positioning - many women find it more comfortable to have the nose pointed down a little (keep in mind that guys, especially at the bike shop, will generally default to tilting the nose UP a little - ouch for the lady bits). Did you slide off the front or the back of the saddle?

What's the quality of road surface you're riding on? If it's smooth concrete you may find slick tires provide a little less friction and therefore a little more speed. Not necessarily enough to make up for the cost though? Nubby tires mean more friction and a little more work to get the same speed.