Cycling advice, please

lokihen
lokihen Posts: 382 Member
edited November 19 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm new to cycling outside and enjoy it much more than the stationary bike. My problem is my rear gets sore long before I tire out. Today I had to stop a mile from home and stand for a bit until the pain eased.

I'm wearing padded shorts and riding a Townie. Would a replacement seat help?

Replies

  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Different saddle might help...also, make sure you're using your sit bones.

    Time in the saddle is huge though...
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    Different saddle might help...also, make sure you're using your sit bones.

    Time in the saddle is huge though...

    Agreed.....

    A lot is just riding more, it takes a little while for the old sit bone to toughen up. Part of your discomfort may also be the result a less than optimal bike fit, depending on where you bought your bike they may include at least a basic fit for you.

    gobiking.ca/resourceshow-to/good-bike-fit-fundamentals/

    It may also be the saddle. Some bike shops will offer a service whereby they can measure saddle pressure points as we all have slightly different anatomies.

  • planetcadillac
    planetcadillac Posts: 137 Member
    What kind of bike are you using? Like others said posture and getting used to the bit takes time. Also your seat might need to be raised or lowered. I ride everyday for usually 45-60 minutes weather permitting.
  • singletrackmtbr
    singletrackmtbr Posts: 644 Member
    Everything everyone else said, plus try chamois butter (aka "butt butter"). I use it if I know I'm going to be riding more than 2 days in a row.
  • Tacklewasher
    Tacklewasher Posts: 7,122 Member
    If you have a sore butt riding a Townie, I have no idea what you can do. I bought a Townie simply because they are the easiest bike on the butt. I don't wear cycling shorts riding mine and have rode for hours. I bought a hybrid and need shorts for it.

    Unless it doesn't have the stock Townie seat, there is nothing really to do to improve it for comfort.

    For those not familiar with the Townie, these are the seats it comes with.

    http://store.electrabike.com/category/accessories/saddles+&+grips.do?nType=2
  • lokihen
    lokihen Posts: 382 Member
    I bought it for my back problems, which have gone away with losing weight and exercise anyway. Ha.

    I may just be shaped strange because my recumbent stationary bike hurts my butt after about an hour also.

    I've ordered a saddle from Terry Bicycles to see if a completely different style helps (and some chamois butter).
  • Derf_Smeggle
    Derf_Smeggle Posts: 610 Member
    Advise I got from a friend who is 100+ miles a week. You may need to also look at:
    1. the seat height
    2. how level to the ground is the seat
    3. and if it is adjusted too far forward or too far back

    If the seat is too low it might be causing you to rock on your seat.

    If the seat is tilted one way or another it might be causing you to slide, or putting pressure on the wrong points.

    Too far forward, or backwards, I think mostly affects the knees. Might however cause you to rock your hips too much.
  • lokihen
    lokihen Posts: 382 Member
    Update: I replaced the Townie seat and it's made a big difference. Took some adjusting because I sit on it completely different. Also bought the chamois butter for the 'long' rides.

    Learned the hard way to tighten the seat fully. Couple miles from home went over a bump and the nose went way up.
  • SoxyKitten
    SoxyKitten Posts: 80 Member
    I bought a gel seat cover for my bike. Huge difference!
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