Have I been sitting wrong?

[ColinJ]

I found that the type of saddle made a bid difference, the fore-aft position was crucial, a slight saddle tilt helped a lot, padded shorts are very useful and use of creams made a difference ...

The biggest improvement in comfort, however, came from losing weight. When you think about the fact that about 2/3 of your weight bears down on the saddle, you can see why it is an important factor. The other aspect is that a fat bottom has more flesh on it to squeeze into uncomfortable places. I lost 5 stone and most of my saddle problems melted away with the fat. I have done several 9 hour rides since then and felt fine. (It is still possible to be fat and comfortable, but it is not going to help matters.) Obviously, those uncomfortable riders who are already slim cannot use weight loss to help them.

 

[Lemond]

I found that the type of saddle made a bid difference, the fore-aft position was crucial, a slight saddle tilt helped a lot, padded shorts are very useful and use of creams made a difference ...

The biggest improvement in comfort, however, came from losing weight. When you think about the fact that about 2/3 of your weight bears down on the saddle, you can see why it is an important factor. The other aspect is that a fat bottom has more flesh on it to squeeze into uncomfortable places. I lost 5 stone and most of my saddle problems melted away with the fat. I have done several 9 hour rides since then and felt fine. (It is still possible to be fat and comfortable, but it is not going to help matters.) Obviously, those uncomfortable riders who are already slim cannot use weight loss to help them.

I'm staying out of the technical stuff as I don't know enough to comment.

Weight loss is obviously another important factor. What a shame that takes so much longer to achieve! Since July I've lost nearly half a stone by riding three or four times a week. I have ditched the alcohol but haven't made any other changes to my diet. Slow and steady is the way to go for me.

How long did it take you to lose the 5 stone? That's a very good effort.

 

[ColinJ]

Weight loss is obviously another important factor. What a shame that takes so much longer to achieve! Since July I've lost nearly half a stone by riding three or four times a week. I have ditched the alcohol but haven't made any other changes to my diet. Slow and steady is the way to go for me.

How long did it take you to lose the 5 stone? That's a very good effort.

I got very ill and lost two stone in a month. When I came out of hospital I put some weight back on but realised that I needed to sort my health out so I gave up alcohol and started doing the 5:2 intermittent fasting regime (I eat normally 5 days a week, but Tue and Sat I restrict what I eat). That has led to the kind of slow and steady loss you are aiming for. It has taken just over 2 years to lose the 5 stone. I could probably have done it in a year, but I wanted it to feel natural and not like I was starving myself.

I think I will have achieved my target size by the end of this year and will have to start eating a bit more on my 5 normal eating days each week. (I am going to stick to the 5:2 regime because it suits me and is supposed to have many health benefits.)

 

[Studley]

How long have you been riding and what sort of distances are you doing?

I started in July on a cheap old mountain bike. On my first ride I think my saddle had two gel pads, but that didn't seem to make a difference! Time in the saddle definitely helps, along with decent padded shorts and, most of all, a new road bike!!! I did my first 30 miles on Sunday and hardly noticed any discomfort.

About 3 months riding, up to 15 miles but have to dismount fer 10 mins every 5 miles to ease me rissole.
I'm only slightly overweight an me buns are still reasonably pert (imho) so don't think it's a weight problem. Still tweaking my riding position though so might be improvements to be had there, might need a seat that'll allow me to sit further aft, and might also need to change the bar stem length.
So many variables, but would have thought my rissole would have toughened up a bit since I started, butt, al-arse no !

Yup the 5-2 diet regime is great !

 

[raleighnut]

About 3 months riding, up to 15 miles but have to dismount fer 10 mins every 5 miles to ease me rissole.
I'm only slightly overweight an me buns are still reasonably pert (imho) so don't think it's a weight problem. Still tweaking my riding position though so might be improvements to be had there, might need a seat that'll allow me to sit further aft, and might also need to change the bar stem length.
So many variables, but would have thought my rissole would have toughened up a bit since I started, butt, al-arse no !

Yup the 5-2 diet regime is great !

Seat too low. (on the bike that is.)

 

[Studley]

They're both roughly the same distance to my feet, funnily enough
I'm also thinking that I still have some way to go in strengthening my core muscles and leg muscles, another variable or two to consider.

Might just carry a can of Pipe freeze spray ! Anyone tried it ?

 

[buggi]

Think I'll do that next weekend, see if I can find a decent shop in my area, I'm tired of bum pain holding me back.

most independent bike shops will do it but in particular any where that sells specialized or bontraguer

 

[DEL 707]

I take back what I said about feeling better, the area between the bottom of my spine and anus has been a bit tender today, feels like I spent the night at a S&M party.
Can anyone recommend a shop in the Kent area, or a particular chain I should look out for.

 

[vickster]

Try a Specialized BG fit centre...e.g.

http://www.wildside-online.co.uk/

Call first to confirm they do saddle sizing...however, sit bone width is only one part of the saddle conundrum, overall fit, shape, length etc. Go with a flexible budget

 

[ColinJ]

I take back what I said about feeling better, the area between the bottom of my spine and anus has been a bit tender today, feels like I spent the night at a S&M party.

That's what comes of sitting too far forward on the saddle. The back of the saddle must be rubbing that area. Normally, the saddle would not be touching there at all. It is much more common to have the problem on the perineum, which is why I suggested that tilting the saddle ever so slightly down might help.

 

[BAtoo]

I had this problem when I started riding.
Getting the saddle height right helps as does the tilt as Colin says. I have a 32" inside leg and my saddle is about 39" off the ground - there's plenty of saddle-height guides on the 'net.
But getting a better saddle than the (usually basic) one that comes with the bike was the thing that helped me most. I didn't go to a shop but I did measure the width of my sit bones - with the help of my girlfriend . Basically I placed my thumbs on the points of my sit bones and she measured the distance between. I then chose a £50-ish Specilaised BG saddle of the appropriate width on line and it worked. There's a lot of info on the Specialised web site.
I've since cycled many long days and numb-bum has not been a problem.
Good luck.

 

[bpsmith]

Piece of foil on your stairs carpet. Assume ride position and sit for 30 secs. Stand up and see the imprint from your bones and finally measure.

 

[vickster]

Piece of foil on your stairs carpet. Assume ride position and sit for 30 secs. Stand up and see the imprint from your bones and finally measure.

While wearing your cycling shorts

 

[DEL 707]

Was hoping to make a trip to Wildside today, unfortunately I managed to do *something* to my body as I slept Thursday night, back, left hip and left leg are pretty screwed at the moment, can barely walk, then alone cycle.

Oh well, hopefully pay a visit next week.

 

[DEL 707]

Finally got my new seat today, didn't have 1 in my size last week, so I had to order.
Feels a bit wierd and hard at the moment, but I'll let you know how I get on.

Can't fault Wild Cycle though, were very helpful, even gave me a spare reflector they had for my panniers rack.