A little problem down below!
- Thread starter adam2008
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
Fab Foodie
hanging-on in quiet desperation ...
- Location
- Kirton, Devon.
Hi Adam and Welcome.
Nasty! But not unheard of.
Are you wearing good padded cycle shorts, these are essential.
Also you may need a saddle that is better suited to your shape, no 2 bums are the same, we all need different perches so that we sit on our sit-bones not our perineum which is probably the cause of the problem. Seat angle can help too, slightly nose down can relieve pressure.
Finally, numbness may be caused by vibration, tyre choice, tyre pressure, and seat-post selection can help here.
What bike? What surfaces, what saddle?
Nasty! But not unheard of.
Are you wearing good padded cycle shorts, these are essential.
Also you may need a saddle that is better suited to your shape, no 2 bums are the same, we all need different perches so that we sit on our sit-bones not our perineum which is probably the cause of the problem. Seat angle can help too, slightly nose down can relieve pressure.
Finally, numbness may be caused by vibration, tyre choice, tyre pressure, and seat-post selection can help here.
What bike? What surfaces, what saddle?
eeeee......that saddle's like a razor blade (remember that?)
If you're using a hard seat, why not think about swapping it for a cushioned one, I've seen some that look as nice to sit on as my sofa.
Or, a cheaper option perhaps would be to use a gel cushion cover over the saddle, as I do. Works for me.
If you're using a hard seat, why not think about swapping it for a cushioned one, I've seen some that look as nice to sit on as my sofa.
Or, a cheaper option perhaps would be to use a gel cushion cover over the saddle, as I do. Works for me.
wafflycat
New Member
- Location
- middle of Norfolk
Cushioned seat does not equate to comfort, especially over longer distances. Really. If it was, that's what you'd see the pros riding. Indeed a saddle with a lot of padding can lead to a lot of discomfort and problems down below, as the padding squishes bits that shouldn't be squished.
What equates to comfort is a properly fitting saddle (often with little, if any padding) and a pair of padded cycle shorts that fit.
As always, The Great Sheldon is a source of fine information on the subject
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html
See also http://www.specialized.com/specs/spec.jsp?speccode=bodygeometrysaddles&tablewidth=400&cellwidth=350 for the pictures of why saddle width is important.
Example:- when I got my Bianchi road bike, the saddle it came with was *awful* for me. Literally after five miles I was in agony. Changed it for a Terry's Liberator TiLite and it was *instant bliss* None of this 'breaking in' stuff. Complete comfort from day 1. And it's not hugely padded yet I can ride all day on it and my rear feels fine.
What equates to comfort is a properly fitting saddle (often with little, if any padding) and a pair of padded cycle shorts that fit.
As always, The Great Sheldon is a source of fine information on the subject
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html
See also http://www.specialized.com/specs/spec.jsp?speccode=bodygeometrysaddles&tablewidth=400&cellwidth=350 for the pictures of why saddle width is important.
Example:- when I got my Bianchi road bike, the saddle it came with was *awful* for me. Literally after five miles I was in agony. Changed it for a Terry's Liberator TiLite and it was *instant bliss* None of this 'breaking in' stuff. Complete comfort from day 1. And it's not hugely padded yet I can ride all day on it and my rear feels fine.
wafflycat
New Member
- Location
- middle of Norfolk
To the original poster:- as well as saddle type/fit/height/angle..
What are you wearing by way of clothing? If you're wearing anything with normal-type seams down below you can get a lot of discomfort that way too. eg, jeans.. underwear...
What are you wearing by way of clothing? If you're wearing anything with normal-type seams down below you can get a lot of discomfort that way too. eg, jeans.. underwear...
Over The Hill
Guru
- Location
- Ridden off into the sunset
wafflycat said:
I
Over The Hill
Guru
- Location
- Ridden off into the sunset
wafflycat said:
I used to get this as a newbie but it went away on its own.
When you start out you have your whole body weight on your saddle as you are unfit and have so little strength in your legs. When you get up to the pros standard they really could cycle without a saddle as the whole body weight is being used to push on the pedals not the saddle. So it is a bigger problem for newbies.
I have a gel saddle but do not bother with padded shorts (remember to take it with you if you leave the bike).
I agree with the posts re fit and position of the saddle. I have two positons I change between, sort of sitting back a bit and forward a bit. Helps the back to to change round now and then.
Waffly- but you are a girl! you dont have the bits to worry about and girls saddles come ready padded!!
summerdays
Cycling in the sun
- Location
- Bristol
Tynan said:
Thank you - I'll second that.... but what I really want to find is a shop with loads of saddles set up that I could sit on and try... even for a minute - I suspect I could immediately discount a few of them then. As it is I see a future ahead of me ... buy a saddle ... try it ... not like it.... buy another...........
byegad
Legendary Member
- Location
- NE England
Another vote for Body Geometry from Specialized. All four of my DF road bikes have one.
