Total newbie - saddle cushion or new saddle for comfort?

[Gmckinley]

Hi all,

My husband got a bike today and he rode it home a few miles. When he was riding he said the saddle was small and was very uncomfortable and has had soreness ever since.

He is large and the seat is quite small, so wondered do we purchase a saddle cover the the saddle already on the bike, or do we go out and buy a saddle that is larger and has more cushion/support?

Like I say I am a total newbie and have no clue as to what is best to buy, and when I saw the option of which to buy I had no idea what was best.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated,
Gemma

 

[helston90]

There's a fine art in finding the right saddle- although I've heard covering it in foam isn't the way forward, this only temporarily solves the problem.
Try and test as many saddles as you can, or check out Specialized's Ass-o-meter to measure sit bones etc. and recommend a saddle that fits.
I'm assuming he has decent padded shorts?

 

[Spoked Wheels]

The size of the rider is not so important but I'd suggest he has his sit bones measured and but a saddle wide enough to support his sit bones. Also, I would suggest to buy a pair of shorts with some good padding. I would not advise you to buy a gel saddle cover, they are a waste of money. Neither is a good idea to buy those fatty and soft saddles as they are very comfortable for a short distance and then quite the opposite.

 

[screenman]

I would say the problem may not just be down to the saddle but more what is perched on it. It takes time for the bum to toughen up and he is unlikely to be able to buy comfort straight away.

I would though suggest getting measured and buying the correct size saddle and buying some quality padded shorts.

Avoid gel saddle covers, they are the work of the devil.

 

[Gmckinley]

Thanks for replies. So I will definitely stay away from the saddle covers.

As for buying a new saddle that has more comfort or getting padded shorts, I will look into both.

We are probably only going to be going cycling a couple of times a week for 4-5 miles a time until my husband loses more weight and then we will try and extend our distance then. For 4-5 miles would a fatty, soft cushioned saddle be ok, as I notice it is mentioned for longer distances then it may be have the opposite affect. I would imagine 4-5 miles is classed as a short distance?

Thanks again for comments
Gemma

 

[Profpointy]

Whilst padded shorts are arguably "a good thing", and I usually wear them, they are not a substitute for a good saddle (and good is person dependant).
Basically get the saddle and position right first, then worry about shorts. A bit like painful shoes - the answer isn't usually special socks !
Nearly everyone thinks gel or padded saddles (and hence covers presumably) are "a bad thing", so key is the right saddle for you. I, and many others favour Brooks leather saddles , but again, they aren't right for everyone, and are relatively expensive - which is fine if they are right for you, but can be mitigated if you sell them on on fleabay if unsuitable. The other key thing is having the saddle at the right height and tilt (either dead level of very slightly sloping forward), and right fore-aft position.

 

[Pale Rider]

No one has asked what type of bike Gemma's husband is riding, but it is relevant.

There are three points of contact, feet, backside, hands.

A roadie will put more weight on his hands and feet, someone riding an upright bike will put more weight on his backside, a mountain biker is somewhere in between.

Assuming an upright bike, then a wider, more padded saddle is likely to be more comfortable - a sliver of rock hard carbon is really only any good to the likes of Wiggo.

As regards saddle covers, I have one partly because the original saddle material can grip the crotch of my trousers/trackie bottoms making getting on and off harder.

Suits me, sir, but as always, may not suit everyone.