I havent ridden a bike since I was a kid. And now I just purchased a second hand one to go to and from work and I found the seat like sitting on a block of wood. It was horrible! What is the best seat to get? I was going to get a large padded one but now after reading some posts saying they were no good, i dont know what to do. I know nothing about this. Please help me. Thanks!
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As @Kibbee stated give a little time. Don't expect to be able to do a one hour ride and be painfree the next day. Try to increase your saddle time gradually over a couple weeks. You can do several short rides a day to toughen-up the sore spots. The saddle may not be the only issue. Did you consult with anyone about bikefit? The bike may need some adjustments to fit you correctly. If after a few weeks your body is still complaining take your bike to your local shop. Have them look at your bike and the saddle. Explain to them where the pain is and ask for help in choosing a saddle that fits your body. Most shops will give a fit or comfort guarranty for a certain number of days.` |
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The answer depends on how much you ride and your position on the bike. If you only take short trips and sit upright on the bike, then get a plush big comfy saddle. If you intend to go on longer rides (1+h), you have a sportier (leaned forward) position on the bike, and want to ride often, then give your current saddle another chance. If your bum is not used to sitting on a bike, it will get sore during the first few rides. However, gradually you will build up more muscles in your bum and legs (taking weight off your bum) and the harder saddle will actually be more comfortable than the plushy one. The reason is that the harder, more minimal saddle will only put pressure on your sitbones, where you contact the saddle. The plushy saddle will deform under your weight and put pressure on your soft tissue. Leather saddles (like Brooks) are very hard initially, but soften gradually only where your sitbones put pressure on them. Thus, when they're broken in they give support for your sitbones without putting pressure on your soft tissue. |
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Do you ride with padded bike shorts? This is a very worth while option to consider. You can get "baggies" (like MTBers wear) if the tight lycra look does not suit you fashion sense - don't worry - despite what roadies tell you it is NOT illegal to wear baggies while riding on the road :). |
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Big fat padded seats do work well and can be had rather cheaply. I have recently fallen in love with a Brooks leather saddle. It is basically a leather hammock built in the shape of a seat. They are expensive, so see if you can find someone's you can try before you buy. I stumbled into mine by accident but I know I will never ride on anything else. |
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