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Saddle Comfort
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Hi Guys and Girls.
Just wondering whats the best option for saddle comfort for extended riding, say more than 1.5 hours. I am currently using 2XU compression shorts under normal shorts, but this all gets a bit grabby and uncomfortable when you start getting a bit sweaty, making it hard to get "the right spot" on the saddle. I was considering a pair of the Rebel Sport cycling shorts they have got which has the chamois in them. Does this make things more comfy?
Just wondering what others have found the best option.....
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I was in the same boat and you but have made the switch to chamois lined knicks and now leave the shorts at home. I have never purchased the most expensive knicks but I also do not try to go for the cheapest ones I can find either. If you need a little extra "comfort" then there are creams such as Aussie Butt Cream which do the trick. Between that and the right seat I can ride for a long time (6+ hours) and remain quite comfortable.
In addition to a good seat (a quality seat rather than a big spongy one), knicks with a padded chamois and some butt cream, there's also a need just to get the hours up in the saddle to get your butt used to the routine. I think there is some toughening of the skin required on the main contact points.
I just got back on the bike last week after nearly 5 weeks away and my backside was complaining way before my legs. A few rides later and its getting back to something like normal....
Yeah, my hours are hard to get up. I work pretty much 12 hour days and only get to head to Glenrock on the weekends. The seat i currently have is a Selle Italia flow X2. I am wondering if it might be a little narrow, as i am not a small bloke (built like a front rower).
I have just brought my fist dually (Trance X3) which has helped a little. Still getting fairly sore on the sit bones area.
I know its counter intuitive, but once you start to ride regularly, a thin and lightly padded saddle gives better support than a heavily padded or gel one. A thin saddle supports your weight directly on your 'bum bones' which soon get used to it. On a soft saddle the bones sink into the padding, and your weight is riding on all the ... erm .. soft bits in the groin area, which are full of tender nerve endings! So, start with the right saddle, and then get some proper cycling knicks - which apart from the padding, also breathe better, and prevent chafing.
Ok, i will get hold of a pair of knicks and give them a belt.
Thanks for the help guys.
See you out there!
For long rides (3 hours plus for me), I wear 2XU shorts under normal padded bike knicks, I find this set up works really well for me. However, when I do adventure racing, no matter the distance, I just wear my 2XUs under normal running shorts, I find this gives me enough support while still allowing me to run and swim freely, plus the 2XUs dry real quick. And don’t forget the chamois cream; you definitely need that for long rides.
Nothing beats a set of good bibknicks, with or without overshorts.
The trail shorts like Fox with the knicks built in are generall pretty poor. Besides being so low they eihter fall off my bum or give the rider behind a very unfortunate view, I find they don't stay in place, bunch up on one side and chafe on longer non-stop rides. Maybe the Ground Effect ones are better, they couldn't be much worse than Fox, although for some strange reason my son likes his Fox shorts, so maybe they just don't suit my body shape.
The elastic on the waistband adjustment tabs is pissweak, so not much help if you're in between sizes.
Bibknicks, on the other hand, tend to stay up and don't move around or bunch up around your bits. If the roadie look isn't your thang, NZO and Ground Effect make some nice mtb-specific overshorts with a high crotch so you don't snag them on the saddle ... which tends not toend well.
seat sizes, angles and positions all make a difference too. I went to Avanti cannington and got the cheaper version and a fit and did long hours on cape 2 cape and my butt was not a problem at all. Plus good nix
Ive got saddle issues also. Im going to buy a new saddle with more padding. I dont really care too much about the weight.
Ive got one of the above mentioned on my bike. Super light but not good for my bony ass! There is one for sale on bikeehchange for $269 dollars. Id be happy to swop mine with someone for a more comfortable seat. Its in perfect nick.
Nothing beats a good seat, but a cheaper option which works well is to use padded cycle undies under good nicks or 2 pairs of nicks. The extra padding works well, but the slip between the two layersworks a treat. I used to regularly need creams, but since going double, creams are gone.
Thanks for the help guys. I have invested in a pair of Avanti MTB shorts (Thanks Ted's Bike Shop). They have a seperate chamois section that you can put on separate to the shorts. So the way i figure works best would be, chamois section on first against skin, then put on the 2XU compression shorts, then the actual MTB shorts over all of that. I tried it that way last night and everything felt, err , secure. Nice and soft on the bike too (test ride in the dark out in the street).
So am keen to try them out this weekend, weather permitting. Or might stick to a road ride if the rain buggers it all up.
Either way, i am keen to give it a go. It seems to be the poor old sore butt giving out on my rides first, before i actually run out of energy. So being on the bike longer will be sweet.
Fingers crossed.
the pain goes away after about 30min for me , then I know my maximums gluteus are working ?
I've got a couple of pairs of the separate undies/shorts things. Don't find I use them much these days unless its a modesty call - like picking my daughter up from school with all the Mums around! Trouble is I caught the baggy crotch of the shorts on the saddle a couple of times when MTBing, and it can be a disaster when you're trying to negotiate an obstacle. Lycra knicks for me now when its serious riding, baggies for family fun...