HELP. I love my bike BUT (rump related)

[Mitchy1nge]

I ride in bouts of about 10 miles at a time, 20 at most, maybe once or twice a week some weeks and would like to build that up a bit. Have only had my bike for a few weeks so am not sure if the severe discomfort of my underworld will get better. I think probably not, because one of the horses I ride also bruises me where seat bones manage to somehow poke through the fat, whereas the others are more comfortable. So am assuming it is the saddle. But if you tell me to give it a few more miles I will believe you!

Is it worth looking for a new one though? I don't want to spend ££££ as it's not something I will get masses of use from. I have a gel cover thing for spin but haven't tried it on real bike in case it fall off, gets caught in my spokes and somehow catapults me into the path of oncoming traffic

Let us know how it went!

I don't seem to be toughening up in that area AT ALL but I did survive my weekly 20 miles, getting out of the saddle as much as possible while I cycle seems to help

maybe will get some magical padded underpants, anyone use those?

You are doing waaay better than me. All I've done is thought about getting on my bike and gone for a walk instead.

It will get better, and the padded shorts make way more difference than a gel seat cover (I don't know why). DH and I both suffered to begin with - last week he did 80 miles in total on the bike and was fine

I will get some padded shorts I will. Tonight I ran first so just had to cope with my running shorts but it was fine, but only 8 miles so maybe that is key. Little rides!

Padded shorts and a not very padded saddle.
Sounds daft but you want the saddle to support your boney bits, not sink in and then rub your soft bits.
Padded shorts then reduce the vibration and chaffing
I've also learnt to stand up on the peddles when I'm on grotty bits of road, pit holes bruise your bones.

would you recommend any in particular? today's 12 miles not too uncomfortable but I stupidly stole borrowed my daughter's shorts that look like a short fluted skirt when standing up, but completely disappears while cycling and displays minge (through see through underpants) to anyone who happens to look

lucky was all on fairly quiet roads but I need something a bit sturdier or some short shorts that could go under a skirt or something

I've got these which work fine for the money. Though yesterdays 40 miles did show that a bit more bodyglide would have been good.

I was thinking yesterday (while cursing dh who got us lost, then chose the hillier route home) that maybe as well you are sitting on your seatbones, rather than being tipped forward?

Can you visit a friendly bike shop for advice? It may be something a simple as the angle of the saddle. But I agree with other poster, hard saddle, soft shorts.

I used to ride 100+ mile a week on a very hard narrow saddle. But it was lined up perfectly under my bumbones so it was comfy for me.

It will take time to learn how to sit properly, and to harden up. I ride 15-20 miles 3-4 times a week in summer but if I've been off the bike a while it takes a good few rides to become totally pain free.

Do persevere though. Cycling is ace.

I think I try to sit 'correctly' like on a horse! obviously doesn't really transfer well to cycling. I'd LOVE to go for a 40 mile ride, my goal is set much lower at 40km but not until I have something comfortable and modest to wear! I like the look of that price tag a LOT, just wish there was something between the pro look and the shambles that I currently am

I bought some gel ones from decathlon Friday but I've not been able to try them out yet.

I have been using decathlon shorts and trousers since I started cycling again earlier this year. Usually 15 miles a day (to and from work). No problems. My seat which Is Giant looks narrow and un comfy is actually fantastic.