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Original poster

Padded bike saddle

14 replies

Wilma55 · 21/05/2022 20:40

I am fairly new to cycling, not really cycled for 50 years but have been trying to build up slowly! OH cycles regularly and we took bikes on recent holiday. I had bought a padded saddle but even that was SO uncomfortable. It has really put me off. I tried padded shorts before but wasn't a fan. I'm not wanting to do anything mega energetic but just be able to cycle a few miles at a steady speed. Does it hurt less over time? Can anyone suggest a really comfortable saddle? Would using an exercise bike help?

OP posts:
hugoagogo · 21/05/2022 20:41

Yes it gets easier over time.
Your poor bum.Wink

CMOTDibbler · 21/05/2022 20:45

It can get better with time, but padded saddles aren't the answer as they actually transfer more pressure into your fanjo in particular. If you don't want to wear cycling shorts, the Velovixen cycling knickers are a great alternative. It does depend exactly what hurts as to what the solution is tbh as sometimes its not the saddle part at fault but the way you are sitting on the bike. I had terrible rubbing problems which turn out to be that I have one leg longer than the other so I twist on the saddle. Shoe inserts and I was sorted

SleepyTraveller · 21/05/2022 20:49

A properly fitting but less padded saddle is often more comfortable, and some have cutaway sections to reduce pressure on sensitive areas. You may be able to find a bike shop that will let you try different ones, or at least discuss what might work best. There is an element of getting used to it over time too, of course.

furballfun · 21/05/2022 21:13

Firstly, it'll be a bit uncomfortable to start with as you get used to it again - I lived overseas for a couple of years in my 20's, and it was definitely uncomfortable for a bit when I got back into cycling.

Is it chafing injuries, or just sitting on something uncomfortable for a long time? Changing underwear should help the former.

How wide is your saddle? I need something medium width to support my bottom properly; I find narrow saddles really uncomfortable.

What didn't you like about padded shorts? They aren't terribly attractive; to work well you need to use them without underwear, and I've found they really help; it's how long I'm on the bike rather than how fast I'm going that affects how comfortable I am.

I was given a Brookes leather saddle which I wouldn't entirely recommend - not terribly helpful I realise - I hope you find something that works for you.

lljkk · 22/05/2022 16:41

How far is "a few miles" to cycle?

Squidthing · 22/05/2022 17:26

Saddle with a hole in the middle - absolute game changer.

ivykaty44 · 23/05/2022 17:39

as others have said

where is it hurting? your sit bones or your privates?

everybody is different so I could recommend a saddle but you may find it uncomfortable

the pp who said about too much padding on the seat cover - I find it rubs more with more padding and made me really sore o I never did that again

having a seam underneath is really going to make you sore - so avoid leggings pants or anything with seams in the crotch area

cycling shorts don't have seams in the crotch and a shamy padded area

you can get udder cream to soothe your sore area after a lot of cycling, what is a lot doesn't matter its a lot for you

SheWoreYellow · 23/05/2022 17:42

Sounds like you know more about this than me @ivykaty44
For me (not the OP), it’s sit bones that get all bruised feeling. What would you suggest?

ivykaty44 · 24/05/2022 03:45

sit Bones, how often are you cycling?

id suggest it’s due to not cycling enough, first time I cycle in a while I tend to get sore sit bones

padding will help and more frequently cycling

what saddle are you getting this with?

unbalancedBella · 24/05/2022 05:20

I agree with what others have said, soft saddles are not the answer. Avoid anything with seams. Padded cycling shorts without underwear should be given another try.

Firstly, try a female specific saddle. Most bikes come with a male saddle. Men and women are a bit different 'down there'! I found a women's saddle that was wider at the back and had a cut out in the middle. Suddenly, I could cycle for miles!

blobby10 · 29/05/2022 09:03

What sort of bicycle are you using? Your position will affect the sort of saddle you need. Also check that your bike is correctly fitted for you - if the saddle is too high or low you will have excess pressure in the wrong place. Same with the handlebars. Make sure your tyres are the right pressure too - if they are too hard then the ride will be more bumpy but if too soft then you make pedalling hard work and increase pressure on your nether regions as you push the pedals!

I cycle on a road bike and started with the standard saddle (for males) and padded shorts. Now I use a Selle Italia Diva womens saddle (with cutout) with padded shorts and can cycle for miles with no discomfort. But theres no need to pay for top range products unless you want to cycle for hours at a time.

SheWoreYellow · 29/05/2022 10:28

ivykaty44 · 24/05/2022 03:45

sit Bones, how often are you cycling?

id suggest it’s due to not cycling enough, first time I cycle in a while I tend to get sore sit bones

padding will help and more frequently cycling

what saddle are you getting this with?

Oh thanks @ivykaty44

err I don’t cycle often at all, I’m a bit put off because it hurts!
I have a Dawes Duchess and it’s just the saddle it came with.

blobby10 · 31/05/2022 10:46

I had a Dawes hybrid bike and the saddle was really uncomfortable. I got a padded seat cover which is fine for short trips (up to about 5 miles) as after that it shifts around too much and causes as many problems as it solves!

If you can bear to try the padded shorts again, you may need to try some one and work out which give the most padding where you need it. Mine are for road cycling (drop handlebars) so the pressure points are totally different to cycling with horizontal/upright handlebars. It took me a little while to get used to them and I wouldn't ever walk around in them for longer than I have to.

ivykaty44 · 31/05/2022 11:18

SheWoreYellow

if I haven't cycled in a while and then cycle two days in a row I often used to get sore sit bones the next day, so cycling more frequently helps - so thats what I do now.

the Dawes is a trusted name but I expect the saddle is for a man, 80% of cyclists are male so they manufacture default is for male. You can look at changing the saddle

I have a few bikes, Ive only ever changed the saddle on one bike to be fair and that was as the saddle broke (going over a cattle grid) and I got a more comfy saddle as it was for a lady - bike now stolen so thats the end of that.

id use padded shorts and no pants (seems will hurt your private parts) and cycle regularly, make sure the cycle shorts are a very snug fit (if not they could rub as they move)

happy cycling

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