Cycling Pain - Non medical Q

cluelessx2

I try to cycle, I really do, but I can't get back on the bike for about a week after due to really sore ar*e. I wear cycling shorts, I even wore padded underwear (Aldi) under the shorts last Sat, tried to sit on the bike last night, and ouch. Does it get better? How long does it take, and how can I speed up the process. I have a Giant Defy, saddle that came with the bike, and a female backside if that were to make any difference to possible improvements. I plan on doing the Carrick-On-Suir tri in July, but at this rate I will have no cycling done at all before the event. (Yes, I do know that I'm cutting it rather fine as it is, it's a posterior thing).

ruth_sp

the ar*e pain goes away, but you need to get back on the bike!! try get out 3 days a week, it toughens up after a while, (like your fingers learning the guitar! ) also the first ten minutes are the worst then the pain goes away/numbs! you'll be grand, carrick tri is a nice one,flat enough from what i remember (did it years ago) nothin a bit of vaseline wont sort out!

Supercell

I get that too after about and hour and a half in the saddle too, despite wearing the padded pants.
Maybe the folk in the cycling forum might be better able to give you advice though ?

hunnymonster

If persistence doesn't work, you can change your saddle. I can only get on with some saddles.

Seres

ruth_sp wrote: »

the ar*e pain goes away, but you need to get back on the bike!! try get out 3 days a week, it toughens up after a while, (like your fingers learning the guitar! ) also the first ten minutes are the worst then the pain goes away/numbs! you'll be grand, carrick tri is a nice one,flat enough from what i remember (did it years ago) nothin a bit of vaseline wont sort out!

i disagree on all counts
Have been riding my bike at least twice a week for the last couple of week and there has been no improvement
The pain/discomfort persists throughout the cycle for me
However i dont have the padded shorts , do they really help ?

MCOS

Seres wrote: »

However i dont have the padded shorts , do they really help ?

Yep

Pherekydes

Seres wrote: »

i disagree on all counts
Have been riding my bike at least twice a week for the last couple of week and there has been no improvement
The pain/discomfort persists throughout the cycle for me
However i dont have the padded shorts , do they really help ?

My own experience leads me to believe that it takes several weeks for one's anatomy to adjust. The saddle is highly important. The narrow saddles the pros use are more comfortable in the long run. IMO.

hunnymonster

Pherekydes wrote: »

The narrow saddles the pros use are more comfortable in the long run. IMO.

not as comfy as the sofa though :-)

Pherekydes

Lately, I do all my mileage on the sofa.

kennyb3

i got a defy 4 the sat before last. rode every second day without padded shorts, bit sore but you have to man up. once you do the first mile its grand. even did a 70k cycle with no padding

but got shorts day before yesterday and what a difference they make. spen 50 quid and get a good pair. i got cheap ones and expensive ones. expensive ones worlds better, well worth the extra money!!

kerinsp

What make of saddle is that in the picture?
After about 15k my lower back starts to ache and at times I have to stand up off the saddle to let the blood flow back to my under carraige. I'm on my second saddle and I wouldn't mind going for longer cycles but my back and sack cant take it. Have I a saddle or set up problem here?

hunnymonster

Have you ever been properly fitted for your bike? Could be set up or saddle or just inexperience. I'd start with a bike fit, then lots of miles (assuming it's a getting used to things pain not a something's wrong pain) and if neither of those help, then admit money has to be spent!

hunnymonster

Oh, the saddle is
selle italia slr c64, picture taken from wiggle, I looked for the best sorelooking to price ratio and at £322 this scored highly :-)

kerinsp

Jesus H, that saddle cost as much as my bike