In support of Clydesdales

Clydes

From research to date I am a Clydesdale (all 280 quivering lbs) and I'm having a problem finding a comfortable seat/saddle. After the first hour I begin to get quite sore and from then on need to stand frequently to make it home.

I am a novice and ride a relaxed geometry bike with a triple as I spend my time on Wicklow hills rather than longer flatter rides. I think this gives me a better workout in the time available. Overall, while obviously unfit, I feel quite comfortable on the bike apart from this problem.

I have invested in Asseos F1 Mille shorts - only light relief. I have tried 2 prologic saddles from Cyclesuperstore again limited success.

I know there has been a recent thread on this issue but I suspect that many of you would qualify at the other end of the scales and therefore the posts may not be relevant to my personal situation.

However I do believe that there is a lot of wisdom here and that I may pick up tips/suggestions/direction on how to best to tackle my delicate but not insignificant problem!

In anticipation
Clydes

ednwireland

i'm about 230lbs at the moment

must admit i dont suffer in that area, but i dont go for relaxed geometry anything that puts your arms higher must put more weight on your bum, and i thought the whole point of racers was to distribute the weight between your arms and legs, as you get fitter you also take the weight of your bum with your legs,

and your spending all your time climbing with all your weight on your bum try some flat rides as well and see if you get the same effect

apart from that drop the bars a wee bit maybe

Lumen

I've also borrowed the prologo ones from CSS and wasn't impressed.

Not a clydesdale myself, but I'd look for a saddle with a wide rear (for sit bone support) and sharp dropoff along the sides to give clearance for your thighs.

You'll know if you have a saddle which is too narrow at the back because you'll feel your sitbones slipping off either side - it'll feel unstable.

Diarmuid

That's 104kgs for the metric types (like me).

Chips Lovell

Here's what I think about saddles. There is no absolute best or worst saddle. It's more a case of horses for courses. One man's dream ride is another's route to ass agony. It's really a case of finding one that suits you, namely how far apart your sit bones are and wether it constricts blood supply or not. I think for most people it really is a case of trial and error to find a one that suits them.

As for weight, I'm not sure it will make a massive difference. For example, I'm definitely on the heavier end of the scale and yet the most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden is a Selle Italia SLR, which is quite small and hard.

Finally, how much of a newbie are you? I think everyone gets a bit of a sore arse when starting out. You only need to do something about it if it persists.

ROK ON

el tonto wrote: »

For example, I'm definitely on the heavier end of the scale and yet the most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden is a Selle Italia SLR, which is quite small and hard.

Ditto on both counts.

blorg

Saddles are a personal thing. Bear in mind that if you put in more effort this will tend to support your weight on the pedals more and reduce the pressure on the saddle. Similarly what ednwireland says about the drop, drop your bars and you could have more weight there. Ideally you want to be balanced between saddle bars and pedals, rather than just "sitting" on the saddle.

thebouldwhacker

el tonto wrote: »

Finally, how much of a newbie are you? I think everyone gets a bit of a sore arse when starting out. You only need to do something about it if it persists.

+1

Its a while back now but I remember having a terrible time 'adjusting'... Looking back the saddle i started with was a bit too sharp but how was I to know.
Anyway that was a few years ago now and I have never had to go through it again. Ensure the saddle is, within reason, at the right height as too high or low can make the problem worse. Brooks saddles are certainly comfy, I know there are a few fans here who may be able to expand on this...

Best of luck

ednwireland

i have a selle italia trans am xo which is the most uncomfortable saddle i have ever sat on ... but it never gets any worse i can be on it all day and it feels the same .

the focus cayo saddle is ok as well but havent had the same level of riding on that one

but saddles are very personal

Diarmuid

I must admit I've never changed the stock seat on any bike I've owned.

Tackleberry

I'd be 210lbs on a good day and was finding it terribly uncomfortable for months during training, after an hour or two I'd have trouble sitting back into the saddle and just had to grin and bear the pain...until I changed from my stock saddle to a Fizik Pave, problem solved instantly, I do think its mainly down to the width of the saddle, ie sit bones, but also the design of the padding, I highly recommend these saddles and even bought a second for my other bike.

I think bike position, while a contributory element, is not hugely relevant compared to a proper fitting saddle. Change your saddle now!

Clydes

Thank you all for your comments and advice

Ednwireland
I'm also mid 40's so not a flexible as I once was and while I'm no expert the concept of the relaxed geometry appeals to me. However I will try your suggestion over the weekend. A

el tonto
Lots of common sense here - thanks. My confusion is that, like so many things relating to cycling, there are so many options. While 3 or 4 represents a choice, 30 or 40 is simply bewildering. Having said that I will make a note of the Selle Italia SLR.

Regarding newbie status - I have been doing 2/3 trips per week since Apr/May lasting from 1.5 to 4 hrs. So the hide should have toughened up by now.

blorg
it's a chicken & egg situation but I will consciously work on the legs taking a bit more of the pressure and less passive 'sitting'

thebouldwhacker
I think! the general position is OK and note your comment on Brooks

Tackleberry
Tks for this - it sounds very relevant. I will do some immediate work on the Fizik Pave you recommend

As I said earlier due to the range this becomes a bewildering decision eg two positive comments about Selle Italia and 1 negative albeit different models.

Is there a method to measuring sit bones?

In appreciation
Clydes

Lumen

Clydes wrote: »

Is there a method to measuring sit bones?

Have fun.

ednwireland

Clydes wrote: »

I'm also mid 40's so not a flexible as I once was weekend.

Sooooo you need to start stretching as well, you dont want to meet my physio

blorg

With regard to Brooks, I am a big fan myself (have four of them) but saddles really are a personal thing so what works for me may not for you. Important to say this as for some people a Brooks will be an absolute nightmare. They are also heavy and very expensive.

If you do get a Brooks, get a titanium Swallow in black... I suggested one to FrankGrimes but then missed the boat when he was selling it on. I could do with a lightly used black Swallow for a new bike

Clydes

tks again blorg

just to make sure I fully understand you post

if I buy a Brooks and like it then happy days. If not would you know someone who would be interested in a slightly used (albeit by a heavier cyclist) one?:D

Clydes

blorg

Haha yes, at a knockdown price of course!

Seriously though saddles are a very personal thing. Brooks is pretty extreme as saddles go and certainly not for everyone.

Some shops do lender saddles so you can try out different ones until you find one that suits you. Some manufacturers (Bontrager I think) have a no questions asked money-back comfort guarantee.

Clydes

blorg
tks again for advice & fun

Lumen
Many tks for both your contribs and i'm sure we (kids & I) will have the fun you suggest but I think I prefer blorg's sense of humour!


Thank you to alll for your interest and generosity

Clydes