Beginner saddle sore question

Four of a kind

I've just had my first week of cycling, which has gone great for me. Apart from the usual saddle pain issue.

I've only done 6 cycles with a total distance and time of 114km and 7 hours on the saddle.

I know this might seem nothing to the experienced one's here but for me I've no frame of reference to judge how long it typically takes in other to adjust to the saddle?

I dont' have any other the welts/sores that some get, just the numbing pain of the saddle when I sit on it. It makes going over any sort of bumps a nightmare. I did get a bike fit in the shop when I bought it.

I know that a saddle can be too narrow or too wide for different people.

I suppose what I'd really like to find out is am I still in the teething period regarding "breaking in" the saddle and just concentrate on putting more time and miles in? If so, then roughly how much more?

Any suggestions or advice would be great folks.

Thanks.

kincsem

You need two things

Saddle like this
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=21960

Saddle not like this
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=71408
(these are not saddle recommendations, just examples)
A firm, narrow saddle is best.

Bib shorts with built in gel pad like this
http://www.prendas.co.uk/details.asp?typ=typ&fkid=5&ID=1624
(just an example, not a brand recommendation, although I like Santini clothes)

You should get into the habit of standing up on the pedals for a while when freewheeling downhill to relieve pressure / get circulation back.

I hope you are not cycling in soccer shorts / GAA shorts / jeans. You need cycling clothes for cycling.

Four of a kind

kincsem wrote: »

You need two things

Saddle like this
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=21960

Saddle not like this
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=71408
(these are not saddle recommendations, just examples)
A firm, narrow saddle is best.

Bib shorts with built in gel pad like this
http://www.prendas.co.uk/details.asp?typ=typ&fkid=5&ID=1624
(just an example, not a brand recommendation, although I like Santini clothes)

You should get into the habit of standing up on the pedals for a while when freewheeling downhill to relieve pressure / get circulation back.

I hope you are not cycling in soccer shorts / GAA shorts / jeans. You need cycling clothes for cycling.

No I have padded bib shorts, and proper cycling gear.

Cookie_Monster

Don't worry about it, first week or two it's always sore, even if your coming back to it after a couple months off.

If still sore in another week or two it may be worth checking about it but for now I wouldn't worry too much.

nilhg

OP, you're going too well for my first few weeks back on the bike all of me hurt...:D


Stick at it it gets better, but don't push too hard too soon.

smacl

kincsem wrote: »

You need two things

Saddle like this
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=21960

Saddle not like this
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=71408
(these are not saddle recommendations, just examples)
A firm, narrow saddle is best.

Depends entirely on the person and set-up. I replaced my first saddle with a Selle Italia gel flow (first linked), and didn't find much improvement. I'm Brooks all the way these days, with a Flyer on my hybrid and a B17 on my road bike. Not saying these would work for the OP, just that best saddle style varies with person.

I dont' have any other the welts/sores that some get, just the numbing pain of the saddle when I sit on it. It makes going over any sort of bumps a nightmare. I did get a bike fit in the shop when I bought it

In addition to the saddle, you should look at your weight distribution. I find I can be very comfortable upright on the hybrid with its wider tyres and the sprung saddle I use. On the road bike, I'm most comfortable in the drops, where my weight is distributed far more evenly between ass, feet and upper body, with elbows bent to act as suspension to the front. Upright on the road bike is quite literally a pain in the ass.

bogmanfan

I think we all get this in the beginning, or even after a few weeks off. I had a lazy January and when I got back on the bike in February my ass hurt for the first couple of spins. You just get used to it. That said, there are many different shapes of saddle, and many different types of ass. If it persists for more than a fortnight, maybe try a change of saddle. You can also try assos chamois cream, which works great for me to prevent chafing.

seamus

bogmanfan wrote: »

You can also try assos chamois cream, which works great for me to prevent chafing.

And yes, as casually as the chamois cream is recommended, it does feel really odd putting cream on your ass before you put on your clothes. You get used to it.