Newbie Question

AnnRo

I've been a runner for years but lately the old knees are beginning to complain. So I decided to buy a bike - which I'm going to use to cycle into work - about 7 miles. I'll cut back on the running but not totally - still want to do the odd 10K.

Started on Sunday - so on day 3 today - first day, the top of my thighs were in pain but that has eased off. But how long does it take for your bum to get used to the saddle. The saddle is supposed to be a good gel one. Should I invest in padded shorts. Sitting down today is not easy:rolleyes: Or is it just that I'll get used to it in time.

The last time I cycled a lot was about 25 years ago!!

Thanks.

rp

What I look for in a saddle is one wide enough at the back to support your sit bones (and that size varies from person to person), a thin nose to allow you to steer with, and a reasonable firm surface. Gel I avoid like the plague, it might feel nice for a couple of minutes, but after that, agony.

Nedkelly24

Same story as me!!a week should see ur ass get used to it....keep up the running as my times improved after i started on the bike!!!!!!

shaka

Padded shorts most important first purchase after bike IMO , you will be sore for while but will get used to it surprisingly quick.
Gel saddle , boooo down with that sort of thing only joking everyone to there own but I don't like a saddle that's too big

MajesticDonkey

Absolutely, a good pair of padded shorts are the first thing you should buy after the bike.

AnnRo

Thanks for all the replies - off now to get my shorts!! And I bought the bike with the saddle recommended by the shop - I was told it was the best one for newbies. I'm sure I'll learn as I go along.

rurs

You should also ensure your saddle is the right height. If it's too low, too much weight is placed on the sit-bones. Your weight should be spread evenly between your feet, pressing against the pedals, your posterior, and your hands.

I personally wouldn't bother with padded shorts for a 7 mile trip, but it's no harm to have a pair. Bib shorts are the way to go, much more comfortable and cosy.

elnino23

Dont try saving cash on cheap shorts you get what you pay for. Pay for decent shorts the padding in them is way better, I'm new too and got some cheep padded shorts that still hurt like hell I got a good santini pair and its like sitting on the sofa (well almost ;-))

Resurrecting this thread. Need to get a pair of padded shorts myself. Just got the bike at weekend and did 30k and was quiet sore. Doing 100k next month so definitely need shorts. But I'm completely clueless what to look for. Want to order online as not near any decent bike stores.
Should I be going for casual ones that look like you would wear on holidays!! Or the lycra shorts? Which are best? I'm 5ft 10 and 12 stone if that makes a difference. Can anyone recommend a good pair?

awec

slookie wrote: »

Resurrecting this thread. Need to get a pair of padded shorts myself. Just got the bike at weekend and did 30k and was quiet sore. Doing 100k next month so definitely need shorts. But I'm completely clueless what to look for. Want to order online as not near any decent bike stores.
Should I be going for casual ones that look like you would wear on holidays!! Or the lycra shorts? Which are best? I'm 5ft 10 and 12 stone if that makes a difference. Can anyone recommend a good pair?

I think people's aversion to lycra is how they think they'll look. The first time you wear them you might feel a bit weird but honestly you get used to them. I would not bother with the baggy ones, I think most baggy shorts that have the padding are designed for mountain bikers as they are made of a thicker, heavier material designed not to tear easily etc.

I'd go for a pair of gel padded bib shorts. Bib shorts are the ones that have the straps that go over your shoulder, it helps to prevent the shorts slipping down etc.

You get what you pay for so get what you can afford. I wouldn't bother with the bargain stuff - waste of money. I think I paid about 70 euro for mine last year but they last.

You might not be the size you think you will be, so order online with care. They need to be tight, but not too tight, and you also don't want them looking like you're wearing a pair of hotpants.

Something like this maybe? http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=79824

petethedrummer

slookie wrote: »

I'm 5ft 10 and 12 stone if that makes a difference. Can anyone recommend a good pair?

I'm the same height and weight and usually go for
Giordana in a Large size,
Specialized in a medium. (I usually get these in cycleways. They will let you try them on.)
DHB in a medium.


Get proper lycra ones. The inners that come with the casual MTB shorts are not great for a few different reasons. You can wear MTB shorts over the lycra ones if you are self conscious.

MajesticDonkey

slookie wrote: »

Resurrecting this thread. Need to get a pair of padded shorts myself. Just got the bike at weekend and did 30k and was quiet sore. Doing 100k next month so definitely need shorts. But I'm completely clueless what to look for. Want to order online as not near any decent bike stores.
Should I be going for casual ones that look like you would wear on holidays!! Or the lycra shorts? Which are best? I'm 5ft 10 and 12 stone if that makes a difference. Can anyone recommend a good pair?

You should probably find yourself paying €60-70 for a good pair. The official team kit bib shorts you'd get in your local shop are perfect.

Cheers for the fast reply. Was going to ask whats the difference between the lycra shorts and the lycra bib shorts....is it purely to stop them from slipping down? They look good, and would be grand for the summer....what would you recommend in the winter? Couldn't give a ****e about what I look like wearing lycra...everyone else will be too so what about it!

awec

slookie wrote: »

Cheers for the fast reply. Was going to ask whats the difference between the lycra shorts and the lycra bib shorts....is it purely to stop them from slipping down? They look good, and would be grand for the summer....what would you recommend in the winter? Couldn't give a ****e about what I look like wearing lycra...everyone else will be too so what about it!

The only difference between shorts and bib shorts is the bib shorts have the straps that go over your shoulder.

For the winter you'll want long leg bibs or else leg warmers at the very least.

MajesticDonkey

Yep, bib shorts just have the straps to keep them up.

EDIT: Too late, dammit!

The bib lycra shorts seem to be around the €70 mark, whereas the normal lycra shorts are around the €30 mark. Is there really that much of a difference or would the normal ones do fine?

cdaly_

awec wrote: »

The only difference between shorts and bib shorts is the bib shorts have the straps that go over your shoulder.

MajesticDonkey wrote: »

Yep, bib shorts just have the straps to keep them up.

The benefit of bibs is that you don't have a waistband digging into you as you're bent over on the bike (nor gaping at the rear)...