Saddle soreness

mike 123

I have recently purchase a Specialised Allez Elite 2008 and am cycling LEJOG over 3 weeks in September and was just wondering if anyone had any tips on how to relieve saddle soreness. I went on a 50 mile bike ride yesterday using the (racing style) saddle that came with the bike and even though I wore padded shorts the ride was quite uncomfortable. Has anyone got any good recommendations for saddles that can prevent such problems?

dennisn

If you don't use "butt butter" give it a try to help ease things up a bit. Use as much as it takes to keep things well lubed and moving smoothly, with a minimum of friction, down there.

Dennis Noward

Stuck on a Giant

Mike,

A couple of points:
1. How many miles are you used to doing? the backside does toughen up over time so don't rush to change the saddle unless you're already riding 50+ mile rides regularly.

2. Saddles are a hugely personal thing so it's really difficult to get a valid recommendation from someone else. If the saddle on your previous bike was really comfortable, then just change to that one.

Good luck

geoff_ss

Stuck on a Giant wrote:

Mike,

A couple of points:
1. How many miles are you used to doing? the backside does toughen up over time so don't rush to change the saddle unless you're already riding 50+ mile rides regularly.

2. Saddles are a hugely personal thing so it's really difficult to get a valid recommendation from someone else. If the saddle on your previous bike was really comfortable, then just change to that one.

Good luck

I agree completely.

In my early days I suffered a bit of saddle soreness but regular commuting (27 miles/day minimum all year round) toughened me up with shortish rides that never reached the soreness stage. After an accident I was off my bike for completely about 2 months and I found I had to wear 2 pairs of shorts when I used my turbo for recovery. Fortunately, I quite quickly regained my immunity and retain it 18 years later

So persevere and, hopefully, all will be well. A lot of miles in relatively short doses is the key.

Geoff

robmanic1

Assos make a good loin-lube for around £8.00, also make sure you wash down there thoroughly with anti-bac soap to avoid saddle-sores (v.painful). It never really goes away though, you just get more tolerant to it.

cyclingfury

Mike, A lot of riders just bang in maximum air pressure in their tyres. However, I have found that running your tyres on a little less air is one way of bringing about immediate improvements of comfort levels. It may increase rolling resistance a little but frankly unless you're racing it may be worth this compromise until your rear end toughens up. I use this tactic for long charity rides which may last 5 or 6 consecutive days, and then I up the pressure again when I get back for normal club runs.