Sore bum!

ted-on-tour

I got my hands on my very first road bike at the weekend and went out on for a ride last night, I woke up this morning and found that my arse was really tender...now I either had a visitor in the night...or, its from the bike.

Is this normal? Is it down to the saddle? Will I get used to it? Or am I being a wimp and need to man up?

danowat

I take it you are riding in padded shorts / tights?

alastair825

happens to everyone the first time riding, it gets better after a few rides tho

Monkeypump

alastair825 wrote:

happens to everyone the first time riding, it gets better after a few rides tho

Apprarently it's the same if that visitor in the night keeps stopping by...

ted-on-tour

Yeah got myself some polaris padded 3/4 lengths....if it feels like this with them on, god knows what its like without! Ouchy!

danowat

Man it out, it will generally get better with time, if it doesn't, you might need to look at your saddle.

ted-on-tour

I thought someone might say that, yet more money on bits and peices....expensive game this cycling lark! Thanks for the advice though.

Monkeypump

A good saddle (i.e. one that fits you well and is comfortable, not necessarily something expensive/lightweight/etc.) and decent padded shorts are (IMHO) the best cycling investments you can make.

It's worth setting aside some cash, but it doesn't have to break the bank. The problem is that saddles are so personal, it may take a while to find the perfect one.

Stick with what you have for now, and if it doesn't get better try something different. You can also try moving it back/forward or adjusting angle to see it that helps.

Butterd2

It will get better.

How much better you need it to get will determine whether you spend a small fortune trying to find the utopia of a perfect saddle or whether you learn to live with it.

stevec205gti

Another thing is overall bike set up - if your saddle is too low you can find your legs don't support enough of you weight, and you end up 'sitting' more on the bike so you get a sore arse. I find if I'm not out on the bike regularly the first couple of rides can be a little uncomfortable - well, the first one's fine but you know about it when you sit on the saddle the next day! Also try moving around on the saddle to find out if there are certain areas you find comfier - if everythings more comfy just by sliding an inch along the saddle then adjust the saddle so you're sat on this bit all the time

dawebbo

Try using lube or locking your door

crumbschief

ted-on-tour wrote:

I woke up this morning and found that my ars* was really tender...now I either had a visitor in the night...or, its from the bike.

lol also @ dawebbo.

I must admit i went on a stag doo with the lads i ride with and the same thing happened to me,i don't know how though,I don't see them that often but they keep calling me and asking me when am i going to come out again with them.I have got another night out planned with them soon and i hope the same thing doesn't happen again.

1stGenRex

see if your LBS will let you test fit a saddle on your bike? I mean, they may not allow you to do it for a 30+ mile ride, but I can't see the harm in a few laps around the parking lot

carrock

ted-on-tour wrote:

I got my hands on my very first road bike at the weekend and went out on for a ride last night, I woke up this morning and found that my ars* was really tender...now I either had a visitor in the night...or, its from the bike.

Is this normal? Is it down to the saddle? Will I get used to it? Or am I being a wimp and need to man up?

Yes yes yes and yes.

aclintern

you are suffering from newbie-num-bum - do as follows:

gradually up the doseage and mileage and you'll be fine!

listen to what your body is telling you - part of becoming a true cyclist is to make this transition to listen to your inner soul.

Good luck on your journeys free-spirit.

Tony666

and don't forget a liberal application of the aptly named Assos cream (works wonders)

Nitrofan

Same thing happened to me when i came back to cycling.
I rubbed plenty of Boots Ibuprofen Gel on the affected area when going to bed and then grinned and bared it next day BUT the gel really helped the problem go away quite quickly less than a week.

noisemonkey

I had the same problem until I got this saddle:



takes all the pressure off the soft bits and makes my bike a joy to ride. Not the lightest thing ever but the comfort is really worth it. I tried a few different saddles and found it to be best

1stGenRex

but you should also note that saddles are tricky. One saddle that works wonders for you, can be HORRIBLE for someone else....no use in going out and spending money just yet, as the rider is new and needs to get used to riding...

ted-on-tour

Ok, so I've been every night since posting and I'm glad to report my Arse is no longer in bits....

It was really tender for te first couple of nights but I think I've gotten used to it a bit more...plus I LOVE absolutely belting it round so dont tend to sit down much now anyway!! Much more fun going fast.....

Cheers all anyway

seanoconn

noisemonkey wrote:

I had the same problem until I got this saddle:



takes all the pressure off the soft bits and makes my bike a joy to ride. Not the lightest thing ever but the comfort is really worth it. I tried a few different saddles and found it to be best

That thing been hit with the ugly stick a few times.

Gav2000

seanoconn wrote:

noisemonkey wrote:

I had the same problem until I got this saddle:



takes all the pressure off the soft bits and makes my bike a joy to ride. Not the lightest thing ever but the comfort is really worth it. I tried a few different saddles and found it to be best

That thing been hit with the ugly stick a few times.

Possibly, but my bottom appreciates the beauty of the design!

I have it on 2 of my bikes and it's a very comfirtable saddle.

Gav.

Pokerface

I use an SMP saddle. Not quite as ugly, but very comfy: