Will I get used to the seat?

rumbataz

Having not ridden a bike for several decades, my first few short rides were quite interesting! However, my seat (saddle) feels quite uncomfortable (it's one of those sporty, sharp-pointed ones). I'm fairly overweight at the moment and that doesn't help with the comfort side of things.

I had a chat with my local bike shop as I went in there to look at new saddles but the guy told me that i'd get used to the seat after a few weeks and not to change it straight away.

Is this what will happen?

I'll look into adjusting the seat properly at the weekend to see if that improves matters.

Zoomer37

Saddles can take a little getting used to, but if you got the wrong shape to start with then maybe its worth going to check out something else more suited? Comfort is key if you want to really enjoy riding these bikes.

Monty Dog

As you wearing decent, padded bike shorts? Is the 'tenderness' in any specific area? Avoid the temptation to start tinkering with the saddle and position too soon as you'll require a period of adaptation. Generally, the saddle should be horizontal, maybe very slightly downwards and definitely avoid the temptation to point the nose upwards.

Gizmodo

As Monty Dog says, don't rush in to changing anything too soon, your body will need time and repetition to get used to cycling again. If you are trying to build up distance then the narrow shape of "sporty sharp-pointed" saddles means you get less (or no) rubbing on the inside of your legs.

But saddles are different for everyone and what you have now might not suit you, comfort is not about large amounts of padding, it's about putting the weight on your sit-bones and not causing too much friction by wiggling about too much in the seat. Wearing good quality bike shorts/tights that don't have seams that rub is essential.

If after a while you do decide to try a new saddle, I can recommend the Charge Spoon which you can pick up for about £18 on-line.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-spoon-saddle-with-cromo-rails-2011/

Or head over to the "Saddle Swap Shop" thread in the Classifieds section of this forum.
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40049&t=12715506

You may find you end up trying several before you get one that is right for you.

rumbataz

Monty Dog wrote:

As you wearing decent, padded bike shorts? Is the 'tenderness' in any specific area? Avoid the temptation to start tinkering with the saddle and position too soon as you'll require a period of adaptation. Generally, the saddle should be horizontal, maybe very slightly downwards and definitely avoid the temptation to point the nose upwards.

No, to be honest i've just gone for a couple of test rides in my usual day clothes. The bike is more for casual/leisure use rather than anything serious.

I will see how it goes once I start riding it a bit more, and i'll check the angle of the saddle.

Duffer65

When I first got back in to cycling it took a few rides for my backside to adjust to the saddle. It literally felt like it readjusted itself! That was a few years ago and I use a much thinner saddle now (with bib shorts). If you are going to ride any distance, even though you may class it as a 'leisure' ride, I would advise getting some cycling shorts to wear under your day clothes if you prefer. Doing this will improve your comfort and you will enjoy your bike much more.

rumbataz

Okay, thanks for the advice on cycling shorts. I shall look into this.