Getting comfortable on new bike

Brizzler

Hi,

I could do with some advice as I have a comfort issue with my new bike. Unfortunately, I can think of a range of factors that could be responsible so need to give a bit of background, too:

I'm a triathlete rather than full-time roadie. I did an Ironman (i.e. featuring a 180km ride) in July. Training for that I did several 100+mile rides on old road bike (Trek 1500), though I raced on my TT bike. Until rides started being over 100miles, only comfort issue I really ever experienced was numbness in hands, largely addressed with Bonti gel bar tape and mitts. Never had any saddle issues despite using standard Bonti Select cheapo saddle that I've heard people moan about, and even despite regularly wearing underwear under cycling shorts. Over a couple of the really long rides then managed to get saddle sores. Did my best to get rid of them but basically I had issues for some weeks, including during the race. After the race had about a month off cycling, in part to clear saddle sores. During that time I also sold Trek and set-up new bike, Planet X Ti Pro Road (purchased in winter). Started using bike, having set it up to match Trek as closely as possible, using provided Planet X saddle that has been highly reviewed. Over shorter rides found handlebars less comfortable than previous, again having vibration issues. I've now bought, but not yet fitted, anatomical bend replacement bars (I send most of my time in the drops) and my preferred Bonti gel tape to rectify that. Also, found saddle quite uncomfortable, though at least I didn't get sores. I've tweaked saddle position (mostly tilting forwards), and it's definitely improved comfort in the saddle, though having extended rides to 70+miles, still not as comfortable as it should be - mostly feeling effects after the ride in perineum...

Somehow, I'm having more trouble getting comfortable on the PX than on any previous bike... which is particularly frustrating given Ti's supposed ride qualities. To be fair, when starting a ride etc. bike feels great.
So what should I do? Here are some options I can think of:

Rest for a couple of weeks - body still suffering from race and previous sores etc. Be patient and keep riding - saddle needs wearing in and rear needs to get used to it Keep tweaking position until improved Buy new saddle and see how that works (about £80-odd) Try finding last saddle again on the forums / ebay for comparison Have a full bike-fit done (nudging £200) Try a carbon seatpost (currently using standard alloy one)

Thanks for the help!

Brizzler

Some thoughts really would be appreciated... Thanks!

g00se

A lot of shops will let you use demo saddles (for a £50 deposit) - usually lurid dayglo colours. You try them for a few weeks and then you can buy the model you want.

Bike fit may be the way to go. You might find one cheaper than that. If you're in a local club, and it has an affiliated LBS, they may do discounts.

A carbon seatpost may work, but you'll need a good 15cm showing for it to be really noticeable.

Calpol

From a saddle perspective maybe you could try a Spesh Romin or Toupe with the cut away. I use a cheap Romin and get no numbness in the middle. Sit bones sore but thats another thing. The other usual recommendation is for a good chamois. Better shorts = less sore bottom. My Castelli's are definitely more comfortable on longer rides than my DHBs. Oh and plenty chamois cream.To be honest you cannot beat having a bike fit done but it needn't cost £200 but it sounds that you know pretty much what you are doing so you may find they only make minor adjustments.

tiredofwhiners

Adamo saddle - lots of tri folks recommend these.

Its the most comfortable saddle I've ever had and quite literally no numbness at all no matter how long I go.

Velke

I'd go for a bike fit.

I had a Spesh BG Fit recently was the best £200 i've spent (was with the guy for just under 4 hours), and great investment. It highlighted that i wasn't using the most suitable seat, this was changed to Specialized 2012 BG Avatar Comp Gel Saddle (£50) very comfy

Best bit for me was changing position of cleats and introducing SPECIALIZED BG INSOLES (£25) ......wow what a difference! And i don't have unnormal feet.

Can genuinely say it's improved my average speed by 1.5 mph :shock:

Brizzler

Thanks, people!
The Spesh Romin mentioned by Calpol is indeed likely to be the first alternative saddle I'd try if I settled on the saddle replacement option. Thanks g00se for making the point about seatpost length.
I think I'll keep tinkering with my position a bit longer before I go spend more money...