I have a confession to make: I am a horrible, awful bike rider when it comes to a real (non-stationary) bike. I had one really, really bad fall when I was 9 or 10, and then my family moved out into the country on a busy street with no sidewalks when I was 12. I’m a very inexperienced and timid biker, but I want to be out more and bike more.
The only problem is: my bike seat is SO very uncomfortable. As in, I am sore for days just after a 20 minute ride. I used to ride horses — and this soreness is SO much worse.
Does anyone out there have a bike seat that you like, that is at least semi-comfortable and that you would recommend? That would help a lot…
Thanks!
Biking shorts help alot! And I had a gel seat once that was good. I also have a mountain bike rather than a road bike and the seat on this bike isn’t too bad. But it does take a little time to break in the glut. The first few rides do hurt a little but then it gets better. Also, doing some lunges and other buttocks exercises for a couple of weeks that build up the muscles back there might be a good idea before starting to ride.
Comment by Anita — May 13, 2007 @ 2:58 pm
I don’t know what kind I have, but it has gel pads in it. It fits right over the seat that is already there. If I am out of practice, I am still tender after a big ride, but it is soooo much better that it was before the gel seat and when I first started riding.
(I think I got mine at Walmart)
Comment by lady laura — May 13, 2007 @ 7:42 pm
Sometimes having a seat too big causes problems. I know it seems contrary to what you think, but actually a smaller seat is more comfortable–it doesn’t cause your hips to spread out too wide.
Also, make sure you have a woman’s seat and not a man’s seat.
I had a problem my bum going numb while riding till I got a skinny seat with a cut out that was made just for women. To me it looked terrible . . . but it has solved my problem.
Another thing to check is how you are sitting on the bike. Improper posture/placement on the seat can also lead to discomfort.
I second the idea to invest in a good pair of padded bike shorts.
And, I also second the idea that if you can “ride it out” the discomfort will go away the more often/frequent you ride.
Comment by amanda — May 14, 2007 @ 8:55 am