Commuting - Finally Started Commuting!

I have yet to actually ride to work (still working out some logistics-clothes, route, rain, time, ect.) but I’ve been commuting to and from business meetings, and friend’s homes instead of driving. It’s fantastic. I can’t wait to start riding to work. Just not dealing with traffic will be a joy in it’s self. I’d much rather deal with joggers, nutria, and the occasional slow duck. :) So far I’m averaging about 8 -12 miles a day on the bike. I hope to double that next month when I ride to work as well.

Think I need a better seat though, any suggestions?

Brooks saddles are love 'em or hate 'em, but I think they're comfy. Your local bicycle shop might allow you to sample a saddle for a day or two. Ask there.

Think I need a better seat though, any suggestions?

Firstly, congrats on commuting - having stopped briefly, and started again, I can attest that it keeps the energy levels up during the day, on top of the numerous other benefits.

I was uncomfortable with the seat that came with my Specialized hybrid years ago, and ended up getting a WTB Comfort V saddle on the recommendation of my LBS. I am very happy with this saddle, and use it on the '90-91 Schwinn Voyageur that is now my main commuter bike in place of the one it came with. The dip and groove area, as well as the wider-than-racing rear, really make it work for short commutes or three-hour pleasuer rides with no numbness and a minimum of discomfort.

It must be said, though, that I've not used a huge variety, but for what it's worth, there it is...

Having had a bout of coccydynia (pain in the a$$[actually tailbone]) I have several saddles. I read to sit on a ruler, and measure the distance from the outside of one sitzbone to the outside of the other, but that measurement is still not as wide as the seat that finally gave me relief. Gotta get that weight off that tailbone, that mega-wedgie thing really is a pain!

God, riding is so much nicer that driving. It's nice not getting pissed or stressed out about traffic. For some reason I can accept that it takes me longer to get places and it doesn't stress me out. It's some kind of zen effect i guess. :) Why didn't I do this 3 years ago? lol.

Some pics from my route and some of traffic I put up with.

What is that giant rodent thing? An amped up muskrat?

What is that giant rodent thing? An amped up muskrat?

That's a nutria. They're nasty... but not as bad as the opossum!

http://www.wildflorida.org/critters/images/opossum.jpg

p.s. atombob:

have you experimented with altering your saddle height/angle?

Definitely try your commute to work on the weekend. That way you can adjust your time and and whatnot so you won't have any surprised the first time you ride into work.

DanO

p.s. atombob: have you experimented with altering your saddle height/angle?

I have been toying with it but it's an old gel saddle from back in the day, circa 1995 or so. Thinking I need one with all the appropriate cut outs and such but thanks for the suggestions. It's getting easier to ride as by butt is toughening up a bit. I think that was part of the issue. lol!

Oh and your right, it's a nutria, big un' too.

Definitely try your commute to work on the weekend. That way you can adjust your time and and whatnot so you won't have any surprised the first time you ride into work.

DanO

DanO-
Excellent suggestion. I'm going to ride in on Saturday as I need to come in for a bit anyway. The weather is suppose to be crappy so it'll be a good day to do it. Kind of a real world scenario. lol. I wish I would have just rode in today, (earthday and all) but I didn't . I feel so evil now. lol!

Just remember that it's easier to think of excuses not to ride rather than reasons to ride. You'll get there, and it's alot of fun.

<snip> it's an old gel saddle from back in the day, circa 1995 or so. <snip>
That's yer problem. Gel is evil.



<snip> Thinking I need one with all the appropriate cut outs and such <snip>
Yep.