General Cycling Discussion - My first bike in 10 years

Hello all,

I just bought me a new bike this month, a Scott Yecora (http://www.scottusa.com/product.php?UID=5909), a very good bike for the money.

Well, I'm trying to get back into bicycling and stuff, because I used to bicycle almost every day for 3-6 hours a day about 10 years ago.
I'd say my biggest hurdle now is the SADDLE! After 1 day of riding it my bottom is really sore. And I couldn't bicycle at all today because of it. What should I do? Is this something that will go away in a few days? Ignore the pain? Buy a new saddle?

Hopefully you guys know the answer for newcomers :)

Thanks all!

Go to the local discount store and buy the cheapest saddle they have with springs. Use it for the first week or so until your bottom becomes adjusted to sitting & pedaling. Then try again with the Scott seat. If your bottom still hurts, go to the bike shop and buy a WIDE saddle.

No do not buy a saddle with springs. There is a thread on why it's not good. I would suggestinvesting in some cycling shorts, over time your sit bones will adjust to the pressure of sitting on a saddle. It's called a saddle because your not SITTING, your riding, so having a wide saddle is not worth it.

Hello all,

I just bought me a new bike this month, a Scott Yecora (http://www.scottusa.com/product.php?UID=5909), a very good bike for the money.

Well, I'm trying to get back into bicycling and stuff, because I used to bicycle almost every day for 3-6 hours a day about 10 years ago.
I'd say my biggest hurdle now is the SADDLE! After 1 day of riding it my bottom is really sore. And I couldn't bicycle at all today because of it. What should I do? Is this something that will go away in a few days? Ignore the pain? Buy a new saddle?

Hopefully you guys know the answer for newcomers :)

Thanks all!
I would say that, ya, it will go away eventually. You may be able to get a saddle that fits you sit bones better, but no matter what it will hurt for a while. Sorry :( I would say do shorter rides to start with. Lotsa people love it when they get a new bike, so they ride for a whole day or whatever and then are sore...

No do not buy a saddle with springs.

I didn't recommend using it forever - just for a break-in period!


I would suggestinvesting in some cycling shorts

Agreed.


..so having a wide saddle is not worth it.

I disagree - having a wide rear on the saddle allows the sit bones to be supported. The Brooks B-17 is famous for its comfort because its rear is 170mm wide (about 6.7 inches). Most current saddles are significantly narrower. For most riders, narrower saddles allow the riders' sit bones to slide off the sides of the saddle, placing support duties on the tenderer tissues between. Human anatomy doesn't change just because of style.

I'm gonna check if I can borrow a saddle from a Trek bike my dad owns, it's pretty wide and has springs.

Thanks guys, great replies!

The whole saddle pain in the sitting area is something that all cyclists deal with. Right now anything over 50 miles and I deal with it... because I do not do many 50+ mile rides.

It will get better... and bike shorts will make it that much better.

Cycling shorts are only really necessary if your seat doesn't fit you or you're fit sucks bad enough that you're sitting on something you shouldn't be sitting on then rubbing it.

Cycling shorts are only really necessary if your seat doesn't fit you or you're fit sucks bad enough that you're sitting on something you shouldn't be sitting on then rubbing it.

I politely disagree - The cycling shorts stick to your skin, minimize rubbing internally, wick away moisture, provide minimal padding, and allow you to slide around on the seat when you want to. When wearing street underwear and baggy shorts, the fabric bunches, rubs, and stays wet. My seat fits, and I can ride it with street gear, but it is a lot more comfortable (especially after the first 30 minutes in the saddle) if I wear cycling shorts (and no underwear).

You, obviously, perfer not to wear cycling shorts. I say that newcomers should at least try them - most prefer them.

Hello all,

I just bought me a new bike this month, a Scott Yecora (http://www.scottusa.com/product.php?UID=5909), a very good bike for the money.

Well, I'm trying to get back into bicycling and stuff, because I used to bicycle almost every day for 3-6 hours a day about 10 years ago.
I'd say my biggest hurdle now is the SADDLE! After 1 day of riding it my bottom is really sore. And I couldn't bicycle at all today because of it. What should I do? Is this something that will go away in a few days? Ignore the pain? Buy a new saddle?

Hopefully you guys know the answer for newcomers :)

Thanks all!
just keep riding. the biggest mistake some new riders make is riding 50-70 miles in a weekend and getting so sore they can't go on.
Better strategy, ride more often, less miles (20-40) and build up your
bottom around your sits bones.

cycling shorts not necessary. Where does this information come from. For a spin to the post office or local hangout maybe not. For 30 minutes to whatever ride than yes.