General Cycling Discussion - My butt is sore but my legs aren't

I think I need a new seat! My butt gets really sore after just going into downtown Seattle from downtown Bellevue. My seat is also really stiff. Are there any good seats out there that aren't too much on the expensive side, arnen't too squishy, and look cool? Basically, best deal. I perfer a kind of a grey/black/white scheme to match my bike. Thanks!

Originally posted by jump
I think I need a new seat! My butt gets really sore after just going into downtown Seattle from downtown Bellevue. My seat is also really stiff. Are there any good seats out there that aren't too much on the expensive side, arnen't too squishy, and look cool? Basically, best deal. I perfer a kind of a grey/black/white scheme to match my bike. Thanks!

We need to know more.

1. How long have you been riding? Are you a beginner or been at it a long time?

2. How far is it from Seattle to Bellevue, and how long are you on the bike?

3. What are you wearing - padded biking shorts, Levis or what?

4. Kind of bike you are riding - upright on a "comfort" bike, stretched out on a road bike, in between on a mtn bike??

With this info, our help will be more effective.

In general, it takes a period of time to get your body used to any saddle. Generally, your saddle should not be soft, but should be fairly hard, especialy for longer rides. Also, the "fit" of yor bike will make a difference as to saddle comfort.

jump, I opted for one of the Specialized Body Geometry seats. Trek make some as well and maybe others. One I use on my Gemini has proved to be a real pleasure and it does not look too bad. Not as sexy as the sleek black Cannondale seat I got with the bike, but as it was my ass on the line - literally, looks were secondary.

There are some sh1t looking seats out there that work well, and some that look good but do diddley-squat for your ass.

Your'e bound to find a compromise that feels and looks good for your bike.

Get this....Koski Contour Team w/ SL top, Kevlite corner, & cromo rails. Comfortable, not too soft or hard.

:confused:
hey lovely bike I really have got to get one. (I'm a died in the wool roady)
I just know I am going to regret asking but why have you got doors and no walls ?... there I regret it already
earleybird

Originally posted by Bokkie
jump, I opted for one of the Specialized Body Geometry seats. Trek make some as well and maybe others. One I use on my Gemini has proved to be a real pleasure and it does not look too bad. Not as sexy as the sleek black Cannondale seat I got with the bike, but as it was my ass on the line - literally, looks were secondary.

There are some sh1t looking seats out there that work well, and some that look good but do diddley-squat for your ass.

Your'e bound to find a compromise that feels and looks good for your bike. I like my BG Sport saddle see the other saddle thread for more info.

Originally posted by earleybird
:confused:
hey lovely bike I really have got to get one. (I'm a died in the wool roady)
I just know I am going to regret asking but why have you got doors and no walls ?... there I regret it already
earleybird

doors are cheaper than walls

What type of bike do you have? What does the ride look like?

If you have a road bike, it's probably set with narrow high pressure tires. These are efficient tires on smooth pavement, but if your road is bumpy, full of cracks and potholes, etc., you'll get a sore rear end. One solution is to use wider tires (or especially a wider rear tire).

If you feel the problem even on very smooth pavement, the problem is either proper position or saddle. A cushier saddle could help your crotch, but is likely to chafe you tights. A harder (but not too hard) saddle should be better, providing its shape agree with yours. A leather saddle is great, especially for long distance, but you have to "break" it and you need to protect it from the elements.

If you want a new saddle, your best bet would be to find an LBS who would accept an exchange within, say 48 or 72 hours. That way, you buy one and if it doesn't agree with you, you don't need to use it as a door stop...

Regards,

Don't rule out physiological reasons...I have a touch of scoliosis and as a result my left leg is longer by about an inch. I don't have too many aches and pains to whine about, but every saddle I've owned eventually develops a weird signature twist in the nose as it seasons. One of my older saddles looked almost like a corkscrew when I finally retired it.

Jump,
You really need to answer DnvrFox's questions before we can help much. If you are new it will take a week or two for your butt to get used to the saddle. Is your saddle level? Are you sure it is the right height? Incorrect saddle position can cause discomfort. I ride firm to hard saddles like Brooks, which are so hard they sound like wood when you knock on them. But properly adjusted they are very comfortable. In fact, properly adjusted I can ride most saddles with reasonable comfort. The "best" saddle in the world will be uncomfortable if it is tilted or too high.
Raymond

Get the Flite Saddle, Titanium Transalps, or the Newest Model the Carbon Seat,. then you will be very comfortable

Woo this is an old thread, but I forgot to check up on it :)

It's been a while and I've gotten used to my saddle, even though not totally. A softer seat may help, but it can't be too soft, just a touch of gel... I don't like mushy seats, they're so weird. They also make my butt even more sore after a while.

I usually ride with shorts, usually anything I can find in my room. This could be jeans or cargos or somthing like that. I'm too broke to afford bike clothes, but I really want 'em! ...I need a job... I have ip gloves right now and elbow guards coming in though! I need 'em, jump + bad land = ouch.

My seat is adjusted just the way I want it, but I wish it was just a little more gel-ey. just a touch at most. I'm riding a WTB saddle right now, not sure what make it is, but it came with my K2 Attack 2.0.

I ride a WTB saddle on my MTB and am happy with it, but then again, when riding the MTB the majority of the time my weight is on my legs, the saddle is just a reference point so I can tell where my bike is positioned.

The roadie and commuter both have Specialized Body Geometry saddles. My road bike came with the BG and I remember after the first ride swearing that the first upgrade I would make would be to get rid of that saddle! Instead, I fell in love with it and bought one for the commuter the first chance I had.