Mountain Biking - Saddle question

I can hardly sit today. I have a BG saddle on my bike and yesterday was the first time it has gotten the best of me. I ride 2 to 3 times a week and spend the other days on a trainer. I have recently started going for longer rides to work on my endurance. Yesterday was a 17 miler. I know thats not much to some of you, but to someone who was in poor physical shape a year ago, its been a great improvement to me. The outter edge, of what everyone refers to as the sit bone, is really sore and raw. I didnt experience any numbness, but could hardly sit for the last 3 or 4 miles of my ride. Is this just chaffing or is my saddle to narrow? I do wear bike shorts with the padding and that has helped in the past. Should I look into a new, more comfortable saddle, or do I need to possibly invest in some chamois butter or something like that???

Thanks for any input.

Da agony of da seat.

This is an issue with three sides.

The first has to do with saddle design. The reason there are so many different kinds of saddles is because somebody loves every single one of them and there are also people who hate every one. I personally use and like Body Geometry saddles, but, for every guy like me, there is an equally adamit detractor. I think that everyone has to kind of trial and error until they find a saddle that matches their heinie.

The second is position. The perfect saddle in the wrong position is, after a time, going to feel like a picked fence. If you are new to cycling, you will need to refine your position until you find the right balance and body angles. It will make a HUGE difference in how your saddle feels.

The last issue is acclimation. As you ride more, your butt will bother you less. You may just have to tough it out for a while.

I also like my body geometry saddle. It is different from the others I have tried because I never get numb on it. eventually, your butt will be toned enough that it doesn't hurt. Give it another week or two of riding, then try something with a bit more cushion. remember though, don't get too much cushion, or your experience numbness. I've found that it is hard to get a good balance.