Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - My father needs a new saddle

Hi all,

My father, who is 62 years old has expressed an interest in getting back into cycling.

He's 6'0 and about 220-240.

He has asked me to put back together his old Schwinn LeTour Mixte, that my mom bought him in the early eighties.

My question....

The old saddle is way too narrow and hard for him. Can anyone recommend a saddle for someone who is a little overweight, but still wants to ride?

FYI: He used to cycle long ago, but he is worried about the saddle comfort. My father would probably ride more up-right, ie. like a cruiser.

Any help would be appreciated.

First, get him some padded shorts....This eases saddle issues better than a wider saddle. Too wide of a saddle with the position he'd be in riding that LeTour will damage his Sciatic Nerve, and restrict circulation to his legs. Go to a shop that sells Specialized Bikes, if you are in the area and use the Pad that they use to measure the width if his sit bones, and go from there after the shorts. If he is self conscious about Lycra, there are always Mountain Bike Shorts (Baggies with a chamois).

Look here for shorts:
http://www.aerotechdesigns.com

Thanks Tom Stormcrowe,

Didn't even think about the padded shorts...dughhh!

Also, the idea of measuring sit bones.. thanks again...

You can probably either flip the handlebars on the mixte, or trade them out for something that would give a bit more upright ride, too.

Either way, perhaps I could coax you over to the Classic & Vintage forum where you could show us some photos of the LeTour?

East Hill

+1 on the Specialized measuring system. I found out the saddles I was using were to wide and causing a lot of my saddle issues.

First, get him some padded shorts....This eases saddle issues better than a wider saddle. Too wide of a saddle with the position he'd be in riding that LeTour will damage his Sciatic Nerve, and restrict circulation to his legs. Go to a shop that sells Specialized Bikes, if you are in the area and use the Pad that they use to measure the width if his sit bones, and go from there after the shorts. If he is self conscious about Lycra, there are always Mountain Bike Shorts (Baggies with a chamois).

Look here for shorts:
http://www.aerotechdesigns.com

+ 1 on all that. Also, I've found that bike shorts, at least the baggy ones, run small. See if he can either try them on or make sure they're returnable.

It seems like everyone likes Brooks saddles here so I'll mention those and let others fill you in as I've never owned one.

The other saddle to check out is the Specialized Avatar. Ask the salesperson about it when you're in using the ass-o-meter. I have the fancy toupe and it definitely relieves pressure on the sensitive parts.

Ask the salesperson about it when you're in using the ass-o-meter.

By the way, v1k1ng1001 is NOT kidding you...Specialized have a device to measure the width of one's 'sit bones'...:D . Although the LBS will not refer to it that way!

East Hill