Road Cycling - Are Road Bike Seat Manufacturers Aiming To Make Us All Infertile?

I mean seriously, there is a problem with every seat and I guess there isn't a true cure for it. What am I doing wrong? I got a new bike and have basically adjusted the bike 'en route" and finally have a nice position where I'm somewhat comfortable but as far as the seat, forget it. No matter what I do, that seat makes me take constant breaks (which isn't too bad because I like stop/start excercising). I point it forward, level, etc. Does height matter?

I have a San Marco Era which gets good ratings but they are all somewhat small and hard. That Fizik seat is supposed to be the most comfortable but I don't want to shell out the dough if it isn't a cure.

Any recommendations?

Somebody needs their boys massaged... so don't come cryin' to me!!
Seat height definitely matters a lot, you want to split the weight between your hands and your butt.

I mean seriously, there is a problem with every seat and I guess there isn't a true cure for it. What am I doing wrong? I got a new bike and have basically adjusted the bike 'en route" and finally have a nice position where I'm somewhat comfortable but as far as the seat, forget it. No matter what I do, that seat makes me take constant breaks (which isn't too bad because I like stop/start excercising). I point it forward, level, etc. Does height matter?

I have a San Marco Era which gets good ratings but they are all somewhat small and hard. That Fizik seat is supposed to be the most comfortable but I don't want to shell out the dough if it isn't a cure.

Any recommendations?Everything you ever wanted to know about saddles (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html)

You have to give things a little time. First of all, as I understand it, you're relatively new to road biking so the different position puts pressure on different parts of your body, works different muscles, etc... Give your body time to adjust. Also, your saddle is new (at least to you) and that will take some getting used to as well. If after a few weeks, you're still getting considerable pain then you may want to switch saddles. Remember that everyone's bottom is different and everyone rides a little differently so not all saddles will work equally well for all people nor will one saddle work well for everyone either. It's going to take a bit of experimentation to figure out the proper profile for you.

Maybe you haven't ridden enough to get the kind of butt that has gotten use to a bike seat (saddle). Never understood that, why is it called a "saddle" when if in fact a seat post is truly a seat post then shouldn't a "seat" be mounted to it? so then why isn't it a saddle post if a seat is in fact a "saddle"? Or is it just called a saddle because it was a seat that cost wayyyyy too much $ and should be more substantial for that price? Hype? naaaa... I have 3 road bikes and a variety of overpriced "saddle seats" and the more I ride the less difference I notice, and if your too high up probably have more weight on your saddle (seat).

Everything you ever wanted to know about saddles (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html)

And don't forget about the ultimate saddle... The Real MAN Saddle (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/real-man.html).

And don't forget about the ultimate saddle... The Real MAN Saddle (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/real-man.html).
I use one of those! I had to go with the cast version for fiscal reasons though. :D

And don't forget about the ultimate saddle... The Real MAN Saddle (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/real-man.html).I'm considering ordering one as I definitely meet the qualifications he set for it :D

Well, I rode about 20 miles today (in 100 degree weather) and sure enough, I can't get the seat to be comfortable. I set it straight, tilted slightly down, slightly back. I raised the seat as high as possible and lowered it thereafter with no luck. I tried a lot of adjustments today and my a$$ is just killing me and it prevents me from spinning.

Am I just not used to it? This is my first time with a road bike from a MTB and I've been riding everyday for 3 days. The saddle I have is a San Marco Era.

All butts are not created equal. The link Raiyn gave has a more detailed description, but essentially a saddle needs to fit your sit bones (the bones your body rests on if you sit on a flat, hard surface like a coffee table). Plastic based saddles will never adjust to fit your sit bones - they're either the right width and shape or they're not. Leather saddles e.g. Brooks break in so that they fit your sit bones perfectly.

It really isn't uncommon to throw away the stock saddle on a bike... many of us on the forums have a box full of OEM saddles in the corner of our garages! Odds are you'll need to change the saddle. Your two options are to go to the LBS and try to find a saddle that fits your sit bones, or buy yourself a Brooks and never be worried about having a sore butt again... :D

All butts are not created equal. The link Raiyn gave has a more detailed description, but essentially a saddle needs to fit your sit bones (the bones your body rests on if you sit on a flat, hard surface like a coffee table). Plastic based saddles will never adjust to fit your sit bones - they're either the right width and shape or they're not. Leather saddles e.g. Brooks break in so that they fit your sit bones perfectly.

It really isn't uncommon to throw away the stock saddle on a bike... many of us on the forums have a box full of OEM saddles in the corner of our garages! Odds are you'll need to change the saddle. Your two options are to go to the LBS and try to find a saddle that fits your sit bones, or buy yourself a Brooks and never be worried about having a sore butt again... :D

I read the entire article and tried all variations. It's gotta be the saddle. I bought it used and the seat is supposed to be ok. Maybe it's already broken in? I'll look into those Brooks saddles but I can't seem to find them anywhere. What about the Fizik Aliante?

I read the entire article and tried all variations. It's gotta be the saddle. I bought it used and the seat is supposed to be ok. Maybe it's already broken in? I'll look into those Brooks saddles but I can't seem to find them anywhere. What about the Fizik Aliante?

It's not the saddle ... my $15 Fizik Pave is comfy as can be. It's probably not reasonable to make a small change, ride it for a few miles, and be able to discern a quantifiable difference in comfort (especially if your butt is already hurting).

Have you been professionally fit to your bike yet?

-mark

It's not the saddle ... my $15 Fizik Pave is comfy as can be. It's probably not reasonable to make a small change, ride it for a few miles, and be able to discern a quantifiable difference in comfort (especially if your butt is already hurting).

Have you been professionally fit to your bike yet?

-mark

It's definately not the saddle? Wouldn't there only be one design though? I'm 6' tall and weigh 235. The frame is perfect for me (http://www.santacruzbikes.com/bicycles/roadster.php?sizing=1) as I have a large and am in the middle. The TT is exactly where it should be.

I haven't been fitted but I feel a little awkward going into a bike shop (where I didn't buy a bike, they all know me) and asking for a fitting. I wanted to try to get as much info on the forum and adjust as needed. I literally tried about 8 different heights and a few angles. The most comfortable position is where the saddle should be (heightwise), and almost even with the ground (anglewise). Even that position is horrible.

I read the entire article and tried all variations. It's gotta be the saddle. I bought it used and the seat is supposed to be ok. Maybe it's already broken in? I'll look into those Brooks saddles but I can't seem to find them anywhere. What about the Fizik Aliante?
I'd say for you it is the saddle. Some people have butts of steel and are able to ride virtually any saddle. Others need to find one that fits.

It won't have anything to do with it being second hand. Plastic saddles don't break in.

Brooks saddles can be found at:
Wallingford Bike Parts (http://www.wallbike.com/)
Persons Majestic (http://www.permaco.com/)
Harris Cyclery (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/index.html)

Wallingford bike has a great return policy if you end up not liking the saddle (6 month unconditional).

[QUOTE=CRSO]Well, I rode about 20 miles today (in 100 degree weather) and sure enough, I can't get the seat to be comfortable. I set it straight, tilted slightly down, slightly back. I raised the seat as high as possible and lowered it thereafter with no luck. I tried a lot of adjustments today and my a$$ is just killing me and it prevents me from spinning.[QUOTE]

I have one word to say to you: Recumbent.

[QUOTE=CRSO]Well, I rode about 20 miles today (in 100 degree weather) and sure enough, I can't get the seat to be comfortable. I set it straight, tilted slightly down, slightly back. I raised the seat as high as possible and lowered it thereafter with no luck. I tried a lot of adjustments today and my a$$ is just killing me and it prevents me from spinning.[QUOTE]

I have one word to say to you: Recumbent.

And I have one word to post for you: NO :rolleyes:

Anyway... Stubacca, thanks for the links to the Brooks.

One word of caution with the Brooks. They do need more care and they will hurt initially. Ever worn a new pair of leather boots? Give yourself a hundred hours or so of riding on them to break them in completely. Also pay attention to the care instructions. While I've no doubt they're fine saddles, I find that others work well for me so have never really given much thought into investing in a Brooks saddle.

It's definately not the saddle? Wouldn't there only be one design though? I'm 6' tall and weigh 235. The frame is perfect for me (http://www.santacruzbikes.com/bicycles/roadster.php?sizing=1) as I have a large and am in the middle. The TT is exactly where it should be.

I haven't been fitted but I feel a little awkward going into a bike shop (where I didn't buy a bike, they all know me) and asking for a fitting. I wanted to try to get as much info on the forum and adjust as needed. I literally tried about 8 different heights and a few angles. The most comfortable position is where the saddle should be (heightwise), and almost even with the ground (anglewise).

Your LBS will be happy to take your cash in exchange for a fitting. Mine charges ~$60. I would highly encourage you to explore this route.

-mark

One word of caution with the Brooks. They do need more care and they will hurt initially. Ever worn a new pair of leather boots? Give yourself a hundred hours or so of riding on them to break them in completely. Also pay attention to the care instructions. While I've no doubt they're fine saddles, I find that others work well for me so have never really given much thought into investing in a Brooks saddle.
A hundred hours or so? Have you ever used a Brooks? Both of my Team Pros have been more comfy than any other saddle I've used out of the box, and were pretty much broken in by the 100 mile mark (about 6-7 hours?). Most who use a B17 report virtually no break in period at all.

They might not be for everyone, and some are lucky enough to find other saddles comfortable for long rides. For me, the extra weight, a bit of newspaper if I get it wet, and the annual conditioning is well worth it.

A hundred hours or so? Have you ever used a Brooks? Both of my Team Pros have been more comfy than any other saddle I've used out of the box, and were pretty much broken in by the 100 mile mark (about 6-7 hours?).

Actually I meant miles.

Actually I meant miles.
Ah... that makes more sense!!! :D

They might not be for everyone, and some are lucky enough to find other saddles comfortable for long rides. For me, the extra weight, a bit of newspaper if I get it wet, and the annual conditioning is well worth it.

Like I said, I'm not knocking Brooks but I also don't think they're the silver bullet to everyone's saddle problems either. Then again, one of the most comfortable saddles I've sat on lately was one of those minimalistic Selle Italias with barely any cover or padding at all.

I like my Aliante', and have one on my road and mtb bikes. My husband likes the Terry Fly. It's just what works for you.

Like I said, I'm not knocking Brooks but I also don't think they're the silver bullet to everyone's saddle problems either. Then again, one of the most comfortable saddles I've sat on lately was one of those minimalistic Selle Italias with barely any cover or padding at all.
Agreed. I don't think that there really is such a thing as a silver bullet for solving saddle issues. No saddle will work for every person out there...

For those sick of spending money on saddles that never seem to fit, the Brooks is worth a try. That's how I came to try one. I don't have them on all my bikes, and have found a couple of other saddles that work for me. They are the best long-distance saddle I've found. Plus I think they look kinda cool, in a retro sort of way.... :D

Yup, it's a Republican plot to keep Democratic road riders, like Kerry, from reproducing. You'll notice that Bush uses a mountain bike and doesn't stay in the saddle particularly well at that.

So should I go to a bike shop and have my a$$ sized? Is there such a thing or does everyones rear window get used to a saddle?

Also, I've read excellent reviews on the Fizik Alliante. Any opinions?

if you were comfy on your mtb why not just bring that saddle over on the road bike?

if you were comfy on your mtb why not just bring that saddle over on the road bike?

I was thinking of just taking the seat off and sitting on the post. The feeling must be the same. ;)

I'd use my MTB seat as a temporary solution but it's a DH Azonic Love Seat. It's rather huge.

I was thinking of just taking the seat off and sitting on the post. The feeling must be the same. ;)

.http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/751/8mouse.gif
Ummm OK far be it for me to judge.... just use a lot of lube

EDIT: I could have gone further but decided it was just too easy.

I was thinking of just taking the seat off and sitting on the post. The feeling must be the same. ;)

I'd use my MTB seat as a temporary solution but it's a DH Azonic Love Seat. It's rather huge.

It may or may not feel the same. Remember that your position on the bike is different. Although the profile will probably work, you might need to play with positioning and tilt to accomodate the road riding position.

Never understood that, why is it called a "saddle" when if in fact a seat post is truly a seat post then shouldn't a "seat" be mounted to it? so then why isn't it a saddle post if a seat is in fact a "saddle"?


Seats are wider and meant to hold as much of your weight as possible...thinkn beach cruiser, or those old bananna seat bikes. Saddles are only menat to hold part of your weight, much like a horse saddle, where part of your weight is on the saddle, and the rest is on the stirrups. Since bikes don't have stirrups, your pedals take it's place as the holder of the remaining weight. Seatpost is jsut a carryover from the days when seats were the commodity.

First off- You are wearing bike shorts with a good pad and no seams in the crotch aren't you?

My suggestion is to get a hard saddle of the appropriate width(fits your sits bones and doesn't rub). Ride it a ton to become a hard a$$. Learn to shift position on long rides to improve circulation. A large part of comfort is riding smoothly. My guess is that, since most of your chamois time is on a big downhill couch, you're just not used to road riding or seats. I have 7 or 8 seats in the garage. Three I ride regularly and five I consider exceptably comfortable. For long distance I'll either ride a Brooks B17 or a Sella XO.

I like the Sella Italia for training and racing. Because of it's hardness I can slide around easily on it and ride in multiple positions comfortably. If I'm hammering this is the saddle I want. Just did a very hilly century on it without too much pain. I like the Brooks for more relaxed riding. I find it really only has one comfortable position though and the soft saddle center and hard nose make extended hammering uncomfortable

-s

My suggestion is to get a hard saddle of the appropriate width(fits your sits bones and doesn't rub). Ride it a ton to become a hard a$$.
-s

Well he already has the first part down, because the ERA is the real man's saddle with a cover. :roflmao:

Philli

All butts are not created equal. The link Raiyn gave has a more detailed description, but essentially a saddle needs to fit your sit bones (the bones your body rests on if you sit on a flat, hard surface like a coffee table). Plastic based saddles will never adjust to fit your sit bones - they're either the right width and shape or they're not. Leather saddles e.g. Brooks break in so that they fit your sit bones perfectly.

It really isn't uncommon to throw away the stock saddle on a bike... many of us on the forums have a box full of OEM saddles in the corner of our garages! Odds are you'll need to change the saddle. Your two options are to go to the LBS and try to find a saddle that fits your sit bones, or buy yourself a Brooks and never be worried about having a sore butt again... :D

I've been hearing this "Brooks" argument a lot, but does the Brooks saddle address the issue of wider Sit bones? I'm pretty sure most of my problems are because my saddle is not wide enough.

Have you gone to your doctor to have the prostrate checked? Just a thought, but a friend of my brother has that problem and he has difficulty riding a bike.

perhaps we don't want to confuse infertility with protatitis. in the last 9 years i've put on over 30,000 and have had 3 boys right on our schedule.
i don't think there has ever been a link to infertility and cycling.

I WISH it caused infertility!

18, 16, 13, 10 and Number five was due two days ago (which is why I didn't commute to work today).

Way too many kids.

I WISH it caused infertility!

18, 16, 13, 10 and Number five was due two days ago (which is why I didn't commute to work today).

Way too many kids.


I was just gonna ask about this, but I guess the infertility thing is just an old wives tale. I've been back into riding for about five years now and we've had one kid in that time(@7 months old) and going for number two in the next year or so.

So where does this infertility thing come from then? Is it just an anti-bike thing?
Sorry if this is a thread jack, kinda curious about this.

Also, Joat, congrats on the new kid!

Also, Joat, congrats on the new kid!

Thanks... :)

The wife and I are still in shock

Couple of things...

1. Don't be a cheap bast%$%$, go get a proper fitting! Most any bike shop will be happy to help you for a fee.

2. Have you tried pointing the saddle slightly up? The theory here is that it puts your weight to the back part of the saddle. Many, like me, prefer this position.

3. Brooks has many advocates, but my sense is that it's not necessarily for the novice.


Good luck!