Hybrid Bicycles - Pain in the "ass" (arse)

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Doug.
03-22-11, 04:16 AM
Hello.
Please can some one offer advise re. saddles.
I am cycling a lot more these days and have built a carbon frame Hybrid type cycle.
Whilst I am truly delighted with the cycle I find that after a 40 mile ride my back side is very sore, also discomfort between my top thighs,just under the groin.
The saddle I am using is not of the good quality(it feels reasonably soft to compress) but I intend to replace it.......
should I buy a softer saddle or a harder one ?
I have tried gel saddles and they don't seem to make any difference.
I am a male 6ft. and 2 ins tall and weigh 200 lb.
Most of my riding is for the leisure and comfort is most important.
I shall be most grateful for advise and even a recommendation of a saddle manufacturer.

Thank you

Doug.

HandsomeRyan
03-22-11, 06:22 AM
Can you tell what is causing the soreness? Friction, pressure, seams of clothing rubbing, etc.?

Most long distance cyclists prefer a harder saddle (such as the Brooks B-17) but this is a very personal thing and the saddle that I feel is perfect may be a torture rack for you due to differences in the width of our sit bones and riding position on the bike.
giantcfr1
03-22-11, 08:44 AM
Doug I can't offer much, but maybe you can visit your local trek dealer there. I was at our local trek shop and they have a bontrager guage which you sit on to help find the correct fit for your saddle / sit bones.
Also, are you wearing cycle specific shorts / knicks ? ie. padded.If not and you are doing 40 miles, maybe they are essential.

ddimick
03-22-11, 09:05 AM
It may help to tilt the nose of your seat up slightly, just a degree or so. I know this sounds counter-intuitive, but what this should do is put more pressure on your sit bones, which will reduce the pressure on your groin area.

See this article by Sheldon Brown (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html), oracle of all cycling knowledge. RIP.
jbchybridrider
03-22-11, 09:43 AM
I have found over a longer distance its best to have a lightly padded firmer saddle because with a soft saddle even with thicker padding it might be comfortable for a short distance but then it just compresses down to nothing and is actually harder that a firmer saddle and hurts a lot more.
creativepart
03-22-11, 01:31 PM
I'm surprised nobody has told you to take 20 miles off of your ride.

I kid, I kid.

Good luck finding a new saddle.
qmsdc15
03-22-11, 05:10 PM
Personally I find a plush, well padded saddle to be much more comfortable than a hard one, but it seems I'm unusual in this regard. Because I'm a serious cyclist, I can't use a comfy saddle. :(
Doug.
03-23-11, 02:00 AM
I'm surprised nobody has told you to take 20 miles off of your ride.

I kid, I kid.

Good luck finding a new saddle.

I appreciate your humour.

Best Wishes

Doug. (The pain in the ass)
Doug.
03-23-11, 02:00 AM
Thank you all for the replies.
Yours
Doug.
Sixty Fiver
03-23-11, 02:04 AM
Personally I find a plush, well padded saddle to be much more comfortable than a hard one, but it seems I'm unusual in this regard. Because I'm a serious cyclist, I can't use a comfy saddle. :(

You are unusual... and also have weird tastes in saddles.

As for the Op... the soreness may just stem from the whole "riding more these days" and the saddle might actually be okay.