TheBlackPumpkin

As some of you already know, I very recently started biking. My issue at the moment is how uncomfortable the seat is, i feel like I have to get off the bike every minute just to stay out of agony. I know a partial fix for this is a different saddle. Would Biking shorts with Chamois padding be a huge help? Does anyone even make them for my size? (3x-4x is what I wear in regular shorts if that helps)

dksix

Yes, padded shorts is a HUGE difference and I'm new to biking, I instantly saw about 1.5 hours longer before any butt pain started and that got longer as I rode and toughened up more.

ajbeck21

Invest in a Brooks Saddle and be done with it...

dim

no need to buy a new saddle .... just ride more and you will get used to it .... I had the very same problem when I started

but make sure that your bike is set up properly .... use this calculator:

Bike Fit Calculator | Find Your Bike Size | Competitive Cyclist

jsigone

buy padded shorts, wear them under baggy shorts if you must but wear them.

dagray

I like the cycling bib shorts with chamois padding. Also make sure your bike is fit to you as a proper bike fit will reduce soreness in most areas as well as improve your performance.

customsound79

Padded shorts are worse on me. I just tossed mine. For me it creates new pressure points and chaffing points. I have a hole the length of my seat and it was chaffing right where the hole is. ?!?!?!? So I ditched the padded shorts and no more issues. The saddle will make a big difference. I'm sending it Priority so you will get it soon. Gotta keep that momentum. But you will eventually want to suffer a smaller seat for a while to get used to it.

arex

+1

dr_lha

Sounds like you had the wrong shorts to me.

Drew Eckhardt 

Yes they are. Most of my modern diaper shorts are less comfortable after 2 hours than my more traditional shorts (Boure PRO shorts use a flat synthetic leather chamois) are approaching 12 hours.

The chamois is there to prevent chafing (the short sticks to the seat, the chamois sticks to you, and movement between the two is possible without rubbing you raw) and wick sweat.

Thick (12mm is typical) padding is usually more of a marketing addition.

The over-all construction won't have you sitting on seams or bunched up fabric which can make you uncomfortable or worse. I stopped riding in regular shorts with underwear when I was bleeding after a ride.

TheBlackPumpkin

Any manufacturers of Chamois pants you guys would recommend? Preferably inexpensive, but i'll look into higher end if they arent too crazy.

MRT2

Good shorts can make a lot of difference, as can a better saddle. What is better really is a matte of personal preference. I switched to a Brooks B17 Standard a few years ago and really like it. I tried the Brooks C 17 and found it to be just OK, but not as comfortable as the B17.

TheBlackPumpkin

Yeah thanks a lot for that again man, I was mostly inquiring to see if Padded shorts would make much of a difference on top of that, i'll obviously wait and see if the saddle is enough first though =)

Drew Eckhardt 

You need a not-too-wide saddle so it doesn't rub on your thighs when you pedal.

Astride a saddle your weight is supported by your ischial tuberosities. When the padding is too soft the part beneath your ischial tuberosities gets thinner until bearing your weight, the rest of it doesn't, and you have pressure on your soft tissues which can cause groin pain and other problems.



The specific firm not-wide saddle and its required orientation varies with individual physiology.

Cut-outs and shape are more important when you have excess fat to compress things.

You may need to experiment.

MRT2

It is a matter of personal preference, and finding some that fit. I rotate between 4 pair. Gore in XXL, Specialized in XXL, Pace in XXL, and Nashbar in XL. The Nashbar was the cheapest, the Gore the most expensive. Expect to pay between $50 and $100 for good shorts, depending on the discount you can find. You can get cheaper, but you basically get what you pay for.

Drew Eckhardt 

Boure PRO shorts. $100. They use a flat synthetic leather chamois which won't compress beneath your sitbones and put pressure on your soft tissues with the rest. They only go to XXL, although for 20% more Boure will do custom work.

Voler Black Label shorts. $120. They have padding totaling 12mm thick, but it's 120kg/m^3 density beneath your sitbones, there's less elsewhere, and you'll probably be comfortable for at least a few hours. They're the only modern short I'd wear for over two hours. Voler's 2016 Prestige uses a pad made by the same company (Elastic Interface Technology, like Assos and Rapha) and doesn't claim to have a compression fit but I've yet to try them. Voler makes men's clothing up to 3XL.

Both are available as shorts or bibs (+ $20ish) with builtin suspenders. With waist larger than your hips you may be happier with bibs because with that shape cycling short waistbands tend to roll down as you ride.

Direct sales only. Guaranteed (Voler even provides a label for free return shipping) even after you ride them. Made in America.

Compare your measurements to the size charts on their web sites. Lettered sizes vary - XL at one company could be L or XXL at another.

dksix

@Drew Eckhardt

I think I'm going to try a pair of the shorts that have a chamois. I've only used the China gel padded shorts/pants and I am happy with them. I have ridden 4+ hours and have no pain (some discomfort) now. They aren't at the top of the list, as I'm still finishing up my new (to me) CF road bike but when I've got it finished I'm going to invest in a pair of high end shorts.

TheBlackPumpkin

Does the "weight" indication matter on the Voler website under sizing? I'd assume it does if they list it, but I would think if it fits your measurements you'd be fine?

BigMo59

Suggestions are going to be all over the map on this but I bought from amazon some Aero Tech Design shorts that I've found to be ok. I use them if I'm going over 20m but don't use them for short rides. I've got a B17 saddle and I really like it but at first I had some issues with it until I got it adjusted right and broken in (somewhere between 700 to 1000 miles). I started riding at 350 and down to 230 now but the 3x bike shorts still work for me. I also have calluses on my a** from riding 3500 miles last year. Just find what works and go for it! I also tried some of the big squishy saddles but they don't really help that much in the long run. Ride Ride Ride! You'll find what works.

customsound79

Could be, but when you are 5XL the options are, well, Aero was the only option.

Drew Eckhardt 

Not for me as a recovering Clydestale currently at the bottom of the measurement range in my size. Race-fit has plenty of room for me although I'm 15% over the listed upper weight. Race-fit jerseys are about half a size bigger than Louis Garneau's standard fit made for the same measurements (where Voler's intended sizes are labeled one smaller - ex L is made for the same measurements as LG XL). Club-fit is big.

The Forza fabric shorts might be an issue if your hips are disproportionately larger than your waist - it's made for a compression fit and could get uncomfortable with too much extra there.

fietsbob

I Wash that part with Surgeons scrub. the skin Bacteria Make carbuncles when they Infect the Pores ..

late

If you sit bolt upright, straight up, then try a B67. You will want a wider saddle than a B17.

Hard to tell without a pic. When you start bending over, you will need a narrower saddle.

As far as shorts go, I agree with the guy that was talking about Boure. They do custom. Aero Tech is also good. If you sit straight up and get a Brooks, go with the Aero Tech.(cheaper) You might even be able to wear regular pants.

billmc40

I am 306 pounds wearing specialized RBX/PRO made in the USA. the china made wont fit. Look locally for Canari, cheap, what I started with. Get to know your local LBS. Information there is worth the dollars. I went thru this for better then a year,[there was another problem]. Chaff was always righ side, I got pissed at the saddle loosened it up moved maybe a 1/32 on an inch, all better now. I have been told loose shorts are no good.
BillMc

VCSL2015

Yup. Prevent roll down, buy a bib.