KenColton

I'm 5'9 and weigh in about 300lbs. I haven't ridden a bicycle since about 1987 when I weighed about 175.

Last week, after visiting a few bike shops and trying out a few bikes, I bought an Electra Townie. I would have preferred to go right to a hybrid, but the ones I tried did not fit my gut very well. And having not ridden a bike in over twenty years, I really liked being able to just put my feet right on the ground when I needed to slow down or balance. If I lose 50-75lbs this year, I may buy a hybrid or road bike next year.

So this morning I took it out for a brief ride of about 15-20 minutes (enough to start getting used to riding a bike again). However more often than I am comfortable with, I felt my nuts grinding together. Not frequently, but a few times that is giving me the heeby-jeebys that I'm going to sit or move wrong, or ride over a bump, and get (painfully) injured.

I really don't remember this being much of an issue when I used to ride when I was a kid, or maybe I ignored it. When I bought the bike, the dealer put the seat at an angle so I fit a little better into it. It may also be a factor of my weight (considering my thighs are a lot larger now than when I was 17).

So I'm wondering if there's any suggestions others have found to help resolve this (clothing, saddle angle, saddle design, height, etc). Or is this something that is common and I just forgot about from when I was younger.

Cfiber

Wear a jock strap!

Erwin8r

The saddle should not be at much of angle--I'd start there. Try to get it as flat as possible, then maybe shift it a degree or two. The rest is more of an acquired tolerance--the saddle will never be as comfy as a couch, but it should get to where you're feeling it mostly just on your sit bones (your glutes, more or less). Can you post a pic of the saddle/bike?

tjax

Two words. NYLON UNDERWEAR. It keeps the jewels from kicking around. That goes for ANY sport. I don't know much about biking but i know that much lol.

Push

Seat adjustment I would say, Like Erwin8r said, start off with the seat flat and adjust from there, its not going to be the most comfortable thing in the world as you get use to sitting on the saddle again but the more you ride the less it will hurt though I have never "felt my nuts grind together" on a bike. I would say saddle angle and position is playing a strong roll in the discomfort.

Wooden Tiger

I most definitely have a problem with the table and chairs shifting. I found that by wearing underwear with short "legs," things tend to "stay put." Then, I just either wear the requisite cycling shorts when roading or a padded liner under a pair of shorts when MTBing.

...And don't cheap out on cycling shorts. Cheap cycling shorts are useless and cycling shorts are one of those few items where you get what you pay for.

Good luck with keeping your furniture well protected.

cplager

Hi,

With a crank forward bike, I would think this would be less of a problem than a regular hybrid. I agree with the advice given above and I'll add, go back to the bike store and have them give your setup a look over.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Cheers,
Charles

AWB

Another vote for cycling shorts, keeps everything where it should be.

Bethany

The Townies are great bikes. Being a girl, I'm not sure what the best option is but for sure buy a decent pair of cycling shorts w/chamois. I have a pair of liner shorts that fits under regular clothing for rides. I didn't think I needed cycling clothing until everything started getting really tender and it doesn't take much. The right fit and padding makes a huge difference. Since your Townie seat is really wide and deep make sure you sit on your bones to alleviate pressure. I rode my hubby's a few times and the biggest issue is sinking into the seat causing pressure where you don't want it.

donalson

I love the townies... got one for my wife a few months ago and I love taking it to pick up the mail... just super comfy bikes... I wish I could justify one for myself for just riding around the neighborhood with my kids n stuff.

the one thing I have notices though is at our weight the saddle tends to lean back a bit because of the elastomer suspension they put on it so the saddle ends up a bit nose up... compensate a little bit for that until it feels right.

as for the other issue... I can't say that i've notice that problem... cycling shorts would take care of that (ware them under some baggies) but i'd start with some tightie-whites first if you think it's a real issue.

Chitown_Mike

If you got manly thighs, like me:



NUFF SAID.

I use it every ride other than my 5 mile commute. Slap a glob on your man "udders", your thighs, and your taint/gooch/perineum. Greased lightning bay-baby!



Oh and cycling shorts.

bassjones

you shouldn't be wearing underwear under cycling shorts

Tel0004

I know us big guys made not want to wear cycling shorts, but they help a ton. You can buy some mountain bike shorts which are baggy if you don't want to wear tight road shorts.

Shakeyone

Im sorry but I have to buck the cycle short advice. Normally I wont argue, but the chamois will make it harder to feel the problem. Most likely the seat is ill-shapen for your body my guess too wide and too padded already and like others said angle and height. Worry about about shorts after your blessed with a saddle sore or two and riding over an hour in the saddle, by that time you most likely got your N+1 bike and its time to get shorts. While your townie is good for the casual ride with the wife or kids I dont think its a bike where you will see a lot of excessive sweating down below and chaffing (i could be wrong). If you agree with anything i said please fix problem before getting shorts, and when you get shorts remember you get what you pay for, not a good item to cheap out on.

donalson

for those that done know... this is the type of bike he's rolling on...



it's a super "sit up and beg" riding position... all the weight is on the very wide saddle.

Bethany

With the wide and deep saddle, you may be sinking in.

Wooden Tiger

I wear long shirts.

No way in god's green hell am I gonna go commando-style; talk about chaffing and irritation! I learned that lesson the FIRST time!

MRT2

And if you can't find those locally, wear road shorts with a pair of gym shorts over. Eventually, you will get used to the idea and just go with function and comfort.

MattFoley

Then you're doin' it wrong...

donalson

thats exactly what happens every time I get back to riding... I got my first pair of riding shorts when I was 17 or so... I wore shorts over them until one day in the middle of summer in FL it was just too hot (high 90's)... tossed the shorts back in the house and went for a ride...

it was just this last year that I went to one of the wicking shirts instead of one of my normal t-shirts... I wish i'd done that years ago

Shakeyone

Have to love regular non-wicking t-shirts sawing off the tips of your nipples till you break out some tape or bandaids!

Wooden Tiger

I enjoy pissing off the "pro" roadies by wearing basketball shorts and a moisture-wicking shirt from Target, plus the requisite gloves, helmet, and eye wear. I always get ignored or sneered at when I nod my head or extend a "hello." If I go out in the requisite cycling shorts and a "biking" shirt, I get a totally different reaction.

Chitown_Mike

Very true. My morning rides are on my roadie with lycra shorts and my jersey, then an hour later for my commute it is my jersey or some other wicking shorts, my cycling briefs under a pair of gym shorts and on a MTB. Kinda sad since I extend the same hello's to everyone no matter the time or what I ride.

cplager

I ride a funny bike and the legend goes that I should be ignored by almost everybody. But I wave to pretty much everybody and find that they almost all acknowledge me back. Admittedly, I'll sometimes get a "Hey, don't fall asleep" or "How's the weather down there"...

donalson

just looking over your blog... thats a neat conversion kit... has me browsing CL for some older bikes lol... haven't seen many recumbent around here but always wondered what it would be like to ride one