recumelectric

The beach cruiser is about 7 years old, and I've been getting sore butt for the past year or two. Today, I went out for a pleasure ride and found my way to a bike shop (surprise! ). I ended up getting a suspension seatpost and a new saddle. I even got my sitbones measured, and they were as wide as I thought they were. (Hence, my deep appreciation for cruisers and bents.)

I can definitely feel the difference with the suspension, even though the bike shop guys told me that the seatpost was designed for people much heavier than me. I could feel the little bumps, but they are no longer pounding and vibrating.

I'm still questioning the seat, however. I was advised to actually go with something narrower than I've had--due to potential for leg chafing. Since I've never had leg chafing in all these years with the wide seat, I chose one of equal size, but with a lot more cushion and the nice tailbone space in the middle. On the way home (3 1/2 miles), I kept having to move around. I had a choice of sore butt, numb crotch, or chafed legs, so I alternated between positions.

There is no way to tip this seat in any direction. Should I try to "break it in" or should I go back and get the skinnier gel seat that was recommended?

Schwinnsta

I would advise getting a used older style cruiser seat and ditching the spring post. I have been riding cruisers since the 50's and the seat design has changed. I don't know of any new ones that would be comfortable for me. The new ones have too much padding. Older ones had little padding and were leather on a steel plate. Shape was everything, not cushioning.



Here is a picture of the one on my wasp

The last OK ones were made up to the 80's. I can get you one or you can find them used, generally, on ebay. I have not seen any decent ones since. For a while I had an aluminum Schwinn build in the last ten years and the saddle it came with sucked. And the ones at the store that were available also were bad.

baldsue

I'm a Spiderflex seat advocate. I love them and have three. They're wide enough for the widest hips. Never had an ache with them. If I hadn't found out about them and gotten one, I never would have turned out to be the bike fiend I am. They have a bit of suspension in the back. No sore butt, numb crotch, or chafed legs. And I think they're worth every penny of their cost.

If I were you, I'd return the seat to the LBS and order a Spiderflex. I think our bums are very close to the same age, maybe yours would appreciate what mine appreciates.

BA Commuter

As you know, everyone's arse is a little butt different. What's comfortable to one may not work for another. However, if they allow you to return it after it's slightly used, give it a little more time.

My butt is a Brooks believer. I would put a B67 on your ride and never look back!

stevel610 

Generally speaking large soft saddles are not comfortable for more than a short ride. The Brooks Line as posted above has some really nice saddles. Some take a little time to break-in, but many people ride from day 1 with no problem at all.

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html Good information on choosing a saddle.
https://sheldonbrown.com/harris/saddles/springs.html Article about sprung saddles.
https://www.wallbike.com/Brookssaddles.html Has return policy if you don't like it.

Good Luck

baldsue

I've been using a Brooks B67S on my trainer bike. So far I like it. I still like the Spiderflex better but once I wear the B67S in, I could see myself liking it just as much. I ordered my Brooks from Wallbike because of their return policy.

frankenmike 

Finding a comfortable saddle (i.e. one that fits your unique anatomy)takes time and/or luck. Try as many as you can and hope for the best.

Allen

B33 most comfortable saddle I own


B135 Cadillac ride (he meant lexus, but he don't know)


B67 Third most comfortable saddle I have and still decadently comfortable

https://thebicycleshopsantacruz.com/m...es/brooks.html
^^^
Best listing of Brooks side by side images I've run across.

Schwinnsta

I like Brooks saddles too. I have B17 on my touring bike, and a B66 on a 3-speed, but for a cruiser I am not too sure. Did they ever make one for a cruiser? I would go with a cruiser specific saddle. I would also go for an older used one say from ebay. Look at pictures of cruisers from 30's thru 50's that was there golden age. Make sure it has the three spring design.

Allen

B73