RLTW

let me start by saying that I understand this topic can vary greatly depending on the individual. With that being said I bought the wife a Specialized Vita about a week ago. After that we went on a leisurely ride of about 8 miles and she was sore for 3 or 4 days to the point of not being able to ride really at all. She has no real experience riding and her first response was that she wanted one of those big cushy saddles. I of course said not happening off of one ride. But with that level of soreness do you think that is something she could get used to or should we start trying new saddles? We were riding on a fairly nice paved road too if that makes any difference

Wanderer

Find a dealer who will let you (her) try different saddles, until you find "the one!"

DorkDisk

I can highly recommend Georgina Terry and her line of saddles. She was one of the first to offer women specific designs, and theyre still one of the best. Terry - Women's Cycling Clothing, Women's Bikes, Saddles, Bicycling Apparel, Jerseys, Shorts & Skorts

Monstermash

First off, your Specialized dealer should have a fit specialist in house and I would start by having her sit bone width measured. If she's not on the correct size saddle it will be hard for her to be comfortable.

A few other things to consider....

Is she wearing bicycle specific shorts with a chamois? Having a little padding will make a HUGE difference in comfort especially with a new rider.

Is her saddle height and fore and aft set properly? Depending on where she is sore it could be from the saddle position being improperly set.

So before you get dozens of responses suggesting what saddle each rider likes, make sure she is properly fit. An improperly fit bike can mean the difference between having a great day out riding and feeling like you're being tortured.

intransit1217

Since we're here, I'm double checking my knowledge about this. I measure 132mm-ish between tuberosities. Something I read says take that and add 25-30 mm and that's the saddle width.

Seems correct when I measure my current saddles, IF, the total number is total width of saddle. Which puts my bones just outside of center of the seat pads. This seems to me, just a hair too narrow, and I'm getting pain in the tailbone muscles again.

NOTE: the stem did change recently. 17x90 old 30x80 new. Which I like better because it takes me off of stiff arming the bars. But it also rolls me backwards a bit.

Kinda frustrated here. Without this pain, I can go longer. By hours, I'd bet

lopek77

First ride after a long break will be always either uncomfortable or even painful to some extend. Big soft saddles seems to be the best idea at first, but they don't work well in a long run, unless it's a comfort bike.
Check your local bike shop if they offer demo saddles to try out. Also don't be shy to try harder saddles...some may be way more comfortable for her than any of a comfortable ones for her fingers at the store

Beth W

What kind of saddle did the Vita come with? That'd help us steer her toward something more appropriate. When I was test-riding bikes, I found the Specialized "body geometry" saddle that came with my Crossroads to be very comfy. It's about 180mm. I tried a couple others with Brooks-like saddles, very hard, and was sore for many days after, even on a short 1-mile ride. But others are right, the first ride in a long while will also leave you sore. Even for four days.

Monstermash

YEs, this is correct.... kinda. There are a few exceptions such as a Specialized Romin saddle. The curvature/shape of the saddle makes it necessary to jump to the next size up. I normally ride a 143mm but in the Romin I fit on a 155mm.

kingston 

If I could get my wife interested in cycling, and 8 miles was all she was up for, I would get her the cushiest gel covered saddle I could find. Then someday, if/when we were routinely going for rides of 30 miles or more, I would start looking for something more appropriate for long distance rides. But for a leisurely paced hour or less in the saddle, I think cushier is better.

JehD

If you want her to ride with you ever again....Then find her whatever seat she wants.



I bought my wife 3-4 bikes (and then sold them) until I found her a Diamondback Cruiser with a springer fork and a seat like that. Granted we dont ride all that far together as top speed on her cruiser and my Electra is about 7-8 mph but we do ride together.

I had the standard saddles on my Roadbike, Mt Bike and Hybrid. I road with friends or by myself.

Calder Benson

What is the downside to these spring fork seats? There not for everybody, I'm guessing they feel like a suspension somewhat.

MAK

As people responded above, bike shorts and test rides are your best bet. Also remember that if she is new to riding, soreness is inevitable regardless of the saddle although four days is a bit extreme. I've not used a saddle with springs in fifty years but I have used a sprung seat post and disliked the ride. I have heard that soft cushy seats actually cause more problems because when you sink down, it causes additional pressure. Do a search and much has been written regarding plush seats.

ColonelSanders

For downsides, I think pretty much only extra weight.

Calder Benson

Thanks Colonel.

ColonelSanders

Actually I should add, some people apparently find that too wide a saddle can lead to it rubbing on the thighs and causing chafing.

That has never been my experience, but maybe that is down to my pedal stroke being awry or something.

yashinon

Saddle for $5.99:

https://www.westernbikeworks.com/pro...ic-road-saddle

NO affiliation with seller!