Originally Posted by
Cyclebum
You didn't mention if this was a pain free ride or if you just toughed it out.
It is a mystery to me that many touring cyclist apparently are not too bothered with butt and saddle issues, while many more are. I do know that nobody can sit in one place on anything for long without moving, especially when most of their weight is supported on a very small, hard surface. Capillary blood flow is cut off and this causes pain. Moving back and forth from upright to a more prone riding position helps. Standing helps.
Butt lube prevents chafing issues and saddle sores. It does nothing for generalized pain.
In 2003, when I started cycling long distances, I tried a lot of the various butt cream suggestions and made a discovery. They made matters worse. And the more of the various creams I used, the worse the situation got. Basically, they clogged my pores which caused me to break out, and they became a sticky mess which caused my shorts to stick to me in a very uncomfortable way causing chafing.
Now I only use a teeny-tiny dab of a cream to add a very thin layer of protection to the skin on long rides if it is a very hot day and I know I'm going to sweat a lot, or if I know I'm going to be riding in the rain. If the ride is going to be shorter than 100 km, and a cool or moderate temperature, I don't use any butt creams at all.
I've ridden 125,971 km with only one saddle sore ... and I know exactly what caused that one: rain, gel saddle, loose shorts = friction.
As for general comfort ... since I got the Brooks back in 2004 I have had next to no butt pain when I ride ... and I sit a lot when I ride. I'm not inclined to stand. In fact, the last time I stood on a ride was probably in 2007 because I changed my pedals in 2007 making it very difficult to stand. I do shift slightly on the saddle now and then, but that's about it.