Originally Posted by
mlwarriner
and see, part of my problem now is that i just can't make myself stay on the bike more than about 30 minutes. i don't know if it's a bad seat-to-butt fit, or if i'm just that un-used to sitting on something that narrow (my office chair is nice and cushy
)
if the feel of things doesn't improve, at what point should i give up on the seat and go get a new one? and will my LBS let me test-ride them?
i'm sure there's a ton of threads on here about choosing the right seat, so i won't ask.
You can't stay on ANY bike for more than about 30 minutes ... or are you talking about indoor bicycles (your trainer, a stat bike, etc.)?
If you're talking about your usual outdoor bicycle, and if the problem is saddle pain ..... go get a better saddle right now. NOW is the time! The only type of saddle that requires a break-in period are solid leather saddles like Brooks saddles (which, incidentally, IMO, are the best saddles). If you're not ready to go Brooks yet, go to your LBS and start test riding saddles. A good LBS should give you at least a week to ride a saddle before you make your decision.
While you're there, get them to set your bicycle up properly for you. It might not be a saddle issue, it might be a setup issue.