So, upgrade saddle or wardrobe?
 

The saddle that came stock on my bike is a "Velo Comfort" according to http://klassickona.com/oldgold/2006/smoke.htm. I currently wear some cheap compression shorts as a base, with either some canvas shorts, gym shorts, or track pants. I ride ~10 miles one way on work days, using a mix of streets and paved MUP.

After one particular day fighting the ever present headwind, I was sore down there. My bits were bobbing a little too much, and my rump felt like someone took a tenderizer to it.

So, now I thinking that maybe I need to tweak either the saddle or what I wear. I'd prefer the wardrobe (as some of my clothes that were snug before ain't so snug now), but will consider going to either baggy mtb shorts or base layer- though, ideally I would want to wear it all day.*


*Currently only ride part of the way home, I don't ride into work.

Interesting that you were only sore when battling the headwind. Its possible that you are sore because you were working harder compared to when there is no headwind.

How long have you had the saddle? If it's been a comfortable ride up till the day of the headwind your clothes might have been the problem, especially if things were bobbing around and chafing.

The saddle is stock. Came on a '06 Kona Smoke bought new off the LBS floor in '08. Just started riding halfway seriously this past Summer for a couple of weeks. Been riding practically daily (commuting, no rec rides) for a month now.

IIRC, it was actually poor positioning on my part. I was too far forward, basically on the nose.

I was gonna ask if you were doing that. To have a little less wind resistance, right? This is why race bikes have narrow noses - people ride in the drops and lean forward into the saddle. Especially to fight head winds. It's really not bad form on your part at all.

A lot of good bike shops have demo saddles. Before I got mine, I tried three others, and I tried this one for a week and a half before I bought. See if yours does, or accepts returns ... then see if a better saddle helps you or not.

From online pics it looks like one of those soft, squishy, beach cruiser types of saddles... If this is the case, that's probably your problem. Those types of saddles let your 'sit bones' sink into the padding and then your tender parts are rubbing against the saddle surface, which is causing your pain. A more firm saddle might not seem like it'd be as comfy, but because you're supported by your sit bones instead of soft flesh, they are more comfortable.

How can I be the first to recommend a Brooks saddle?!? Get one and ride in whatever clothes you want.

Were you sweaty when that happened? You're more likely to get sores and chaffing if your clothes are wet. Perhaps, decent wicking MTB biking shorts with padding would help? Not to say a better saddle won't help, but it could be both. Also, positioning of the saddle is important.

New to commuter/daily riding myself. Only been riding daily for about 2 months. Recently did a seat upgrade myself and it made a huge difference in my comfort. BHOP is right, its a bit counter-intuitive but a stiffer seat is more comfortable for me.

Bought the WTB Silverado Pro from a LBS for $89. Very pleased with comfort and quality. I bought a white saddle, its synthetic material so cleans easy.

I also purchased a pair of bicycle specific undershorts, this was also a very nice addition for the longer 10mile + rides.

If you were comfortable before and then after a headwind you had some sore spots I wouldn't start tweaking just yet. Try to give your body time to adapt if headwinds will be a constant.

I'm a big fan of WTB saddles :D

My favorite LBS is a "Terry Test Center"- 30 day exchange window, no questions asked. I should know in less than 10 days with the miles I'm putting on.

Ah, you are the winnah!

Yeah, I was a sweatin' a bit that day (today too, with the same results :(). Had winds 20-30 mph out of the NNW, my route takes me W(just)S(of)W. Not a full blown head wind, but cross and quartering at those velocities sure made it feel like a head wind.

Those cheap compression shorts are exactly that...cheap. After so many laundry cycles, I've noticed that they aren't as "clingy", and apparently, they are losing their ability to wick as well. I guess they are more fly-less boxer briefs now :notamused:.

On my Windsor I have the SL Turbo Style Racing saddle, it is pretty comfortable I gotta admit. Soon I am gonna get my Brooks B17 though