I'm 57,210 lbs with the minor problems related to age. My goal is to expand my riding time and be comfortable as possible. I've been cycling quite a bit for several years now. My question is...do I continue to seek that"great seat" (such as a Brooks) or would it be wiser to go the chamois route. I like the convenience of just getting on the bike to ride and not "suiting up" however I'd be willing to change if it was worth it. What do you think? Thanks...

You are talking about apples and oranges here - well, not really - seats and chamois.

But, they serve two different purposes. A chamois is primarily designed for absorbing moisture. A seat is for your "sit bones" to rest - ischeal tuberosities.

A chamois will not take the place of a good seat, which will likely be comfortable even without the chamois.

So, sorry to tell you this - but you need BOTH. A good saddle and a good chamois. And, a good saddle is not necessarily soft, but instead should provide the support, width and shape appropriae to your butt.

For starters go to an LBS and have them measure you with their ass-o-meter - true.. Then try out some appropriately sized seats and get some good quality shorts - or better yet, bibs, which MANY of us 50+ types wear.

Hope this helps.

Brooks is a good start, but not everyone loves them.

Are you having problems with your current saddle>

Seat or Shorts?

You should use both, I think!



But seriously short of going the recumbent route, what Dnvr said.

There is no substitute for a great saddle which fits you well and a pair of padded cycling shorts. I strongly favor expedition shorts, which are essentially walk shorts with cycling shorts sewn inside, for utilitarian cycling, shopping, etc.

+1 on previous comments. You need both seat and shorts. Even then you may need to do a bunch of riding to toughen the butt if you are going to spend some hours in the saddle.

Everyone has their favorite brand and kind of chamois shorts. A lot depends on the individual rider and how long you ride. For short rides around town I don't use any padding. For longer rides I wear a good pair of padded shorts. When out on the hybrid for a morning just nosing around I'll wear a thinner fabric but very well padded pair of shorts under my street clothes. But that is just me. You'll figure out your own thing.

Depends on the saddle you currently have- How well adjusted it is and how hard the butt is. The wrong saddle will never fit but some butts- mine included- will never fit a Brooks.

But Shorts- definitely. It is not only the moisture Wicking within the chamois. There is the added bonus of everything being held in its place within them- But have to admit that I did not have them for the first 6 months of my riding. Made the experience when I did get them so much more enjoyable.

I'll throw in with the others. Seat or shorts? Yes. Get both.

Thanks for the replies and ideas. The saddles I have seem to be good for me. I think the next thing will be to get some baggy cycle shorts and give'em a try........Thanks again

The shorts (and chamois creme for them) are very imp. if you are going to ride longer. It isn't real clear how you feel about your current saddle, so you may or may not need a new one of those. Most of us are on a perpetual quest to find the perfect saddle. (I have found the ultimate saddle but don't want to let the secret out!)

Would just add that the ass-o-meter I believe is just at Specialized dealers.

I guess I don't understand what "minor problems" are... but I agree with the above comments on both saddle and shorts.

train safe

Shorts/saddle/proper fit . . . and not necessarily in that order!

Trek dealers too. At least at the one I use.