Curtis_Elwood

So, I'm a new rider and looking for suggestions to cushion the blow. Right now, I've got nothing. Just using regular shorts when riding. My seat is ok, but not exactly plush.

The options I've considered are:
1) Getting a new seat like the WTB speed V https://www.wtb.com/products/saddle_speedv.html
2) Getting padded bike shorts
3) Getting a seat post shock

My friend suggested a seat post shock, but I'm not thinking it's such a good idea. Is having the distance between your pedals and seat constantly changing a good idea? I think it would cause a loss of efficiency.

I can't afford many pairs of bike shorts and don't want to wash them all the time, so I'm not sure about that idea.

I like the idea of the seat the best, but the same friend says the gel will eventually leak. It looks like a solid seat, though.

Any suggestions, or a combination of both? Just FYI, I'm riding rocky, technical trails with drops here and there. After a few rides, I'm still feeling discomfort even though I'm taking 3 days off in between rides.

Thanks.

LowCel 

Definately go with some bike shorts. Doesn't matter if they are baggies or lycra the padding is a necessity. After you give some decent shorts a try then make a decision on your saddle.

Saddles are a whole different can of worms. What works for one person may or may not work for another. To me the saddles you picture look like some type of a torture device.

jameyj

Definately stay away from the seat post shock. Get some padded bike shorts as LowCel has suggested. Then get a nice seat.

The WTB seats are great. I have a WTB Rocket V Stealth and love it.

Curtis_Elwood

Thanks for the replies. I've only seen padded shorts of the lycra/spandex variety. I'm a kayaker, so I'm used to tight fitting neoprene, but I think I'd prefer baggy shorts with padding. Can you recommend any? I've seen a bunch of baggy shorts advertised on-line, but I've not seen any that were advertised as padded.

jameyj

These will work - https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/132...aggy-Short.htm

LowCel 

My point exactly as far as the saddles go. Different saddles work for different people. My saddles of choice are the Fizik Aliante and the Fizik Gobi.

supcom

Get a Brooks Conquest sprung saddle.

Juniper

I've ridden the WTB Rocket V Race on my HT for two years now and like it a lot. Don't forget the effects of tires and inflation levels on ride comfort. Perhaps the biggest thing is to learn when to sit and when to stand and how to use different parts of your body as 'suspension'. Stay loose; tense muscles mean tired/sore muscles later.

Curtis_Elwood

jameyj, I took a look at those shorts. So, is the chamois what adds padding? Is it as effective as spandex style bike shorts?

Juniper,

I ran a rear pressure of 32 the other day when the trail was wet and 35 the other days. It gives me some give, but it's not exactly low. I have been getting better at getting off the seat at the right times. On technical steeps, I've been getting all the way off the back. On fast single track with loose gravel, I've been getting off the back while gripping the seat between my thighs to keep the rear from fish tailing. It seems to work well. My muscles don't feel too sore after rides other than my legs being fatigued. I've just got a really boney butt. I think I'll give some shorts a go and then try out some seats if that isn't enough. The "love channel" in my seat doesn't look long or deep enough to be effective, so a new seat may be in order anyway.

LowCel 

If you are able to grip the seat with your thighs you aren't really behind the seat, you are more above it. This is fine on the fast single track you describe but when on the steeps this is a bad thing. You are actually raising your center of gravity. When behind the seat your gut and sometimes your ribs and chest will actually be above or half way resting on the saddle. It takes some getting used to. The advantages are your rear wheel has more traction for braking and the front wheel kind of floats over obstacles. An even bigger advantage is when things go wrong you just kind of step off of back of the bike, much less painful than going over the bars.

The only reason I mention this is because I have ridden with a bunch of riders that believe they are behind the saddle when they are actually above it. This leads to a lot of over the bar crashes that could have been very easily avoided.

LowCel 

Yup, that is where the padding comes from. Personally I prefer spandex over the baggies but that is a personal choice.

Curtis_Elwood

Cool, thanks. I've seen tons of this style short then. I thought the Chamois might have been for moisture wicking, but now I know.

RobbVII

This is the seat I went with. I really like it.
ARS Seat

thumbnut

If you like to trail ride, slow, easy and comfortable try the Brooks Champion sprung seat. Mine is great. The edge of the seat does catch on one's clothes when sliding back on the seat though.

Curtis_Elwood

Thanks for the seat suggestions. I'll have to go shopping and try some out. I'm just starting out, but I'm doing some rocky, technical stuff and steep descents. So, I need a seat that's not a total granny seat. I need to be able to get off the back easily when the going gets rough. Just got to get some shorts now and demo some seats.

kritter

I went with a specialized seat in a 155 width for my wide ass. They come in small medium and large....I am very happy with it. No more numb kack from riding.

Seats are personal but take everyones opinion and go from there. I went from a WTB which was ok but too bulky for me and making me numb after a decent climb.

You know you are behind your seat when you plow into something on descent and your body jolts forward and your balls hit the seatpost.

You know you are above your seat when you plow into something and your arms take a blunt of the load...and if you cant support yourself...over the bars you go.

I went with this seat. Its a road seat and I ride a hard tail mtb and have no complaints. Took me about 10 miles to get used to it.

"Gel pads make this saddle the perfect companion for long rides. 3 width options properly support your sit-bones, while Body Geometry technology reduce numbness and ensure blood flow for the entire ride.


Available in 3 different widths to ensure a perfect fit for a range of riders with different sit-bone widths
Scientifically proven Body Geometry design with V-Groove plus window relieves pressure and improves bloodflow , even in extreme riding positions
Gel padding with a layer of memory foam for lasting comfort
Hollow Cr-Mo rails
Length 270mm "

valbowski1980

I just got a set of proper bike shorts as a gift and they are awesome. The difference is well worth the cost.

AllDownhill

I personally wouldnt buy it but, i know a fellow clubmud member that bought a seat post shock and fell in love with it.