dooodstevenn

Just got a bike and the saddle (selle italia gel) is rock hard...is there a way to break in a saddle without having to sit in it for hours?

dmcdam

You don't break in the saddle - you break in your arse...

LesterOfPuppets

Harder is better.

TWSS.

dooodstevenn

oh geeze...

Machka 

It's gel ... there is no breaking in a gel saddle.

What's the underneath part made of? Plastic? Plastic doesn't break in.

If you want a saddle that will break in, you'll have to get a Brooks.

Rowan

A gel saddle can never be rock hard.

Yo Spiff

This.

An artificial saddle will be as comfortable out of the box as it ever will be. You might need to play with the adjustments, or it's possible the saddle isn't quite the right fit for your butt.

adclark

+1 if it fits correctly. If it doesn't fit correctly though, you buy one that does.

canyoneagle

This. Modern saddles do not break in - your body will become more accustomed to the saddle as you spend time on the bike. Soreness is almost unavoidable if you have not been on the bike in a while.

Brooks and similar "leather hammock" saddles do break in, but your body also takes time to "break in" to the saddle, as well.

dooodstevenn

I think i'm going to just be sore for a few weeks, if not ill look into a brooks. I read somewhere while searching the forums that people are getting brooks b17's shipped for around 65 bucks. I forget what i searched or what the website was though

canyoneagle

Saddles are so specific. What works for one person is another person's a$$hatchet.
It is worth getting some measurements of your "sit bones" and awareness of your riding position (upright vs. leaned forward) to help find a saddle that might work.

ANY saddle will cause some soreness if you aren't riding regularly - your body will adjust. The thing to look out for is numbness or other circulation issues that a saddle may be causing (this usually won't become apparent until you've been riding for more than 30-40 minutes). A properly suited saddle should not cause numbness or impede circulation. Just my thoughts on it.

escarpment

While I agree with everyone above. Selle Italia saddles are some of the stiffest saddles in general that I have ever owned/used. I remember the first flite saddle I had felt like a steel rod between the legs. But over time you adjust and can no longer go back to plush cushiony saddles. Paired with the right clothing, rock hard saddles are the best thing out there.

pdedes

Forgo the gel saddle, get something firmer.

Machka 

Just keep a few things in mind about Brooks saddles ...

1. They are hard. No, I mean really hard.
2. They should never become soft. If they become soft, something has gone terribly wrong with them.
3. However, they will eventually conform to your butt and become comfortable.
4. That conforming process could take a month or more. Brooks saddles require patience.

cycledogg

Famous words from a famous rider - "Ride lots."

big john

Some of us have tried several different saddles before we found what we like. Some of us hate the feel of a Brooks.

FLvector

OP - are you wearing good quality bibs or shorts? A crappy chamois will turn a long ride into a torturefest. Or just get a saddle that you've been riding.

woodcraft

Propane torch from underneath.

dooodstevenn

So I got back from a short 20 mile ride and my arse hurts...feels like someone took my arse put it on my shoulder and I shot 12 gauge slugs all day at the range.

im still thinking of brooks since I hear so many stories about how people like them...besides its going on my tour bike and another pound won't hurt too much. Do you guys know of any other saddle as popular as the brooks with the same comfort?

ls01

I recently started using a couple of Selle Italia gel flow slr's on my bikes, love them. The "gel" isnt what you would think, its maybe 1/4 inch at the thickest. So far, they rock. Total comfort even on the trainer. I have been searching for a good saddle for years, one that fits, I think I finally found it.

Where is the pain you are feeling? If its something you are going to get used to it should be over your sit bones. If its in other spots the saddle either needs to be adjusted or it just doesnt fit you. Sometimes it takes time to get used to bike saddles. However all asses are different. What fits you my not fit me.

Machka 

Ummm ... Brooks are fairly unique.

If you want to try this saddle on your touring bicycle, why would you want to look for something just like the Brooks, but not the Brooks???

LesterOfPuppets

Selle Anatomica is in fhe Brooksish realm.

I tried an Ideale, olde Brooksish make, for a couple of years - not my cup of tea. I prefer saddles that are happier in the rain.

Luckily Charge Spoon works great for me and only $26.

How many miles did you have in the 30 daays before new saddle? And 180I days before new saddle?

dooodstevenn

I've got some pretty bad bruising between me junk, and the pooper... I've ridden some poorly adjusted stuff, and never had pain like this.

just trying to look at all the options first

Thanks for the suggestions! i had a few thousand miles 2 years ago today was the first day out, but even on my first bike yeeears ago i did not have this much pain, and that saddle was just a few mm's of foam padding that i could push down and feel the plastic. That was more comfortable than this saddle i have on now.

canam73

What saddle did you do your 'few thousand miles' on? Go get one of those.

dooodstevenn

I would...but i dont remember what it was