Help determining source of pain?
 

Hello,

I apologize for how basic this question is, but I'm looking for relief. I bought a State fixie several years ago and rode it faithfully every day for my commute — 6mi round trip. Then I made a mistake: I moved to Los Angeles. I've been out here for a couple of years, and I just decided to get back out there.

My commute now is about 15 miles round trip. The way in was fine, but near the end, I noticed my saddle (State factory) was beginning to hurt. By the time I hopped on my bike to come home, I could barely sit on it. The pain doesn't seem to quite be on the sit bones, but just in front of them—like on that really thick tendon that attaches to the sit bones.

I know my saddle is cheap, so I'm looking to buy a Cambium, since from what I can tell they're great for a commute like mine. My worry is, is my problem my posture instead of my saddle? Was a 7.5-mile one-way just too much for my body to handle for its first time out in a couple of years? What do you guys think?

start with shorter, easy rides and also look into the fit. Your saddle could be too low. There are resources for this online (Google) or you can pay for one at the bike shop.

Id only buy an expensive saddle if there was a good return policy. You are looking at the most critical issue on the bike, fit-wise, No saddle of any price, reputation or quality level is guaranteed to work for your butt.

Good shops are starting to get on board with letting you ride a saddle for long enough to know, then bringing it back for another or store credit if it doesn't pan out. I am a fan of looking at cheaper saddles of a manufacturer's line as often the basic shape doens't change much as the quality goes up. It is the shape (and getting that shape exactly where yhou need it on the bike) that is the key to saddle comfort. Once you have that $50 saddle that works and is dialed in, you can blow a future paycheck on that really nice top-of-the-line model and relegate this one to a box for your future beater.

I speak from experience. I used to race and loved a very common Italian racing seat but when I hit my 40s, it stopped working. I went to a bike shop and bought one of the new seats with full length groove. Last year's cheapest model; on sale for $39.99. Put it on my best bike, It was a breakthrough. Later I bought a high end one from the same company and put the cheapie on my winter bike where it stayed until I had worn through the cover, 10 years and 17,ooo miles later.

Ben

Move back?

Sorry. :p

Since it's not the sit bones that are hurting, you definitely have a fit issue. Saddle may be too narrow.

The way I read it, this was the OP's first ride after a long time off the bike.

If that is the case then saddle discomfort would not be out of the ordinary.

Again, if this is the case then I wouldn't change anything but would take some ibuprofen and get back on the bike as tolerated.

Always do the easy and cheap thing first. Advil is cheaper and easier than Brooks.


-Tim-

I think this page about sums it up.