Spec me a...

[s0ck]

...seat for my road bike!

I am hoping to do a 100 mile cycle in Sept (the most I normally do is about 20-30). Whilst I think it's going to be difficult for my fitness level, I know my ass will start hurting long before my legs/chest

The bike in question is a Carrera Virago Halfords special.

I have seen this seat on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Selle-Italia-...keparts_SR&hash=item2564215037#ht_2191wt_1139

I've already tried one of those gel covers but that's not really helped. I didn't want to replace the seat because the current one 'looks nice' but function over form and all that...

To give you an idea, after riding my bike, I literally cannot get back on it for about three days. My ass feels bruised for ages afterwards. Any recommendations/experiences for a new seat would be brilliant

 

[platypus]

Impossible to "spec" a saddle, because they're an incredibly personal thing. Took me 9 goes to get the one I'm happy with at the moment.

 

[s0ck]

Care to share?

 

[touch]

Everyone is different and what fits platypus probably wont fit you as well.
Dont focus entirely on the seat either, get a proper bike shop to do a bike fit and get some good padded shorts as well (but dont try to compensate for a poorly fitting seat with lots of padding).

How often do you ride your bike? Even a perfect fitting saddle will hurt if you dont ride frequently and get used to it.

 

[platypus]

Care to share?

No, for the reasons I stated, and above. I doubt very much that we have the same sit bone width. Get yourself to a bike shop, get fitted, and invest in a good pair of cycling shorts. The saddle alone won't help, you need to spend a fair bit of cash here - Nalini, Castelli, Assos as a personal recommendation. Oh and for a 100 mile ride definitely some chamois cream to help numb the 'bits' and reduce friction.

 

[Russinating]

Do you wear padded shorts? By "ass" do you mean actual cheeks or coccyx? I suffered immense coccyx pain before I wore padded shorts and I've been fine since.

 

[s0ck]

thanks

 

[oddjob62]

Oh and for a 100 mile ride definitely some chamois cream to help numb the 'bits' and reduce friction.

Great stuff!!!