Sunday cycling : saddle sore

[Pedalo]

I took my Cytronex Trek 7.3 out for a very pleasant 25 mile ride through the countryside on Sunday. This is the first time I'd used the bike for any purpose other than the usual daily commute. Pleasure rather than business.

I didn't use the motor so much - but it was great to have the option of a bit of backup when the going got tough up the steeper hills.

The bike performed brilliantly both assisted and unassisted, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. My only complaint would be that for about the last 8 miles saddle soreness was becoming a real problem. I thought my nether regions would have become used to the saddle by now. I've covered approx 150 miles or so since I got the bike 3 weeks ago.

Should I start thinking about a replacement saddle? Or do I just need to cover more miles to get used to it? Should I just stuff a cushion down my shorts?!

If a replacement saddle is the answer, any recomendations?

Thanks.

 

[jerrysimon]

My Trek 7300 saddle is ok though I am not sure if its the original one. The label says Bikehut which I think is Halfords.

That said my commute is only 5 miles each way.

Regards

Jerry

 

[Bikerbob]

Your local bike shop should be able to sell you a pair of cycling underpants which have a 'chamois' pad stitched into the appropriate area to cushion you. Similar to the ones found in lycra cycling shorts but more discreet! They work for me.

 

[Barnowl]

I was saddle sore for the first month or so and that was with the Gel saddle that I ordered to replace the Bontrager that normally comes with the Treks.
I was OK after a few months but I've been noticing it again this last couple of weeks. It might because I've had the tyres up at maximum PSI.
I think the 7.3FX is quite a hard ride despite the 32c tyres.

Managed to mangle the right pedal going round an island tonight. Too fast and too far over. I could have only been a few degrees out

 

[Pedalo]

Just did a search in this forum for Cytronex & saddle. I see saddle soreness is a common problem with the original bontrager saddle! I'll try replacing it.

I see Cytronex are offering a Madison G14Z as an alternative on their accessories page. It that the one you have Barnowl?

 

[Barnowl]

Yep. It's ok if you sit well back all the time with the bony pelvic bit on the saddle.

Generally though I've found it OK. Maybe it's the new trousers I'm wearing to work.

PS. Try a search on the forum. Some members seem to be very pleased with certain saddles.


http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/4295-bum-technology.html?highlight=saddle#post55169

 

[jerrysimon]

I think the 7.3FX is quite a hard ride despite the 32c tyres.

The Trek 7300 has sprung front forks

Regards

Jerry

 

[nigel]

Well this was my 1st week back in the saddle in that time i have been to work and back 4 times in total 120 miles wow i am glad i have a few days off saddle soreness was the main culprit also neck and wrists. nigel.

 

[Pedalo]

The Trek 7300 has sprung front forks

Regards

Jerry

Touche! But do you sit on your handlebars? As always it's a trade-off between comfort vs weight/efficiency. I've always veered towards trying to keep the weight down & pedaling efficiency up and avoided the suspension options for my electric bike in particular because I never intend going off-road. However having done a few miles I'm now beginning to realise comfort is an important factor too especially with the state of some of our roads.

 

[Barnowl]

The Trek 7300 has sprung front forks

Regards

Jerry

I know it has. I'm not sure how much difference that makes at the back end though. I wear thick padded cycling gloves so I don't have a problem at the front.

It's probably that bikehut saddle that's protecting your nether regions.
I have heard the Bontrager described as an instrument of torture but it probably just needs a bit of time to get used to it. I did get one with the bike but never fitted it.

 

[themutiny]

I used to suffer from both soreness and NNS. I tried gel covers, padded shorts and all. I finally sorted it by buying a Rido R2. I would thoroughly recommend. They take a little bit of getting used to, but I can now do 60+ miles with no I'll effeects. Brilliant..

 

[Barnowl]

Hi Pedalo

Review of the Rido R2

Rido R2 Saddle Review - BikeRadar

Having read that I have to say the Madison is good as well and quite a reasonable cost. It looks good, suits the Trek, and I've ridden distances of 20miles on it without suffering at all. It did take me about a few weeks before I could sit down comfortably on a hard chair though - note I hadn't cycled for about 10 years. I haven't suffered NNS.

Madison G14Z Comfort Zone Gel Mens saddle

 

[Pedalo]

I ordered a Madison last night. It's got to be better than the Bontrager!

I too have been out of the saddle for a few years and I was wondering today if I should just have persevered.

I'll let you know if it helps.

Thanks all for the replies!

 

[z0mb13e]

I find that pitching the saddle down a bit at the front forces me to sit back on the spongy bits at the back of the saddle on my 'sit bones' (not sure if that is an official term). I also push the saddle as far back as I can but thats probably more to do with the Wisper 905 frame being a little cramped for me.

Strikes me that that is what the Rido is doing by rasing the spongy bits...

 

[Nick]

Saddles just seem to be down to personal preference I think. I had a cheap gel thing which was pretty good until it fell apart after a few years, and now have a Terri Fly which is OK - it's a relatively narrow and hard design which is more comfortable than it looks, but I'd not want to ride for hours on end every day - but the I get uncomfy in armchairs

z0mb13e, your 'sit bones' are ('officially') your ischial tuberosities - now you know!

 

[z0mb13e]

You learn something new every day!

Mentally filing that along side illiac fossa, schaphoid and acromioclavicular joint (amazing what you learn when you or someone you know breaks bones).

And before anyone asks no I didn't break my illiac fossa (the big curved plate of the hip bone (I think)), but my wife did break her tail bone/query hip/pelvic bone while snowboarding - query is used to mean 'we think so' as they wouldn't x-ray her abdomen as she is of child bearing age and there isn't much they could do anyway plus she could still walk albeit painfully.