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Main
Date: 30 Aug 2007 22:13:35
From: Hud
Subject: Bicycle seat pain!
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About a week ago I started biking. I've got a Trek 7200 Multitrack. I
started with an 8 mile ride the first day and then pedaled 10 miles on three
other days. I love it. But, man-o-man, that stock bike seat really hurts
my hind end! Can anyone recommend a comfortable seat, if such a thing
exists?
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Date: 06 Sep 2007 14:28:44
From:
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
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On Sep 6, 10:00 am, "Hud" <hud_o...@yahoo.com > wrote:
> <idomybestworkonab...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news:1189027239.656203.305380@d55g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
>
> > On Aug 31, 12:13 pm, "Hud" <hud_o...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> >> About a week ago I started biking. I've got a Trek 7200 Multitrack. I
> >> started with an 8 mile ride the first day and then pedaled 10 miles on
> >> three
> >> other days. I love it. But, man-o-man, that stock bike seat really
> >> hurts
> >> my hind end! Can anyone recommend a comfortable seat, if such a thing
> >> exists?
>
> > It doesn't matter what seat you use or what you wear - if you start
> > riding, your ass will hurt until your 'sit-bones' toughen up - one or
> > two weeks maybe?
>
> Today I pedaled another 10 miles. (This is my 2nd week of cycling.) The
> butisimo was sore around 8 miles. I stood on the pedals for a little while
> and just grinned and beared it. The pain pretty much went away the last
> couple of miles. I was pedaling hard. I think it's just beginner aches and
> pains. The major reason for the discomfort is because I weigh 250...or at
> least I did the beginning of last week...and I'm a beginner. I weighed 243
> today. I lost weight from riding 50 miles last week. I shoot for 10 miles
> at least five days a week. My primary goal is to pedal non-stop and push
> myself hard the whole ride. Later on I'll increase the mileage as I get in
> better shape. I do notice the pain is not as bad this week. So I think you
> are right. In a couple of weeks I think it'll be a lot better and I can up
> the mileage. Thanks
Good onya mate! Keep it up! Soon you'll be a lycra god and loving it.
Donga
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Date: 05 Sep 2007 14:20:39
From:
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
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On Aug 31, 12:13 pm, "Hud" <hud_o...@yahoo.com > wrote:
> About a week ago I started biking. I've got a Trek 7200 Multitrack. I
> started with an 8 mile ride the first day and then pedaled 10 miles on three
> other days. I love it. But, man-o-man, that stock bike seat really hurts
> my hind end! Can anyone recommend a comfortable seat, if such a thing
> exists?
It doesn't matter what seat you use or what you wear - if you start
riding, your ass will hurt until your 'sit-bones' toughen up - one or
two weeks maybe?
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Date: 05 Sep 2007 20:00:40
From: Hud
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
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<idomybestworkonabike@hotmail.com > wrote in message
news:1189027239.656203.305380@d55g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
> On Aug 31, 12:13 pm, "Hud" <hud_o...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>> About a week ago I started biking. I've got a Trek 7200 Multitrack. I
>> started with an 8 mile ride the first day and then pedaled 10 miles on
>> three
>> other days. I love it. But, man-o-man, that stock bike seat really
>> hurts
>> my hind end! Can anyone recommend a comfortable seat, if such a thing
>> exists?
>
> It doesn't matter what seat you use or what you wear - if you start
> riding, your ass will hurt until your 'sit-bones' toughen up - one or
> two weeks maybe?
>
Today I pedaled another 10 miles. (This is my 2nd week of cycling.) The
butisimo was sore around 8 miles. I stood on the pedals for a little while
and just grinned and beared it. The pain pretty much went away the last
couple of miles. I was pedaling hard. I think it's just beginner aches and
pains. The major reason for the discomfort is because I weigh 250...or at
least I did the beginning of last week...and I'm a beginner. I weighed 243
today. I lost weight from riding 50 miles last week. I shoot for 10 miles
at least five days a week. My primary goal is to pedal non-stop and push
myself hard the whole ride. Later on I'll increase the mileage as I get in
better shape. I do notice the pain is not as bad this week. So I think you
are right. In a couple of weeks I think it'll be a lot better and I can up
the mileage. Thanks
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Date: 04 Sep 2007 09:42:22
From: SlowRider
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
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On Aug 31, 8:57 am, Hank Wirtz <h...@wirtznet.net > wrote:
> Ain't that the truth. I had Brooks B17s on both of my road bikes, and
> a Champion Flyer (a B17 with springs) on my cruiser. A few months ago,
> I built up a stupid-light racer, and went through 3 different 200-gram
> ass hatchets before biting the bullet and getting another Brooks (a
> Team Professional this time).
I recently went through the process of finding a new saddle since my
old favorite isn't being made anymore. I wasn't satisfied with what I
kept reading on the internet: "it's a personal choice". Well, yes,
but maybe we can come up with a systematic way to find that magic
shorts-saddle combination that allows people to enjoy all their time
on the bike, from short commutes to centuries (and beyond).
Sheldon Brown's site (as always) has good information to start off
(http://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html). I've learned a few other
things that may help as well. (Everything below assumes you've got a
proper bike fit and a saddle that's installed correctly.)
First, the saddle/shorts combination can be critical. For me, a cushy
saddle with a cushy synthetic chammy is a recipe for pain. A somewhat
firm saddle and a thin chammy worked best, though I came close with a
cushier saddle and very thin padding in the shorts. However, I found
that the saddle shape that worked for me was consistent.
Fortunately, most bike shops allow you to test-ride saddles for
anywhere from a few days to a month or more. I don't think the same
goes for shorts - you wear 'em, you bought 'em. If you don't have
shorts, either don't bother yet or get a pair of shorts with a thin
chammy and figure out the most comfortable (least painful?) saddle for
you. If a saddle feels OK with little or no padding, then start
trying thicker or fancier chammies.
Diagnosing pain -- here's what I've come up with from my own
experience. I believe that pain in the 'taint' area stems from too
much padding or a saddle profile that's too flat for you. Pain in the
sit bones seems to be a simple lack of padding in the right area,
though I haven't explored this fully. Pain/chafing inside the upper
thighs may either be from a saddle that's too wide or from saddle
material (e.g., cheap plastic) that rubs against your shorts.
Second, as you try saddles, take note of what shapes feel better to
you. For me, saddle shape was another critical component. Some
saddles have a flat profile while others dip in the middle; some have
cut-outs; some curl up in the back while others have padded bumps at
the back. It's hard to describe all the variations, but if you try a
bunch of saddles, you'll soon notice patterns.
For a test-ride, I recommend going for at least an hour. Some saddles
feel great for 20-30 minutes but become torturous after that. Other
saddles feel a bit uncomfortable for the first 5-10 minutes, but get
much better. I kept brief notes on each saddle: its side and rear
profiles, padding, cut-out, etc.
Hopefully you'll discover a general shape that tends to feel good even
after 1-2 hours on the bike. Then you can dial in your specific
preferences with seat padding, shorts and chammy.
Hopefully others can add to what I've said here. Saddles are indeed a
personal preference, but I don't think they have to be a mystery.
- JR
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Date: 03 Sep 2007 02:28:40
From: Tom Keats
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
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In article <13dlkiqaof8v5b2@corp.supernews.com >,
"Claire Petersky" <cpetersky@mouse-potato.com > writes:
>> It mostly depends upon the color of the shorts. I have some light-blue
>> cycling shorts that I wouldn't wear if I knew I'd have to be walking
>> around in them much. Black shorts are a whole lot less revealing.
>
> As demonstrated here: http://www.alivewithlove.com/cyclists.html
Women get to wear stuff that reveals all their bodily
terrain -- all their curves 'n bumps 'n humps 'n femininity.
In fact, they're expected to do so.
A guy gets to wear stuff that shows what he's got,
and he shrinks from that opportunity.
What a double standard.
Just goes to show, women are a lot braver than
they get credit for.
Or us guys are mere houses of cards, ready to
collapse at the slightest breath.
Such fragile creatures, we guys are.
Of course the female form is generally a whole lot
prettier than its male counterpart. But I guess
women like to see stuff too. Who are we guys,
to deny women the visual hints of our physical
attributes, when women do the same for us?
cheers,
Tom
--
Nothing is safe from me.
I'm really at:
tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca
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Date: 02 Sep 2007 18:30:02
From: Ears
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
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On Aug 30, 8:00 pm, landotter <landot...@gmail.com > wrote:
> On Aug 30, 9:24 pm, Ears <bubblegumgori...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > I hope you're wearing bicycle shorts- the padded crotch (chamois)
> > makes a WORLD of difference.
>
> I don't find that the padding in bike shorts is of any value.
You must be a female or just contrary. If you had testicles you would
understand the value of a padded crotch. If you're just contrary,
well then, I suppose you'll disagree with this, too.
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Date: 02 Sep 2007 09:35:13
From: Jorg Lueke
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
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On Sep 2, 4:43 pm, "Mike Jacoubowsky" <mik...@ix.netcom.com > wrote:
> "Claire Petersky" <cpeter...@mouse-potato.com> wrote in message
>
> news:13dlkiqaof8v5b2@corp.supernews.com...
>
> >> It mostly depends upon the color of the shorts. I have some light-blue
> >> cycling shorts that I wouldn't wear if I knew I'd have to be walking
> >> around in them much. Black shorts are a whole lot less revealing.
>
> > As demonstrated here:http://www.alivewithlove.com/cyclists.html
>
> Uh... what she said. After seeing that, my blue shorts might go into the
> incinerator.
>
> --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycleswww.ChainReactionBicycles.com
Crap, I like my blue ones way better than the black ones. But if I
push my junk straight down I don't think anyone notices from the door
to the locker room.
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Date: 01 Sep 2007 12:29:58
From: Jorg Lueke
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
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On Sep 1, 3:29 pm, The Historian <neil.thehistor...@gmail.com > wrote:
> On Aug 31, 1:58 pm, "Hud" <hud_o...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > "Ears" <bubblegumgori...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>
> >news:1188527077.915585.23720@m37g2000prh.googlegroups.com...
>
> > >I hope you're wearing bicycle shorts- the padded crotch (chamois)
> > > makes a WORLD of difference. If you're worried about looks, then just
> > > use them like underwear and wear your normal shorts over them.
> > > Otherwise, there are billions of options for seats. Ideally, look for
> > > one with springs or spend a bunch and get an ergonomically designed
> > > one. Safe and happy riding!
>
> > So that's why they wear those bicycle shorts! Thanks. I'll definitely get
> > me a pair.
>
> They also make you look sexy. And if you bike commute in them, you
> become the subject of office gossip.
What are people saying?
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Date: 02 Sep 2007 07:20:48
From: Mike Jacoubowsky
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
|
>> > >I hope you're wearing bicycle shorts- the padded crotch (chamois)
>> > > makes a WORLD of difference. If you're worried about looks, then
>> > > just
>> > > use them like underwear and wear your normal shorts over them.
>> > > Otherwise, there are billions of options for seats. Ideally, look
>> > > for
>> > > one with springs or spend a bunch and get an ergonomically designed
>> > > one. Safe and happy riding!
>>
>> > So that's why they wear those bicycle shorts! Thanks. I'll definitely
>> > get
>> > me a pair.
>>
>> They also make you look sexy. And if you bike commute in them, you
>> become the subject of office gossip.
>
> What are people saying?
It mostly depends upon the color of the shorts. I have some light-blue
cycling shorts that I wouldn't wear if I knew I'd have to be walking around
in them much. Black shorts are a whole lot less revealing.
--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com
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Date: 02 Sep 2007 08:10:21
From: Claire Petersky
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
|
> It mostly depends upon the color of the shorts. I have some light-blue
> cycling shorts that I wouldn't wear if I knew I'd have to be walking
> around in them much. Black shorts are a whole lot less revealing.
As demonstrated here: http://www.alivewithlove.com/cyclists.html
--
Warm Regards,
Claire Petersky
http://www.bicyclemeditations.org/
See the books I've set free at: http://bookcrossing.com/referral/Cpetersky
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Date: 02 Sep 2007 08:43:59
From: Mike Jacoubowsky
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
|
"Claire Petersky" <cpetersky@mouse-potato.com > wrote in message
news:13dlkiqaof8v5b2@corp.supernews.com...
>> It mostly depends upon the color of the shorts. I have some light-blue
>> cycling shorts that I wouldn't wear if I knew I'd have to be walking
>> around in them much. Black shorts are a whole lot less revealing.
>
> As demonstrated here: http://www.alivewithlove.com/cyclists.html
Uh... what she said. After seeing that, my blue shorts might go into the
incinerator.
--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com
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Date: 01 Sep 2007 07:29:56
From: The Historian
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
|
On Aug 31, 1:58 pm, "Hud" <hud_o...@yahoo.com > wrote:
> "Ears" <bubblegumgori...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>
> news:1188527077.915585.23720@m37g2000prh.googlegroups.com...
>
> >I hope you're wearing bicycle shorts- the padded crotch (chamois)
> > makes a WORLD of difference. If you're worried about looks, then just
> > use them like underwear and wear your normal shorts over them.
> > Otherwise, there are billions of options for seats. Ideally, look for
> > one with springs or spend a bunch and get an ergonomically designed
> > one. Safe and happy riding!
>
> So that's why they wear those bicycle shorts! Thanks. I'll definitely get
> me a pair.
They also make you look sexy. And if you bike commute in them, you
become the subject of office gossip.
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Date: 31 Aug 2007 20:01:13
From: smn
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
|
Bell gel seat. Just bought one for my MC and I am happy I did.
"Hud" <hud_ohio@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:46d77951$0$32546$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
> About a week ago I started biking. I've got a Trek 7200 Multitrack. I
> started with an 8 mile ride the first day and then pedaled 10 miles on
> three other days. I love it. But, man-o-man, that stock bike seat really
> hurts my hind end! Can anyone recommend a comfortable seat, if such a
> thing exists?
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Date: 31 Aug 2007 07:57:57
From: Hank Wirtz
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
|
On Aug 31, 7:10 am, "limey...@gmail.com" <limey...@gmail.com > wrote:
> On Aug 30, 9:13 pm, "Hud" <hud_o...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > About a week ago I started biking. I've got a Trek 7200 Multitrack. I
> > started with an 8 mile ride the first day and then pedaled 10 miles on three
> > other days. I love it. But, man-o-man, that stock bike seat really hurts
> > my hind end! Can anyone recommend a comfortable seat, if such a thing
> > exists?
>
> You will probably find that trying to find the right seat is like
> trying to find the right person to marry.
>
Ain't that the truth. I had Brooks B17s on both of my road bikes, and
a Champion Flyer (a B17 with springs) on my cruiser. A few months ago,
I built up a stupid-light racer, and went through 3 different 200-gram
ass hatchets before biting the bullet and getting another Brooks (a
Team Professional this time).
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Date: 31 Aug 2007 07:50:12
From: Jorg Lueke
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
|
On Aug 31, 3:13 am, "Hud" <hud_o...@yahoo.com > wrote:
> About a week ago I started biking. I've got a Trek 7200 Multitrack. I
> started with an 8 mile ride the first day and then pedaled 10 miles on three
> other days. I love it. But, man-o-man, that stock bike seat really hurts
> my hind end! Can anyone recommend a comfortable seat, if such a thing
> exists?
What hurts? For me the stock seat was too narrow. I couldn't get my
sit bones on it comfortably at all. I got a slightly wider seat with
some cut outs and it made a world of difference.
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Date: 31 Aug 2007 07:48:35
From: Jorg Lueke
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
|
On Aug 31, 4:00 am, landotter <landot...@gmail.com > wrote:
> On Aug 30, 9:24 pm, Ears <bubblegumgori...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > I hope you're wearing bicycle shorts- the padded crotch (chamois)
> > makes a WORLD of difference.
>
> I don't find that the padding in bike shorts is of any value. The
> reason to wear lycra shorts, IMHO is to reduce friction.
I like a little bit of padding. Too much and it just gets scrunched
up and puts unwelcome pressure on the genital area. But a little
padding helps with comfort. I agree the main benefit is friction,
normal shorts and underwear are impossible for long rides.
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Date: 31 Aug 2007 14:10:20
From: limeylew@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
|
On Aug 30, 9:13 pm, "Hud" <hud_o...@yahoo.com > wrote:
> About a week ago I started biking. I've got a Trek 7200 Multitrack. I
> started with an 8 mile ride the first day and then pedaled 10 miles on three
> other days. I love it. But, man-o-man, that stock bike seat really hurts
> my hind end! Can anyone recommend a comfortable seat, if such a thing
> exists?
You will probably find that trying to find the right seat is like
trying to find the right person to marry.
My experience has been that if the seat is nice and comfortable when
you first sit on it, it will be uncomfortable when you get down the
road.
Lewis.
*****
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Date: 31 Aug 2007 06:40:34
From: landotter
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
|
On Aug 30, 10:43 pm, Ryan Cousineau <rcous...@sfu.ca > wrote:
> In article <1188529224.840821.7...@z24g2000prh.googlegroups.com>,
>
> landotter <landot...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > On Aug 30, 9:24 pm, Ears <bubblegumgori...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > > I hope you're wearing bicycle shorts- the padded crotch (chamois)
> > > makes a WORLD of difference.
>
> > I don't find that the padding in bike shorts is of any value. The
> > reason to wear lycra shorts, IMHO is to reduce friction.
>
> This may be your observation, but please reflect on the great majority
> of cyclists over a period of most of the sport's existence who have
> observed differently.
Yeah, they observed that they didn't have any padding in their shorts,
as lycra pampers are a pretty modern twist on the bike short. Duh! I'm
just old enough to have ridden with real animal hide swaddling my
taint, when men were men, and the sheep from whom we harvested the
shorts, were knock-kneed and nervous!
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Date: 01 Sep 2007 01:14:39
From: Ryan Cousineau
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
|
In article <1188567634.894810.230760@50g2000hsm.googlegroups.com >,
landotter <landotter@gmail.com > wrote:
> On Aug 30, 10:43 pm, Ryan Cousineau <rcous...@sfu.ca> wrote:
> > In article <1188529224.840821.7...@z24g2000prh.googlegroups.com>,
> >
> > landotter <landot...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > On Aug 30, 9:24 pm, Ears <bubblegumgori...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > > > I hope you're wearing bicycle shorts- the padded crotch (chamois)
> > > > makes a WORLD of difference.
> >
> > > I don't find that the padding in bike shorts is of any value. The
> > > reason to wear lycra shorts, IMHO is to reduce friction.
> >
> > This may be your observation, but please reflect on the great majority
> > of cyclists over a period of most of the sport's existence who have
> > observed differently.
>
> Yeah, they observed that they didn't have any padding in their shorts,
> as lycra pampers are a pretty modern twist on the bike short. Duh! I'm
> just old enough to have ridden with real animal hide swaddling my
> taint, when men were men, and the sheep from whom we harvested the
> shorts, were knock-kneed and nervous!
Well personally, I wouldn't dissociate a sheepskin chamois from the more
padded synthetic type.
More a matter of degree than distinction,
--
Ryan Cousineau rcousine@sfu.ca http://www.wiredcola.com/
"I don't want kids who are thinking about going into mathematics
to think that they have to take drugs to succeed." -Paul Erdos
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Date: 30 Aug 2007 20:12:19
From: Mike Jacoubowsky
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
|
> About a week ago I started biking. I've got a Trek 7200 Multitrack. I
> started with an 8 mile ride the first day and then pedaled 10 miles on
> three other days. I love it. But, man-o-man, that stock bike seat really
> hurts my hind end! Can anyone recommend a comfortable seat, if such a
> thing exists?
We might be focusing too much on the saddle/butt interface as the source of
the pain, when it could in fact have more to do with using muscles you're
not used to. Before that first 8 mile day, how much had you ridden recently?
To many on the group here, 8 miles might seem trivial, but the reality is
that, for someone not used to riding, it can be fairly tough on your muscles
and you can feel quite a bit of pain. I just did a quick google on "butt
muscles" and came across this-
http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/kids/science/Biology%20Cells/Muscle/Kids%20Muscles/Butt%20Muscles/Butt%20.htm.
As you can see, many of those muscles are in the areas traditionally
associated with saddle-area pain.
It's still possible the saddle might not be ideal for your shape and how you
ride, but it's also possible that, with a bit of time, getting those butt
muscles in shape might make a big improvement. And the best way to do that
is to ride more. Just don't ride yourself into the ground. Ride distances
that are fun and not painful, gradually increasing speed & distance.
Have fun, and let us know how it turns out-
--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com
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Date: 30 Aug 2007 20:00:24
From: landotter
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
|
On Aug 30, 9:24 pm, Ears <bubblegumgori...@yahoo.com > wrote:
> I hope you're wearing bicycle shorts- the padded crotch (chamois)
> makes a WORLD of difference.
I don't find that the padding in bike shorts is of any value. The
reason to wear lycra shorts, IMHO is to reduce friction.
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Date: 31 Aug 2007 03:43:28
From: Ryan Cousineau
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
|
In article <1188529224.840821.7590@z24g2000prh.googlegroups.com >,
landotter <landotter@gmail.com > wrote:
> On Aug 30, 9:24 pm, Ears <bubblegumgori...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > I hope you're wearing bicycle shorts- the padded crotch (chamois)
> > makes a WORLD of difference.
>
> I don't find that the padding in bike shorts is of any value. The
> reason to wear lycra shorts, IMHO is to reduce friction.
This may be your observation, but please reflect on the great majority
of cyclists over a period of most of the sport's existence who have
observed differently.
Besides, if that were the case, you can get "cycling" type shorts for
rollerbladers, which don't have a chamois.
http://theskateshop.home.att.net/skateclothing.html
--
Ryan Cousineau rcousine@sfu.ca http://www.wiredcola.com/
"I don't want kids who are thinking about going into mathematics
to think that they have to take drugs to succeed." -Paul Erdos
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Date: 01 Sep 2007 12:36:14
From: Luke
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
|
In article <rcousine-EFA0FB.20432830082007@news.telus.net >, Ryan
Cousineau <rcousine@sfu.ca > wrote:
> In article <1188529224.840821.7590@z24g2000prh.googlegroups.com>,
> landotter <landotter@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > On Aug 30, 9:24 pm, Ears <bubblegumgori...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > > I hope you're wearing bicycle shorts- the padded crotch (chamois)
> > > makes a WORLD of difference.
> >
> > I don't find that the padding in bike shorts is of any value. The
> > reason to wear lycra shorts, IMHO is to reduce friction.
>
> This may be your observation, but please reflect on the great majority
> of cyclists over a period of most of the sport's existence who have
> observed differently.
>
> Besides, if that were the case, you can get "cycling" type shorts for
> rollerbladers, which don't have a chamois.
>
> http://theskateshop.home.att.net/skateclothing.html
Tried chammies years back, and discarded them soon after. I wonder if
those that need them could do with a more comfortable seat -- B17 and
WTB Speed Comp in my case. In winter I prefer wearing tights [
http://tinyurl.com/26rjuq ], sans chamois, for insulation beneath a
shell -- very comfortable.
Come summer, commando is the way to go! Fugget 'bout chammies and
tights altogether! These (or their analogs) are tough, provide
ventilation, double as swim trunks, and can pass for casual attire.
Swear by 'em.
http://www.altrec.com/shop/detail/30735/
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Date: 01 Sep 2007 14:04:42
From: DougC
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
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Luke wrote:
>
> Tried chammies years back, and discarded them soon after. I wonder if
> those that need them could do with a more comfortable seat -- B17 and
> WTB Speed Comp in my case. In winter I prefer wearing tights [
> http://tinyurl.com/26rjuq ], sans chamois, for insulation beneath a
> shell -- very comfortable.
>
> Come summer, commando is the way to go! Fugget 'bout chammies and
> tights altogether! These (or their analogs) are tough, provide
> ventilation, double as swim trunks, and can pass for casual attire.
> Swear by 'em.
>
> http://www.altrec.com/shop/detail/30735/
If you can consistently ride a lot on an upright bicycle while wearing
unpadded shorts, you are definitely a rare breed.
~
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Date: 02 Sep 2007 11:37:18
From: Michael Warner
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
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On Sat, 01 Sep 2007 14:04:42 -0500, DougC wrote:
> If you can consistently ride a lot on an upright bicycle while wearing
> unpadded shorts, you are definitely a rare breed.
It depends on your saddle. If it's soft, you wouldn't miss padding in your
shorts, but on a racing saddle it's essential unless you have an
arse of steel.
I happily ride my commuter around in trackies, without padding, but
the saddle is much softer than on my racer.
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Date: 01 Sep 2007 19:21:01
From: Luke
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
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In article <ZIiCi.9$6%4.5@newsfe06.lga >, DougC <dcimper@norcom2000.com>
wrote:
> Luke wrote:
> >
> > Tried chammies years back, and discarded them soon after. I wonder if
> > those that need them could do with a more comfortable seat -- B17 and
> > WTB Speed Comp in my case. In winter I prefer wearing tights [
> > http://tinyurl.com/26rjuq ], sans chamois, for insulation beneath a
> > shell -- very comfortable.
> >
> > Come summer, commando is the way to go! Fugget 'bout chammies and
> > tights altogether! These (or their analogs) are tough, provide
> > ventilation, double as swim trunks, and can pass for casual attire.
> > Swear by 'em.
> >
> > http://www.altrec.com/shop/detail/30735/
>
> If you can consistently ride a lot on an upright bicycle while wearing
> unpadded shorts, you are definitely a rare breed.
How so? Have the 100s of millions of 'consistent' workaday cyclists in
Asia and Europe been polled to determine whether they wear padded
shorts. I suspect it's a minority of cyclists worldwide, that is, the
affluent, recreational cyclists of the west, who predominantly use
padding.
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Date: 02 Sep 2007 00:49:15
From: DougC
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
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Luke wrote:
>> If you can consistently ride a lot on an upright bicycle while wearing
>> unpadded shorts, you are definitely a rare breed.
>
> How so? Have the 100s of millions of 'consistent' workaday cyclists in
> Asia and Europe been polled to determine whether they wear padded
> shorts. I suspect it's a minority of cyclists worldwide, that is, the
> affluent, recreational cyclists of the west, who predominantly use
> padding.
The Western recreational cyclists tend to ride much farther.
This page:
http://ruudvisser.wordpress.com/2006/12/04/planes-trains-automobiles-sort-of/
notes that the average Dutch person rides about 550 miles/year or 1.5
miles/day. Only about one-third of all people there commute by bicycle,
so that bumps the average per-rider up about 3X, or about 4.5 miles per
day. Assuming that's a 5-day/week commute, that bumps it up to 6.3
miles/day for 5 days/week, or around 1500 miles total (average)
per-rider, per year.
....Most [non-competitive] recreational cyclists I know would think that
a routine of 6.5 miles/day with weekends off is rather mild. And that
6.5 mile average is even an out-and-back run, so it's really two
separate 3.25 mile rides.
-----
As for "hundreds of millions of workaday cyclists", most of them are
poor people without much choice. You notice you also don't see a lot of
people in North Korea, rural China or backwoods Africa riding the latest
Lance-wannabe road bikes, either.
See this page (-a different subject, but about halfway down is a green
two-column table, of significant interest-)
> http://www.bicyclinglife.com/EffectiveAdvocacy/TheRoadsWeHave.htm
"... According to a study by the Tinbergen Institute, the Average
number of one way trips per person per day broken out by distance in
Holland looks like this:
Trip Distance.... Note that the vast majority of trips are less than
2.5km (1.5Miles) and there are hardly any over 7.5km (4.6Miles)... "
So how do Denmark cyclists ride so much, without padded shorts, and
sitting upright? The answer is, they don't usually ride very far.
Perhaps we could compare photos of "daily commuters" with people from
that same country out recreational-riding long distances, like say,,,
160+ km rides? I'd be willing to bet that most show up wearing padded
shorts, and they leave the city bike at home that day.
~
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Date: 30 Aug 2007 19:58:15
From: landotter
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
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On Aug 30, 9:13 pm, "Hud" <hud_o...@yahoo.com > wrote:
> About a week ago I started biking. I've got a Trek 7200 Multitrack. I
> started with an 8 mile ride the first day and then pedaled 10 miles on three
> other days. I love it. But, man-o-man, that stock bike seat really hurts
> my hind end! Can anyone recommend a comfortable seat, if such a thing
> exists?
Search this group and you'll find tons of thread about this. The
reality is that for real distance cycling you want to be simply
supported, not overly cushioned, which just bruises your muscles or
allows you to sink in and damage your bits. If your sit bones are
supported properly, you'll get used to firm quite quickly. So go for
firmer and less bulky, whatever brand you choose. You may also find
traditional leather saddles to be an option. Like the Brooks B-17 or
B67. I find them comfortable, but my personal choice is even nicer--
for my personal butt shape.
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Date: 31 Aug 2007 02:37:10
From:
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
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On Aug 30, 10:13 pm, "Hud" <hud_o...@yahoo.com > wrote:
> About a week ago I started biking. I've got a Trek 7200 Multitrack. I
> started with an 8 mile ride the first day and then pedaled 10 miles on three
> other days. I love it. But, man-o-man, that stock bike seat really hurts
> my hind end! Can anyone recommend a comfortable seat, if such a thing
> exists?
You might find this article useful:
http://www.bicyclinglife.com/PracticalCycling/Sore.htm
- Frank Krygowski
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Date: 30 Aug 2007 19:24:37
From: Ears
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
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I hope you're wearing bicycle shorts- the padded crotch (chamois)
makes a WORLD of difference. If you're worried about looks, then just
use them like underwear and wear your normal shorts over them.
Otherwise, there are billions of options for seats. Ideally, look for
one with springs or spend a bunch and get an ergonomically designed
one. Safe and happy riding!
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Date: 31 Aug 2007 17:07:54
From: John Thompson
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
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On 2007-08-31, Ears <bubblegumgorilla@yahoo.com > wrote:
> I hope you're wearing bicycle shorts- the padded crotch (chamois)
> makes a WORLD of difference.
FWIW, the padded synthetic "chamois" bike shorts are a relatively recent
phenomenon. Before that, shorts with real chamois (leather) crotches had
no padding. The chamois was there to prevent saddle sores, not provide
padding.
--
John (john@os2.dhs.org)
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Date: 31 Aug 2007 14:58:49
From: Hud
Subject: Re: Bicycle seat pain!
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"Ears" <bubblegumgorilla@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1188527077.915585.23720@m37g2000prh.googlegroups.com...
>I hope you're wearing bicycle shorts- the padded crotch (chamois)
> makes a WORLD of difference. If you're worried about looks, then just
> use them like underwear and wear your normal shorts over them.
> Otherwise, there are billions of options for seats. Ideally, look for
> one with springs or spend a bunch and get an ergonomically designed
> one. Safe and happy riding!
>
>
So that's why they wear those bicycle shorts! Thanks. I'll definitely get
me a pair.
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