How long does it take to get used to a road bike seat?
Monday, December 1st, 2008 at
11:56 am
stevelad1853 asked:
I just bought my first road bike, do you need to have the padded shorts or do people eventually get used to the seat. It is really limiting my rides, I can only go about ten miles before I have to get off.
I just bought my first road bike, do you need to have the padded shorts or do people eventually get used to the seat. It is really limiting my rides, I can only go about ten miles before I have to get off.
Tagged with: Bike Seat • Padded Shorts • People
Filed under: How to...
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always wear your cycling (padded) shorts
if you have a problem with chaffing, try Chamois Butter or Assos Cream
a few days with a day off in between should allow your body to build up the sit bones and muscles
if you still have problems, make sure the bike was set up and “fit” to your body
or change the saddle to a better one, I like Selle Italia Flite and Specialized saddles
and remember to stand up on the pedals once in while to stretch your legs and let the blood flow
but after not riding for a few days, I can still feel sore when I get back on, so I try to ride as often as I can
padded shorts will greatly improve comfort, not to mention, you will look better on a road bike with a nice lid, glasses, jersey and shorts.
i have a carbon racing saddle on my bike that is dreadfully uncomfortable unless i wear my stretchy pants. i couldnt ride more than 3miles with out them.
just make sure you wash them frequently and dont use a dryer! dirty shorts can make your ride even more unbearable!
When I was younger, I don’t recall having any trouble with my bike seat but the seat I have now is VERY uncomfortable.
I don’t think it takes “getting used to”. I think it’s just the wrong seat.
Honestly, the sad truth is that you may never become perfectly comfortable with your seat. The good news is that you can take steps to make it bearable over the long miles.
First and foremost you will need a good pair of padded shorts. Don’t skimp here, spend the extra money for a good pair with a good gel or chamois interior. It will be worth the money.
Secondly, you may have a cheap seat, especially if it came with the bike. I dropped the money on a more expensive seat with a cut-out in the middle (to help with soft tissue damage) and gel padding built into the seat. It is still a sleek and light seat, but does help quite a bit (seat is a Selle Pro-link gel).
Third, it will take time to get used to the seat. Road bikes just aren’t comfortable, that is the bottom line. But over time, you will get a little more used to the feeling.
Combine all the factors above and you will find that your rides will become more comfortable and you will be able to rack up the miles in more comfort.
Happy riding!
After working in a few bike shops, and slowly getting into road riding, i would suggest like everyone else, the padded cycling shorts. use chamios butter or the Assos cream as suggested when you take the out of the washer, still damp. Also if the seat you are using is uncmorftable buy a softer seat, get in some good long rides, and work up to it. after a lot of mountain biking, it took me a while to build up to a good road saddle, i definately love the specialized seats, but use a seat with cutouts, not gel inserts or flat across seats.
When i started road biking, i used the $30 Specialized seat, was comfy but over time, i knew it was time to upgrade, the Specialized comp seat was perfect, some padding, but lighter weight, and eventually i was riding the pro saddle with no problems. but start with a cheaper and more padded saddle, then over time try the one on your bike now, you will be able to ride it.
try your local shop, or,