Idiot's Guide to Measuring Sit Bones

[Trigress]

Could any of you please explain to me how I can measure my sit bones? I know there probably is one here already, but this is the third evening I search for it, and I just cannot seem to find it! :(

I'm sitting here on my well-cushioned couch, still recovering from yesterday's 180k ride, and the need for another seat appears desperate. I can only just wear knickers. I was on the verge of asking my DH for a pair of his worn-out boxershorts this morning, but pride stopped me mid-enquiry. :o

I think my saddle probably is too wide for me, but I would like to know the width of my sit bones, then I believe the info I can give the guys at the LBS would be ore relevant when they try to find me a better seat. I just talked DH into lending me his for a test ride.

In advance, thanks for all your help!

[VeloVT]

Trigress,
There are a few threads here somewhere with various amusing and creative ways to measure sitbones...

But if your LBS carries either Specialized saddles or the new line of Bontragers, it's likely that they have an easy-to-use sitbone-measuring tool. Maybe call ahead and ask? it might save you some trouble trying to figure it out at home :).

[Trigress]

Maybe the best way is to call the LBS.

But where on earth are these threads?? Are they just ancient? I've searched for them, and I can't find them!

[Wahine]

Here ya go...

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=21451&highlight=Saddle+width

[VeloVT]

I think this is the one I remembered. Lots of suggestions for measurement methods ;)...

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=2372&highlight=measure+bones

[Trigress]

Thanks!

I think I might have some of that putty somewhere... :D

I'll give it a go, even though I'm scared about becoming incontinent from riding now...

[lph]

Trigress - Bavac makes a womens boxer that is seamless and pretty comfy for battered bicyclist butts, and then there's the cheapo Pierre Robert boxer (?) at most Rimi stores if you prefer cotton. Aloe Vera gel is also nice to have...

Good luck on saddle hunting! I have a 143 wide selle trans am xo (with a cut-out) left over if you'd like to try.

PS. Sørensen and Milslukern both have the Specialized foam pad thingy, but they don't necessarily know how to use it ;-) and I didn't find it that accurate anyway. You might be better off taking your own measurements at home. I got best results from sitting on a regular sheet of paper, on top of a thin foam gym mat, on a hard table, and taking several measurements.

[Trigress]

The boxer was a good tip, but do you use it underneath the padded shorts? I've stocked up on zinc-cream, placing myself in the same category as nappy-wearing toddlers. The zinc seems to work quite well, although there is a certain chance I'll have to resign to running shoes tonight, I'm not sure my butt can take another few hours on a bike saddle right now - nearly nine hours on Sunday made an impact (we rode Minneåsen...).

I'm not surprised Sørensen has the measurement thingy, but I'll try the paper trick at home first, and also the saddle that my boyfriend uses. I haven't got the worst of saddles, but it's always a good thing to try several, especially as I'm going to use it with aerobars. It would be cool to try your selle though, if my butt appears to be similiarly sized! Thanks!

[lph]

No, for bike riding you're better off with just bike shorts with nothing underneath, I don't think there's anything to improve on there except maybe add salve or balm. And a better saddle of course :). But if you have bad saddle sores or are bruised those boxers are the most comfy thing I know of to wear off the bike. Well, the best is maybe a long dress and no underwear, if you're brave enough :p

The Trans Am saddle is too narrow for me, I sit on the outermost edges and get too much pressure in the middle. But the cut-out and padding is nice otherwise.