Saddle Issues

[fanatizzare]

I need saddle advice. Can you help me figure out what's going on?

Yesterday I took my bike out for the first time in months. I went on a light and easy 9 mile ride. It went well, except that my butt is extremely sore. Owie. It hurts in two very distinct spots where my bones would hit the saddle, so I know it's an issue with the saddle.

I still have the saddle that came with my bike (Diamondback Insight 1 - a hybrid). I have never had issues with my saddle before, not even the slightest pain or discomfort. I've put a lot of miles on my bike and used to regularly make 25 mile trips and occasionally make 50s. So, 9 is really no big deal for me at all. I was wearing good quality bike shorts.

The saddle I have is a men's saddle. It's really narrow, but that's never been an issue for me. It's fit me well until now..

The biggest difference now is that I am pregnant. I am wondering if my 'sit bones' have moved or adjusted differently? Should I look at getting a woman's saddle now? Am I just sitting wrong? Can I adjust the saddle a bit to fit? Or can I chalk this up to an uncomfortable pregnancy symptom? ;) I'm rather clueless on saddle issues because I've never had them before. I've been lucky!

Thoughts?
Thanks!!

[sarahspins]

How many months have you been off the bike? If it's more than a couple, the pain you're feeling could be totally normal and would go away within maybe 2-3 weeks of regular riding... you could also just be extra sensitive due to the pregnancy.

[tulip]

If your sitbones are sore, as opposed to the soft tissue, it's likely a matter of getting more time on the bike. Keep riding.

[MartianDestiny]

If you feel it on your sit-bones it's not really the saddle (size) that's the problem, and it sounds like the saddle has been fine in the past.

My guess is you just need more time (this season) on it.

I adore my saddle, but after 4 months off my sitbones were bruised/painful after the first ride. Since then life has been great again.

[fanatizzare]

Thanks for the response! That really helps. It is definitely the sit bones that hurt rather than the soft tissue.

That was my first ride since I found out I was pregnant, so probably at least 4 months ago! I put the bike away because the roads were just too slippery and I was too sick to justify riding. As long as the roads are nice and I'm feeling good, I'm okayed to ride.

I guess I'm just not used to being off the bike for so long. Well, that's good news. I just have to jump back on and ride again (once this rain letsup!)

Thanks again!

[Biciclista]

ah you didn't say you were pregnant.
You haven't ridden for 4 months, so you do have to recondition yourself. But sometimes in pregnancy all sorts of odd changes occur; tight hip joints get looser, I could hardly walk the last month of my first pregnancy because of that, it HURT. I was hypersensitive in a lot of other places too. :eek:

[Jiffer]

ah you didn't say you were pregnant.
You haven't ridden for 4 months, so you do have to recondition yourself. But sometimes in pregnancy all sorts of odd changes occur; tight hip joints get looser, I could hardly walk the last month of my first pregnancy because of that, it HURT. I was hypersensitive in a lot of other places too. :eek:

Actually, she did say she was pregnant in her initial post ;)

[Jiffer]

Just wanted to add that while there are a few saddles specificallyade for women, most saddles are unisex. Dh and I have tried many saddles and both ended up with the same saddle and had the same sorts of complaints about the saddles that bothered us, which I find rather amazing.

[kermit]

Is it possible that the original saddles is just worn out?

[JennK13]

I would also think it could very well have to do with the fact that you're pregnant - depending on how far along you are. Your bones will move/spread so that you can give birth :) The baby could also be sitting low and putting additional pressure on you from the inside, thereby compressing your sit bones further.
If the saddle worked before, and isn't worn out, I'd guess it has to do with your body changes. If you want to ride while pregnant, a different saddle might help if you give that a try, If it doesn't matter right, especially entering the second half of your pregnancy, maybe just wait until you start riding again after you have the baby - I'm sure you've got plenty of other things you could be spending money to prepare for your new arrival rather than a new saddle!!!:p

[Melalvai]

I wonder how a brooks saddle would hold up to pregnancy. If you were riding it throughout, maybe the leather would change with you. But if you had a hiatus, say for winter or morning sickness, the leather would be all wrong.

Good luck with the saddle issue, I hope it is just that you aren't accustomed to it. I'm sure Mr. Fanatizarre will go along with the need for a new saddle temporarily if necessary. :)

[Biciclista]

Melalvai, the leather just doesn't change that much, and neither do your bones. I don't see how using a leather saddle during pregnancy would be a problem.
I think JennK13 is right on though... maybe after you have the baby, the saddle you have will be just fine.