New shorts or new saddle?

[thekarens]

I realize ideally I would do both, but that's not really an option right at the moment. I'm discovering after riding for about 7 miles my sit bone on my right side is screaming at me and it's not saying nice things. I do realize you have to suck it up for while until you get past some of that pain, but I think it's more than just that. Ideally I'd start with a pair of decent cycling shorts, but I'm concerned about investing in shorts when I'm still losing weight. It would pain me spend $50 and in a couple months not be able to wear them comfortably. So, I thought, well, maybe I should just invest in a new saddle. What do y'all think?

I'm 5'3, started at 200lbs, now down to 149lbs, but my goal is 130lbs, though I don't think 120lb would be unreasonable either. I'm actually more concerned about my body fat percentage than weight. Either way I plan on losing several more inches, which is why I have concerns about investing in shorts.

[marni]

first of all congratulations on your weight loss. That's fantastic!

thoughts on shorts vs saddle.

1. have you had a good bike fit? That would be the primary issue.
2. buke shorts are supposed to fit snugly so that things don't shift around, so ideally you should buy the smallest size you can squeeze into without cutting off circulation. That being said, it also means that if you get a tight fit, it will hopefully ease and stretch down with you for a bit as you trim down.
3. I have had good luck with shorts from performance bicycle, which is several places around Houston. They carry less expensive but perfectly adequate shorts both in their store brand as well as a couple of other brands. This might be especially useful when you are still on the learning curve of what works and what doesn't.
4. You could also try REI- which just happens to be across the street on Westheimer from one of the Performance bike stores. Although I have had better luck with erseys than shorts, I know they do carry bike shorts as well. They tend to be a bit seasonal so they will probably have less now than in the spring. I know there isn't really winter in Houston, but national chains don't seem to be able to compute that. Try and buy a bathing suit anytime after AUgust 1.
5. I have found Castelli shorts at Sports authority from time to time as well.
6. Team Estrogen and Terry both have good discounts from time to time as well.
7. there are several sites on the web that have good prices on shorts so let your fingers do some walking on the keyboard.

I guess what I am saying is you need to buy two pairs of different brands, compare them riding wise, take notes and then eliminate one and try another when you can swing it. Having two pairs means that you can wash one pair while the other dries from yesterdays ride. I rarely buy on line unless it is a brand that I know and am familiar with as I have definite issues with the chamois shape and thickness.

I rarely buy on line unless it is a brand that I know and am familiar with as I have definite issues with the chamois shape and thickness.
Having said that, I now have a stable of shorts that I rotate through. Since I am still losing weight at times the fit changes enough or the shorts get old and stretched out enough that they no longer fit comfortably. The first time I notice it I put a perma marker x on the inside tag. 3 x and the shorts are gone.

Then there is the matter of chamois butter and the fact that you definitely want to ride sans underwear.

Perhaps I am assuming that you are a newbie and you aren't and all of this is redundant. If so, sorry.

Come out to katy and ride with me sometime!

[BodhiTree]

I'm discovering after riding for about 7 miles my sit bone on my right side is screaming at me and it's not saying nice things.

It sounds like one sit bone (left) is planted nicely on the saddle. It sounds like one sit bone (right) is on the edge of the saddle or even half-off.

Perhaps your saddle is too narrow at your sit bones. Perhaps it isn't wide enough to hold both bones at once.

[thekarens]

I'm very much a newbie. Haven't even ridden a bicycle in years.

I think you're both right. I need to swing by Performance and try some on and buy one pair for now, and a second for later and ask for a new saddle for Christmas. I really don't think the saddle is wide enough. :)

@Marni, I'd love to ride with you next year when I get my road bike. I have a MTB for now, which I also ride in the subdivision when I can't get to a trail, but I definitely want a road bike as well. I live in Cypress, so not too far from Katy.

[thekarens]

Hi Muirenn, I bought the very basic MTB Trek 820 WSD. When I bought the bike they gave me a basic fitting and adjusted the the handlebars and seat. I ended up moving the seat back because I have "ape arms" according to my partner. I kept moving back on the seat and hanging off the back. It's much more comfortable now since I no longer feel the need to push back on the seat, but my right cheek sure is getting sore!

As far as sizes go I'd be surprised if I fit a medium (though I hope to one day) My waste is 32 and my hips are 40.5.

[CyclingRN]

I have had the same problem when I first got back on my bike. My butt ached and I had saddle sores in places that you'd rather not have saddle sores. That being said, I went back to my LBS and addressed the issue. I had already been wearing padded shorts but I needed something more because I was in pain. We measured my sit bones and changed my saddle. The new saddle had much more padding than the original, but I am not sure that was actually a good thing. I had been told that sometimes more padding is not always best. I do believe that now. Once I started spending more time on my bike and increasing the length of my rides, my booty kind of adjusted. To me it was like a conditioning process. Kind of like toughening up the hide!! I am almost ready to go back to a thinner saddle; for other reasons. With that being said, you have to do what is best for you and your booty! As for shorts, I have only owned Pearl Izumi's Quest and I love them! And also, I have lost weight since I have been on the bike and I think that may have also helped as well.

@ Marni's recs on shorts- nice compiled list of options, well worth checking out. That's speaking for myself. Thanks again for the advice Marni if you happen to read this. (She has given me good advice on another issue...she's awesome)

I hope you find what works for you. Booty pain is MISERABLE!! And with this heat, it makes it that much worse. Sounds like you are in Texas so I can relate. I am in Mississippi and it's been pretty dang toasty!! Riding is so much fun for me, and hopefully for you as well. I'd hate to see you sidelined. Happy riding and stay safe!! I may need to run out to Texas next spring and ride with you guys!!!!

[thekarens]

Not only am I not giving up..........I'm making plans for another bike in the spring :) I need a roadie to go with my mtb. I know there's a solution and even if it's just sucking it up until I toughen I can do that too.

I am in Texas and it's freaking hot. I've been going out either in the evening or some of the parks have more shade than others. You definitely should come out at some point. We have nice flat roads....though we also have lots of cracks and uneven surfaces. PS...........I was born in Biloxi :)

[Dizzie]

I'd go new saddle. I have the SMP TRK woman's on all my bikes. Having spent a fortune on all the lbs 'must haves' we tried swapping seats and once I had borrowed the woman's TRK there was no going back, it's not even expensive which is even better. I do 100-150 miles a week and when it comes to my girly bits I have a very low pain threshold for anything under 30 miles I can ride without padded shorts although I ride faster when in full kit //*-*\\ My choice of shorts will always be Giordana Silverline Donna (knickers) but like all bike stuff it is totally subjective, there is a saying in the club that if you feel like you look good then you will ride faster.

[thekarens]

I measured my sit bones....via string method. All my coworkers were entertained. At the pointy spot (center) it measured 139 mm and the outside was 165mm. I've never measured the seat, so I'm not sure what size it is.

As far as what looks good....well, I'd have to say my partner looks darn sexy in full cycling gear. I'm freaked out by the prospect. I'm more of a mountain bike outfit kind of girl.

[Dizzie]

. I've never measured the seat, so I'm not sure what size it is.

I've just looked up the size of the Selle SMP TRK and it's quoted at 272 x 177. It is wider on the sit bone area than the male equivalent, my husband has one on his bike too. Don't know how much they would be there but they are the about the equivalent of $45 ish here.
The Lycra will get you :-)

[ny biker]

Hi Muirenn, I bought the very basic MTB Trek 820 WSD. When I bought the bike they gave me a basic fitting and adjusted the the handlebars and seat. I ended up moving the seat back because I have "ape arms" according to my partner. I kept moving back on the seat and hanging off the back. It's much more comfortable now since I no longer feel the need to push back on the seat, but my right cheek sure is getting sore!

As far as sizes go I'd be surprised if I fit a medium (though I hope to one day) My waste is 32 and my hips are 40.5.

First, I agree with Muirenn about making sure that your saddle is centered correctly.

Second, I think you need a better fitting. The saddle fore/aft position should be based on having your knee in the right position in relation to your foot/pedal. If you move the saddle to correct a problem with your reach to the handlebars, it affects your ability to transfer power to the pedals, and could cause pain. I recently had problems with pain in the top of my foot and front of my ankle because my new saddle was too far back when I first put it on the bike.

Third, if the handlebars are too close, a longer stem can probably help.

[thekarens]

Unfortunately paying for a fitting isn't an option at the moment so I could adjust the saddle some to see if that helps n

[marni]

I am in Texas and it's freaking hot. I've been going out either in the evening or some of the parks have more shade than others. You definitely should come out at some point. We have nice flat roads....though we also have lots of cracks and uneven surfaces. PS...........I was born in Biloxi :)

no matter when you go out remember to hydrate and eat properly. I have been doing an early morning ride (longish) on Tuesdays at the "oh my god is the sun even up yet" hour of the morning. We di 60 miles Tuesday and the feels like temperature was already in the triple digits when we came off the road at 10:30.

Personally, I think Tim Heller, the wetherman is just playing with our brains when he promises cooler temperatures next week. Until I feel chilly when I ride, I refuse to believe him, but I'm not bitter.;)

[Skierchickie]

Unfortunately paying for a fitting isn't an option at the moment so I could adjust the saddle some to see if that helps n

You can at least check your fore/aft position yourself. Well, with the help of another person. Sit on your bike with your feet on the pedals at, hmmm - drawing a blank - somebody help me! 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock (unless I've got vacation brain right now, and it's 12 and 6). Drop a plumb bob (or any string with a small weight on one end so it hangs straight down) from the front of your forward knee. The weighted end should fall at the pedal spindle. This isn't a hard and fast rule, but it should be near it. If you are too far back, try a longer stem, instead. If too far forward, you may need a shorter one.

A professional fitting is the best way to go, but sometimes you just can't do that. Then it's time for some do-it-yourselfedness, with a bit of education.

[TrekDianna]

You can at least check your fore/aft position yourself. Well, with the help of another person. Sit on your bike with your feet on the pedals at, hmmm - drawing a blank - somebody help me! 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock (unless I've got vacation brain right now, and it's 12 and 6). Drop a plumb bob (or any string with a small weight on one end so it hangs straight down) from the front of your forward knee. The weighted end should fall at the pedal spindle. This isn't a hard and fast rule, but it should be near it. If you are too far back, try a longer stem, instead. If too far forward, you may need a shorter one.

A professional fitting is the best way to go, but sometimes you just can't do that. Then it's time for some do-it-yourselfedness, with a bit of education.

That is exactly the method my neighbor used with me when I got a new saddle. She has a PhD in Sport Science and also teaches biking at the university. It worked and the new position is perfect.

[thekarens]

You can at least check your fore/aft position yourself. Well, with the help of another person. Sit on your bike with your feet on the pedals at, hmmm - drawing a blank - somebody help me! 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock (unless I've got vacation brain right now, and it's 12 and 6). Drop a plumb bob (or any string with a small weight on one end so it hangs straight down) from the front of your forward knee. The weighted end should fall at the pedal spindle. This isn't a hard and fast rule, but it should be near it. If you are too far back, try a longer stem, instead. If too far forward, you may need a shorter one.

A professional fitting is the best way to go, but sometimes you just can't do that. Then it's time for some do-it-yourselfedness, with a bit of education.

Thank you, I appreciate this. I'll get my partner to help me out to see where I'm at. I got some shorts at Performance Bike and didn't have any problem on a 2 hour ride Saturday or a 3 hour ride on Sunday, but I think adding this to the equation will be helpful.

[Celeste1013]

First, I agree with Muirenn about making sure that your saddle is centered correctly.

Second, I think you need a better fitting. The saddle fore/aft position should be based on having your knee in the right position in relation to your foot/pedal. If you move the saddle to correct a problem with your reach to the handlebars, it affects your ability to transfer power to the pedals, and could cause pain. I recently had problems with pain in the top of my foot and front of my ankle because my new saddle was too far back when I first put it on the bike.

Third, if the handlebars are too close, a longer stem can probably help.

Hi ny biker, the information on your knee position in relation to your foot/pedal caught my eye. What should your knee position be in relation to your foot/pedal?

[Owlie]

Hi ny biker, the information on your knee position in relation to your foot/pedal caught my eye. What should your knee position be in relation to your foot/pedal?

The "proper" knee position is to have your knee directly over the pedal spindle (its axle) when the pedals are at 3- and 9 o'clock (parallel to the ground). Someone should be able to drop a plumb bob from your knee and have it intersect an imaginary line drawn through the center of the pedal spindle. Of course, this doesn't work for everyone, but it's a place to start.