Trainer vs riding - Brooks question

I've noted a huge difference in how my Brooks B17 feels between trainer and outside riding. Granted, there are only 22 miles on my new bike right now (wish it would stop raining), so that may be all that is going on.

On my bike I haven't even noticed the saddle riding outside. On the trainer" Girly bits get sore - even some numbness after the hour session on the trainer, and I find myself using unscientific methods to determine just where my sit-bones are hitting the saddle. On the trainer they seem mighty close to the rails.

Why such a big difference? Is it the trainer? Is it too early to worry about? Obviously the bike can't move under me on the trainer the way it does on the road...could this be it?

Are you moving around while riding on the trainer or do you stay seated the whole time?

Veronica

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Originally Posted by Veronica

Are you moving around while riding on the trainer or do you stay seated the whole time?

Veronica

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Right now I do not get up on my bike at all - I stay seated when riding outside as well. I TRIED to get up on the trainer (was watching Spinervals) and it was just way too weird and unstable-feeling. I have noted no discomfort in the past from either my stock Trek wsd saddle, nor from my short hour-long ride outside with the Brooks saddle on my LHT.

having saddle discomfort while riding on the trainer, but not outdoors, is really common. Even if you don't realize it, you move around on the saddle much more outdoors. For example, taking pressure off the saddle, even ever so slightly, when hitting a bump/rough road. Also, position on the bike tends to be a little different indoors as compared to on the road. Indoors everyone tends to sit up more as compared to a more stretched out position over the handlebars that is more comfortable/natural outdoors. This more upright position puts more pressure on your sit bones.

Some combination of these 2 factors probably explains the discomfort you are feeling. All I can recommend is to try to move around more in the saddle indoors. Standing is awkward at first on the trainer because the bike doesn't move under you like it does on the road. But speaking from countless hours of indoor experience this past winter, standing will very quickly feel normal inside, and it should help you a lot. Also change your hand positions during your workout. Get into your drops for sprints/short intervals and get well over your hoods for longer intervals. This will also help you move pressure away from your sit bones.

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Originally Posted by chicagogal

having saddle discomfort while riding on the trainer, but not outdoors, is really common. Even if you don't realize it, you move around on the saddle much more outdoors. For example, taking pressure off the saddle, even ever so slightly, when hitting a bump/rough road. Also, position on the bike tends to be a little different indoors as compared to on the road. Indoors everyone tends to sit up more as compared to a more stretched out position over the handlebars that is more comfortable/natural outdoors. This more upright position puts more pressure on your sit bones.

Some combination of these 2 factors probably explains the discomfort you are feeling. All I can recommend is to try to move around more in the saddle indoors. Standing is awkward at first on the trainer because the bike doesn't move under you like it does on the road. But speaking from countless hours of indoor experience this past winter, standing will very quickly feel normal inside, and it should help you a lot. Also change your hand positions during your workout. Get into your drops for sprints/short intervals and get well over your hoods for longer intervals. This will also help you move pressure away from your sit bones.

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I just spent close to an hour on the trainer and while I was still aware of my girly bits, it was better this time and no numbness when I finished. Right now I am not standing on any bike at all, (outside of the spinning bike). I think I was moving around on the saddle a little more this time. My focus right now is to practice shifting the bar-end shifters - since the rain is preventing REAL shifting practice :(

It is good to know that this is a common thing - saddle issues on the trainer and not when actually riding.

Are you using a block under the front wheel? Your seat is set up for a level road--you're bike may not be level on the trainer. That will shift your weight forward onto the "bits."

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Originally Posted by TrekTheKaty

Are you using a block under the front wheel? Your seat is set up for a level road--you're bike may not be level on the trainer. That will shift your weight forward onto the "bits."

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ahah! That makes perfect sense, thanks!