Saddles

[sempronialou]

I'm rather new around here, but I've been lurking around here for a little while. I've been having rear end issues associated with long rides. I ride a hybrid bike (Giant). I didn't like the saddle it came with, so I took the one off my old mountain bike and put it on my hybrid. That particular saddle was one I bought a few years ago when I was having soreness issues with the saddle that came with mountain bike that I got back in high school. It seemed relatively comfortable, but I also wasn't riding longer distances. My butt is so sore in the middle and of course at the end of my ride. 20 miles is really pushing it now. I want to go longer, but it's just too painful even with padded shorts. I can't give up riding. I've had to give up running because of plantar fasciitis. I need something to help me in my weight loss and fitness journey. Plus I love cycling.

My mom recommended that I try brooks saddles. I've read and heard good things about them. They seem quite pricey, but if it means I'm more comfortable, I'll take it. I'm just overwhelmed by all the different models. I don't even know where to start and how I know what is appropriate for my needs and my body. I narrowed it down to the category of touring/trekking, but beyond that I don't know. Any suggestions and advice would be appreciated. Thank you so much.

[blackhillsbiker]

It depends on your sitbone width, but if you're mostly upright on your bike, I don't think you can go wrong with the B-67 or B-68. The B-67 has springs. You don't bounce all over the place, but they sure soak up the bumps. I have one on my commuter and I love it dearly! Breaking it in will entail some time with sore sitbones. Then all of a sudden you won't notice the saddle anymore. I regularly ride in jeans, shorts, skirts, whatever. No issues. It doesn't get softer with use, just conforms to your body.

Deb

[sempronialou]

Dumb question alert. How does one determine their sitbone width?

[blackhillsbiker]

At the risk of being seen as unhelpful, just do a search. Also check out the bunch of Brooks threads in the Saddles sections. I could never explain it as well as it has been explained there. I measured mine by sitting on a paper towel on the carpeted floor in my underwear. They make dents in the towel.

The long discussions in the Saddles sections were what helped me to decide on a Brooks.

Deb

[sempronialou]

Make play doh!

One part salt, two parts flour, mix with water until it's right for modeling.

Roll about an inch thick, cover with aluminum foil to keep it from being sticky, sit it on a low bench and lean forward to approximate riding position since the sitbones become more narrow as you lean forward. Remove foil and allow to dry a little. The bones impression will become white first. Measure center to center (preferably in millimeters) and outside to outside. Write down the measurements.

Uh, butt-print mold should be taken, er commando. Or at least with only thin panties or some such.

Thank you! That really helps. I know I'll get some weird looks from my husband doing this.