Embarrassing Seat Injury?!

[Ravenology]

I went on my first serious attempt at a ride yesterday, only 16 km but felt like a lot for myself. My first roadie is one I got from a friend for cheap that he built a couple years ago. Enjoying the bike so far, but the seat is totally EVIL.

The bike fits me, but no matter what I do with the stupid seat I cant get anything comfortable (very hard and long shaped). No matter how I adjust it, I always end up sitting on my "delicate bits" instead of my butt. OUCH. Mind you I wasnt wearing padding, just tights and underwear but at the end of the ride I had parts of my anatomy that were raw and bloody that should never be raw and bloody.

Would a "womens' " seat be any help or am I doing something wrong with my bar height making me lean? Ive noticed some seats with a hole in the middle dunno if that would help.
Any reccomendation on a seat would be really helpful! (And yes I will be investing in more appropriate attire)

[lph]

I'm betting you the saddle is too narrow. That feels like sitting on a hatchet, and is excruciating. Check out the excellent saddle info on the Gear and Accessories sub-forum!

[RubyTuesday]

Lots of things would help you. First and foremost, get some biking pants or shorts with good felt to protect the "bits" and ditch the underwear. Buy a gliding cream like, butt butter or Hoo Haa Ride Glide. If your bike has not been fit, you may be leaning or reaching to far for your handlebars and this will cause you to put more pressure where it shouldn't be. You may also need to sit more upright. Get a fitting for your bike.

I do think a women's seat might also help, but right now the other components are most important.

Good luck and OUCH. Hope you heal quickly.

[Biciclista]

I wonder if you have the seat too high. For sure you probably need another saddle, but if the seat is too high, the best seat will cause damage. Good luck. I would suggest a bike fit.

[Ravenology]

Thank you for the advice everyone, the seat IS really narrow.
Ill try something wider and softer. Id love to be able to get another nice ride in before the snow happens

[Roadtrip]

Ill try something wider and softer.

Just be sure not to get something TOO soft as that can cause issues as well.

Good luck!!

Shannon

[Ravenology]

Read these first:

Saddle Fit. Tips. And Tricks.

Saddle Width

Squishy saddle

More squishy horror-alerts

Best example of how to measure sitbones.

Thanks a bunch!!!

[Ravenology]

Read these first:

Saddle Fit. Tips. And Tricks.

Saddle Width

Squishy saddle

More squishy horror-alerts

Best example of how to measure sitbones.

Definitely need a cut out..And to measure my derrière. ty

[PamNY]

First, don't be embarrassed. As you will know if you have checked out the very helpful links Muirenn posted, we talk about this a lot. I honestly think I would have given up cycling without the advice I got here.

Second, definitely steer clear of "soft." It's not intuitive, but once your sit bones are properly supported, it will all make sense. "Soft" just squishes everything together in the worst possible way.

Good luck and don't give up.

[jyyanks]

Read these first:

Saddle Fit. Tips. And Tricks.

Saddle Width

Squishy saddle

More squishy horror-alerts

Best example of how to measure sitbones.

Wow Muirenn! Amazing and helpful info. Although I am not the OP, as a another newbie, I find the links incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[Ravenology]

Read these first:

Saddle Fit. Tips. And Tricks.

Saddle Width

Squishy saddle

More squishy horror-alerts

Best example of how to measure sitbones.

Im not sure if my replies are going through but THANK YOU. I now know what to do when I go seat shopping!

[grey]

I wonder if you have the seat too high. For sure you probably need another saddle, but if the seat is too high, the best seat will cause damage. Good luck. I would suggest a bike fit.

Seconded.
I kept trying saddles, then one day I hooked my bike up to the trainer and went through a basic at-home fitting based on the Andy Pruitt's Complete Medical Guide for Cyclists and discovered my seat, all that time, had been too high.

Riding has been awesomely far more fun ever since.

[freednerd]

I was having major pain "down there" until I bought a new saddle. I bought this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o01_s00_i00 (Sunlite Cloud Comfort saddle) even though I have a road bike and it has been a life [AND BUTT] saver.

[Tillybug]

I went through saddle hell for 2 years.

I also spend a lot of money on saddles.

The only saddle that has worked for me is the Adamo touring saddle. It looks really weird on my bike and uncool but it has enabled me to ride comfortably.

My seat bones are really far apart and this one is 190mm wide. It also has no nose on it.

I was literally numb and had problems peeing for days after a ride before this saddle.

I also recommend a bike fitting. My fitting was the best money ever spent as it was not only the saddle causing my problems but other things as well.

[L-Bell]

I hate to be too graphic - but after 3 long rides on the saddle that came with my bike, I fear I've injured the front/center neighborhood of Lady Town. The saddle was causing some major compression/squishing in that area, but I wanted to give it a fair try and make sure it wasn't just me... I bought a women's saddle yesterday but am too sore to try it just yet. Can I rest assured that partial numbness / pins-and-needles feelings will go away on their own?

And about products like Butt Butter, etc. - are they meant for this area and type of problem? Not sure if there's chafing at work too or if it's mainly the pressure/weight that's been on this area... Do you apply liberally or use a tiny bit? Does it get all over the inside of your shorts? (I did commit to ditching the undies after the 1st ride - at least that's better sweat-wise.)

Thank you!