Saddle upgrade on hybrid 7 speed?

[lovelygamer]

Just a general question. I'm going to sign up to do my first tour in October. I won't have a road bike by then. My hybrid 7 speed KILLS my behind even with padded shorts.

The tour routes are minimum 25 miles, which I have no trouble doing except for the butt pain. I have a big cushy saddle which many people have told me is my problem.

Would it help my issue to go ahead and upgrade saddles to the sort I would have on a road bike? Or is that silly, considering the hybrid commuter type of bike that I have?

I was considering a Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow.

[Becky]

I would absolutely try a less-padded, firmer saddle, regardless of the type of bike.

[indysteel]

No, it's not silly to upgrade your saddle to the type found on road bikes. But even among "road" saddles there are differences in shape, width, length, cushioning and design so it may take some trial and error to find the right one for you. Have you measured your sit bones? Start there......

I also don't suggest doing a big "event" ride on a saddle you haven't fully tested out. So, the sooner you start this process, the better off you'll be.

[Catrin]

+1 what IndySteel said, this is the time to start looking for/riding with that saddle.

Do you know if you need the cutout? There is a test posted here on TE to help you determine that, if no one else has found it and posted the link I will find it tonight when I get in from my ride.

The SI Diva cutout is quite a bit longer and wider than the SE Lady (LDY) Gel Flow. Does your bike store allow you to demo saddles? Some do, this really helped me when I finally was riding long enough to realize my Brooks saddle wasn't going to hack it for me.

Good luck, and congratulations on your first tour! How long of a ride is it?

[lovelygamer]

Thanks so much for the advice ladies. I'm going to go through the LBS for sure. He knows that I am saving for a road bike too so he is aware of my situation. I'll try these tests at home tonight too. I can probably get something ordered this month, if I find the right ones to try out.

The ride options that fit me are 22 or 42 miles. If I don't get a new saddle, I'll have to go with 22 because the pain is unreal. If I can get a new saddle and wear it some, I want to do 42.

Heather

[Geonz]

Also see if you can make adjustments to seat height & angle and handlebar height and angle that might change where pressure is.