Some confusion over terms

[CindyWeisert]

I see the term "Plush" come up a lot, but, cannot really find the definition for it? I know they are road bikes, but, what is there purpose? long rides? how do they differ from a touring bike? are they built for speed, comfort? both?

I am a new rider. I bought a Trek 1.5 WSD bike 54cm. I'm really enjoying riding. Have been doing regular 20 mile rides. My furthest ride is 36 miles! My main riding is on a bike trail. Nice and smooth and goes for miles and miles. I ride on the days that I do not run

My main complaint about riding is getting saddle sore. I have pretty good endurance from running, and my cardio and legs hold up pretty well. My bottom gets pretty sore though. I just purchase a pair of Terry biking shorts...am going to try them for the first time tonight. Hoping that will make a bit of a difference!

But, anyway, my main question was...what does PLUSH mean?

Thanks in advance!
Cindy

[OakLeaf]

Same as it means in cars and motorcycles.

Like a couch. You could lay in it and ride all day, but it doesn't handle so great, and if it doesn't have a motor, it's a bear to push up a hill.

Most people prefer "compliant" over "plush," meaning that hard parts flex and suspension, if any, travels only enough to optimize handling and keep it from bouncing off the ground.

[Owlie]

I must admit, I'm a little confused myself. What would be considered a "plush" road bike? One with a more upright geometry?

[sundial]

When I think of "plush" I think of the category of bikes that have a little bit longer wheel base, a less aggressive geometry, but still performance oriented, like a Specialized Roubaix.

[Zen]

I am a new rider. I bought a Trek 1.5 WSD bike 54cm...

...My main complaint about riding is getting saddle sore.

If you still have the Bontrager saddle on that Trek it's likely the cause of your problem.
Read this thread and start shopping.

[nscrbug]

I ride a "plush" road bike...a Cannondale Synapse Carbon Fem 3. Plush basically means a taller head tube, longer wheelbase, shorter top tube, and a more "relaxed" geometry. In other words, it's less aggressive than a "racing" geometry...such as a Cannondale SuperSix (what the Tour De France pros on Team Liquigas ride). The Specialized Roubaix (as sundial mentioned) is another fine example of a "plush" road bike...as opposed to the more "race-oriented" Specialized Tarmac. Giant version of a plush bike would be the Avail (women's) or Defy (men's)...versus their more aggressive race bike, the TCR.

[Owlie]

I ride a "plush" road bike...a Cannondale Synapse Carbon Fem 3. Plush basically means a taller head tube, longer wheelbase, shorter top tube, and a more "relaxed" geometry. In other words, it's less aggressive than a "racing" geometry...such as a Cannondale SuperSix (what the Tour De France pros on Team Liquigas ride). The Specialized Roubaix (as sundial mentioned) is another fine example of a "plush" road bike...as opposed to the more "race-oriented" Specialized Tarmac. Giant version of a plush bike would be the Avail (women's) or Defy (men's)...versus their more aggressive race bike, the TCR.

That's what I thought. Thanks.

[OakLeaf]

I would use "plush" to describe the ride, not the bike. And I wouldn't consider riding position to have anything to do with it; it's only that they don't put an aggressive seating position on a bike that's going to flex all over the place, because no one would want a bike like that. Someone comfort-oriented will want a plush ride and a relaxed seating position; someone performance-oriented will want a compliant ride and an aerodynamic seating position (and if they can't afford compliant, they'll take stiff over plush because it's more controllable and efficient).

Frame materials and geometry definitely have an effect, but one could also make the ride more plush by letting some air out of the tires, for instance, or putting on a sprung saddle or seatpost; and if you have adjustable suspension, by dialing in less damping on both ends, and possibly less preload as well.

You know when you test drive a car, if you buy it and bring it home, you find that the tires are like 5# under spec. The dealers do that to make the ride more plush, on the theory that most people value comfort over handling.

[Norse]

In addition to a more relaxed body geometry, "plush" can also refer to the ride "feel." Steel and carbon bikes, for example, are said to give a more comfy, plusher ride than aluminum or other materials. The Specialized Roubaix, which started it all, was originally developed for the "Hell of the North" Paris-Roubaix race over the cobblestones. As the field has developed, they are now making plush bikes that also go fast, although not as fast as the higher end race or pro style bikes.

Then again, as OakLeaf noted, you can also get a plushier ride by letting a little air out of the tires. A slower ride, but plushier!

[Zen]

Or you could get an Electra

[marni]

If you still have the Bontrager saddle on that Trek it's likely the cause of your problem.
Read this thread and start shopping.

I loved my bontrager saddle on my trek, I tried to replace it but could never find the right one so I found a terry that works, but I do miss the bontrager- Like all saddles, it depends on the conformation of the rider and the bike.

marni

[Zen]

If anyone wants a Bontrager I've got a couple to give away.

[RolliePollie]

If anyone wants a Bontrager I've got a couple to give away.

Me too!

[Catrin]

Now that I've a saddle that works for me on one bike, I can see why folks here don't like the stock Bontrager saddles...

[Norse]

DP and I now have 3 Bontrager saddles sitting around the basement, if anyone wants one.