What is realistic?

[Catrin]

What is realistic in saddle comfort for long distances? Being in the saddle for 2 hours is a very different thing from being in the saddle for 13 hours. I can't keep trying demo saddles for the next three months until I see if a saddle will work for a 13 hour ride.

I am thinking that if a saddle is comfy for 3-4 hours that is a good sign. Is this a good assumption? I did have a little tissue soreness after the ride yesterday - but I was in the saddle for more than an hour longer than ever (almost 5 hours) and there was no numbness at all.

This to me is a good sign

[OakLeaf]

It's a good sign.

If you're feeling any discomfort at all though, it's possible that it could get really bad around, say, six hours, but not at three or four. So be honest with yourself about that ...

[maillotpois]

I would hope you will be doing 8 - 10 hour rides in prep for the 13 hour ride, so those should be good tests of the saddle.

[Catrin]

I would hope you will be doing 8 - 10 hour rides in prep for the 13 hour ride, so those should be good tests of the saddle.

Indeed I will - just trying to decide what is realistic before I actually purchase the saddle. I think I will decide next week. Saturday will be my first metric and that should be a good test before I purchase...

[malkin]

I'm not comfortable for 13 hours anywhere.
Not my couch, certainly not my desk, not even my bed.

On the bike, I think it has much to do with fitness in addition to the saddle.

[Catrin]

I'm not comfortable for 13 hours anywhere.
Not my couch, certainly not my desk, not even my bed.

On the bike, I think it has much to do with fitness in addition to the saddle.

This is what I have been thinking. At some point there is just going to be discomfort - regardless - so this is something to consider as well. I will demo one more saddle and will then make my choice and then we will see.
Thanks everyone, we will see what happens this next week.

[nscrbug]

This is what I have been thinking. At some point there is just going to be discomfort - regardless - so this is something to consider as well. I will demo one more saddle and will then make my choice and then we will see.
Thanks everyone, we will see what happens this next week.

Ya know...my DH keeps reminding me of this all the time. I am always searching for "ultimate comfort" on the bike. But I guess he does have a point...once you get to about the 80-mile mark or so, things are just going to start hurting a bit. That's a loooong time for your butt to be on a bike saddle, regardless of how comfortable it's supposed to be. I'm sure there are some riders out there, that will swear by how comfortable they are from mile 1, all the way to mile 100 and beyond...but I think for the majority of us, there will come a point where even the MOST PERFECT saddle, will start to feel a bit like a cattle prod.

[indysteel]

I'm lucky in that my saddle of choice has proven to be relatively comfortable for even the longest of rides. What's key for me is the liberal and frequent application of chamois cream and the right pair of shorts.

[tctrek]

Even sitting in your lounge chair for 13 hours would hurt! Agree with all the tips on here... you need a great chamois cream, great shorts, great fit on your bike *and* the right saddle. And move around some, stretch, stand up to pedal periodically, etc. It will be a combo of many things... for me, anything over 6 hours or so hurts and I absolutely love my saddle.

[jenniferh]

Speaking of chamois creme...

I found a love for the specialized lithia gel saddle. I have no pain for <20 and so far the longest ride of 35mi was bearable. On that ride I had a little pressue, but after I was off the bike I had no burning when I urinate or chafing. All good signs I figure. I really wanted a saddle that felt good without chamois creme (mostly becuase I'm cheap). Do you think chamois creme is pretty much a necessity for longer than 35mi rides for a happy saddle?

[OakLeaf]

It's very personal. I'm sure it has to do with things like the shape and size of your parts, hair growth patterns, moisture levels in the area, the kind of chamois you like ... things that vary enormously even when two people have similar bone structure. A few lucky ones never need any, most I think use some on longer rides, some need it all the time.

If you're fine without it so far, maybe get a small tube or borrow a little from someone, carry it with you in a 1/2 oz jar in a jersey pocket, and then you'll have it if you need it.

[ny biker]

The saddle that I am currently replacing due to old age is extremely comfortable for me, even on 5+ hour rides, but I still prefer to use a little chamois butt'r for rides longer than 2 hours or so.

[OakLeaf]

If you're not chafing without any, do a happy dance and keep riding without any!

[indysteel]

I use it to prevent chafing. For me, friction is bad. Chamois cream helps things slide rather than rub.

I used to use it mostly on longer rides. Now I use it most of the time. I have seen some hormonal changes over the last year that I think explains that. Thinner, dryer tissue. Maybe it's just me, but what makes me comfortable on the bike is a bit of a moving target.

I do agree that everyone's different. For someone just stating out, I think it's worth at least giving it a try. Not all chamois creams are alike either. Some people swear by one brand over all others. I'll admit that I've only tried Chamois Butt'r. It's relatively cheap and readily available.

[Catrin]

I think this is part of my problem as well - I need to break down and purchase a larger container/tube of lube for my chamois. There is a part of me resistant to using it for some odd reason - but it does help when I do.

I am considering testing the SI Lady Gel Flow - which has a full cut-out. I am wondering, however, if it is with the time to do so. The Diva Gel Flow has a full cut-out and the additional pressure on the sides because of the cut-out caused numbness which isn't a good thing. Isn't this an indication that all cut-out saddles would do this? Am I wrong?

My fitter tells me that my very upright position means that saddle issues are much more difficult to solve - which makes sense. Almost all of my weight is on my saddle because of the arthritis in my hands - and is the main reason for my LHT conversion.