Afraid to get back on

[marni]

I also find my sleek, racing road saddle much comfier than anything with a lot of padding.

Of course, after 3-4 hours, it's not THAT comfy. But what seat - including my ergonomic office chair!! - is comfy after 3-4 hours?

please also remember that there is a breaking in period with the smaller saddles, both for the padding to conform a bit to your anatomy and for your muscles to toughen up.

DH went through several saddles before the LBS guys finally convinced him that until he could do more than 10 miles at a stretch or at least 50 miles a week, no saddle was every going to be really comfortable.

I have the same experience each time I get a new saddle, even though it is exactly the same model, or even with the broken in saddle if I have to take any time off.

[FH Cyclist]

Hi I saw this post and thought I would post a reply that I had put in another thread for newbie riders since I didn't see this suggestion in this thread. I got this tip I got from a sales associate at REI.

Bring your bike inside, and place it in a door frame (yes, the door should be open). Mount your bicycle and maintain your balance using your hands against the door jamb. Practice clipping out of your pedals while stationary in the door jamb. You'll be able to get about 40-50 practice clip outs in about 15 - 20 minutes.

The best part is you will be able to decide quickly whether you want to loosen the clips tension or not and you will get a lot of experience quickly. Your confidence will rapidly increase and you will go faster longer.

I changed pedals, when I bought a new bike, I went through the same routine again and it was well worth the time. At the risk of jinxing myself, by doing this exercise, using both pedals, I have never fallen over.

I hope that helps.