Men's vs. Women's specific saddles

[Livin the Dream]

Thanks for your insight and suggestions! You've helped me confirm what my rear end was telling me last night.

By "could be more comfortable", I meant that by rear is tired and ready for a break after an hour or so. A few minutes of walking a stretching, and I'm fine to get back on the bike. The discomfort goes away very quickly. Good point, Grog, about a sore butt also after sitting in an office chair.

After last night's experience, I'm wondering if I just need to give myself more time to adjust from my hybrid seating position to the road bike seating position and to adjust to riding longer distances before experimenting with more saddles. I certainly know what UNCOMFORTABLE is now and can live with the other saddle for a while.

[Torrilin]

If a long ride is uncomfy and you don't habitually do long rides, the discomfort is probably due to the unfamiliar activity. If a long ride is uncomfy and you're developing problems like chafing, saddle sores or other medical issues, then it's fair to blame the saddle (or seam rub, or elastic rub...).

It sounds like your current saddle is Good Enough, so getting used to long rides on it is a good goal . Might be good to take your breaks *before* your rear is tired and needs it desperately. I find with repetitive activities, my body is a lot happier if I take breaks before it's urgent.

[indigoiis]

I just switched to a WTB not-very-padded She Sport. I love it. It is not "flared" at the back, and it has very little padding, and lots of "support" (two nice bumps to push on the sit bones and a channel in the middle.)

Then I test rode a very expensive nice bike on Sunday that had that Bonreger women's specific saddle and I HATED IT.

I think narrower, no to little padding, is a good thing. Who knew?

[SalsaMTB]

My advice...if you have a saddle that is comfy and not causing any problems, leave it!! It's tough to find a comfy saddle. Mine is a rock hard men's saddle that is no longer made, so I'll be searching soon for a replacement

Try increasing your time in a saddle. On longer rides, I find it nice to stand up occasionally to stretch my legs and use different muscles. If you increase mileage and find some new problems with the saddle, then maybe look for something new.

[Grog]

Mine is a rock hard men's saddle that is no longer made, so I'll be searching soon for a replacement

Search no more!
http://sheldonbrown.com/real-man.html

[Livin the Dream]

Search no more!
http://sheldonbrown.com/real-man.html

LOL!! That's a good one! But I'll bet that saddle is more comfortable than the one I had on my bike last night. Back to the stock saddle tonight and I feel much better!

I am discovering more and more that I have LOTS to learn to get the most enjoyment out of cycling and I so appreciate all of the wisdom and experience that the contributors to this board are willing to share.

[SJCzar]

My last bike had the stock Bontrager men's saddle on it and I thought it was alright. Many people that I saw riding the same bike as me had changed out the saddle because they had found it very uncomfortable (both men and women).

My new bike has a WTB women's on it and I really like it much better. My rear end has never been sore or numb. I have done a number of centuries on it and my butt doesn't feel the difference between 20 miles or 100 miles of riding.

[Grog]

By "could be more comfortable", I meant that by rear is tired and ready for a break after an hour or so. A few minutes of walking a stretching, and I'm fine to get back on the bike. The discomfort goes away very quickly.

You know, I've been cycling intensely for three years on the road, and it's only recently that I've become capable of spending more than 1-2 hours in the saddle without stopping. Last year I could do it but I really didn't like that. This year I went for a few 2-3-ride, came home, and realized I had barely unclipped the whole time, and never been off my bike during the whole time. I still prefer stopping and stretching a few minutes every hour, it's healthier I think...