Sit Bone Pain, how long does it last? -- New to Cycling

[sarahspins]

I'd say I was in constant pain until I found a saddle that really fit (I went through 3 in a month, and I hurt a LOT that entire time). After getting my SMP Strike TRK, I was considerably sore around my sit bones for maybe a week (since they were finally supporting me for the first time)... but after that, which got MUCH better with each ride, I had no other complaints (no soft tissue issues at all) and now that saddle feels like nothing is there... I love it, and I'm glad I found it.

It is entirely possible that the saddle isn't a good fit for you though.. we're all shaped differently, and the SMP design seems to be something you either love and can't do without, or just can't stand. Some people dislike how much wider and more padded the TRK version is compared to the higher end versions. So if it is that you really need a narrower seat (I sure don't!) that could be part of the problem.

[KSH]

Are you wearing padded shorts as well?

I found that I have to ride 3 days a week and it takes a good 3-4 weeks until my bum stops hurting.

[Jow28]

Also...and I know we are all girls here....I hope! I shave my area and had to let it grow back during ride season due to stubble friction pain. The sit bones? Give it 2 good solid weeks of riding and wear padded shorts!

[martaw]

I thought it will never stop, I am so glad I came across this post! If I wore padded shorts my backside is huge already hehehe

[blueeyesaz]

Thank you all for the replies so far!

I do wear padded shorts, the Pearl Izumi Elite Symphony with a 13mm foam pad. I have read in some threads here that more padding isn't necessarily better and now that I realize I definitely need a second pair of shorts I'm in the process of deciding which ones I want to try (thinking the Sugoi RS short or the Giordana FR Carbon Short though I don't particularly love the long inseam).

I'm going to give my saddle (the Selle SMP Strike TRK) the benefit of the doubt as I love the large canal and cushioning of the seat. I'll see how it goes over the next few weeks and hope that my sit bones callous up to the point where shorter rides won't bother me as much.

[alpinerabbit]

Giordana could be good. I like their OF pad.

[JodiC]

interesting ... mine was more related to the saddle .... because the terry saddles generally made me feel like I'm riding on wood.
But I do think there's a pattern of toughening up at the beginning of the season.
If it doesn't go away you will want to look at how your saddle fits, and if it's the right saddle for you. TE forums are great and there have been discussions about how to measure your sits bones for correct saddle with. I'm tall and have wide hips, so the women's Selle SMP works for me, but it is apparently too wide of a saddle for many women.