How, exactly, do we develop bike butt?

[lph]

DH's theory is that as a cyclist gets stronger they put more of their weight on their legs and less on their rear-end...is that a logical theory?

Well, my butt gets a lot more sore on recreational family rides where we're moseying around looking at the scenery than on training rides where I use my legs a lot. That's mostly because my bikes are set up for training rides with a fairly bent-over position, but I can tell a difference between slow "easy" training rides and fast in-and-out of the saddle rides.

[indigoiis]

I rode six months trying to get used to a saddle that didn't fit me. Your body does not adapt to a saddle that doesn't fit, no matter how hard you try. It is worth the money to invest in a saddle that your sit bones sit on. Now I can ride 100 miles on my saddle. When I swapped bikes I kept the saddle. It is nothing special as far as saddles go - it's a stock saddle from a Specialized Dolce. But it fits me perfectly.

If you are getting sores or blisters, I would recommend shopping for a new saddle.

[zoom-zoom]

I rode six months trying to get used to a saddle that didn't fit me. Your body does not adapt to a saddle that doesn't fit, no matter how hard you try. It is worth the money to invest in a saddle that your sit bones sit on. Now I can ride 100 miles on my saddle. When I swapped bikes I kept the saddle. It is nothing special as far as saddles go - it's a stock saddle from a Specialized Dolce. But it fits me perfectly.

If you are getting sores or blisters, I would recommend shopping for a new saddle.

I knew right away that the stock saddle on my Cdale Synapse (I think it's called Raven?) was too narrow. From measuring that saddle it appears to be 120-130cm at its widest, squishy, and not flat in the back. I think my sit bones are closer to 130-140. I purchased a Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow, which is wider, flatter, and firmer. Felt like a dream compared to the stock saddle...which I am suspecting is a men's/unisex seat.

[snowroo]

I kinda thought you were referring to the nice rounded non-saggy biker butts. How long till you develop that

Melissa

[zoom-zoom]

I kinda thought you were referring to the nice rounded non-saggy biker butts. How long till you develop that

Melissa

In my case it will probably be a long while. I have been running for 4 years and still don't have a runner's physique.

[GrassyRidge]

yeah, I want the small round tight bike butt! even running 25-35 miles a week I never got that.

I'm waiting to see how I adjust to my new saddle. So far no pain, just some initial discomfort when I first mount, but after a minute or two it's gone. I haven't ridden a long one yet, I'm curious how the butt holds up at 15-20 miles

[zoom-zoom]

yeah, I want the small round tight bike butt! even running 25-35 miles a week I never got that.

I'm waiting to see how I adjust to my new saddle. So far no pain, just some initial discomfort when I first mount, but after a minute or two it's gone. I haven't ridden a long one yet, I'm curious how the butt holds up at 15-20 miles

Don't feel bad...I peaked at 55 miles/week prior to my most recent marathon and I am just as squishy as ever. I am sure a small round tight butt is under that fluff somewhere! If I reigned-in the appetite I'm sure I could find it.

Yep, my saddle "issues" sound like yours. Just some tenderness around my sit bones when I first get on. Doesn't really bother me once I get going. I don't know if that's because the fun endorphins kick-in, or what.