What is realistic?

[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.