Adjusting yourself on the seat

[tytbody]

i have a new bike, all of 2 days. Today as I rode alone, I was able to really see, listen to what I was feeling and where.

It seems, I may not describe this right but I'm going to try. I would ride for a while, then I find myself scooching back in the seat. I'd sit there for a while and feel good. then I'd ride again. I'm wondering does my seat need to be adjusted back or is it the settling in period of riding?

How long should I wait before I seak out seat adjustments? I don't want to just purchase a *gell* seat just because it's cushy.

[redrhodie]

I wouldn't move the saddle, especially since you said your lbs did a good job fitting you. You may still gain flexibility and core strength, which may solve the problem. If it continues, it could be a reach issue, which is fixed by handlebar/stem adjustments (you slide forward as your pedaling because the reach is too long, then push pack to be in the right place for your lower body). Moving the saddle will change the relationship of your knee over pedal, which you don't want to do if it's in the right place already. I hope this makes sense!

Of course, it could be the saddle tilt, too. Or a bunch of other things. Welcome to the wonderful world of cycling, and all it's mysteries!

[OakLeaf]

It's possible the seat is too wedge-shaped (aka pear-shaped) for you, and that pedaling action forces you forward onto the nose of the saddle.

What's uncomfortable - what prompts you to scoot backwards? Your shoulders, your back, the parts of you in contact with the saddle?

[KnottedYet]

My first guess would be either the saddle is too pear-shaped (too gradual transition) or too narrow.

Have you measured your sit bones and the saddle? That's the cheap and no-stress option, so I'd check that first.

I like cheap and easy.

ETA: ha! Oak and I cross-posted! Great minds think alike...

[tytbody]

It's possible the seat is too wedge-shaped (aka pear-shaped) for you, and that pedaling action forces you forward onto the nose of the saddle.

What's uncomfortable - what prompts you to scoot backwards? Your shoulders, your back, the parts of you in contact with the saddle?

I have no shoulder issues. Nothing bothers me there.
I don't feel l'm being pushed forward. The nose of the seat is pretty level. It's angled correctly as she also made sure it was stright on.

When i'm sitting in my seat now, at home, at the kitchen table. I'm fine.

I think it's cause it's not pressing on my sits bones. I don't have to use them while sitting in a nice comfortable seat.

But.. put me on that little seat and I feel like a skeleton.

When I was riding, I'm just aware of those bones of which, I never have to pay attention to otherwise. Now, on the bike, I got bones under this fat.
I sat in Dead Sea salt last night and Saturday night to ease the discomfort.

it's not like I need cream, I'm not rubbing any where.

it just feels better If I push myself back.

They put my seat/saddle down a bit. A bit more then where it should be so I can touch the ground. Where I'm suppose to be is having my seat/saddle up higher.

They wanted me to get comfortable riding before putting me where I should be in seat/saddle height.

Do you think once I say rays it it will put my body more forward off of those sits bones and I'll feel better?

When you get any bike, nothing is suppose to hurt, even after a few days?

Have you measured your sit bones and the saddle? That's the cheap and no-stress option, so I'd check that first.

I've not measured my sits bones. I wouldn't know what I'm measuring and for what. The saddle is the one that comes with the bike.

[KnottedYet]

I've not measured my sits bones. I wouldn't know what I'm measuring and for what. The saddle is the one that comes with the bike.

Betcha dollars to donuts that saddle is too narrow.

I'm a bit distracted right now, but there is a series of good threads somewhere by Murienn that covers just about everything you want to know about saddles and saddle fits. Someone will step in and give a link.

Murienn ROCKS!

Sitting on a saddle that fits you should be no more uncomfortable than sitting on a wooden chair.

ETA: here is Murienn's awesome thread: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=39475

[tytbody]

thank you. I'll go read now so I'll be armed with the correct questions, when I go back to the bike shop.

[tytbody]

I just called Beth, Shop Owner, and she said to give it a few more rides. like get 5 rides in and see how I feel. She appreicates I told her soon. So, It's raining today so I'm not going out but if it stops, I may just jump on.

So today is laundry and dishes and reading.

[jyyanks]

Do not buy a gel seat cover! Everyone told me that it wouldn't work and of course I didn't listen. I bought one for my old bike and it was a complete waste of money and in fact, probably made my seat even more uncomfortable. Anyway, good luck and let us know what the bike shop lady says!

[tytbody]

I'll listen. Really. today I'm doing okay. I will go out and ride again, I think this will be ride number 4. Thank you for saying it to me. I do appreciate it.

[sadieme]

*disclaimer* I have NOT had a fitting.

However... I was feeling the same thing. I kept finding myself scooting back on the saddle. Today, before my ride, I moved my saddle forward. Probably an inch or so. I went on a very short ride today, (only about 3 miles) and I was sitting much more upright and I found it to be more comfortable. That comfort may very well be short lived, I wont know till a longer ride tomorrow, but for today...it was nice.

[tytbody]

I may change my seat but I'm going to take my five rides as she suggested. I didn't go out today and I should have. It was a gorgeous day. I sat on the back porch with the computer on my lap just reading and buying.. lol