Form

[Taysel]

I know this question has probably been asked here 1,000 times, and if it has, please just show me the link to the topics (since I can't seem to find any in my quick scan).
I have recently decided to get back into bike riding, and ride my bicycle on paths with my father. I recently bought a new bike, hoping that my uncomfortable seat problem would correct itself on a new and specially designed for woman saddle. But apparently...it hasn't. After riding 30 miles today, I am very sore in my uh...lower regions. I know I have a boney butt, but I didn't think it woud cause me this much discomfort. Are there any suggestions on good female form that could help me solve this problem?
Thanks! I really appreciate the help!

[Grog]

Hi Taysel, welcome to TE! Please drop by the Getting to know you thread in Open topic.

You may also want to visit the Favorite / Least favorite saddle threads (see main page of the forum).

It takes a while to get used to sitting on a bike, and if it was your first 30-miler and you didn't do that much before, it's not abnormal to feel sore, but it should go away within a day or two.

You do not specify what sort of bike you have but in almost any case you may want to try this trick that my friend discovered when she first rode with me. On her first ride she really felt sore as you did, and at some point during the second ride she had an epiphany: she discovered that by slightly tilting her hips she was in a much more comfortable position. Basically, I think it's about sitting on your sit bones. Experience with different positions, add distance progressively, and you may find something that works. Of course it can also be the saddle. Or the tilt of the saddle, which is often adjustable (can be neutral, forward or backward).

Also, you don't specify if you have used bike shorts. I would STRONGLY encourage you to get a good pair of shorts and to wear them without underwear. That will make a world of difference. Browse the Apparel threads for more details.

Enjoy the ride! Welcome again.

[Taysel]

After scrolling through the saddle threads, I see that my Bontrager Select FIT Basic is not very popular, nor is any Bontrager. Didn't realise that it could possibly be the saddle. Thanks a bunch

[Geonz]

Also be sure the thing is high enough. If it's a titch low, you're spending more time putting more weight on the important areas.

[Taysel]

Oh trust me, the seat is plenty high. My dad would move it up, I would sit on it, he would take a step back, look, make me pedal, then adjust it...the process took quiet a while

[KSH]

Oh trust me, the seat is plenty high. My dad would move it up, I would sit on it, he would take a step back, look, make me pedal, then adjust it...the process took quiet a while

After reading this, it might be a good idea for you to go to a bike shop and get fitted on your bike. Unless your Dad is a professional, it's likely your bike is not fitted properly. This can cause a whole host of problems... more than just a sore butt.

This was already mentioned... but are you wearing bike shorts with GOOD padding in them? Don't skimp on the shorts... they help with keeping your rear comfy.

Finally... I have been riding for about 1.5 years... and since March of this year I have been averaging around 60-100 miles a week (when it was cold I didn't, but last summer I averaged 80-100 miles a week) ... and my butt is ALWAYS sore. I have good shorts... my bike is fitted properly... it's just the way it's going to be. I have accepted that.