Sore saddle...advice wanted
View Full Version : Sore saddle...advice wanted
Hi All,
I have a Specialized "Body Geometry" saddle that came as standard with my mtb and it is causing me a
lot of discomfort during long rides.
More specifically I suffer after about 4hours riding - when I go to the toilet. No it's not an STD!!
- I only seem to suffer during/after a long cycle ride. I asked my friends about it and they don't
get the same problem.
I'm male and not too heavy (84kg/185lbs). I've had my bike for about 3 years but have been out for a
while due to serious injury (non bike related).
I've tried adjusting the position/angle/etc but nothing has really worked. I also shift my body
around during my rides but I always end up with the same problem.
How concerned do I need to be or is suffering part of the sport? I'm a bit worried because going to
the toilet shouldn't hurt - should it? If I were to get a new saddle (which friends have
recommended), what type/model would you recommend?
I think I have wide "sit bones" which may be part of the problem - I end up tenderizing the
soft parts!
One of my friends has a Brooks B17 on his hybrid, but he says that a gel saddle might be better for
my problem.
Thanks in advance,
--
...meandering mule...
In message <Xns93D4A1408C15Bmeanderingmule@81.1.65.80>, mule
<meanderingmule.nospam@nospam.breathe.com> writes
>Hi All,
>
>I have a Specialized "Body Geometry" saddle that came as standard with my mtb and it is causing me
>a lot of discomfort during long rides.
>
>More specifically I suffer after about 4hours riding - when I go to the toilet. No it's not an
>STD!! - I only seem to suffer during/after a long cycle ride. I asked my friends about it and they
>don't get the same problem.
>
>I'm male and not too heavy (84kg/185lbs). I've had my bike for about 3 years but have been out for
>a while due to serious injury (non bike related).
>
>I've tried adjusting the position/angle/etc but nothing has really worked. I also shift my body
>around during my rides but I always end up with the same problem.
>
>How concerned do I need to be or is suffering part of the sport? I'm a bit worried because going to
>the toilet shouldn't hurt - should it? If I were to get a new saddle (which friends have
>recommended), what type/model would you recommend?
>
>I think I have wide "sit bones" which may be part of the problem - I end up tenderizing the
>soft parts!
>
>One of my friends has a Brooks B17 on his hybrid, but he says that a gel saddle might be better for
>my problem.
>
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>
I think you need to say a bit about your problem. Do you get it when having done a #1 or a #2? What
is the nature of the pain? Where is it? Do you get any numbness?
Going to the toilet shouldn't hurt IMO.
--
Michael MacClancy
www.macclancy.demon.co.uk
mule wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I have a Specialized "Body Geometry" saddle that came as standard with my mtb and it is causing me
> a lot of discomfort during long rides.
>
> More specifically I suffer after about 4hours riding - when I go to the toilet. No it's not an
> STD!! - I only seem to suffer during/after a long cycle ride. I asked my friends about it and they
> don't get the same problem.
>
> I'm male and not too heavy (84kg/185lbs). I've had my bike for about 3 years but have been out for
> a while due to serious injury (non bike related).
>
> I've tried adjusting the position/angle/etc but nothing has really worked. I also shift my body
> around during my rides but I always end up with the same problem.
I too have a similar saddle but have no problems with it whatsoever. We're very differntly sized,
but I find having the saddle pointing slightly downwards helps a lot. I also sit quite far back when
on the saddle.
> How concerned do I need to be or is suffering part of the sport? I'm a bit worried because going
> to the toilet shouldn't hurt - should it? If I were to get a new saddle (which friends have
> recommended), what type/model would you recommend?
I think "each to their own" and if you're suffering, perhaps that's not the best saddle for you.
> I think I have wide "sit bones" which may be part of the problem - I end up tenderizing the
> soft parts!
>
> One of my friends has a Brooks B17 on his hybrid, but he says that a gel saddle might be better
> for my problem.
I'd query if a gel saddle would actually help over the time span you describe. I suspect it may make
matters worse.
--
Dnc
mule wrote:
> I have a Specialized "Body Geometry" saddle that came as standard with my mtb and it is causing me
> a lot of discomfort during long rides.
> I've tried adjusting the position/angle/etc but nothing has really worked. I also shift my body
> around during my rides but I always end up with the same problem.
It could be that they just don't work for you. If you suffer on a BG saddle after 4 hours then you
can manage about 3.75 hours more than I can on one: purgatory as far as my backside goes, others
love them.
> How concerned do I need to be or is suffering part of the sport?
It needn't be. I have a Brooks B-17 on my MTB and find it very comfortable as saddles go. It
replaced the "gel comfort saddle" supplied with it which was real crippler for any length of
time. The B17 is a bit heavy for a piece of MTB kit (friend put a sus seatpost and B17 on a
Cannondale F-800 and it seemed to double the weight of the bike!), but unless you're Really Keen
it's not too silly.
> If I were to get a new saddle (which friends have recommended), what type/model would you
> recommend?
That's the problem: they're personal things, backsides, and accordingly so with saddles. Best thing
is find a shop that will let you try a few, and ideally take an initial choice back after a week if
it doesn't work (Velo Ecosse offered such a service to my flatmate, but she liked the Terry saddle
she got there just fine and didn't have to, but the safety net is nice).
> One of my friends has a Brooks B17 on his hybrid, but he says that a gel saddle might be better
> for my problem.
Can't say I'm terribly convinced about gel saddles. Shape is more important than squidgy padding,
which just deforms into spaces and puts pressure on bits that needn't have any contact. I'd try and
borrow that B17 for a day and see how you get on: if you like it, you'll probably love it, and if
you don't you know you need to try elsewhere. Terry have a good reputation for comfy saddles. I
found one friend's BG awful (seemed too narrow, even though it was the ladies' wider model) but find
the Terry on my flatmate's racer (again, a ladies' saddle according to the blurb) pretty good.
Pete.
--
Peter Clinch University of Dundee Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk
http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
> I think you need to say a bit about your problem. Do you get it when having done a #1 or a #2?
> What is the nature of the pain? Where is it? Do you get any numbness?
It's with #1 (passing water). The pain is sort of a stinging sensation. No I don't get numbness,
just pain. It don't notice there's a problem until I go to the toilet. It only lasts for the day of
the ride. The next day is fine. The following few days I'm a bit sore but no problem with #1.
> Going to the toilet shouldn't hurt IMO.
That's what I would think which is why I'm a little worried. I don't want to damage my parts (plus I
don't have kids yet!)
--
...meandering mule...
> I too have a similar saddle but have no problems with it whatsoever. We're very differntly sized,
> but I find having the saddle pointing slightly downwards helps a lot. I also sit quite far back
> when on the saddle.
I've tried (and currently have) my saddle pointed downwards slightly which does help a bit but still
doesn't make the problem go away.
> I think "each to their own" and if you're suffering, perhaps that's not the best saddle for you.
> I'd query if a gel saddle would actually help over the time span you describe. I suspect it may
> make matters worse.
That's what I've read + heard too. Am at a bit of a loss.
--
...meandering mule...
> Best thing is find a shop that will let you try a few, and ideally take an initial choice back
> after a week if it doesn't work.
That's not a bad idea. I'll try but have a feeling they won't let me. We'll see.
> Can't say I'm terribly convinced about gel saddles. Shape is more important than squidgy padding,
> which just deforms into spaces and puts pressure on bits that needn't have any contact. I'd try
> and borrow that B17 for a day and see how you get on: if you like it, you'll probably love it,
> and if you don't you know you need to try elsewhere. Terry have a good reputation for comfy
> saddles. I found one friend's BG awful (seemed too narrow, even though it was the ladies' wider
> model) but find the Terry on my flatmate's racer (again, a ladies' saddle according to the blurb)
> pretty good.
I've heard of those. They sound like they're excellent but they cost quite a bit too.
It might also sound silly but do any guys ever use women's saddles? They look a lot more comfortable
than mens'. I'd trade my pride for comfort anyday but was wondering how practical it would really
be. I never suffer from chafing so wouldn't see a wide saddle as a problem.
Any ideas appreciated. Thanks
--
...meandering mule...
In message <Xns93D4B151788C9meanderingmule@81.1.65.80>, mule
<meanderingmule.nospam@nospam.breathe.com> writes
>> I too have a similar saddle but have no problems with it whatsoever. We're very differntly sized,
>> but I find having the saddle pointing slightly downwards helps a lot. I also sit quite far back
>> when on the saddle.
>
>I've tried (and currently have) my saddle pointed downwards slightly which does help a bit but
>still doesn't make the problem go away.
>
>> I think "each to their own" and if you're suffering, perhaps that's not the best saddle for you.
>> I'd query if a gel saddle would actually help over the time span you describe. I suspect it may
>> make matters worse.
>
>That's what I've read + heard too. Am at a bit of a loss.
>
>
>
There are loads of postings about this kind of problem in google groups. Go to www.google.com, click
on the groups tab and search for 'saddle urinating'. You'll have to filter out some rather peculiar
sounding stuff but you'll see that the problem isn't uncommon. I suspect that getting someone to
check that your bike fits properly is a start and a saddle with a hole in it might help too.
--
Michael MacClancy
www.macclancy.demon.co.uk
"mule" <meanderingmule.nospam@nospam.breathe.com> wrote in message
news:Xns93D4B0E42484Ameanderingmule@81.1.65.80...
> > I think you need to say a bit about your problem. Do you get it when having done a #1 or a #2?
> > What is the nature of the pain? Where is it? Do you get any numbness?
>
> It's with #1 (passing water). The pain is sort of a stinging sensation. No I don't get numbness,
> just pain. It don't notice there's a problem until I go to the toilet. It only lasts for the day
> of the ride. The next day is fine. The following few days I'm a bit sore but no problem with #1.
>
>
> > Going to the toilet shouldn't hurt IMO.
>
> That's what I would think which is why I'm a little worried. I don't want to damage my parts (plus
> I don't have kids yet!)
I have a BG saddle on my MTB and find it less than ideal. However, your description does not seem
to add up.
IIUC you do not suffer any pain, soreness or numbness directly associated with the saddle. However,
after a ride you have a stinging sensation when pissing.
That does not sound 'saddle related' though it has something to do with your cycling.
What type of shorts/underwear are you using?
Is it possible that you have some infection or whatever that presents itself when you get hot a
sweaty 'down there' for 3 or 4 hours at a stretch?
Maybe it is worth a chat with the quack?
T
> There are loads of postings about this kind of problem in google groups. Go to www.google.com,
> click on the groups tab and search for 'saddle urinating'. You'll have to filter out some rather
> peculiar sounding stuff but you'll see that the problem isn't uncommon. I suspect that getting
> someone to check that your bike fits properly is a start and a saddle with a hole in it might
> help too.
Thanks for that idea. I thought the cycling group would/should be my first port of call but I forgot
about Google / didn't think it would tell me much.
Have ready a BBC article about cycling and tissue damage. Will need to investigate better saddles I
think. I want kids!
--
...meandering mule...
mule <meanderingmule.nospam@nospam.breathe.com> wrote in message
news:Xns93D4A1408C15Bmeanderingmule@81.1.65.80...
> Hi All,
>
> I have a Specialized "Body Geometry" saddle that came as standard with my mtb and it is causing me
> a lot of discomfort during long rides.
>
> More specifically I suffer after about 4hours riding - when I go to the toilet.
[SNIP] - no that's not a suggestion.
Perhaps its not related to the saddle at all. Are you drinking plenty of water during long rides?
Your pee should be clear or light in colour. I suspect that dehydration could result in stingy pee,
or maybe trigger a flare up of an otherwise dormant condition.
matt
m a t t must be edykated coz e writed:
> mule <meanderingmule.nospam@nospam.breathe.com> wrote in message
> news:Xns93D4A1408C15Bmeanderingmule@81.1.65.80...
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I have a Specialized "Body Geometry" saddle that came as standard with my mtb and it is causing
>> me a lot of discomfort during long rides.
>>
>> More specifically I suffer after about 4hours riding - when I go to the toilet.
> [SNIP] - no that's not a suggestion.
>
> Perhaps its not related to the saddle at all. Are you drinking plenty of water during long rides?
> Your pee should be clear or light in colour. I suspect that dehydration could result in stingy
> pee, or maybe trigger a flare up of an otherwise dormant condition.
>
> matt
>
>
>
>
Succumb to the dark side. Let the dark side "relieve" your potty problems.
Ian
> More specifically I suffer after about 4hours riding - when I go to the toilet. No it's not an
> STD!! - I only seem to suffer during/after a long cycle ride. I asked my friends about it and they
> don't get the same
Having been through this myself I find a Terry liberator saddle with a proper big hole in it has
been the answer. I assume you mean urethral soreness when passing urine. (If it's a sore anus
perhaps it's piles from straining hard on the hills.) I use a brooks professional on the light bike,
but it is not so effective for this problem of a sore urethra.I don't do long days on it on the
whole, though I have done in the past. I just do not think that thick soft saddles is the answer for
long rides, unless you are very diligent about not sitting on it much.You end up with large areas of
aching flesh where the blood has been squeezed out for ages, and if you grit your teeth and persist
next you get lumps and abscesses.
TerryJ
Er, OP said (and I have now lost the post) he wore normal lycra/padded undershorts. Is that
you're wearing padded underwear AND lycra cycling shorts? or one or the other, depending on what
you're up to?
Unless the lycra cycling shorts aren't padded, you might be defeating the object by wearing both at
the same time... but I might have misunderstood what you said.
Velvet
mule wrote: [Terry saddles]
> I've heard of those. They sound like they're excellent but they cost=20 quite a bit too.
What price comfort? Every minute you'll be sat on the bike a=20 comfortable saddle will make it a
more pleasurable experience. If a=20 saddle costs you =A340 and lasts 10 years then do the
arithmetic for valu= e=20 for money...
> It might also sound silly but do any guys ever use women's saddles? The=
y=20
> look a lot more comfortable than mens'. I'd trade my pride for comfort =
> anyday but was wondering how practical it would really be.
For the most part a "women's saddle" is just a bit wider, as the average =
lady has sit bones wider apart, and that's it. Anatomy varies between=20 people[1], and averages
overlap (men are, on average, taller than women, =
but I'm shorter than my girlfriend, for example). So it's certainly=20 worth trying a "women's
saddle" out. The Terry saddles for women have=20 cutouts designed to relieve pressure on their
particular "bits", but the =
pee tube is in the sort of place where that may help in any case, and=20 Terry also do men's
versions of their cutout saddle. The Terry on my=20 flatmate's bike is a women "specific" model, but
I'd *much* rather spend =
a couple of hours on that than the non-women specific *thing* it=20 replaced (I'd nicknamed it "the
Crimson Excrutiator" and its owner=20 agreed, and bought the Terry).
Go to a shop with a selection and sit on every saddle you can,=20 preferably combined with at least
a ride around the block.
Pete.
[1] which is why Specialized's blurb about designed around the specifics =
of human anatomy is a bit silly in some ways. The body whose geometry=20 is in their CAD machine
might not have the same geometry as you! --=20 Peter Clinch University of Dundee Tel 44 1382 660111
ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net
p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
> What price comfort? Every minute you'll be sat on the bike a comfortable saddle will make it a
> more pleasurable experience. If a saddle costs you £40 and lasts 10 years then do the arithmetic
> for value for money...
You're absolutely right. Actually I've been trawling online bike shops and I've found prices ranging
between £16 and £45 for a Liberator. So it doesn't seem bad at all.
> Go to a shop with a selection and sit on every saddle you can, preferably combined with at least a
> ride around the block.
I'm off to a place called the "Cycle Surgery" this afternoon and will try out some saddles, esp the
Liberator if they have it.
Thanks,
--
...meandering mule...
hi... thought i'd send in my experienses with seats...first off, i've been riding bikes since the
latter 50's, i,ve gone thru the regular types(brooks & gels included) thru recumbants & from a
couple of km thru many(100+) km daily...
about 7 years ago i found a different type at a garage sale & got it...so much different & so much
more comfortable...about 4 years ago i got a job at a bicycle messenger service that had me going
for 30 to 100 km daily ...i insisted & was able to transfer my seat to their bikes (fortunately,
most of them had the same seat post size)...comfortablity was one of the prime needs...several
years later, someone decided to take the seat from my bike...instead of going back to the
"regulars"(including the liberator style), i bought a new one...
There are several versions of this style available...go to Google or whatever search engine you
use & enter "EasySeat" (the type i have), "Hobson Seat", or go to <www.spongywonder.com> to see
their version of the idea...they ought to be available via your local bike shop(even if they have
to order it)...
all in all though, all seats & bike types have their good & bad points (even my recumbant gets
uncomfortable at some point)...
hope that this provides some more fuel for thought
--
'till the next... Raimon
Thanks to all that replied.
I found this website thanks to Google:
1. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/149268.stm
2. http://www.spermconfirm.com/Biking.html
as well as a few others, but the reference to the "Aero" saddle (Selle San Marco) in the BBC article
made me take notice.
Anyway I am still young, don't have kids, want kids so took this seriously.
This led me to these products:
3. http://www.sellesanmarco.com/pagine_prodotti/aero.asp
4. http://www.dimarusa.com/un-saddle/saddle.htm
Couldn't find 2 at all. I think it's still in R&D. The "Aero" is difficult to find in the UK but
found a shop that sells it for a competitive price (£32). It's on order as of this morning.
It was a choice between a Liberator and an Aero and the Aero won (this time). If it's no good I'll
let you know and I'll be off to buy a Terry saddle.
I did go to a bike shop today but decided not to bother with testing saddles. First off my bottom is
still sore and secondly I don't think you can really tell whether a saddle is any good until you've
done considerable mileage on it. I'm happy (this time) to try a product on its reputation and see
how it goes.
Either way I'll post updates after my first few rides. I'm looking forward to it - and so is
my bottom...
--
...meandering mule...
raimon@efn.org (Raimon) wrote in news:raimon-1208030923120001@dialup-ras19-
77.eug.or.uspops.net:
> There are several versions of this style available...go to Google or
> whatever search engine you use & enter "EasySeat" (the type i have),
http://www.electricmobility.co.uk/easyseat.htm
yes looks comfy, not sure how you strap it to the bike though!
Fragg ;)
In article <Xns93D657B2C05CFragglerock1@195.129.110.201>, Fraggle <Fraggle_rock_1@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>yes looks comfy, not sure how you strap it to the bike though!
>
>Fragg ;)
there's two long oval shaped bars below the seat...they fit in most seat post clamping systems,
though i've encountered some post that needed larger bars (on my current post i modified that
problem by using thin copper sheeting as spacers)
one thing i didn't mention about this seat is that it has several adjustments that need to be
considered before the real comfort hits in -
1.the angle of the seat (mine was best when i almost felt like i'd slide off forward); 2.the pads
will move left/right to match the bun's configuration
they also now offer sheepskin pads for both their models, so that may add to their comfort...
--
'till the next... Raimon
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