I’m pretty sure my sweetheart wouldn’t appreciate me discussing her derriere on this blog, but ... well, it’s for her own good, and maybe for the good of many people who are struggling to find a comfort zone on the torturously triangular hunks of stiff foam we know as “bicycle seats.”
Last summer, in Suzanne’s kind-hearted effort to share my passion for pedaling, she bought a bicycle.
For our first pleasure ride, I suggested a trip around Plum Island and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. If you haven’t already done that, it’s one sweet ride.
Anyway, about two miles in, she was in agony. The seat had made her so miserable, I had to wrap and tie my sweatshirt around it for extra padding so she could make the rest of the trip.
And no, she wasn’t on a road bike that requires severe bending over to reach the handlebars.
And no, she’s not a princess either. Not even close.
Anyway, since then I’ve heard several similar stories about female beginning bikers – including prospective commuters -- experiencing unbearable pain in their nether regions after or during their first few rides.
I remember having felt a little uncomfortable when I first started biking, but it was never a level of pain that threatened to make me stop.
Since that first ride with Suzanne, I’ve searched online for more cushy seats for women, and found all sorts of designs, including a weird-looking split style. I eventually settled on a new, wider, gel seat for her, which was helpful but still not painless.
Does anyone have any other suggestions or recommendations? I hate thinking that bicycling is just always going to be a pain in the *ss for people like Suzanne.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
I have found that frequency in the saddle makes a big difference. THe more I bike, the more resistance and comfort I have built up.
One long-distance bike commuter - he goes 27 miles each way - prefers the hardest and narrowest bike seat available, claiming it provides the least resistance and motion.
Anticipating potholes and bumps and STANDING UP really helps, too.
as the other poster said, time in the saddle will help. On the other hand, there are many seat designs to fit various anatomys, its good to try different kinds, some shops may let you return and exchange to find the right fit. Riding more will also let you develop the reflexes to lift off the saddle slightly when the road is rough. Also as you get stronger you will not be plopped on the seat so hard, your legs will be pushing and taking some weight off your butt.
get her a good pair of cycling shorts, also get some chamois butter, also there are suspension speatposts that help absorb some of the road vibration.
Post a Comment