Paopawdecarabao

I should have done this before. Felt great for a first time. I did a 9mi ride to the Metro Station and a 1.5mi ride going to work. This is my first bike bought used for $300. Replaced the grip and I added a stand and bell. The rest came with the bike. I also bought a Helmet. I need to replace my saddle as I am typing this my butt still hurts. I am looking to get a bikeroo memory foam is that good? and a Planet Bike full fender 700x45mm. Any suggestions to make my ride comfortable is appreciated. I didn't feel any struggle atm but the saddle is really uncomfortable. In the next few days, my ride will be shorten to 6mi roundtrip as I am moving and the nearest station is only 1.5m away from my place only and 1.5m going to work.

Eric F 

Give your body a chance to get used to sitting on a bike seat. Even for those who have spent decades on bikes, a lengthy break away from riding will be a little tender the first few times back in the saddle. Good quality bike shorts help a lot, too.

Notso_fastLane

Yeah, even with a seat and bike that was dialed in to me after years of riding, a few months off every winter (when I lived in KS) would have my a$$ hurting with just a 5 mile ride in to work in the spring.

I no longer have that problem with my recumbents.

Paopawdecarabao

So you suggest that I stick with my current saddle atm?

Eric F 

I'm back on the bike after 15 years off. The first week was brutal, the second week was better, week 3...all good.

Paopawdecarabao

I always try to avoid potholes or just to stand up to relax my ass. I can't post picture of my bike as I need 10 post counts to do so.

Paopawdecarabao

Good to know! I forgot to quote. So I will just ride more then. But if I were to replace my saddle? Is Bikeroo memory foam good enough?

Eric F 

Sorry, I'm no help for your question. I haven't ever looked at squishy saddles.

The most important saddle comfort factor for me is shape (flatter rather than rounder), but this is just how my body is built. Saddle angle can also make a big difference in fit/feel. Personally, I like a few degrees of forward tilt, but my road bike is also set up in a pretty aggressive position (bars well below the level of the saddle). Finding the right fit for YOU is the magic trick.

katsup

This one?

That saddle would be a horrible choice for me. Call around your bike shops and see if any have a saddle loaner program. My preferred saddle is the WTB Rocket, but everyone is different.

Paopawdecarabao

Yes that is the one. I guess I'll just go to a bike shop and shop for a saddle and build a relationship as well with them. How about fenders is Planet bike okay for everyday commuting?

katsup

Call a few bike shops, some have loaners where you buy a saddle and can bring it back for exchange / refund if it doesn't work. I went through about 15 saddles before I figured out what I liked.

I don't know anything about fenders.

Paopawdecarabao

This is quite a hobby. I'm afraid I'll go down the rabbit hole same as audio. Thanks for tip!

Notso_fastLane

Planetbike fenders are great. I actually prefer the plastic to the metal, as they are slightly lighter, and much quieter.

Paopawdecarabao

I've been lurking yesterday as most people here prefer metal. I guess for looks? But you have a point I might go that route. Thanks

Eric F 

I know the audio world (musician, home recording, vinyl record hi-fi gear, etc.)...Yes, cycling is just as big a rabbit hole, and one of the quickest ways to fall down the hole is getting active on a discussion forum - LOL. That said, some stuff you just have to try for yourself and develop your own preferences. What works great for you might be different than what works great for the next guy/gal. Getting to know the folks at your LBS is a good thing.

Paopawdecarabao

That is true! just browsing here to get any info. That is why I got a used bike from the research I gathered lurking here.

Koyote

"Felt good for a first time except my ass hurts!"


For a moment there, I thought I had wandered into the wrong forum.

Eric F 

My advice of "give your body a chance to get used to it" may also be valid on that other forum.

one4smoke

Hilarious!

BobbyG

As you will discover on bikeforums, seats are a very personal issue. A lot depends on how you ride...upright, leaned forward, etc. For some styles, padding can exacerbate the problem, but for other styles it truly helps. The same for people's personal butts.

There are some great suggestions out there, and of course, if you haven't ridden in years (or ever) there will be some discomfort at first, like aches, chafing and irritation...

...but there should not be any numbness. If there is tingling or numbness, stop and try something different.

Congrats!...you can do this.

Eric F 

This ^^^ 100%. Numbness is a problem, and not something to just get used to. Sometimes it's as simple as a slight tilt adjustment to sort it out. Sometimes you have the wrong seat for your body.

Gconan

Gconan

rumrunn6

what bike are you riding? drop bar road bike? or something more upright, like a straight bar hybrid?

Kabuki12

I would agree that you need to give some time to get used to cycling and your body will adjust. I also agree with wearing padding, this is very important especially if you are over 50. I never worried about proper cycling shorts until I started having a sore bum after many years of cycling and NEVER having an issue. When we get older some of natures padding leaves certain areas that need protecting. I don't really worry about it if I am just doing a lunch ride or errands, it's when I ride 20 miles or more that I make sure and wear padding. The other concern is seat angle and fore and aft in relation to the stem/ handlebars , you will have to experiment to get it just right, trust me , you will know. Enjoy the ride and just keep pedaling!!! Joe