Originally Posted by
GhostRider62
I think there are a couple other ways to minimize the bruising. Larger tires at lower pressure, frame material/design, and a suspension type seatpost.
Have you tried a suspension type seatpost? I use a Specialized CG-R on my Mg framed bike. The elastomer has around 15 mm of movement. With plump tires and a leather saddle, almost all road vibration is muted or almost eliminated. I had been using a Redline suspension stem on another bike and it is also quite nice pared with a flat aero top carbon handlbar (it is kind of bendy and the flat part is comfy for my hands). I think redline makes a seatpost, too.
https://bikepacking.com/index/suspension-seatposts/
I was just looking at suspension seatposts yesterday!
I'm currently running 32mm tires at 50/55 psi. My frame will easily fit 35mm or more on 700c wheels. I have a 650b wheelset with 42mm tires; even with fenders that's an easy fit.
I tend to think my issue is more about saddle shape etc.
Cheers