Messages

496

General Discussion / Re: Alernate bicycle seat to a racing bike. More comfortable.

« on: December 03, 2020, 01:43:30 pm »

I have different saddles for different types of riding. I like the ones with the pressure relief slot in the center for long days in the saddle, but I also ride with a classic Brooks B17, which I am going back to more. From everything I have read and experienced, the narrow saddles are more comfortable in the long run. Take some time to read about saddle and rider position and do a "fitting" or have your local shop do it for you. Being properly positioned on the bike is key to  getting the weight distributed between your butt, shoulders, and arms. The last long trip I did I actually brought 2 saddles with me to experiment and test riding comfort. Different saddles lend themselves to different riding positions and styles. It also takes your butt time to break-in to the new saddle and your sit bones are going to hurt in the beginning, no matter what you choose, if you have not ridden in a while.

497

Routes / Re: MTB vs long haul trucker Trans America

« on: December 03, 2020, 07:42:18 am »

I am planning for a cross country ride post pandemic. We have done numerous week long bike trips and a lot along the GAP, which is gravel. I own 4 bikes, only 3 of which I really ride anymore; a 1998, Litespeed Classic (my go fast bike); a Scott Scale front suspension; and a new Surly Disc Trucker. We have done all the long self supported rides in the past few years on my Scott and I can tell, that you for me, the riding position and frame geometry do not suit me for a long day of riding. My butt and back are killing me by 2:00 pm and I move to the 5 and 10 method in the afternoon -  5 miles, 10 minutes off the bike to stretch. When I mountain bike I am usually moving from hanging off the back of the saddle then all the way forward for climbing, and on the pedals over rough ground, but that is not what you are typically doing on level ground or pavement.

I have done numerous multi day, 100 miles a day fully supported rides with the LightSpeed (drop bars) both here and in the Alpes without the same problem. I bought the Disc Trucker and have swapped the bars for the classic European touring bars (aka butterfly bars) with a stem the allows for height adjustment. I have not done any real miles on this yet, but as others have said, this is really personal preference. I think you need to spend several back-to-back riding days, with your bike loaded as it would be on your trek, and see what hurts and focus on that. While you tend to get stronger as the tour gets longer the things that nag you or give you pain usually get worse.