Uncomfortable seats

[johnsondasw]

OK, after 50+ years of riding, I suddenly developed a problem with consistent and ongoing pain and discomfort in the "sit" area.  I've tried different seats, many different positions, etc.  I have to stand up out of the seat every 5 minutes of so, while the buddies I'm riding with will go all day almost without getting up.  I ride modern CF road bikes, high quality.

I did a little research  online and have come across the SQ Labs seats from Germany which claim to be made just for guys like me.  However, they cost $192--more than I'm willing to shell out on a hope.  There is nowhere in the NW, where I live, to go try one out or even look at.  Has anyone ever tried one of these?  Any other suggestions about this issue?  I'd like to be back to regular riding in the spring, but have pretty much quit for the past several months.

Thanks

[waynemyer]

I understand both your situation and your reticence.  Lately, the only saddle that is comfortable for me is a Selle SMP Forma, which is priced also solidly in the three-figure range.  The way I justify the cost is: what price can you put on being able to ride a bicycle?  Another way to look at it is: you spent $xxxx on a carbon-fiber bike, but a $192 saddle is too much?

[mherke]

You may also want to take a look at Brooks saddles.  I have the B17 flyer and have no issues on long distance rides.

[litespeed]

For extended bicycle touring I go for big, soft tires and a big, soft seat. I wouldn't ride on anything but a Terry Liberator Y Gel Saddle. Over the years I have suffered plenty of pain in my hands, arms and feet but I don't even think about my rear end. Also, everyone I have met riding on a Terry Liberator Gel saddle has also been blissfully happy with it. This might be unfashionable as hell but it's what works for me.

[whittierider]

Over the years I have suffered plenty of pain in my hands, arms and

I know this is O.T. but I had plenty of pain there too, and other places, as my bones are very small for a six-foot, 168-pound man.  Aerobars spelled the end of those pains.

[Galloper]

What about a recumbent?

[waynemyer]

Oh, and most reputable saddle retailers have at least 30 day return policies for saddles.  Good saddle manufacturers will similarly back up their saddles with a comfort guarantee, also for at least 30 days.

[alfonso]

Just back from a 10-day ride on a new bike and went straight to the bike shop to look for a new saddle. This is the first time I've had serious problems with a saddle: in the past I seem to have coped well with standard-issue seats. But this time the pressure on the perineum and related loss of sensation, not to mention outraged deputations from my prostate and its friends, convinced me that I need to find a new saddle whatever the cost. The bike shop offered me an extended test on a Selle Italia SMP Forma, and I'll be taking them up on the offer.

[bogiesan]

What about a recumbent?

Funny. I've got almost 40,000 miles on my Tour Easy and 5,000 miles on the StratusXP. I've never experienced any pain or discomfort of any kind in my neck, sit area, wrists, back, or anywhere else.

And I didn't have any pain or injuries when I started riding recumbents. I chose to ride a recumbent because it's stupid comfortable, the view is always great, and hardly anyone else does.

david boise ID

[aRoudy1]

You need to call me when we get rid of some of this snow and take my 'bent or trike for a ride--your butt will thank you.   

Roy

[tonythomson]

For extended bicycle touring..... . I wouldn't ride on anything but a Terry Liberator Y Gel Saddle.

Also after years of trying and a fortune on saddles still looking so Mr Litespeed I've just ordered a Terry L Y Gel on your recommendations! Oh what a responsibility to put on you  let's hope this one doesn't go in the box with all the others.  Maybe we could organise a saddle swap on the forum as I'm sure mine would suit other people!! Keep passing them around until you get one you like ??

[johnsondasw]

You need to call me when we get rid of some of this snow and take my 'bent or trike for a ride--your butt will thank you.   

Roy

Thanks, Roy.  I will do that.  I am a little sketch about a recumbent, because I do about half of my riding in very urban areas around Seattle, often on streets, and am concerned about the visibility of the recumbent. Also, I'm concerned about being able to see potential danger coming and being able to react in time to take evasive action.  An upright bike can be swerved and ditched fast.  I once almost had to leap off the bike to avoid a collision, and I wouldn't want to have to do that with a bent.  What about these issues?  I am interested in the idea of getting one, but would like to hear the feelings about all this from the recumbent people.

Thanks

[canalligators]

See http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=RrzKj&doc_id=6231&v=2q for an article comparing recumbents to diamond frames.

BTW, being seen on a recumbent isn't an issue, in actual practice.  I wouldn't ride a low racer in traffic.  And some of them sit higher than others.

[johnsondasw]

That was a helpful link, and gives me a lot to think about.  Thanks.  I think when the snow melts around here, it's time to take a trial ride.

[indyfabz]

For extended bicycle touring I go for big, soft tires and a big, soft seat. I wouldn't ride on anything but a Terry Liberator Y Gel Saddle. Over the years I have suffered plenty of pain in my hands, arms and feet but I don't even think about my rear end. Also, everyone I have met riding on a Terry Liberator Gel saddle has also been blissfully happy with it. This might be unfashionable as hell but it's what works for me.

We have never met, but I love mine, too.  And...REI carries it, so if you don't like it you can return it.