Uncomfortable seats

[johnsondasw]

Just got my Terry Liberator in the mail upon the recommendations I've read here.  I'll try it out as soon as I can find some bare road in my ice-encrusted territory.  I hope it solves the issues, and if not I'll be taking a trial run on the 'bent.

[tonythomson]

Terry Liberator -Still waiting for mine - just spent "boring" uncomfortable hour on indoor trainer. When will this freeze end (especially as overeating yesterday 

[PeteJack]

For touring a sprung Brooks may be the way to go http://www.downtheroad.org/Equipment/Bike_Parts/bicycle_touring_saddles.htm This guy, who appears to be an expert on everything, swears by them. My Brooks B17 has seen me across the US and a lot more besides but I'm probably lucky, the cheap plastic thing that came with my bike never gave me any trouble apart from being sweaty in hot weather. I'd be leery of gel seats. The guy I rode across the country with had a broken saddle he replaced it with a used gel thing and ended up taking painkillers to get himself across.  But opinions are like you know what.... Have you had you're bike fitted? I rode my Trek 520 for several years before going to Cycle U (Magnuson Park if you live in Seattle) and getting a fitting. A tremendous investment for me; it was like getting a new bike. I thought the saddle was too high and the bars too low. In fact it was the other way round! Also the guys doing the fitting may have some insight into your problem. I'm sure they have more experience in this area than most of us. Worth checking out before you buy a recumbent.

[johnsondasw]

Good tip about the bike fitting.  I plan on getting one in the spring to see if that will cure the problem. Thanks, and it will be in Seattle.  How much did the Cycle U one cost you?  I was referred to them by another rider who paid $150.

[PeteJack]

$150 for a fitting sounds about right, Gregg's charged me $200 when I got a new bike a couple of years ago. Cycle U 3 years ago was $120. You will be surprised how much goes into a fitting. Be prepared for a serious workout. Wear the clothes that you intend to tour in. They get you well and truly warmed up before taking measurements and making adjustments. Which makes sense if you think about it.

[litespeed]

Except for saddles, Terry Precision Bicycles caters almost exclusively to women. One of their main selling points is that their mens' saddles help to prevent nerve and vascular damage and consequent "performance problems". This attitude is commendable, to put it mildly, but comfort is definitely a side benefit.

[tonythomson]

Except for saddles, Terry Precision Bicycles caters almost exclusively to women. One of their main selling points is that their mens' saddles help to prevent nerve and vascular damage and consequent "performance problems". This attitude is commendable, to put it mildly, but comfort is definitely a side benefit.

At last the saddle has arrived, held up at UK customs! Maybe my wife should pay for it as you said the site seems to be aimed at the benifit of women 

[mucknort]

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.

I find that I'm more noticed on a 'bent in traffic than when riding an upright bike. Since I'm riding in a forward looking direction, I'm more able to see potential danger than when on and upright bike. On the bent I find it easier to put my feet down, when necessary, and have no problem taking evasive action. Of course, my recumbent is a long wheel base Stratus XP. I can't speak for emergency handling on Short Wheel Base type of 'bents. I rode in downtown Seattle at the end of my most recent tour and had no issues. Any more questions, please ask....

[johnsondasw]

Thanks, mucknort, for the fresh perspective.  I hadn't imagined that you could feel safer in a bent.  I'll be checking it out on a trial ride.

[diesel9er]

http://www.selleanatomica.com/testimonials.htm
Love mine!

[paddleboy17]

http://www.selleanatomica.com/testimonials.htm
Love mine!

I have a friend that loves one of Tom Milton's saddles, but it does not work for me.  I currently ride one of Milton's modified B-17s (no longer sold, but they will cut up a B-17 if you have it) and a B-17 Imperial.  Of the two, I like the Milton's modified B-17 the best.  I have been trying to limp by with a B-17 standard on my 3rd bike, but I am going to explore sending it in for cutting before the bike season opens.

[johnsondasw]

Thanks everyone.  This has been very helpful, and I have several ideas to work with.  I'll be on the road again in about a month--our snow is melting.

[paddleboy17]

What, no carbide studded snow tires? 

My buddies and are riding as long as the windchill is above 15F.  And the Nokians work fabulously.

[johnsondasw]

 I used to ride all winter. I now enjoy waling/hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, and gym work.  On a sunny day, I'm able to get out for occasional rock climbing, too.  I'll be biking some in February and usually go until early November.

[peterharris]

For Brooks saddles, try Wall Bikes (http://www.wallbike.com/brand/brooks). They offer a 6-month guarantee and their prices are competitive. I don't have mine yet but many people I've talked to swear by the B-17 Imperial with the perineal cut-out.