Author Topic: Uncomfortable seats  (Read 28167 times)

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Offline johnsondasw

Uncomfortable seats
« on: December 05, 2010, 04:02:06 pm »
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
May the wind be at your back!

Offline waynemyer

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Re: Uncomfortable seats
« Reply #1 on: December 06, 2010, 01:26:20 pm »
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?
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Offline mherke

Re: Uncomfortable seats
« Reply #2 on: December 06, 2010, 02:59:30 pm »
You may also want to take a look at Brooks saddles.  I have the B17 flyer and have no issues on long distance rides.

Offline litespeed

Re: Uncomfortable seats
« Reply #3 on: December 10, 2010, 04:07:19 pm »
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.

Offline whittierider

Re: Uncomfortable seats
« Reply #4 on: December 10, 2010, 04:58:25 pm »
Quote
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.

Offline Galloper

Re: Uncomfortable seats
« Reply #5 on: December 13, 2010, 09:09:22 am »
What about a recumbent?

Offline waynemyer

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Re: Uncomfortable seats
« Reply #6 on: December 13, 2010, 10:59:33 am »
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.
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Offline alfonso

Re: Uncomfortable seats
« Reply #7 on: December 13, 2010, 06:52:02 pm »
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.

Offline bogiesan

Re: Uncomfortable seats
« Reply #8 on: December 13, 2010, 10:26:07 pm »
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
I play go. I use Macintosh. Of course I ride a recumbent

Offline aRoudy1

Re: Uncomfortable seats
« Reply #9 on: December 14, 2010, 01:42:17 am »
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

Offline tonythomson

Re: Uncomfortable seats
« Reply #10 on: December 14, 2010, 09:22:15 am »
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  ;D 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 ?????
Just starting to record my trips  www.tonystravels.com

Offline johnsondasw

Re: Uncomfortable seats
« Reply #11 on: December 15, 2010, 11:54:48 pm »
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
May the wind be at your back!

Offline canalligators

Re: Uncomfortable seats
« Reply #12 on: December 16, 2010, 01:13:15 pm »
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.

Offline johnsondasw

Re: Uncomfortable seats
« Reply #13 on: December 17, 2010, 12:17:07 am »
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.
May the wind be at your back!

indyfabz

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Re: Uncomfortable seats
« Reply #14 on: December 17, 2010, 02:34:33 pm »
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.