Painful bike saddle- help plz?

Question

So I have a new Raleigh Grand Prix bicycle. Overall, it's a great bike, but the saddle is horrible and it hurts to even go on short rides for 20-30 minutes. What can I do? Should I just replace the saddle with another? If so, what are some good saddles that aren't so painful? What should I look for in a saddle so it won't hurt so much?

Should I just get a comfort saddle that has lots of padding and gel? I know that would be comfortable, but my bike is lightweight and I don't want a lot of weight. How do I find a comfy saddle that doesn't weigh a lot? Advice plz?

I am a female and new to cycling, so I can use any advice possible on this issue. Thx.

Answer 1

Not sure, but I think you can buy a padded saddle cover.

A lot cheaper and not very heavy.

You might also try adjusting your saddle.

Answer 2

You can't just bring a new bike home and expect it to be perfectly "dialed in."

You need to buy a multi-tool and bring it with you when you ride, so you can make on-the-spot adjustments to the seat.

A seat is adjustable in three ways:

- Pitch.  You can tilt the front of the seat upwards or downwards.

- Horizontal.  The seat can slide forward or backward a few centimeters on its mounting rails.

- Height.  The most obvious adjustment.

The widest part of the seat needs to support the two bony bumps under your butt (the "sit bones," or ischial tuberosities in medical jargon).  The sit bones are the parts of your butt that can be sat on without developing much discomfort.

Even small changes can make a HUGE difference.  Just changing the pitch of the seat by one degree of angle can dramatically redistribute your weight on the seat.  So bring that multi-tool with you, adjust the seat angle, horizontal and height as you ride.  Sooner or later you should be able to find a comfortable seat position where your sit bones are bearing most of your weight against the widest part of the seat.

If you tried all possible combinations of pitch, horizontal and height and still can't find a comfortable position, then look for another seat.

Hope this helps, and good luck.

Answer 3

Asfvfan, I can tell you from years of experience that breaking in a new saddle isn't fun and even if you purchase a new saddle you'll only have to go through the same thing.

You not only have to break in the saddle, you also have to break in your butt as well and if you stay with it you'll find in a little time it will all come together and you and the saddle will become one.

The only other advice I can offer would be to go to your LBS and make sure your saddle height and position is correct, they will make that adjustment for you and shouldn't charge you much if anything at all.

Every rider that I've ever known goes through the same process. Good luck, Hang in there it will  get better.

Answer 4

Look into cycling shorts. You'll need them eventually if you start to ride longer. They have a pad that will keep the pain away, and are more comfortable than normal shorts. You can always wear something over them if you don't like the idea of just wearing the cycling shorts.

Answer 5

DO NOT get a big, squishy gel seat!  It will NOT be more comfortable!  What you need is a saddle that is firm and supportive and fits YOUR pelvic bones properly.

Some good seats for women are from WTB, the Terry Butterfly and Specialized Alias series.  Expect about $100 or so for a good seat.

Two other things that may be the culprit:  you are new to cycling, and sore butts are expected for the first couple weeks.  That's just how it goes.  Also, do you have some good cycling specific shorts with a good chamois pad? (psst! no underwear is worn with them either)