Author Topic: Bike Seat that is comfortable  (Read 1246 times)

MilesTeg

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Bike Seat that is comfortable
« on: June 19, 2021, 05:05:53 PM »
Calling all badass mustachian bikers.

I have a pretty decent (mountain) bike equipped with a horrific seat. Even a short ride causes major main in the backside. I'd sat on more comfortable pointy boulders

I'm 6'5" 230lbs. Can anyone point me to a decent, comfortable seat?

ixtap

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Re: Bike Seat that is comfortable
« Reply #1 on: June 19, 2021, 05:08:16 PM »
Unfortunately, this is trial and error to find the one that suits you. When I began my quest, I was informed that many serious riders have a box of seats. I bought from a place that takes them back within 30 days, no questions asked. I lucked out my first try, though.

It also helps to build up your stamina and to wear bike shorts.

marble_faun

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Re: Bike Seat that is comfortable
« Reply #2 on: June 19, 2021, 05:16:32 PM »
I am a large person, and for years I have used a Brooks saddle. It is wide, sturdy, and comfortable.

Not sure if mountain biking requires certain types of seats though. I ride cruiser-style bikes.

aetheldrea

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Re: Bike Seat that is comfortable
« Reply #3 on: June 19, 2021, 06:45:41 PM »
I ride a Brooks Imperial on my commuter bike. It was first offered in their catalog in 1897 or something like that.

jac941

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Re: Bike Seat that is comfortable
« Reply #4 on: June 20, 2021, 08:01:40 AM »
I ride a Brooks Flyer and there’s definitely a breaking in period where the leather molds to your butt bones. Once broken in, I’ve never had a more comfortable saddle. I’ve put thousands of miles on it.

For saddles that are comfortable off the shelf, I like Selle Royal. They have a saddle fit guide on their website which has served me well.

FINate

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Re: Bike Seat that is comfortable
« Reply #5 on: June 20, 2021, 08:31:25 AM »
Good morning fellow Clydesdale :)  I'm almost the same height/weight.

I use a WTB saddle on my mtb.

For mountain biking I would avoid wide/springy/plush saddles. You really don't want the extra spring on rough stuff (where you should be up out of the saddle), and extra width/padding is going to lead to chafing on long rides.

Your sits bone will need time to adapt to biking, up to several weeks of riding. During this time it's normal to have some soreness/tenderness. A good pair of biking compression shorts with a thin layer of built in padding helps with this initial period, and is just a good idea in general.

If you're experiencing numbness or sharp pains then you probably need to pay for a bike fit at your LBS.

cool7hand

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Re: Bike Seat that is comfortable
« Reply #6 on: June 21, 2021, 05:01:58 AM »
In addition to trying other seat options, having a professional fit you to your bike can also result in significant changes to comfort. If you have a long torso, for example, using extenders on the handlebars and the seat can redistribute some of the load from your backside to along your shoulders.

nereo

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Re: Bike Seat that is comfortable
« Reply #7 on: June 21, 2021, 05:12:14 AM »
+1 to undergoing a bike fit at your local independent cycling shop.  It’s easy to hop on any bike even remotely close to your size and go a few miles - but if you are spending a long time in the saddle the minor adjustments can take pressure off problem areas and help you avoid discomfort and (in some cases) RSI.

Based on your dimensions they’ll probably be able to recommend a saddle - great bike shops will offer to let you test it out and return it if it doesn’t work out for you.

FLBiker

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Re: Bike Seat that is comfortable
« Reply #8 on: June 21, 2021, 10:19:30 AM »
I use a MTB as a commuting bike, and for many years I had "The Seat" (https://www.amazon.com/ERGO-Seat-Ultimate-Bicycle-Saddle/dp/B000AO7MKM/).  I got it for like $45 at a local bike shop and I really liked it.  It probably isn't good for mountain biking, though, as without the horn you lose the ability to steer with your hips.  As a commuter, all that meant was that I wasn't as good at riding with no hands, but I could live with that trade off. :)

GuitarStv

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Re: Bike Seat that is comfortable
« Reply #9 on: June 21, 2021, 10:24:24 AM »
The type of saddle that fits your ass depends on how you ride (weight distribution) and the shape of your ass.  A decent bike shop should be able to help you out to find something in the right ballpark, but  . . . you really need to try several different saddles.  Then you need to spend several hours riding each one before you can be sure that it'll work.

ysette9

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Re: Bike Seat that is comfortable
« Reply #10 on: June 21, 2021, 02:58:01 PM »
My first road bike (okay, and only and last road bike) killed my bum when I first got it. I spent all of this time complaining and researching better saddles. In the meantime I kept biking and eventually got used to it. I never replaced the saddle because it was fine in the end.

gooki

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Re: Bike Seat that is comfortable
« Reply #11 on: June 21, 2021, 04:38:04 PM »
Agreed. Bike every day for two weeks and then look at other seats if it's still uncomfortable.