Cushioning exercise bike seat?

[CommonCents]

Ok, so my butt is bruised and sore from pulling out the exercise bike last night.  (Part of my decision to get a little healthier - eating better and exercising.)  Any tips for something to cushion the seat?  I realized a few minutes in it was hurting me so I sat on my scarf (only thing I had in the basement with me), but that obviously isn't enough.

I might switch to biking outside when the weather gets better (yay for ANOTHER storm) and I get my bike fixed, but for now I'm inside on the machine.  Besides, it makes me be selective about tv if I only let myself watch (on the ipad, we are cable-free no worry) when exercising.

On the postive side, I guess this means I'm not carrying my 5-10 pounds there!

[AtlStash]

I do a lot of long distance Mt Bike races.  No matter what seat I have, it always hurts worst when I start out for the season.  After a few rides, you get used to it and it doesn't hurt so much.  Adding other padding seams to just create chaffing issues from the few people I know that have tried it.

[Thegoblinchief]

Not sure how exercise bikes relate to saddle comfort on regular bikes, but saddle shape/geometry have a lot more to do with comfort. In fact, padding can often make you LESS comfortable. There's a reason hardcore bikers usually have saddles that are little more than rigid plastic.

And your butt simply will get used to it over time, especially if you do it EVERY day.

Gold Bond powder in the underwear can go a long way until your butt catches up.

Or ride outside. I don't understand this "cycling season" business ;)

[matchewed]

Yeah I've moved from the "more padding = better" to "less padding = better". Your backside gets used to it and there is less pressure spread out everywhere and more pressure focused on your sit bones.

[somepissedoffman]

Or ride outside. I don't understand this "cycling season" business ;)

The hurt butt is god punishing you for riding inside.

[anotherAlias]

I bought a gel cushioned cover from Walmart that fits over the existing seat for mine.  I was pretty happy with it when I still used the stationary bike.

[CommonCents]

Or ride outside. I don't understand this "cycling season" business ;)

The hurt butt is god punishing you for riding inside.

lol.  Well if nothing else, the indoor bike works while the outdoor one doesn't, which is a very strong vote in its favor at the moment... 

[Thegoblinchief]

From Bakari's used bike guide, and matches up precisely with how I feel (http://biodieselhauling.blogspot.com/2012/01/buying-bikes-from-craigslist.html)

Some people swear by cycling shorts, which have a pad built in to supposedly make sitting more comfortable.  I have never cared for them.  More important is to get a saddle that fits you properly.  It should be slightly wider than the distance between your "sit" bones - you can feel them protruding at the bottom of your pelvic bone when you squat.  Measure that distance (preferably at home alone) and look for a saddle no more than an inch or two wider than that (and definitely no narrower than that).  Having that distance correct will make more of a difference than any cut-outs or gel inserts or shock absorbers or any other gizmos and "features" you find on modern saddles.   

The saddle should be firm.  This will feel more uncomfortable at first, but as you get used to it, and you put more miles on the bike, it will be more comfortable (and do less potential damage to important body parts) than a squishy saddle.  The reason is because you sink down into a soft saddle, and it puts pressure on all parts equally, while a hard saddle supports the sit bones only, keeping everything else above it, like it should.  I know the big wide cushy gel seat seems like riding an easy chair.  You just have to trust me.

[Blueberry]

 You definitely need a good padded pair of shorts. They come with more padding for more hours of use. You also need a better supporting saddle that will not put pressure on the Perineum area, using instead the seat bones.

Because of the angle of the tube supporting the saddle, this is too far back from the pedal axle or spindle. This causes too much weight resting on the saddle and very little on the pedals. See if you can set the machine with that tube about 75 degrees or a bit more. Compare that angle with a real road bike.

And finally, you need to set the saddle height. Again, if the saddle is too low, more weight rests on it.
My Blog: Exercise Bike's Guidebook